For 70 years, Mongolia was closed off to the world under Soviet communist rule. When the country opened up in 1991, Dr. Bayar Garamtseren was 18 years old and began attending the very first church in modern-day Mongolia. Today, he is the first Mongolian to receive a PhD in biblical studies, directs the Mongolian Bible translation project, pastors a local church, coordinates Langham Preaching in Mongolia, and runs a Christian publishing house—all so that the church may be strengthened in maturity as it continues to grow in number.

In Part 1 of their conversation, Chris and Bayar discuss the drastic changes in his country since the end of communism, the rich history of Mongolia and the Mongolian church, and the remarkable growth of Christianity in a country where—only 30 years ago—barely a handful of Christians lived.