“Addiction is not just a habit—it’s a wound. We use God’s Word to heal those wounds.”

Pastor Puje has years of experience that prove the truth of his statement. Since coming to faith in 1993, Puje has served the most marginalized in his community of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

For ten years, he ministered in prisons, bringing the gospel, counseling inmates, and advocating for those society had discarded. After two years of theological study in the United States, he returned home with a renewed vision.

In 2010, he rented a large building and launched a church for ex-prisoners. It started with twelve members. But soon, he noticed others on the streets—homeless individuals not coming out of prison but suffering the same.

“Many released prisoners were homeless. Some had no families to return to. Others were so hopeless, they didn’t want to leave prison at all,” he said. “I saw some reoffend just to go back.”

Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city on earth, with brutal winters and a rising homeless population. As of a 2018 report, there were over 10,000 individuals living without homes in the city, a number that has likely increased due to economic hardship, natural disasters, and widespread alcoholism. The rural poor often migrate to the city after losing livestock to harsh weather, only to find limited job opportunities and soaring living costs.

“God broke my heart again,” he said. “I realized we needed to serve them too.”

Between 50 and 70 people, including Puje and his family, gather every Tuesday and Friday. They study the Bible through Emmaus correspondence classes, sing worship songs, and receive hot meals. On most days, there’s also free medical care, haircuts, and donated clothes.

It is affectionately known by those who attend as the "Homeless Church."

“This church saved my life,” said one church attendee. “I came to the city with nothing. I slept in underground tunnels to stay warm. I was addicted to alcohol. But here, I found people who didn’t judge me. They gave me food and reminded me I’m still a human being.”

The Homeless Church’s mission is clear: to help people recover from addiction, build spiritual community, and live lives rooted in biblical principles.

Many of the once-homeless members now participate in farming, harvesting, and other meaningful work. Others have returned to the countryside, this time with hope and stability.

Puje intentionally works with believers to serve in various roles at the church—from cooks and cleaners to praise team members and evangelists.

“We want them to know that they have value, purpose, and gifts to offer,” he explained. “This is their church.”

Serving and learning together help remind church members of their God-given worth, dignity, and value. The message at this church is clear: God has good plans and purposes for your life, and you can live a life that reflects that purpose.

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This story adapted from the latest issue of NCM Magazine.