When Mongolia is mentioned, the collective imagination often conjures vast steppes and the epic of Genghis Khan. Yet few know that some descendants of the famous conqueror were raised in the Nestorian Christian faith in the 13th century. Although this historical form of Christianity has vanished from Mongolia's spiritual landscape, it bears witness to an ancient presence worth remembering. Today, after decades of restrictions under the communist regime, the Christian community is experiencing a remarkable rebirth.
Since the democratic opening in 1992, the number of believers has grown from almost zero to about sixty-five thousand people, spread across more than four hundred churches. This growth, though modest as a percentage of the total population, represents a living and dynamic reality. As the apostle Paul reminds us:
“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:13-14, NIV)This passage underscores the crucial importance of God's Word being accessible to every believing community.
The Translation Challenge: Making the Word Accessible
For many years, Mongolian Christians had to make do with a Bible translation hastily done from English. This version, often described as literal and unnatural, made reading and meditation difficult for native speakers. The language, with its own nuances and musicality, did not fully convey the richness of the original texts. The Mongolian Bible Society, aware of this shortcoming, launched an ambitious project in 2015: the “Mongolian Standard Version.”
This new translation does not merely adapt existing versions. It dives into the sources, working directly from the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Led by Dr. Bayar Garam, a theologian trained notably in Israel, a team of Mongolian specialists is dedicated to this meticulous work. Their goal is to produce a text that resonates accurately in the hearts and minds of their people while remaining faithful to the divine message. It is work that demands both scientific rigor and spiritual sensitivity.
A Collective Work Rooted in Faith
The translation project is supported by the Swiss Bible Society and is part of the United Bible Societies network. It illustrates the beautiful reality of the communion of saints across borders and cultures. Each team member contributes their linguistic skills and personal faith, creating valuable synergy. They are driven by the conviction that, as the apostle John writes,
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14, NIV)Their mission is to make this Word “dwell” in the Mongolian language with the same grace and truth.
An Ecumenical Celebration in Geneva
In the spring of 2025, the city of Geneva hosted a significant event: a Mongolian Language Bible Day. Organized at an evangelical church, this day brought together not only the local community but also the four main Mongolian Christian diaspora communities established in the region. This gathering is a strong symbol of unity in diversity, cherished by the ecumenical spirit.
The program blended cultural discovery and spiritual deepening. Visitors could view a collection of historical Bibles, including the oldest known translation into Mongolian—a tangible link to the Christian history of this people. The day also included times of worship, faith testimonies, and a discussion panel on the impact of the new translation. It was an occasion to celebrate how God's Word continues to speak today, adapting to each culture while maintaining its eternal truth.
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