Right Place, Right Time: The Courageous Acts of Brother Tuvshinjargal 

Brother Tuvshinjargal (more fondly called Tuvshin) seems to have a gift for being in the right place at the right time. His story of service and courage began years ago during his missionary service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nearing the end of his two-year mission in Ukraine, he was serving as an assistant to the mission president when he had the opportunity to drive President James E. Faust, then Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church. Shortly afterward, President Faust called Tuvshin’s mother and asked if she would allow her son to extend his mission for an additional year. Under the authority of President Faust, Elder Tuvshin served for 3 years. Once again, he was in the right place at the right time—and his service continued.  Two decades later, Tuvshin found himself behind the wheel again, this time as a taxi driver for UB Cab.

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On November 5, 2024, his first passenger of the day was a pregnant woman headed to a doctor’s appointment. As traffic in Ulaanbaatar slowed their journey, she suddenly began experiencing contractions. Nervous but determined, Brother Tuvshin remembered the emergency training he had received from UB Cab. He offered his jacket as a pillow, sought police permission to drive on the opposite side of the road, and hurried to the hospital.

Just as he arrived, the baby could wait no longer. With quick thinking, he sanitized his hands and assisted in the delivery right there in the taxi. Once inside the hospital, mother and baby were declared healthy. Brother Tuvshin called the husband to let him know he was the proud father of a healthy baby boy. Out of gratitude, the family named the newborn boy Tuvshinbayar—after both Brother Tuvshin and the baby’s father, Bayarsaikhan. To this day, he remains in contact with the family, fondly asking, “How is my son doing?”

Only two months later, Brother Tuvshin was once again called into action. After dropping off a passenger, a frantic young girl knocked on his car window, pleading, “Please help me. My family is dying.” He followed her to a nearby house filled with smoke. Drawing on his training once more, he carefully opened the doors and windows, covered his face with a wet towel, and ran inside. One by one, he carried unconscious family members, numbering 12—starting with the grandparents—to safety until emergency services arrived. Every life was saved.

Reflecting on these experiences, Brother Tuvshin humbly explained, “I felt divine guidance as I helped those in need. I feel a special bond with those I helped.” When asked if he considered himself a hero, he replied, “I’m not a hero. As a disciple of Christ, it is my responsibility to help others.”

For his remarkable courage, he was honored with the Courageous Action Award and the Respected Citizen Award from the President’s Office, as well as a rare commendation from the Police Department.

Indeed, Brother Tuvshin’s story is a powerful reminder of how one person, in the right place at the right time, can change lives forever.