Doors open for the first Army building in Mongolia

Ribbon-cutting ceremony announces the opening of a new facility

The Salvation Army celebrated the opening of its building in Mongolia—a new ministry—in September 2010. Present were Salvationist personnel from Korea who supported or sponsored its establishment.

Commissioner Robert Street, international secretary for the South Pacific and East Asia, and Commissioner Chun, Kwang-pyo, territorial commander for Korea, cut the traditional yellow, red and blue tape to declare the building open.

Construction continues on the structure, but when completed it will accommodate administration offices, a worship hall, living accommodations and multipurpose rooms for outreach programs and staff—including a feeding program for the homeless.

During a celebration meeting after a tour of the premises, Street encouraged the Mongolian congregation to enjoy the sense of purpose in working together to build up God’s work. Because the Mongolian work developed from the Korea Territory, Korean initiative and leadership were acknowledged.

Chun thanked divisional leaders for their continuing involvement in the project and made a presentation to Officer in Charge Captain Lee, Min-ho and his wife Captain Chang, Mi-hyun for their roles in establishing the Army’s presence in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Korea’s deputy-ambassador and Mr. Kim, Dong-jin, chairman of the Korean Missionary Society, thanked his country for its foresight.

The Mongolian Salvation Army vocal group and Mongolia’s first applicants for officership also participated in the occasion.

The visit of Commissioners Robert and Janet Street included talks with Mr. Miyeegombyn Enkhbold, deputy prime minister of Mongolia, who has ensured the provision of land in Tov Aimag Province for a Salvation Army social welfare center. They also viewed recently established water project sites in the area and the Solongos Kindergarten, run by the Army on an estate in Ulaanbaatar. The school provides for children whose parents cannot support their children’s education.