*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA

Mongolia (click here to view a satellite map)

Population: 2,791,272
Christians: <1%
Dominant Religion: Buddhism
Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked
Political Leader: President Nambaryn Enkhbayar
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes

View the Mongolia Weekly Prayer Point here.

The People's Revolutionary Party was elected in 2000 with a massive majority. The constitution honors Buddhism, Shamanism, and astrology and occult mixed Islam but grants certain religious freedom to all. There are small congregations of Christians in almost every provincial center. Most are comprised of youth as the youth are yearning and searching for meaning.

There is a desperate economic ploy in Mongolia; a breakdown of family and social values; crime; alcoholism and promiscuity are widespread with a resultant increase in street children.

Prayer Points:
Pray for boldness for young new Christian believers
Pray that the increasing problems cause men to reach out to GOD

One of YOUR ways FATHER is to use everything as a means to call people to reach out and find YOU. The problems in Mongolia are awful and in the light of the revival of demonic Bon Buddhism there does not appear to be any hope. But YOU love to take hard things and work them together to bring an end result of good. Do that in this land we pray.

Fill the youth that have reached out to YOU to spread the truth and light throughout the land of Mongolia. LORD of hosts give them the directions they need and give them a boldness to witness. Like the early disciples, let others see a difference and say it is because of JESUS CHRIST.

ADDITIONAL INFO ON MONGOLIA

• View additional info on the Joshua Project site
• Praying Through The Window 6
• Praying Through The Window 7
• 2006 Weekly Prayer Points

Leader Profile

Leaders:
President Natsagiyn Bagabandi
Prime Minister Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj

When thinking of Mongolia, it's easy to imagine visions of the untamed: Genghis Khan, camels wandering the Gobi Desert and wild horses galloping across the vast semiarid grass-covered plains. Even today, outside the capital city of Ulaan Baatar, one may feel as if he stepped back in time. The Mongolian way of life is nomadic and intimately connected with the ways of animals. Despite urbanization, the traditions of the steppes live on. Even in the cities, most Mongolians still live in a ger, a large, white felt tent that can be moved easily. Inside each is an altar with Buddhist images and family photos. Like many developing countries, Mongolia suffers from a young and very rapidly growing population, which has put great strains on its economy. Many Mongolians struggle with severe poverty.

Mongolia's current president, Natsagiyn Bagabandi, was elected in 1997 and is a Buddhist who received his education in the former Soviet Union. Upon reelection in 2001, President Bagabandi promised to tackle rampant corruption. While constitutionally, the president represents the whole nation, he has not concealed his partiality for the communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP). His controversial interpretations of the constitution have disrupted the appointment of several prime ministers. However, his vetoes can be overruled by parliament, the Great Hural.

In August of 2004, ending two months of deadlock following disputed elections, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj of the Democratic Coalition was appointed the new prime minister by parliament after agreeing to share power with the MPRP. He received a Masters degree from Harvard University in the U.S. His Democratic Coalition won 36 out of 76 seats in parliament, dealing a stunning blow to the governing former communist MPRP which held all but four seats in the previous assembly. It will be only the second Democrat administration after decades of rule by MPRP.

Prayer points:
Pray that God speak to both the president and prime minister concerning the truth of Jesus Christ.
Pray that the people will hear the Gospel.

Almighty God, there is no lack with You. We praise You for being the great Provider. Have mercy on those living in Mongolia who are so poor. Both their Buddhist and Communist histories have left them empty and blind. Touch their hearts and open their eyes to see Jesus. We pray for Your Spirit of truth to invade the hearts of both the president and new prime minister. Enable these opposing parties to be able to work together. Direct the thoughts of these leaders to work for the good of the people of Mongolia, we ask in the name of Jesus.