Partnering in Mongolia: Ari’s Story and Our Shared Mission
Ari, who has been planting churches in Mongolia since 1995, is a friend of our Lead Elder, Russ. Russ has spent time in Mongolia, exploring Ari’s ministry and looking at ways Commission can partner with and support the work being done there. This week, Ari has been visiting us at Citygate, sharing more of his incredible story—which you can read below.
Ari, who leads a church in Mongolia, and our Lead Elder, Russ.
Hi, I’m Ari. By the grace of God, I’ve been planting churches in Mongolia since 1995. It’s been an incredible journey—one filled with challenges, joy, and countless testimonies of God’s faithfulness.
I’m married to Baigalkhuu (Sarah), a gifted teacher of Mongolian language and literature. Together, we’ve been blessed with four wonderful children. Our family has grown up in the middle of God’s mission in Mongolia, and it’s been a joy to serve Him side by side.
A Glimpse into Mongolia
Mongolia is a landlocked country in East and Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. With a population of about 3.5 million, it’s a nation known for its vast steppes, nomadic heritage, and spiritual diversity—where Buddhism, Shamanism, and atheism deeply influence society.
In 1989, only one Englishman had translated the Bible into Mongolian, and there may have been just four known Christians in the entire country. But everything changed in the early 1990s. When the Soviet Union collapsed, foreign missionaries brought the Good News to our land. Since then, the church has grown miraculously—we now have over 630 evangelical churches across Mongolia. Praise the Lord!
My Connection with Citygate and Commission
In May 2023, I had the privilege of meeting Russell in Ulaanbaatar. Since then, he has played a significant role in my ministry—equipping, encouraging, and empowering me through his mentorship, care, and prayers. Later that year, a team from Commission visited us in Mongolia and ministered to our church, The Lord Reigns Church. Their visit had a deep and lasting impact on our members and the broader Mongolian Christian community.
Our Church Journey
A few years ago, while praying on a mountain with members of our house church, we sensed God leading us to plant a new church in Ulaanbaatar. In September 2023, we officially launched The Lord Reigns Church. Today, we gather with 16 to 25 Mongolians every Sunday, worshipping and growing together in faith.
When Russ White visited, he shared a prophetic word—that God would bring more Mongolians, even those from atheist, Buddhist, and shamanist backgrounds, into our community. And that word is already being fulfilled! Just recently, a well-known Mongolian shamanist monk came to our church, encountered Jesus Christ, and gave her life to Him. She was baptised shortly after and brought her whole family to church. God is truly faithful.
How You Can Pray
We would be so grateful for your prayers. Here are a few ways you can stand with us:
Pray that our church would become a powerful five-fold ministry, boldly witnessing the Good News and glorifying Jesus Christ until the end of time.
Ask God to break the spiritual strongholds of Buddhism, Shamanism, and atheism in Mongolia.
Pray for deliverance from alcoholism, poverty, and spiritual devastation that affects so many in our society.
Thank you for being part of our story. May God bless you richly.