Byambatseren Adiya Stout (’24)

Mongolia to Doctor of Ministry

Mongolia native Byambatseren Adiya Stout (’24) began her doctoral journey in 2014 at Asia Graduate School of Theology in Malaysia, eventually transferring to LBC | Capital. Wife to a full-time pastor and mother of five sons, Adiya is working on her dissertation for a Doctor of Ministry degree and, even after experiencing tragedy along the way, is expected to graduate in May.

Last spring, Byam submitted the first draft of her dissertation and, soon after, her oldest son, Charles, passed away suddenly in an automobile accident. Together, the family processed their grief and by God’s grace, Byam returned to her studies and her writing this past fall. Read more of Byam’s journey to LBC | Capital below:

“I was born and grew up in an atheist country. I heard about Jesus first time in 1991 when I was a student. It took me six years to accept and believe in Jesus Christ. God never gave up on me, and he was sending American missionaries to speak the gospel to me. In 2000 on a mission trip to Russia, I heard God’s call to serve the world. When I wanted to know the time and destination, God reminded me to serve my own people first until He reveals it in His timing.

“The poverty situation was drastic, as Mongolia was in transition from communism to democracy. Many children dropped out of school, and parents lost their jobs. The socio-political system totally collapsed. People and children came to church to find hope, peace and love. I worked for international Christian development organizations for over 20 years, serving children holistically in Mongolia, Asia and Southern Africa. I was a part of the team establishing the National Children’s Ministry Network in Mongolia to empower local churches to reach and disciple the next generation. I also was a part-time faculty member at Bible Seminary in Mongolia for six years teaching Children’s Ministry.

“Moving to the USA in 2019, I had to go through a few big life changes that stretched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Many hours were spent on my knees for reflections and prayers to overcome the daily challenges that I faced.

“This whole journey was a faith-formation process for me. During an uncertain time, not knowing how to move forward, my good friend connected me to LBC. The courses and my supervisors helped me to move forward clarifying, developing and completing my doctoral dissertation. I am thankful to the LBC community that led and supported me in this journey and helped me to complete what God started in me 10 years ago.”