Mongolia, a large East Asian country, offers both challenges and rewards for mission work. Adventist Volunteer Service missionary, Danilo, has served as an English teacher and assistant chaplain at Tusgal School for two years in the nation’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. His life journey has taken him from Mexico to Saipan and now to Mongolia.

“I decided it was really important to let God lead and to live in the center of His will,” Danilo says. “Trusting Him is what brought me to Mongolia.”

At Tusgal School, Danilo faces the challenge of religious restrictions that impact how he interacts with his students.

“We can’t overtly pray with our students or read the Bible or speak about God,” Danilo explains. “So, we focus on demonstrating biblical values and communicating that in character building. It’s a blessing to see that God works even with the restrictions.”

Danilo looks beyond academics, cultivating a classroom marked by compassion and spirituality. Every class begins with something unique that fosters a sense of love and connection for his students. And they appreciate all he does for them.

“He’s like a friend to us,” says seventh-grader Ninjin. “He’s our motivator. He encourages us to be greater and better every day.”

“He starts every lesson with singing and playing the ukulele,” adds eighth-grader Khuslen. “So that makes every student really into the lesson and helps them understand it more.”

In Mongolia, the temperature can drop to -40°, and the language barrier complicates communication, just to name two of the challenges. Yet, Danilo and his family embrace these obstacles, forming meaningful relationships and demonstrating God’s love.

Danilo invites others to join him in volunteer mission service. “Being a volunteer will change your life,” he says. “When you leave your comfort zone and choose to trust God’s leading and allow Him to select a place for you, it gives you a life-transforming experience. You truly get to know God more deeply. You can also get to know yourself through God’s eyes and make meaningful relationships. It’s truly a blessing.”

For those interested in volunteering yet uncertain, Danilo has some inspiring words to share. “I would say pray, bring it to the Lord and say, ‘God, wherever You lead, I will follow. I want to live in the center of Your will.’ [Serving] will be the best decision you ever make. You’ll have peace and joy. You can do it, knowing that you’re in His hands.”

Please pray for all the Adventist Volunteer Service missionaries serving around the world. Thank you for supporting the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Watch “Ukulele Is the Way” at m360.tv/s2525!

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Danilo teaches his students songs about Jesus