Many of the people we meet have all kind of problems. With the Good News we want to bring them the love of God in a practical way.
There is that woman, we met, who, with her children, ran away from her drunken and violent husband; the family that lost their home in a fire; the single mother who lives on the garbage den or the elderly street sleeper. And the many homeless people, that look for shelter in the underground heating system during the long winter months.
Here is an overview of our ministries:

The Garbage Den

About 200 men, women and children work and even live there in huts build out of rusty car wracks and all kind of material found in the garbage. In winter, temperatures drop to -40 degrees. The people try to warm up by burning old car tyres and other burnable stuff. Due to the biting smoke they have infected eyes and irritated respiratory tracts. Many are in poor health condition.

Most are suffering from an alcohol problem and corresponding needs. But they are very open and home groups are taking place in their huts. Many healings and also changes in the families are the consequences that don't stay unnoticed on the garbage den and in town.
Now, almost every week a team is visiting the garbage den, worshipping God together with the old and the young, men and women, building relationships, bringing new life perspectives and teaching about following Jesus. In addition, families are being visited and practical help and support is offered. For example, buying a ger (yurt), renovating a house, offering medical and dental help on the garbage den, showering projects, handing out food and clothes, coal and other burning material, giving support and help with cases of sickness and death.
2011: Change of generation since the garbage den moved to a different place. The "old ones" find new jobs, move to a different place. We are busy winning the hearts of the "new ones" and continue to worship God who calls us to places like this, wanting to show his love and power.

Outreaches
We regularly visit the people hanging around the (bus) station and markets. Mainly during the cold months a van is serving as "mobile café". Also at other places, for example the cancer hospital, the river, the Buddhist temple and the pedestrian zone people are being ministered to. Many react openly, receive prayer and some experience healing and are getting better on the in- and outside.

Winter - Rescue
The abuse of alcohol is a serious problem in Mongolia. Not only homeless people are lying on the streets, drunk and unnoticed. In winter, that can mean in no time freezing to death or amputation of frozen body parts. Our team is driving with a van through the streets at night to save these people and to bring them to a warm place. In recent years this service was noticed and welcomed by police and officials.
                                                                                                                                       

Shelter for the homeless
Since winter 2008/09 we open during the cold months our doors over night for about 50 men, women and children that live underground in the heating system and in house entrances. A warm sheltered place to stay overnight is very welcomed. (1200 overnight-stays in winter 2011/12) Next to offering washing facilities and hot soup often long neglected wounds are being cleaned and dressed. In the over-aged heating system often hot water pipes burst and burn the people looking for shelter there. Others have frostbite at hands and feet or bad injuries from fights etc. TB, scabies, and venereal diseases... the range of sicknesses is wide. We go with them to the doctor and buy medicine for them. But the best thing is that after the meal they hear the word of God, worship and receive prayer or an open talk. We see how people get new hope for their lives, some want to join the long-term rehabilitation program of HELP International.
One of our guests, Erka, says: "I have been living on the streets for some years now, but every time I come to you, I feel like coming home."

Treating wounds on the streets, setting up contacts and first steps
Most homeless people are living in very poor hygienic circumstances. Even small injuries easily become big, festering ulcers that don't heal and affect the health. Violence, mostly under the influence of alcohol, is common. These injuries cannot just be cared for by a doctor or in hospital because most of the poor and homeless people don't have an identity card. So in summer we go to the collection points for plastic and bottles to meet those, who are already busy working before sunrise, still sober and offer them an opportunity to have their wounds cared for and dressed. Like that relationships that began in the winter-shelter remain and more acquaintances are made.
We talk with them about their deliverer Jesus and like it to pray for them. Seriously interested people we offer the opportunity to come for a few days to a "Set-Free-Camp" far away from their old surroundings. We go together into the presence of God and do first steps of cleaning up the old life and deliverance. Mostly "in passing" they go through alcohol withdrawal through which we help them in prayer. We see amazingly easy withdrawals and this first encounter with a living God already moved some to try the next step to join a long-term therapy.