A Little History

AMONG was invited by the Mongolian people to begin its work to help them at a pivotal time in their history following 70 years of Communist rule.

The leaders of the democratic revolution needed a way to communicate with their people since the only television station in the country was operated by Communists, then still in power. Mr. Baatbayar, one of the two leaders of the revolution, said he could get a TV license but did not have the finances to build a television station. He proposed a joint venture between his partners and himself and AMONG. AMONG believed this was a wonderful opportunity to influence the value system of an entire country by having an ongoing ability to tell the story of Jesus and to also instill values of morality and integrity – values which had not been taught under Communism.

When Mongolian officials discussed granting AMONG permission to run a TV station, Mr. Batbayar, a Mongolian intellectual who has studied the religions of the world, said, This television station will give our people back their souls. For my children and my country, I want Jesus Christ.

Even under Communism, Mongolia had retained its Buddhist religious traditions and is still known as the most Buddhist nation on earth. However, its leaders granted permission for AMONG’s television station, which is now presenting Christ in areas where Christ’s name had scarcely been heard.

Because AMONG has engaged in many humanitarian projects and has cooperated well with other organizations, AMONG has gained the trust of government officials and the Mongolian people in the four years it has been working in Mongolia. One Mongolian leader said in a debate over religious freedom in the new democracy, Why should we limit the Christians? They are the only ones helping us.

AMONG’s mix of programming not only presents the message of Jesus Christ but also is helping the new democracy develop a value structure based upon honesty and integrity. In addition, this non-profit commercial station is broadcasting the first objective news available in the country. This is transmitted by AMONG from programs sent via satellite from FOXNews, the Associated Press, and other programs prepared locally in its own studios in Mongolia.

To demonstrate Christ’s love for the Mongolian people in practical ways, AMONG carries on a humanitarian ministry. It has implemented many short-term projects, often supplying items such as clothing and medical supplies to people in need.

Mongolia and its people inhabit an isolated world landlocked between Russia and China. Except for a glimpse of a Mongolian acrobat at the circus or a book on Genghis Khan, most Westerners know little about Mongolians. This isolation is ending. Mongolia and its people are opening up to influence from the outside world.

This Christian television station is the first in Mongolia and one of the first on the Asian continent. It provides a laboratory for learning how to produce Christian programming that is both appealing and effective for Buddhist cultures. Since the station uses a mixture of secular and Christian programming, it brings Jesus Christ in to the mainstream of the Mongolian viewers’ day.

Many believe this geographic center of the Asian continent that AMONG has targeted is the last great battleground of the Great Commission. Here, in a mysterious land unknown to the rest of the world, the Spirit of God is breaking through to the souls of people in need.

At the fall of Communism in 1990, barely five believers were known to exist in Mongolia. Today, there are over 35,000. Through television, AMONG hopes to continue to encourage these believers and challenge others with Christ-centered programming that aims to change the picture of Christianity in that part of the world.

AMONG was organized in 1993 as a section 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation under the Internal Revenue Code and under the laws of the state of South Dakota.

Last Updated Monday, March 31 2008 @ 02:24 AM MDT; 2,568 Hits