Meeting Christ in Mongolia

Nikolai Sokolov

Novosibirsk Biblical-Theological Seminary

Nikolai Sokolov

I was born in Ulan-Bator, Mongolia. In 1999 when I was in the 7th grade, the Jehovah’s Witnesses cult began their activities in Ulan-Bator. They walked the streets and handed out literature, and eventually came to our house and offered Bible classes. I liked their colorful magazines. Their attitude at first was rather friendly. They gave me assignments to read their books or magazine articles, and then asked questions. Then they began to laugh at me, because I couldn’t understand everything in their materials. This offended me and I stopped communicating with them.

In high school, I saw an article in a Russian newspaper with an invitation to take Bible courses. I decided to call the phone number and find out all the details. I talked for a while with Nikolai Telpiz, pastor of the Central Baptist Church. I had many questions, and I remembered that the Jehovah’s Witnesses only answered a few of them. I liked Pastor Nikolai’s attitude toward me, though I sometimes asked silly questions. He answered them calmly and humbly. When he couldn’t give a quick answer, he always had one by our next meeting.

After 11th grade, I went to study chemistry in Irkutsk, but due to financial problems, I had to stop my studies and work to support my family. Even so, I kept visiting the Baptist Church in Irkutsk. Several months passed, and eventually I returned to Mongolia and continued meeting with the deacon. One night before bedtime, I felt the Lord prompting me strongly to repent. I paced the floor for 20 minutes, struggling. My flesh and the devil whispered that if I received the Lord, I would have to stop stealing, lying, drinking, smoking and adultery. Other people would see me as an “alien.” But I repented anyway, and a few weeks later I was baptized. I have been a believer now for six years.

Today I serve as a preacher in the church and hope to begin classes on theology. This is my third year studying in the part-time program at Novosibirsk Seminary. This works out best for me because I have work and family responsibilities, and cannot leave my mother for long. The part-time program is just what I need, because I can work and study simultaneously.

Nikolai and other Bible students are evaluated on their ability to clearly teach the Word of God.

Seminary is important, because it is not good when a minister has no theological education. If he can’t preach or doesn’t know why he believes, then how can he teach anyone else? God will hold us responsible. Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment (James 3:1). Please pray for me, as I want to study for four years and obtain the Bachelor of Ministry degree.