Mongolia: The Mother Tree
What they do without Christ.
ReachGlobal staff writes:
It was Monday afternoon and we had finally arrived at the Mother Tree. The Mother Tree is a tree that Mongolians go to in order worship the spirit of the tree. Even though it’s been struck down by lightening it still holds a revered place in the Mongolians’ hearts, especially the hearts of the people in Selenge Province. I had brought a visitor from the States to see this worship site, just as I had brought many before. But this time was different.
Yes, we saw the usually rice, vodka, milk, and candy sacrifices. As always, it was littered with thousands of scarves, mostly blue, offered in reverence and seeking favor with the tree’s spirit. Dozens of steering wheel covers and crutches were hanging on the tree; those who left them were hoping their health or their car would benefit from the sacrifice. All these things were normal, for the Mother Tree, but as we approached we heard pounding. "That’s strange; I’ve never heard that before."
As we got closer we could hear chanting accompanying the drums and see about fifty Mongolians sitting around the tree. On the other side of the tree were four shamans. In front of the shamans were rows and rows of offerings for the spirit. One of the shamans was a large man; he was the head shaman and was directing the show. One of the Mongolians in attendance explained that they were channeling dead people to speak through them. After a few minutes one of the younger shaman started running around the tree with his eyes closed. A friend guided him.
There was a frenzy of activity around the tree people walking and throwing rice, milk, mare’s milk wine, and vodka up in the air for the spirit. The shamans would hoop and holler and chant. Occasionally, someone would bring them a drink and would lean in close to hear what the shaman could tell them from the dead. It was a bizarre scene. One, which they told me, would happen again next month. We got back in our car, and before leaving we prayed to the one true God, for salvation to come to Mongolia and the emptiness of this animism to be seen and felt. These are good reminders of why we do what we do.
Praise and pray
- Praise God that ReachGlobal staff and national workers are ministering to bring the gospel to the people of Selenge Province.
- Pray that the truth of the gospel will permeate the hearts of the Mongolian as ReachGlobal staff incarnate the gosel message.
