Different surroundings, familiar hope
By Wil LaVeist
Twenty years ago, Mennonite Mission Network joined other Christian agencies in setting aside doctrinal differences to focus on their shared belief in Jesus, and to do one thing—serve alongside the Mongolian people. In this issue of Beyond Ourselves, we commemorate that commitment to JCS International and how the Mongolia Mission Partnership of east-central Ohio churches has, through the Word and their deeds, been a blessing as well as been blessed. Their financial, physical and prayerful support has helped programs of varying characteristics to go forth and minister to people of all ages.
I was blessed to experience some of these programs during my visit to Mongolia in May. Through their curiosity, I felt a genuine warmth and hospitality that has often been opposite of my experience as a “minority” in neighborhoods with white picket fences in my native America. Particularly, I felt the love from the children, and saw in them my childhood growing up in a low-income area of Brooklyn, New York.
In the more rural Bayankhongor, I imagined the children were saying, “Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan!” as they stared at me, and giggled on the school playground. I joined their hoop game, and kind of created a scene as kids gathered around to watch. When it was time for me and my Mission Network traveling companions to leave the playground, the kids tracked me down for autographs, handing me small sheets of paper to sign. Obviously, Mongolians don’t normally see someone as tall, handsome, and as dark as I am.
Team sports can be a valuable ministry tool because success hinges on individuals becoming committed partners. We visited a man whose ministry is a shining example of partnership, not only because of the support it receives from JCS International, but also because of his bond with his wife.
We met Oyunbold (in Mongolia, it is common to use only one name), the founder and trainer of the Eagle Boxing Club. The club helps to save kids, many of whom have been orphaned or who are from poor and troubled homes. Oyunbold met a Christian woman, Badamtuya Haltar, whom he fell in love with. She introduced Oyunbold to Jesus and also laid down the law of what it would take for Oyunbold to be with her long-term—he needed to attend a Discipleship Training School, which is also supported by JCS International. Oyunbold’s experience at the school led to his accepting Christ as his savior and developing the boxing club to teach Christian principles. It also led to Badamtuya accepting Oyunbold’s hand in marriage.
The boxing club is in the basement of an apartment building in an area that would certainly qualify as the ‘hood in any major American city. As we walked to the entrance, the sign above the doorway was of, ironically, two black boxers. Inside, the youths (including two girls) were shadow boxing, jumping rope, and punching bags. There was also a boxing ring crammed into a small square room. The kids grinned and laughed as I threw phantom punches with them and showed my footwork.
Some may see amateur boxing as an odd way to share the gospel of peace. But boxing is actually about self-defense, discipline, making good decisions, taking care of your body, being responsible to others, and handling adversity and victory with grace. When dealing with kids from tough family situations, you have to meet them where they are to gain their trust. You have to become their partner. Oyunbold teaches the boxers these values as they train for team competitions throughout Mongolia and Russia and other parts of Asia. His wife, a certificated teacher of character training, conducts classes for the kids as well. The couple only shares their Christian faith when the children ask.
Many Mongolians lack material advantages that are often taken for granted in America, but they are rich in their sense of community and hospitality. Even greater things are in store as the growing church continues to spread the hope of Christ across the nation.
Wil LaVeist is a writer for Mennonite Mission Network.