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February 27, 2008

LIFE IS HARD, BUT GOD IS GOOD!

That might sound cliché, but it is true here in Madagascar. This week I was teaching third year students at our Pastoral Bible School. We are studying the book of Romans together. As we looked at chapter 8, we were reminded of three things. First, part of the reality of being children of God is that we will suffer with Him (8:17). Secondly, that there is a future glory that will outshine the present sufferings (8;17). and thirdly, that no matter how difficult the situation we face, that God's love will support us & bring us the victory through Christ! (8:35-39).

As I taught on this, I began to reflect on recent situations right here in Madagascar in the last few weeks.

Almost three years ago, I helped a young Pastor & his wife plant a church near where we live. I preached in the streets, showed the Jesus film & ministered to the new congregation that was formed. I even helped them find a building to rent. Upon returning to Madagascar, I was eager to see how the new church was doing, and how I might support them again in their work. When I saw the Pastor & his wife at a Pastors meeting a couple weeks ago, I set a time for them to come to my house and update me on their progress. Two days later I received a phone call that this 28 year old Pastor had died in his sleep, leaving behind a wife, one year old little boy & a fledgling church. I was shocked to say the least. There is no way to prepare for these times. All we could do was to show love and support during this dark moment.

Then, only one week later, a cyclone (hurricane) hit the island with over 125 mile per hour winds and intense rains. We went without electricity at our home for four days during this time. But for us, that was our worst inconvenience. For the Malagasy, the results have been disastrous! We have lost at least 5 churches that collapsed or were destroyed. They say that at least 150,000 people have been effected in some way. At least 44 have died. On the east coast, there are areas where 75% of the homes have been destroyed. Even in the capital city, there are over 20,000 people living in temporary tents, as they are homeless due to the cyclone. Estimates say that at least 64,000 acres of rice (the main food staple) has been destroyed. And as this is what is known as cyclone season, more cyclones might be on their way.

If we only look at those things, we would say, LIFE IS HARD!

But I also said, GOD IS GOOD!

What is the good. you might ask?

First, the Pastor's wife (her name is Echelle) is already looking at what God wants her to do with her life. Even while she is still grieving, this woman of faith is asking God what it is He wants her to do now to continue in ministry to touch the people of Madagascar. Remember, it was only 2 weeks ago, but yet her faith is moving her forward! She will be a blessing. And the church she & her husband started will go forward as well.

In the midst of the aftermath of the cyclone, our churches and believers are looking to what they can do to alleviate the suffering of others. They are reaching out to demonstrate love and compassion. Even this weekend, I am going with some Malagasy Pastors and other missionaries to one of the tent cities to minister to those who have need. While one of my fellow missionaries, who is a nurse practitioner (doctor), shows compassion through his skills, I will preach the good news that Jesus loves and cares for them. Together, we seek to bring hope to those who need it most.

And in the midst of these difficult times, we continue to make plans to start new churches, reach untouched people groups, and train & equip the church for good works. The good news is, as Paul stated it in Romans 8:37, "Yet in all of these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!"

Will there be other difficult times in the future? Yes. But we will face them with the confidence that "If God is for us, than who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Please pray:

Blessings!

Jay

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