Back in 2009, I received an invitation that would change the trajectory of my life and ministry. My friend, Ian Trail, invited me to join him on a mission trip to Mongolia. What followed was a formative 10-day journey into the heart of a frozen landscape—a journey of quiet humanitarian service, deep fellowship, and miraculous encounters that sparked a lifelong passion for exploration and service.
If you are curious to see the sights and hear the stories from this winter adventure, I have compiled my original video archives and photography into this post. Join me as we look back at my very first Matt on a Mission adventure in Mongolia.
Table of Contents
The Video: Mongolia Mission 2009
Setting Off: Into the Siberian Chill
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive more travel archives, faith-building testimonies, and updates from the mission field!
The journey began on a bustling afternoon as we prepared to leave. With my friend Kate joining us at departure, we packed up our gear—realizing how quickly ten days’ worth of heavy winter wear adds up! We drove to Sydney that night and boarded our flight the next day, full of anticipation for what God had in store.
Arriving in Mongolia, my first impressions were immediately shaped by the intense winter cold. It was a country clearly in transition—not a developing nation in the traditional sense, but one actively moving towards becoming developed, yet still carrying a noticeable amount of poverty.
Our hosts introduced us to the unique spiritual landscape of the region. In the capital city of one million people, there is a thriving, resilient faith community. We learned that there are nearly 200 Christian churches in this city alone. Of the estimated 100,000 Mongolian Christians across the nation, nearly half of them live right here in the capital, leaving a vast harvest field in the surrounding regions.
Love in Action: Service in the Ger Districts
This humanitarian mission was deeply grounded in practical, hands-on service. Our footage documents the daily realities of life in this challenging climate, featuring:
- The Homeless Men’s Ger Fellowship: Gathering in traditional felt tents (gers) to share warmth, food, and the hope of the Gospel.
- The Local Vegetable Garden: Supporting sustainable, community-led food initiatives in the midst of harsh regional conditions.
- Quiet Moments of Care: From comforting a crying baby in need of gentle care to supporting resilient families who brave the bitter winter cold day in and day out.
Miracles in the Frozen Countryside
While our hands were busy serving, our hearts were constantly in prayer. During our week of ministry, we saw the incredible, life-changing power of God break through in ways we will never forget.
Through the Men’s Ministry, we witnessed six people make decisions to follow Jesus Christ. But God didn’t stop there—He moved in power with miraculous healings:
- The Disappearing Lump: While praying for one of the men, a large, prominent lump on his back literally vanished before our very eyes.
- Healing in the Home Village: One of the most moving highlights of the trip occurred when our friend Auggie and his wife, Napa, went completely out of their way to take us to Auggie’s home village to visit his mother’s house.
When we arrived, we prayed for his mother, who had been suffering from debilitating physical pain. The Holy Spirit moved rapidly, bringing instant and remarkable healing. Before our prayer, she struggled in intense pain just to lift a single bucket of coal. By the end of the day, she joyfully declared: “I can carry two buckets of coal now without any pain!” She held up her hands, pointing at them with a beaming smile, and exclaimed, “Look at my hands!” Truly, God is so good.
Frozen Beauty: Capturing the Landscape
Between moments of ministry, I was captivated by the raw, unfiltered beauty of the Mongolian tundra. The vast, snow-capped mountains and the unique cityscape offered an incredible canvas for winter photography.
One of my absolute favorite shots from this archive is of an Eagle and Handler standing proudly in the frozen tundra—a stark and stunning representation of the ancient, resilient spirit of the Mongolian people.
We also got to experience the local culture firsthand, which included a memorable winter camel ride in the freezing cold and hearing the beautiful, unique sounds of the Mongolian “sing horse” (singing horse) in the open countryside.
A Lifelong Love for a Nation
Digesting the weight of that first trip took time, but my final conclusion has remained unchanged since 2009: I am deeply honored to have been a part of what God is doing in Mongolia.
What began as a single invitation from a friend has grown into a deep, long-term friendship with the Mongolian people and a lifelong love for this beautiful nation. Seeing lives transformed and witnessing the Holy Spirit move across these frozen plains left me with a burning hunger to see this nation continuously changed and won for Jesus Christ.
Join the Journey
- Watch the footage: Check out the video below to see these moments of healing, fellowship, and frozen beauty for yourself.
- Explore the photos: Scroll through our gallery of the journey, including the iconic Eagle and Handler photo.
- Share your thoughts: Have you ever traveled to Mongolia or been part of a mission trip that changed your perspective? Let me know on my socials.
The Journey Photos
I thought I would include a few photos for those that were interested.
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive more travel archives, faith-building testimonies, and updates from the mission field!