Phew these last two days have been pretty full. We've been thinking of the family lots too with Michelle's birthday on Sat and Jared's today. Father's Day is not celebrated here as you'd imagine. Just as well we had an early celebration of these occasions before we left.
Sunday morning Children's Church at Anna Home was pretty special. There's a real simplicity to programmes here which is quite refreshing. The kids met for about an hour and had some great worship (can they ever sing) followed by teaching and testimonies. We were especially touched by a 10 year old boy who had recently given his heart to God. His parents have both died and he'd prayed that God would give him a home. Such a cool kid with a bright face; could have brought him home.
Sunday Church was at 11.30am at the Red Cross premises. I always find it moving to be worshipping with believers in a completely foreign environment. A guitar was the only instrument and most of the songs were easy tunes to pick up. Craig spoke with Boldoo interpreting. At the conclusion Boldoo asked if we would be happy to pray for people and for the next one and a half hours we prayed for needs from help with study, healings, to mercy from the police. It was extremely humbling. People really seemed to be touched and Boldoo has scheduled another meeting for this Thursday night. We would so value your prayers for this time. We are not sure just what to share, but believe God will show us.
After lunch Boldoo decided he wanted to take us fishing at the lake. First we were off to the river bank to get bait - worms. It's all very basic here. This took about 30 mins. I decided to wait in the car and was so pleased I'd brought my book. There were four of us - the fourth being one of the guards from Anna Home. Next we headed for the lake stopping at a few monuments on the way. The road was true Mongolian style and the 25 km journey took some time. We stopped in at a ger to meet some of Boldoo's friends and experienced some country hospitality - sure pleased we can stomach milky tea cause we've had gallons of it! It was freezing at the lake - again I was grateful to have my book. The three guys baited up their home made lines and waited.... and waited... and then we left empty handed. Back to the ger again for a chinwag and home.
Today we had a quieter start and explored the square and local shops. There are two well stocked and cheap supermarkets here, a couple of banks, PO and general stores. The furniture and goods have a decided Russian look to them. After lunch we headed to Anna Home and helped with chopping and slicing vegetables from the garden, to make preserves for winter. Everything is cooked over a coal (or dung) fire in the kitchen and the kids help with all the chores. After the work was done we played games with the kids that were around. (Children go to school either for the morning or afternoon).
Our next assignment was to visit a church member's home and business. Craig is especially keen to encourage business people here and she had requested a visit. We were pretty amazed at her set up. She was widowed many years ago leaving her with 5 children who are all grown up now. About 10 years ago she started a business making biscuits. When she started out she was using 5kg of flour per day, now she uses 200kg! She has 7 people working for her and distributes to shops here in Choibalsan and other districts. In the last month or so she has bought an ice-cream making machine from China and is now starting to produce icecreams. Of course we first sampled the goods - not a hardship! Then we toured the factory. Next she wanted to ask advice from Craig and then we prayed for a blessing on her business and family. Her dream is for her business to be successful enough to help others.
Thanks for your prayers especially for Craig's foot. It has been swollen and hard to walk on but has greatly improved today and there is no sign of infection. Of course he has had a good nurse who has had to improvise with bandages and the like, even resorting to using a face mask dressing!
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