Radstock Ministries

Sandwiched between Russia and China...a nation of herders and nomads...a fledgling democracy opening up after decades of Soviet rule. Welcome to Mongolia!

Radstock's presence in Mongolia arose out of a mission partnership - called 'Streams in the Desert' - in which St Mary's Church Old Harlow (UK) and churches in Russia came alongside churches in Mongolia. Churches are being planted in many parts of the country, including the Gobi Desert.

The Gobi Desert is far from barren when it comes to churches connecting for mission. Radstock's network has gained 23 church plants, overseen by Pastor Natsagdorj of the South Gobi province, with the potential for more to follow! "These churches have much to offer - and hope to learn from other churches committed to mission, too," explains Radstock Network Developer Paul Williams.

Paul knows first-hand what the Mongolian churches bring to the network, having spent time with Natsagdorj's own church.

"As well as their church-planting expertise and commitment, I'm convinced that many churches in the west will be encouraged and challenged by these believers' joy in the Lord."

Meanwhile, plans are already underway for members of St Mary's Church, Harlow, to lead a Micro-Enterprise Development (MED) seminar series for at least 40 Mongolian church planters and members next year.

"MED opens up many opportunities for evangelism and church planting along the Gobi trade routes,"explains Paul. "This is a great partnership of one church's resources with other churches' needs."

In the first year of ‘Streams in the Desert' funds were provided for:

• seven gers (desert tents) for use as homes for Mongol church planters and meeting places for churches
• one fixed building for similar use
• Bible distribution for church planters

As the partnership matured, a desire was expressed by our partners in Mongolia for micro-enterprise development training. Through materials provided by the Reconxile business training network, members of St Mary's were able to provide this training to 40 church planters and their associates in the Gobi Desert. A number of businesses were started and others expanded. Further training and monitoring is now being provided under the auspices of Radstock's Mongolian network partner, Seedtime. Helping churches to become self-sustaining and self-propagating in this way is key to the growth of the Gospel in countries where there is great poverty, such as Mongolia. Read more about church planters in business here

More widely, news comes in of fresh churches planted - with significant domestic and international potential for the gospel. Read our blog for the latest updates. Other churches, too, are coming under our 'watch' in Mongolia, including in Erdenet and the capital, Ulaanbaatar.

At the same time, churches are holding their hands out to other churches to partner with them in this exciting and challenging work.

To connect your church's prayer, people and finance with 'Streams in the Desert,' contact Paul Williams.