Download PhotoWhen President and Sister Namgur received a call from Elder Holland’s office in August 2021, they could not have imagined the three years that lay ahead. Three weeks later, another call — this time from President Dallin H. Oaks — extended an invitation that would change their lives and the course of Church history in Mongolia: to serve as the next mission leaders of the Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission. President Namgur would become the first Mongolian to hold that calling.
Though the call came as a surprise, both President and Sister Namgur can now look back and see how the Lord had been preparing them for this sacred assignment for years.
For Sister Namgur, that preparation started long before their mission, even before their marriage. A native of Japan, she recalls praying earnestly when she and President Namgur were dating. “I had many concerns,” she said. “But every time I asked if I should marry him, the answer was the same: ‘He is righteous in my eyes. If you really want this, just put your foot forward and it will work out.’” It wasn’t always easy, but those early struggles taught them to rely on each other and the Lord — a pattern that would guide them through mission leadership.
Later, while living in Mongolia for three years due to President Namgur’s work, she was deeply affected by what she witnessed. “We saw poverty and need. It was hard, but it opened my eyes and my heart,” she said. “It helped me understand what missionaries would be seeing every day — and reminded me to always be grateful.” In her hardest moments, she would think of faithful Mongolian sisters and say to herself, “If they were in my shoes, they would still be so grateful.”
President Namgur described three formative experiences the Lord gave him to prepare for this calling. First was his work as regional manager for Welfare and Self-Reliance, which brought him into regular contact with stake leaders. Next came a calling to serve in a Young Single Adult ward with his wife and young sons — a sacred opportunity to minister to and learn from the rising generation. Finally, a position with the Church’s temple department allowed him to work with temple presidents and understand the inner workings of temple worship. “The Lord tutored me through welfare, temples, and the YSAs,” he said. “All of that prepared me for this calling.”
Growth, Miracles, and the Lord’s Hand
President Namgur witnessed many miracles during his time as mission president. “There were times I thought I had the transfers figured out,” he shared. “But the Lord had different plans. And later we’d see — it was exactly what that missionary needed.” When missionaries would ask how he knew, he would simply reply, “I didn’t. But someone else did.”
He also saw just how much the Savior loves His missionaries. “I knew He loved them,” he said, “but until this calling, I didn’t understand the depth and magnitude of that love. I watched them go through hard things. But when the Lord works in their hearts, even a small change can have a huge impact over time. That’s what I got to witness.”
Missionaries, he explained, are helping others come unto Christ — but to do that, they must experience this mighty change of heart themselves. “My biggest job,” he said, “was to help them have that change.”
A Lasting Impact
Under the Namgurs’ leadership, the mission flourished. The number of missionaries tripled. Two new areas were opened, and two others reopened. Six Mongolian senior missionary couples were called. They organized the mission’s first addiction recovery conference and an English conference. They also worked to strengthen interfaith relationships.
One of their greatest priorities was preparing members for temple worship. “At our first fireside, I asked members to start praying daily for a temple,” President Namgur said. “Everyone wanted a temple, but they weren’t praying consistently for it. Once we united our faith and prayers, everything changed — and not long after, the Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Temple was announced.”
In addition, they focused on developing local leadership. Following guidance from the Area Presidency, they encouraged members to elevate their vision, deepen their confidence, and prepare to lead.
When Elder Oaks extended the call to serve, he gave this charge: “Show Mongolia what Christianity can do for them.” That message became their guiding light. “In everything we did,” said President Namgur, “we asked ourselves: Are we showing the people what Christianity can do for them?”
The Heart of the People
When asked what Mongolians bring to the gospel, both President and Sister Namgur spoke with deep love and admiration.
“The number of members here is small,” said Sister Namgur, “but the blessings they are trying to bring to the world are tremendous. I want them to be bold and proud of their heritage. There are people on the other side of the veil cheering for them to be strong. They are not unimportant — not in the eyes of the Lord.”
President Namgur added, “Mongolian people are hardy, strong, and humble. They are a believing people with believing hearts. Many missionaries came here thinking they would teach the people about Christ — but they ended up learning from them instead. That, to me, describes the Mongolian people so well.”
Looking Forward
Reflecting on the prophecy of Elder Neal A. Maxwell, President Namgur shared his hope: “That Mongolia will truly become a beacon of light to the nations round about.”
To the new mission president, he gives this counsel: “Just trust in the Lord. This is His work. And remember what President Oaks told me: ‘You will be president for just three years, but a father and husband for eternity.’”
To the missionaries they’ve served with, their parting words are full of faith:
“Be humble, be obedient, be diligent — and let the Lord guide you.”
— President Namgur
“The strait and narrow path doesn’t have to feel narrow. If you stay connected to the Savior and walk with Him, you will stay on the path.”
— Sister Namgur