On 15-18 August 2024, The Mongolia District Church of the Nazarene gathered for its 6th annual Holiness Gathering outside Ulaan Bataar, Mongolia. The Holiness Gathering was a 4-day spiritual retreat that gathered Nazarenes from across the district for worship, biblical teaching, and fellowship. This year, 170 adults, youth, and children gathered in the name of Jesus, exploring how we are invited into God’s story and being equipped to share our own stories of God’s transforming grace with others.
This year, they experienced the Living Water together—the infilling of the Holy Spirit—as they studied the story of the Samaritan women’s encounter with Jesus in John 4. No matter your current situation, Jesus is making available his Living Water that satisfies, cleanses, and sends people to communities to share about the Lord. From one young girl learning that God loves her and she is not forsaken to recently widowed women finding satisfaction in Christ and acceptance in the Church rather than alcohol, people experienced many moments of breakthrough and transformation as God worked among them. They ended the week committed and commissioned to live lives that continually abide in the Lord.
More than half of the participants were youth and children. This year, the district sought to intentionally equip the next generation of leaders during the Holiness Gathering. Instead of being the recipients of ministry, they were challenged to join in the ministry. Partnered with an 8-member Nazarene Mission Team, the youths were responsible for planning, leading, and teaching the children. The youth leaders and the Maximum Mission Team arrived a few days early to prepare for the camp and to grow together as a team. Mongolian youth were challenged to go beyond their comfort zone by leading and being the main translators. The experience of worship and serving together was deeply moving, and the youth agreed to continue to pursue Christ together.
“I prayed to God to help me to close with Him. I know God answered me, and I am here to serve Him with you. I understand God is working within us and encouraging us to learn more about Him. I want to attend more with youth ministry.” — Iveelbileg (Habitat Church)
“I did not think [I could] be [a] translator. I was afraid, but God helped me a lot, and I found that it would not be hard work if I fully depended on Him. I saw some youths serving with all their heart to the kids, and their team kids enjoyed their caring hearts. I am so happy to be here with all of the leaders, and God is leading us to learn more about Him. I want to be with youth and leaders for the Mongolian Nazarene.” — Anu (Bayanzurkh Church)
May God raise a strong and faithful generation of young Nazarenes in Mongolia.