Sleepless at 4 a.m. and Other Miracles of the Week

Temple Announcement
Early Tuesday morning—4:00 a.m. to be exact—we joined Saints across Mongolia in witnessing a historic announcement: the site and rendering of the future temple in Ulaanbaatar. While it was released at 2:00 p.m. Monday in Salt Lake City, here it meant setting our alarm long before sunrise so that we could post the news release in the Mongolian Newsroom.  For a few weeks we had quietly held onto the rendering, waiting for the official release, and it was no easy secret to keep! The design is stunning, full of Mongolian symbolism woven into the architecture. Though it will still be a few years before the temple is completed, this step marked a powerful milestone, and we felt so grateful to play a small part in sharing the news.

Apostolic Visit
On Thursday, Elder Neil L. Andersen, an apostle of the Lord, visited Mongolia. What a sacred and joyful few days it was! We attended a special meeting where he, alongside local church leaders, welcomed government officials and representatives of other faiths. They were introduced to the temple rendering and its beautiful cultural elements. One of my favorite details is how the pillars echo the tops of gers, with vertical lines symbolizing the ropes that bind a ger together—just as Christ binds our lives together through the temple.


That evening, Elder Andersen spoke at a nationwide devotional. Members were filled with excitement at the chance to hear directly from a prophet, seer, and revelator. He lovingly encouraged everyone to begin preparing now for the day when they can enter the temple. I had the privilege of directing the choir, and what a blessing it was to sing alongside Saints whose voices carried both beauty and the Spirit.




Friday brought a mission conference with Elder Andersen. Missionaries traveled from across the country—some enduring bus rides of more than 24 hours! The whole mission got in place for a picture.  When he walked into the gym, we were singing, "We Thank Thee, o God, For A Prophet".  It was powerful to be a part of this historic moment.  His counsel was heartfelt, uplifting, and filled with both humor and love. He spoke with us, not to us, and we left inspired and strengthened. Since his visit was accompanied by a media team, we were asked not to take photos, but Church News will soon share highlights from his time here.

Interfaith Peace Celebration
Today we participated in the UN’s International Day of Peace celebration, a moving interfaith gathering. Leaders from many faiths—Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Oomoto, Baha’i, and Christian—each offered prayers for peace, rang the peace bell, and lit candles. President and Sister Kunz represented our church with a heartfelt prayer. It was a beautiful reminder of the common hopes and desires that unite people of faith.







Signs of Autumn
We’ll close with a glimpse of fall here in Ulaanbaatar. The river that runs through the city is framed in golden leaves, and the air is taking on that crisp autumn chill. Thanks to Mongolia’s centralized heating system, September 15th marked the day our radiators finally came to life—warmth flowing through the pipes from one central source to every apartment. After a few chilly nights, we were more than ready to welcome that cozy heat!


What a week of history, spirit, and community.

Comments

  1. Bill and Shauna CookeSeptember 21, 2025 at 8:19 PM

    Thanks for the pictures of the temple. We knew there would be some kinds of symbols for Mongolia on the temple. Each temple has something on and inside each one for the area they are built in. And WOW for Elder Anderson's visit. He is a great Apostle.

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