Mother-To-Mother

In my first childbirth class in Mongolia in 2002, there was a young lady named Mugi. At the first class we went over a proper pregnancy diet. I assigned them to record everything they ate in a week. At the second class we went over their diet sheets, adding up the protein consumed.



She asked how much protein was in tea.



After class I went over her diet worksheet in more detail, which was fairly quick work because it only had a few pieces of bread and a few cups of tea on it. This was for a whole week!



Turns out she and her husband lived in a ger with about seven other family members and she got the short end of the stick.



This is very common in Mongolia. Mom often takes the last place. For example, if I were feeding the family, I would serve my husband first--a big bowl of food. I would divide the rest among the children. Whatever was left and not eaten would be my portion.



I went home from that class with my spirit in turmoil. How could I in good conscience teach these ladies to eat properly when there wasn't proper food to eat? How could something like $40 a month be the reason a baby is born weak, sickly, and unable to thrive? How could something as small as $10 a week be the reason a mother might die in childbirth?



"Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:15-17



From that day on we started feeding pregnant and nursing women. We call it Mother-To-Mother. The mom comes once a week. She is given groceries (protein sources, vitamin C sources, whole grains, milk and eggs), prenatal vitamins, and basic prenatal care (blood pressure check, protein, blood sugar, weight). Often if a mother is not properly documented (which is often the case with the poor), they cannot see a doctor. So, they go without prenatal care. It's a system that leaves many without the care they need. This is our way of filling that gap.



(Mugi participated in our program from the middle of her pregnancy until 6 weeks postpartum. Her baby was beautiful and healthy and a marvel to the doctors who said she would be sickly.)



When we left Mongolia in 2004, we moved Mother-To-Mother from the capital city, to Darhan (a city, although more rural). It is lovingly administrated by Ginny Kocke. She is a mother to mothers. No pregnant woman is ever turned away.

Gana, Daja, Ginny and Mark Kocke

(Taken on our most recent trip to Mongolia.)

If you would like to be a part of this work, we welcome you! You can contribute financially to the address below. You can also send supplies. We are always in need of prenatal vitamins, cloth diapers, maternity clothes, and baby clothes.

Send checks to:

Alpha Beth Ministries

PO Box 3415

Paso Robles, CA 93447

(Please designate your gift for Mother-To-Mother. All gifts are tax-deductible.)

Send supply donations to:

Gana and Daja Gombojav

647 N. Madison Avenue

Apartment B

Pasadena, CA 91101

Women in Ministry

Temka

Lida

Dulmaa Egch

Togi

"And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance." Luke 8:1-3

H.I.M. Mongolia

Our leadership team, minus two. Navchaa was in China and Dulmaa in Erdenet.

We were blessed to be able to help establish a new church in Mongolia under the apostolic alignment of Harvest International Ministeries. What a blessing to be on the cutting edge of what God is doing in this generation--building a new wineskin to receive His new wine!

A group of people passionately after the heart of God and willing to work with a new paradigm--a church acknowledging the offices of the five fold ministry, beginning with the foundation of apostles and prophets!

God's Spirit is moving and mobilizing a people who will not just do the church-thing, but will go after the transformation of society!

A couple interesting stories about how God is speaking to people:

While we were in Mongolia, one day our Mongolian cell phone rang. It was Chuka, one of the ladies pictured above. No one told her that we were even in Mongolia. But, one day the Spirit of God stirred her and she knew in her spirit that "Gana and Daja are in Mongolia" and that she needed to call us. She has joined with this vision for a new church. She's gifted in helping children to experience and move in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

While we were in a prayer meeting, a young lady shared a prayer request. She had had problems in her breasts for four years. She had tests and surgeries, but was still in so much pain. Some days she didn't even want to have clothes on, because it hurt too badly just to have the fabric touching them.

As I've shared on this blog, the Lord radically healed me of breast infections last year. So, I shared that with her and members of the team above anointed her with oil and prayed for her. And the Lord gave me a word for her: God did not give this to you. He is not punishing you. You do not deserve this and you don't have to keep it. God has paid for your healing.

In that instant she was delivered from years of guilt, bad theology (unknown to me, a pastor in the past told her that she deserved what she had), and all the pain!

God is raising up a strong prophetic gift in his people. Prophecy is the first sign of God's Spirit being poured out.

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy..." Acts 2:17-18

The Testimony of Jesus

"...the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Revelation 19:10

There is a real hunger in the church in Mongolia for the spirit of prophecy. Of all the spiritual gifts, we see them desiring most of all to prophesy--which is exactly as Paul would have it to be. (I Corinthians 14:1)

We spent some time teaching on prophesy and encouraging our church to step out in faith and prophesy to one another. For prophesy was given for the edification of the Church. (I Corinthians 14:3-4)

Below are some pictures of small groups of people prophesying one to another.

"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy."

I Corinthians 14:1

Testimony from Mongolia

Hello
I am so thankful to our Awesome God and for whom of this entire ministry’s people. This ministry has helped me for a second time. First when I had my daughter. Now she is 2 years old. She is very smart and a pretty little girl. And 2008.03.03 I had my son. When I was pregnant the doctors told me I have a tumor. Then they told me all kinds of things. For example: you can’t have a baby because now this baby’s growth stopped, it can’t become a person. And even if you have a baby, the baby will be too little. But when I had my baby he was 3.4Kg. and 51 cm. long. I didn’t have any problem. On the contrary God gave me more strength and courage. Now my son is doing very well. I have 7 children. But my last 2 children have been through the help of this ministry, of which Ms Ginny is in charge. I could feel they have the influence of God’s blessing. I wish you all the best of all God’s blessing. Malachi 3:11-12. I think you all are blessed by God and God pour His blessing on you more.
Tseveenchimeg and Family

UPDATE: Doctors recently removed part of Tseveenchimeg's lung and a tumor. The tumor was not cancerous! Praise the Lord!

For those who are not aware, Mother-To-Mother is a ministry we planted many years ago that provides food, basic prenatal care, and nutritional counselling to impoverished women in Mongolia. It operates in Darhan, Mongolia's second largest city. It is run by our dear friend Ginny, who mothers these mothers with the love of God.

If you are interested in learning more about or financially supporting Mother-To-Mother, please contact us.

Ministry Update

In case you haven't yet heard, we are headed back to Mongolia this month--this time with the whole family! We'll be staying for a month. We are all really looking forward to it!

If you would like to receive our newsletter, which we don't ordinarily publish on the blog, you can leave a comment with your email address. I won't publish anyone's email address in the comment section (all comments are moderated). So, just let me know!

We are still praying for all the finances. So, please pray with us! And if God leads you, we welcome financial support, too!

Yours for Souls,
The Gombojav Tribe

Ministry Update

Gana & Daja Gombojav
Alpha Beth Ministries
P. O. Box 3415
Paso Robles, CA 93447
626-584-1667

Dear Friends:

Happy Spring! We hope this letter finds you doing well and enjoying all the blessings of the Lord!

We have two exciting blessings to share with you.

First of all, we’d like to introduce to you Ihbeleg Dale Gombojav! He was born March 23 at 2:35pm. He weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long. Ihbeleg means “Great Gift” in Mongolian. Dale is Daja’s aging grandfather’s name. We feel so blessed and are enjoying our Gift so very much!

Our second blessing to share is that Gana has finished his first quarter at Fuller. He has been working part time and going to school full time. Add to that keeping up with the family and even building the children a wonderful tree house and you can imagine his schedule! It has certainly been a challenge beginning a Master’s program after having been out of highschool for 15 years! We are happy to report that he got all A’s in his first quarter! God has been so faithful in meeting our needs that we haven’t been behind on any of our obligations! Thank YOU and thank the LORD!

In addition to these two big blessings, we are also happy to report that we are getting involved in a church here in Pasadena. It has taken us some time to find the church to which God was leading us. We prayed and visited so many! When we went to Harvest Rock (http://harvestrockchurch.org/index.php), we immediately felt at home.

Often during this time of year (tax-time!), missionary and ministry support takes a dip. We have been no exception. Our obligations in the coming months add up to considerably more than our income. We aren’t worried because God has never failed us. He opened this door for attending Fuller and we are confident in His provision.

We don’t see this time in our lives as a step back from ministry, but as pressing forward and a time of serious preparation for an even greater ministry. We ask you, our faithful prayer warriors and financial supporters, to remember us.

1. We covet your prayers. This Spring quarter has brought more challenging classes for Gana and the balancing act of a new baby and the excitement of a new church life. We need your prayers for provision and wisdom.

2. We need financial support. Gana’s Spring quarter fees are $2479. We have arranged to make payments, but even these arrangements are by faith! If you believe that the Church needs trained and educated pastors and missionaries, please consider helping us to achieve this goal by financially supporting our ministry.

Last, but certainly not least, if there is any way we can minister to you or lift up your prayer needs, please let us know! We would consider it a great honor to be able to minister back to you!

Yours for Souls,

The Gombojav Tribe
Gana, Daja, Meg, Israel, Luc, Caesar, and Ihbeleg

P.S. Remember that you can read updates and see current pictures any time on our family blog! http://www.gombojav.blogspot.com/

Finals at Fuller!

Gana's first quarter at Fuller is almost finished!

Just need to fine-tune some term papers!

Mother-To-Mother Testimony

For those who are supporters of Mother-To-Mother,
our program that feeds and cares for pregnant women

and babies in Mongolia,
here is a testimony to encourage you!

Hello To everyone who has the same faith in Jesus, let God bless all of you.

First of all I want to greet you by God's Holy Scripture. Proverbs 31:26-29 - "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all."

Let me introduce my family. My family has 5 people. My husband's name is Dorjdagva. My name is Batzaya. We have a daughter, Sovda, and 2 sons, Mishel, and now David. My whole family believes in Jesus. We respect Him and serve Him.

Even though we've never seen you before, we're very glad that we're connected by our hearts and spirits. Thank you very much indeed.I gave birth to my daughter and oldest son when I was not a Christian, but I'm very happy that David was born after I became a Christian. We now realize that God gives us such a precious gift. Every child is a gift from God.

Now my son, David, is already 3 months old. He was born very healthy and cute. God gave to my son His love, blessing, and grace through you. Due to Mrs. Ginny, who consistently supported me by nutritious food and vitamins, I gave birth without any complications. I had peace throughout the birth and my son was born weighing 3.5kg.

Me, my husband, and my family want to thank you again and again. It's very remarkable that you've been taking care of us when even our natural relatives didn't do this. Thanks to your service many women are giving birth healthy and strong.

Through this blessing, I've been receiving all of the necessary vitamins. I had no complications through the pregnancy and birth. I even gained weight because I was eating well.

Thank you very much. We are very grateful that after we became Christians, we found a lot of brothers and sisters everywhere in the world. God will reward you bountifully for your kind help.

We pray in the name of Jesus and ask God to bless you and your family.

"Amen"
With respect:My family:Dorjdagva, Batzaya, Sovda, Mishel, and David

Family and Ministry Update!

November 27, 2006

Dear Friends,

It’s been a long time since we’ve updated our friends on our life and family! Truly, we kept putting it off because we wanted to share some great news, but have been waiting for it to arrive! :-)

We will finally be moving to the next step that God has for us in the States! As we’ve shared in the past, Gana applied to Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He finally jumped through all the hoops and heard just this week that he was accepted!! We are now preparing for our big move to Southern California! We are so excited with what God is doing in our family. These two years of working and waiting on the Lord have certainly been a challenge. Now, because we value God’s time, we are pressing on and jumping in faith into a new unknown! Remember, when Jesus commissioned his disciples in Luke 9, they didn’t have big savings to fall back on or even two tunics! (Luke 9:3) When God directs, we obey – even if it is a little daunting to think of.

Some who have seen our heart for ministry wonder about what seems like a step back from ministry to pursue an education. If it were up to us, our first choice would be to go directly to our next place of active ministry and mission! However, God’s ways are not always our ways! We want to assure those who have been praying for and supporting us that we have not abandoned our vision for ministry! On the contrary, we believe that this is an important step forward that God is asking us to take. Truly, receiving a seminary education is not something that someone from a Third World country often considers or even sees as a possibility. Gana has been accepted into a Master’s Degree program without having received a bachelor’s degree or having English as his first language! This shows us that God opens the doors and that He expects His children to walk through them!

The impetus for attending seminary is to be equipped for greater ministry. We feel a strong call to equip Christian leaders for the Church and for the world. We strongly feel that this time in our lives and ministry is to broaden our understanding and perspective of the world and the Church, to sit under the teaching of some great men, and for Gana to obtain a degree that may help open doors in the future to training world-class leaders for the Church and society.

As we certainly know by now, following the Lord’s leading takes a lot of faith! Tuition for one year at Fuller is $13,824. Add to this raising a family in Southern California and you have the makings of a real financial challenge! Because Gana is on “Special Student Status” with the seminary for the first year (because he doesn’t hold a BS/BA) he is not eligible for much financial aid, including student loans.

But, our God owns the cattle on a thousand hills! Even though we may not know where all the money is coming from, HE DOES! We don’t believe that God opens a door without providing the means for walking through it!

If you are going through your own financial challenge, we’d like to encourage you that, “I have never seen the godly forsaken, nor seen their children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:25 NLT. He is faithful and has already made a place of provision for you! If we can pray for your needs and sow seeds of faith into your harvest, we would be honored to! Please email or call us.

At this point there are two things we are asking for:

#1 Prayer! Please pray for our family during this transition. Please pray for God’s provision – financial, housing, academic, and all the adjustments that come with a big life change such as this. We believe in the power of prayer. In fact, we feel that your prayers have helped open this door that we are now walking through!

#2 Financial Support! Although we have not asked for financial support in some time as we have not been on the foreign mission field, we would like to do so now. There are many expenses – moving, housing, tuition, books, and insurance, to name a few – that in the natural we do not have the funds to pay. If you believe in the destiny that God has on our lives and would like to sow into our future ministry, prayerfully consider helping to underwrite the cost of Christian higher education for Gana in our present preparation. We believe that this will be a seed sown into the harvest of our future ministry. Every gift is very much appreciated and we pray it will be multiplied 100-fold back to your own harvest!

If we can answer any questions for you or provide you with any other information about our plans, Fuller Seminary, or our family, please don’t hesitate to contact us. God’s richest blessings on you as we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth!


Bayarlalaa, (Thank you!)

Gana, Daja, and the children


PS All contributions towards Gana’s education at Fuller can still be given through Alpha Beth Ministries, PO Box 3415, Paso Robles, CA 93447.


Family news update...

A piece of news of which you may not yet be aware, is that we will be welcoming another addition to our family in April! Yes, we are expecting a baby! We are very excited. Israel says he wants another brother, but Meg says if we have another boy that she is moving in with her cousin!

As you may know we were planning to go to Mongolia this fall on a short term missions trip. Some of you may be wondering what happened to those plans. Well, as we were planning that, we got a call from France, from Gana’s brother. He immigrated to France about eight years ago. We found out that he was very sick and was diagnosed with a life threatening illness. Instead of taking the Mongolia trip, Gana made an emergency trip to France. He wanted to be sure that his brother and his family heard the Gospel in a clear way during this stressful time of their lives. The trip was a tough one for all of us, but especially for Gana. He was able to share Christ with them and reconnect with his brother whom he hasn’t seen since he immigrated. We believe that the love he showed his brother and the seeds he planted in his family will reap an eternal harvest!

So, what have we been up to, other than emergency trips to Europe and having a baby? Well, Gana has been working hard in a construction job that has been a big blessing. Daja has been teaching natural childbirth classes and attending a few births. Meg has been learning to read and taking ballet lessons. She says she is going to be a missionary to India when she grows up. Israel is learning to count change and takes karate classes. He says he’s going to be a barber when he grows up, but that he can still preach because his shop will be closed on Sundays. Luc thinks he is Superman. He says he is going to be a horse when he grows up. Caesar is learning to say a few words and is a delightful baby.

You can read updates, see recent pictures, and laugh at the hilarious things the children say, so keep checking our blog!