Churches on the Mongolia District came together 15-19 August 2022 for a Holiness Gathering, the first in-person district event after more than two years of the pandemic.

Holiness Gathering is a five-day event that includes a camp meeting and district assembly. The district has held four Holiness Gatherings since the official recognition of the Church of the Nazarene in Mongolia in 2017. This year, over 150 children, youth, and adults attended this event.

Mongolian Nazarenes look forward to this activity every year. The district leaders focused this year's event on strengthening and deepening a relationship with God and having unity in the Body of Christ. Those in attendance used this special time to connect with other believers, encourage one another, worship together, and share testimonies.

Various meetings were held according to age group. Adult meetings were taught by district leaders and a Mongolian Nazarene pastor from Chicago. The meetings focused on holy fire (unity and holiness), particularly on embodying love through forgiveness and loving others. 

The children and teens had individual programs. The teens had a special workshop called “No Apologies,” which focused on relationships and making wise decisions.

“I asked if there is really a God,” said Misheel, a 16-year-old attendee.  “When I attended the Holiness Gathering, I realized God is a true God. I felt His presence when I prayed.”

In addition to the workshops, corporate worship services were also held. During the last evening service, the presence of the Holy Spirit was evident when all the attendees came forward to commit their lives to Christ, allowing the Spirit to fill them and guide them in their spiritual journey.

A young lady even expressed God’s call for her to be in ministry, and the leaders prayed for her that she would be obedient to the call.

The final service included the baptism of 10 new believers, one baby dedication, acceptance of 24 new church members, the granting of nine district licenses, and the renewal of 20 district ministers’ licenses. Afterward, all the participants joined together in the sharing of Communion.

According to leaders, the Holiness Gathering is not just an event but the launching of a movement geared toward being more like Jesus. The impact of this gathering is the transformation of hearts and lives.

“God told me to set aside ‘me-first’ [thinking], to love others instead and follow after God’s righteousness,” said Bayarmaa*.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

*Full name protected for privacy