Pioneers Leading Pioneers: A Senior Missionary Couple's Legacy in Mongolia

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In the early 1990s, a humble viewing of The Jesus Film changed the course of a Mongolian family’s life—and helped prepare the way for a future generation of Latter-day Saint pioneers. Over thirty years later, Elder Enkhtuvshin and Sister Dashgerel, among the earliest members of the Church in Mongolia, are now serving together as senior missionaries—walking side-by-side with the rising generation.

Their story begins during Mongolia’s turbulent transition to democracy. Food was scarce, life was uncertain, and people were searching for hope. One evening in 1992, the couple, along with her siblings watched The Jesus Film, a 1979 Biblical drama newly translated into Mongolian. “We felt something different,” she remembers. At the end of the film, it taught viewers how to pray. That night, she went home and prayed for her children.

The very next day, her husband returned home with a mysterious package. It was filled with food and treats for their family—an unexpected and tender answer to her prayer. That moment marked the beginning of their journey to knowing God.

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The next year, in 1993, Brother Enkhtuvshin—then a university professor—traveled to Germany on a three-month exchange program. One day while walking the streets, he noticed two young missionaries with books on their table. Among them was a Russian copy of The Book of Mormon. Having studied Russian in school, he was drawn to its message, finding it familiar in tone and spirit to Mongolia’s own sacred histories. Despite the language barrier, the Spirit spoke clearly, and on June 27, 1993, he was baptized before returning to Mongolia.

While in Germany, he had written to his wife to say he was befriending Mormons. “I didn’t know who they were,” Sister Dashgerel said. “I told my siblings, and they said not to let him join—they thought it was a cult!” But the very day he returned to Mongolia, he took their son to a local market, where they ran into two missionaries—Elder Hansen and Elder Blanchard—who were in the first group of missionaries sent to Mongolia. Neither spoke Mongolian, and he didn’t speak English. But by divine providence, Elder Hansen had studied German in high school. The lessons began—in German, translated by Brother Enkhtuvshin into Mongolian—and soon the whole family was baptized.

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The path of discipleship wasn’t easy. With no local chapel, getting to church meant long rides on overcrowded buses. But they went faithfully. On January 16, 1994, Brother Enkhtuvshin was ordained one of the first of four Melchizedek Priesthood holders in the country. On October 26, 1996, their family became the first Mongolian family to be sealed—an experience they will never forget.

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“We will always remember the names of the first young and senior missionaries who came to Mongolia,” they say. “Without them, we would not have the Church here. We will always remember them.”

Their own desire to serve as missionaries together was born early. Soon after joining the Church, Brother Enkhtuvshin gave a talk on missionary work, and the couple made a quiet promise: “Someday, we will serve.”

That day came in 2025. After an invitation from Mission President Namgur during a trip to Choibalsan in 2023, they prayerfully prepared, overcoming health challenges to become only the third Mongolian missionary couple in history. They were assigned to serve in the Darkhan District.

Shortly after beginning their service, District President Otgonzaya asked if they would join the upcoming youth handcart trek—a rare and powerful experience in Mongolia, where the youth were reenacting the journeys of early Latter-day Saint pioneers.

“At first, we thought we couldn’t do it,” they admitted. “But on the second day, we joined the trek. Walking alongside the youth was so inspiring.” Their son had helped build and weld the handcarts, so seeing them in use filled their hearts with joy. “Crossing the streams and seeing our youth working together made us very happy.”

More touching still were the words they overheard from the youth: “We are grateful for our pioneers who brought these happy days by sacrificing their lives and health.”

Now serving in their senior years, Elder Enkhtuvshin and Sister Dashgerel reflect on the deep meaning of their mission. “The Church is still so young. All members in Mongolia are still pioneers. We are proud to be part of this work. We are all leading together in this pioneering effort.”

Sister Dashgerel adds with quiet faith: “Heavenly Father has blessed Mongolia. He prepares and helps those who follow Him. The Church is growing fast, and many missionaries are serving. The temple will soon be built. When we hold to the iron rod, we can stay on the trail. I hope the pioneers in Mongolia will build up the Church just as the early Saints did in Utah. Mongolia will be a beacon light, just as Elder Maxwell promised.”

And Elder Enkhtuvshin, after three decades of faith, concludes: “We have seen 32 years of the Lord’s kingdom growing in Mongolia. We have seen miracles. We want to share this miracle with others.”

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From a movie in a crowded theater to walking beside the rising generation on the plains of Mongolia, this couple has truly lived the legacy of Latter-day Saint pioneers. And now, they lead the way forward—faithfully, joyfully, and hand-in-hand with the youth who will carry the torch next.