Last year the ADRA Mongolia Board expressed an interest in visiting some of the projects around the country so better decisions could be made. Llewellyn Juby, Country Director put together a tour of projects in Tosontsengel for June 7, 2005. Tosontsengel is a three hour flight in a Cessna 208 from the capitol Ullaan Baatar. The flight is operated by Mission Aviation Fellowship.

During the flight the nine board members were given a good view of the country side. Small hills, vast plains, tall snow covered mountains and meandering rivers varied the view. Occasionally a solitary ger could be seen. As the plane began it’s descent to the gravel runway in Tosontsengel small herds of sheep, goats, cattle or horses could be seen on the hillsides.

Upon landing the board members were met by Ken White, an Australian leading a group of volunteers giving two weeks of their life in service. Along with the assistance to ADRA the team members were holding nightly meetings sharing the love of Jesus. Ken and the local ADRA leader had arranged with the local governor, Tasngiagiin Balkhyarvaa for additional transportation for the board members.

One of the first things board members noticed was the difference in temperature. When leaving Ulaan Baatar the temperature was a mild 10-12 C. Tosontsengel was 5-6 degrees cooler and would continue to get cooler through out the day.

Upon loading people and supplies into the vehicles, board members soon found themselves crossing a small dam. The Mr. Juby indicated that the group were to stop. About 20 people were working on raising the dam to increase the amount of water that will be stored in the lake formed. Getting out of the vehicles board members were introduced to the governor. The governor requested this dam project so that the new hydro electric plant can provide 24 hour, seven day a week electricity to the town.

Governor, Tasngiagiin Balkhyarvaa invited the board members to visit his office where he expressed his gratitude for the work of ADRA. He was also very pleased that the board members would take the time to visit his area. He promised the full cooperation of his government.

The next stop was ADRA’s small business initiative. The board was introduced to the members of the committee overseeing the issuing of small business loans. After classes in business management, money management, etc., members of the community could present a business plan to the committee for approval of an ADRA loan in the amount of approximately US$ 300. The committee was happy to report there were no defaults on previous loans given. Many of the people who had started a business were so successful they were starting a second business. One of the high lights of the report was how those who had received loans supported each other, by referring customers.

Board members had a short visit with the Australian team while sharing a delightful vegetarian lunch. During lunch the ground was whitened with hail which quickly melted.

Another project that impressed board members was a gardening cooperative. Previously Mongolians ate few vegetables. ADRA has introduced green houses and root cellars. This has changed the lives of many people. A comment that is often heard is that now we have enough food to eat during the winter. Participants were eager to show their crops.

An ADRA board meeting culminated the trip on June 8. Board member expressed appreciation to Mr. Juby for the trip, now they had a better understanding of the work of ADRA in Mongolia.

Glenn Mitchell, Communication Director