A Particular Honor from the Mongolian Government
An estimated 3.5 million livestock died in Sukhbaatar, Mongolia, in the harsh winter of 2009 creating a large-scale humanitarian crisis. The Tuj Development Center, a holistic partnership between dedicated Mongolian national partners with a heart for the poor, ReachGlobal staff and churches in the U.S., was one of the first non-governmental organizations (NGO) to respond to the crisis. Warm blankets, food and medicines given through generous donations from Wayzata EFC (MN), and specifically the White Cross at Wayzata EFC, and other U.S. churches were distributed to those in dire need. At a recent ceremony, the Prime Minister of Mongolia and the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Sukhbaatar honored the efforts of the Tuj Development Center by presenting the “Most Social Development in Mongolia for 2009” award to George Kenworthy from ReachGlobal representing the Tuj NGO for its quick and effective response.
Helping the people of Sukhbaatar through holistic outreach was the vision of a ReachGlobal staff couple who labored for ten years to create relationships within the local Mongolian community. As current ReachGlobal staff member, George Kenworthy shares, “They really created the initial relationships that are the basis of our work today. We are truly standing on the shoulders of giants.” Partnering with Mongolian community members, Tsogoo Osor and Ariuna Dorj (pictured at left), the Tuj Development Center was established to achieve this vision.
Tsogoo is a doctor with a heart for the poor working in the community through medical outreach. The Tuj concentrates on medical relief offering free medical care to anyone in need. Ariuna is the Mongolian director of the Tuj Development Center. Through her leadership the Tuj helps students achieve better lives through education.
Through their quality work, Tsogoo and Ariuna continue to build relationships within the community solidifying important connections with government officials by consistently exhibiting compassion for the people of Sukhbaatar. This year the Tuj also hosted an educational competition, the Selenge Provincial Olympics. Through the excellent tutelage provided by Ariuna, three Tuj students took golds in their competitive areas. This performance is leading the Tuj into partnership discussions with local state schools to help in many different areas of education.
The groundwork laid by the national partners, ReachGlobal staff and U.S. churches at the Tuj Development Center in Sukhbaatar, Mongolia is leading to much more than the huge honor from the Mongolian government, it’s leading to the multiplication of changed lives. As award recipient George Kenworthy states, “It’s a testament to how good our working relationships are in Sukhbaatar. The Mongolian side of the work is blooming. These guys are awesome and it’s a privilege to be a part of. We have great working relationships with the government and the inroads keep increasing.”
Accepting the award for the Tuj Development Center is George Kenworthy, ReachGlobal staff and Ariuna Dorj.
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