January 19, 2008
Welcome to Madagascar! In French: Bienvenue a Madagascar! In Malagasy: Tonga Soa Ny Madagascar!
These are the words we have heard over and over in the last two weeks since we arrived back in Madagascar. Some of these words were spoken by fellow missionaries, others by Pastors and their wives, still others by the children of the orphanage or students of our Bible School. But regardless of whom they were spoken by, or which language it was communicated in, the fact remains the same. We are back on the island, among the people that we are privileged to live and work among.
While we were in the USA among the churches, family & friends we enjoyed, life has continued on here. New students are at the Bible School. New children (over 40) now live at the orphanage. We have had new Pastors voted into national leadership. New churches have been started. We even have a new missionary family whose ministry specializes in medical evangelism.
But with all of the positive changes, have also come the challenges. Life has become increasingly difficult for the Malagasy people. They have faced a multitude of hurricanes in some areas, and famine conditions in others. The price of everything has increased. It used to cost about $3 for a gallon of gas, but it now costs over $6 for that same gallon. Housing has almost doubled. Food has increased by almost 50%. And the list goes on. But you get the idea. Life is hard for our church here.
All of these realities make us very thankful for the relationships that we established in the USA and for those of you who chose to continue to support us, or have begun supporting us for the first time. Every financial pledge made to our ministry will be increasingly important in the face of these great needs and cost increases. Every church, family or individual who faithfully gives to our ministry, will be an important link to insuring that we have the resources we need to work and make an impact among the people of Madagascar.
We also realize that your prayers will be increasingly important as well. With natural struggles and difficulties, there are also the underlying spiritual struggles that are happening as well. But we know that when the enemy comes in like a flood, that God will raise up a standard to push back that which is intended to destroy. And we know as we go forward, empowered by your prayers that even the gates of hell will not prevail!
So what have we been doing in our first weeks back in Madagascar. In order to stay long term here, we have had to gather and submit dozens of documents and papers to give us long term visas. Praise the Lord, that is done and we are in the system now. We have also spent much time looking for a house to move into. We have also found one adequate to our needs (big enough to home school four children) that we will move into on the first of February. We have also spent time getting reacquainted with Pastors, missionaries, coworkers and friends. There have been times of planning and organizing. And more will come.
But what are the plans for the near future? We will begin to travel to churches and minister to them. Evangelism, both in training seminars and open air crusades will be planned. The needs of new churches will be evaluated, and construction projects considered. Preparation for teaching new classes at the Bible School will begin as well.
How can you pray?
- Health: In the couple weeks here so far, three have us have been ill at least once. Pray that we adjust quickly back to life here. Everything is different (food, water, hygiene practices, time changes that effect sleep, etc)
- Safety: Traveling in a country like Madagascar is always a challenge & somewhat dangerous. Narrow roads, large potholes, thousands walking in the dark, intense rains. All of these make driving a fun and somewhat hectic adventure. Just after writing this e-mail, I had to go with one of our pastors who had an accident and hit a pedestrian at a bus stop. It wasn't his fault, but he will still be held liable since he was driving the vehicle. He is ok and the woman is in the hospital, expected to recover.
- Wisdom: As we enter back into the culture and ministry of Madagascar, that God will help us to use our time, talents and resources in the best way that would further the Kingdom of God.
- National Church: as our new national leaders grow and develop, that God would lead and guide them to be a blessing to the church. Also, that God would show us how to best support and encourage them.
One important note to those enjoy e-mailing. We love to hear from each of you. We just ask one thing. Please no forwards, especially those with attachments. Our e-mail is very slow and large e-mails can take hours to download. But all personal communication is welcomed and encouraged.
Blessings!
Jay