Update From Mongolia: Church and Projects

Update From Mongolia Part 1
While Joseph and Matt are in Qingdao and Gloria is taking care of Elizabeth and the family in Utah, Tim is in Ulaan Bataar, Mongolia. Here is part one of his report:

In the Studio
Our recording of Legacy in Mongolian was delayed this week until Friday (originally planned to begin on Tuesday). The studio is part of 9TV, a channel in UB. We were delayed because of some emergency projects for the upcoming election (there was nothing that could be done about the delay). Soyolmaa, our local producer (also in charge of distribution etc for the Church in Mongolia) and our Translation language coach, Tselmeg, along with the studio director Dolgor all worked long hours preparing the script. (Photo above right: Dolgor, Soyolmaa and Tselmeg in the studio).

We spent the whole day Friday and Saturday until late in the studio. We will continue on Monday. The production studio is a bit out of date technically, but Dolgar, the talent director, is extremely competent and very engaged. The cast is also excellent and very talented and committed. The quality of our finished production will be superb.

Scriptures
Several hours were spent discussing with Soyolmaa issues concerning the upcoming audio recording of the Scriptures in Mongolian, including visiting a number of studios that could be used for the production. This project will be a wonderful blessing in the lives of the Saints here. If all goes well, the recording will begin later this year after preparations are completed.

Church in Mongolia
Today Church was a wonderful experience. It always is in the emerging Church, but this was remarkable. I wish I could put in words the energy and strength of the youth, young adults, and young marrieds here. There is a great future for the Church in Mongolia because of those who are preparing for missions and the impact of those who have served missions. There is a great pool of leadership for the future with a large group of active return missionary men and women. I met a wonderful returned missionary, Sister Gantuya, (on right)who came home this week from a mission in San Francisco. She bore her testimony in Sacrament Meeting, then translated for me in Sunday School (where Soyolmaa taught). I met a dynamic young man, Bum Erdent (on left), who leaves for his mission tomorrow. He would be a great missionary in any mission.

In Priesthood Soyolmaa’s husband Enkhbold, taught the lesson. He is the Elder’s Quorum President and an accountant. His lesson was on finances. He used a great localized concept to teach tithing. He said “You know in Mongolia when ever you prepare a meal the first serving is always given to the head of the household. Why is that?” They responded because of respect to his position as patriarch. He then used this tradition to teach how we must give the first offering of our income to Heavenly Father. It was powerful, and completely understood by everyone.

There were a number of investigators at Church as well. The children were asked to remain at home because of an outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease that is causing a concern. As a result the numbers were down from the normal of over 200.

The building is a combination Church offices, distribution center, Seminaries and Institutes facility, Chapel and etc. Three branches meet here on Sunday and have week-day activities here as well. It is a great facility. I was shocked when I saw the huge satellite dish in the back aimed nearly horizontal (this far North the satellites over the equator are way down on the horizon).