A History of the Church in

Mongolia

Overview

Senior missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints arrived in Ulaanbaatar in 1992, shortly after the creation of a democratic government in Mongolia. Unable to openly proselytize, the missionaries began teaching university and high school classes and holding private meetings to teach those interested in the restored gospel. In February 1993, Tsendkhuu Bat-Ulzii and Lamjav Purevsuren, students in the missionaries’ classes, were baptized; others soon followed. As the small group of converts grew, members formed a committee to translate Church materials, including the sacrament and baptismal prayers, into Mongolian.

On January 9, 1994, the Ulaanbaatar Relief Society was organized. One week later, the Ulaanbaatar Branch was organized, and members began holding regular meetings. As the Church grew, members accepted calls to leadership, and, as missionaries, shared the restored gospel with their neighbors and established a firm foundation for the Church in their homeland. In July 1998, the Mongolia Service Center was established in Ulaanbaatar and has directed member efforts to provide humanitarian aid throughout the country. Mongolian Saints have shown their love and discipleship as they have served their neighbors (see John 13:34–35).

Mongolian Saints have demonstrated incomparable faith and determination to extend love to their neighbors, share the gospel, and live the gospel. Saints from across the country have made long journeys to weekly meetings and to the temple to make and keep their covenants and to provide a place of covenant belonging for all.