November 5 – 6, 2006 Dr. Jan Paulsen visited Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. His visit was to celebrate the inauguration of the first SDA Language School (Korean) outside of Korea and join the celebration Mongolia Mission Field celebration of their 1,000^th member.

Following the Northern Asia-Pacific Divisions (NSD) Annual Council, Dr. Paulsen was joined by Dr. Jairyong Lee, NSD President; Elder Don Upson, NSD Treasurer; Dr. Chek Yat Poon, NSD Education Director; Elder Glenn Mitchell, NSD Communication Director and Song Sub Song (Paul), NSD Media Center Manager in the trip to Mongolia.

Monday, November 6, 2006, began with a tour of the Mongolia Mission Field offices. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Paulsen met with the MMF workers in the Ulaanbaatar Church fellowship hall. After sharing greetings from around the world, Dr. Paulsen invited those present to ask questions. The answers to these insightful questions pleased the workers.

ADRA, whose offices are very close to the Ulaanbaatar Church hosted a finger food lunch for the visiting dignitaries and ADRA staff.

The Inauguration services for the SDA Language School, Mongolia, began at 1:00 in the chapel of the freshly remodeled institute. Pastor Paul Kotanko, MMF Director opened with the scripture reading. Prayer was given by Noh Young Park, Language School Director and PMM pastor. From the main institute in Korea where there are 39 institutes, serving 50,000 students, Si Young Kim, Director, welcomed those present. The Korean SDA Language School and the Northern Asia-Pacific Division are partnering in the development of this school. Any profits will go to support the Mission work.

Dr. Jan Paulsen gave the Inauguration speech, followed by congratulations from Dr. Jairyong Lee, NSD President. Benediction was given by Dr. Chek Yat Phoon, NSD Education Director.  Ribbon cutting was quickly done so Dr. Paulsen and the NSD group could meet their appointment with Mr. O. Enkhtushvin Mongolian Minister of Education, Culture and Science.

During the visit with Mr. O Enkhtushvin, Dr. Paulsen gave a short overview of the scope of Adventist education. Mr. O Enkhtushvin said, “I appreciate your views on religious tolerance. I personally have no religion, but believe everyone should be free to choose.”

This visit was followed by an official meeting with Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar. During this visit not only was an overview of the Adventist church discussed, but when the President found out that Dr. Paulsen was Norwegian he expressed an interest in the government policies of Norway. President Enkhbayar had scheduled meetings in Norway which were canceled at the last moment presenting an opportunity of Dr. Paulsen’s meeting.

Dr. Paulsen was invitee to do an interview on Mongolian National Television. One of the most popular talk show hosts did the interview that was aired at 11:00 that evening and again in the morning.

The Mongolia Mission Field recently passed the 1,000 mark in church membership. Alls the workers from across Mongolia gathered in the Ulaanbaatar church to celebrate with Dr. Paulsen and the NSD delegation. Following Dr. Paulsen’s message, Cathy (Jollie) Hartman share how she and her late husband Brad rekindled the gospel flame in Mongolia. The first fruits of their labors, Davaahuu Barbaatar and Enkhbayar Mishigdorj shared how they became interested in the Adventist message. Guan Bold, the 1,000^th baptized member of the Adventist church was almost speechless that he had been the one to cross that special mark. The celebrations at the church concluded with a candle lighting signifying the spread of the gospel in Mongolia, yet showing that the work was unfinished.

The final celebratory even was a dinner for the workers and invited guests at the Koreana Hotel. Traditional Mongolian music was provided during the dinner. Elder Elbert Kuhn said, “ It is important to say thank you to all the missionaries who have given their lives to spreading the gospel in the far reaches of Mongolia.”