On Sunday morning, April 2, 2023, the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, experienced a blizzard with cold, strong winds as the temperature suddenly dropped to -15°C (5°F); this contradicted the typically warm spring. Nevertheless, this winter blast could not cool off the enthusiasm of 16 missionaries who applied for the 1000 Missionary Movement as a first batch and the opening of the 1000MM Mongolian branch.

The Mongolian Mission, led by its president, Pastor Han Suk-Hee, held the opening ceremony of the 1000 Missionary Movement Mongolia branch at Suut Resort. Guest speaker Pastor Jeon JaeSong, director of the 1000MM headquarters, was invited to share a special message with the 16 trainees. The launch of 1000MM was a historic moment for the Mongolia Mission.

About 20 years ago, there were intermittent, sporadic activities for the 1000 Missionary Movement in Mongolia, but programs were suspended for a long time due to various circumstances. With the active support of Pastor JaeSong and Pastor Choi HoYong, Youth Department director for the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD), the Mongolia branch was formed, and the mission work in Mongolia has entered a new era.

In his opening remarks, Pastor Suk-Hee shared about his own background as a member of the first batch of 1000MM: "When this movement began in the Philippines about 31 years ago, it was a weak and seemingly insignificant movement that had to make something out of nothing."

He further recalled, “However, this movement, which started in a barren environment, amidst numerous challenges, has produced around 14,000 missionaries, brought about 74,600 baptisms, in over 1,500 meeting places and 800 churches.”

Pastor Suk-Hed thanked God for being part of these historical events and expressed his heartfelt desire for the future. “I look forward with eyes of faith, that the same amazing results and great blessings will be realized in Mongolia through the new Mongolian branch.”

He also explained, “The three elements of the development and revival of this movement are: first, the work of the Holy Spirit; second, the participation of young people who have pledged to dedicate one year of their lives to the Lord; third, the constant prayers, encouragement, and support of administrators and church members. As long as these three elements have been effectively implemented in the establishment of the Mongolian branch, and our young people, clear as the morning dew, have been, and continue to be trained as missionaries, a lot of people will be brought to baptism through them, and many churches will be established throughout Mongolia, reproducing the growth of the early church. I sincerely hope that the missionary horizon in Mongolia will be greatly expanded.”

Pastor JaeSong, who served as a lecturer, said, "The 1000 Missionary Movement, which serves as a channel for God's blessings in each mission field of the global village, is a movement that trains and sends 1,000 elite young people every year and supports these missionaries to be active bearers of the Gospel to barren areas of the world. Congratulations on the historic opening of the Mongolian branch, which will carry out this century’s greatest challenge on Mongolian soil. A sincere welcome to the 16 amazing young people who applied to join the first batch of trainees.”

He went on to ask, "Who are the true Adventists?" In his sermon titled “Seven Characteristics of Adventists,” he indicated that authentic church members bear the following characteristics: 1) are connected to Jesus Christ; 2) study, practice, and share the Word of God; 3) devote their lives to the work of saving souls; 4) have a meek, kind, considerate character; 5) live true, sincere lives; 6) are guided by the power of the Holy Spirit; and 7) live the life of a missionary, whether in season or out of season—whether going as or sending missionaries.

Pastor JaeSong praised the program for its effectiveness in retaining our church youth: “The 1000 Missionary Movement is the best way to protect Adventists young people in Mongolia from the sinful outside world, to quickly complete the Gospel work in Mongolia, and to strengthen the local church with the spirit of volunteer missionary service.” He ended with his earnest hopes for success.

Pastor Abba, coordinator of the 1000MM Mongolia branch, said, “The current general atmosphere of Mongolian society is being rapidly overtaken by secularization, materialism, and egoism.” These are very worrisome circumstances, and he fears that young people will lose their innocence and be easily swayed by secular influences.

Pastor Abba is convinced that at this time of crisis, the 1000 Missionary Movement training program is to turn young people into an army of Gospel-bearers—making them missionaries and sending them to different regions to save souls and plant churches is the most timely movement for Mongolia. He asks for everyone’s interest, support, and prayers.

There are 16 first-batch trainees who, after completing the six-week training program (April 2 through May 13), will be dispatched in pairs to strategic church-planting areas designated by the Mongolian Mission. These young missionaries will receive {the equivalent? of US$100 per month} for living expenses and serve as missionaries for one year for the Lord.

Pastor Suk-Hee provided these encouraging words:

“This movement started by the presence and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and is progressing with the power of the Holy Spirit, and will be completed through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“The 1000 Missionary Movement is literally a movement of the Holy Spirit, and it will continue to bear fruit through God’s power. We all hope and pray that the activities of the Mongolian branch of the 1000 Missionary Movement will help expedite the Gospel work in Mongolia.”

Once a missionary, always a missionary! Maranatha!

The original version of this story was posted on the Northern Asia-Pacific Division website.