By
Shirley Henderson
By
Shirley Henderson
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa--I miss Madagascar. It's hard to believe that in five days I became so attached to a country that is so far removed from the world in which I normally operate. A massive island, Madagascar is adrift off Africa in the Indian Ocean, idyllic, isolated and independent.
Accompanying my husband, James, on a visit to Madagascar in May gave me a chance to experience a little slice of Malagasy life. One of the highlights was attending a meeting with the church youths in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar.
Less than a year ago only two young adults were in the church in Tana (mercifully short for Antananarivo!). Our meeting was with 11 of the 15 youths who are now part of the church's vibrant youth group.
The original two decided that something needed to be done and worked to formulate a number of ways in which they could interest friends and family to join them in activities and worship. After conducting a youth weekend campout to which they invited as many as possible, the fledgling youth club began. It includes people between the ages of 15 and 25.
The club involves prayer meetings, a basketball club and social get-togethers. Their goals are to become an evangelistic tool to bring other youngsters to Christ and in the process to become a more professional and challenging basketball team.
They are actively looking for pen-pals around the world with whom to communicate as well as sponsorship for the team and their evangelical efforts. If you would like to write to them, e-mail Kiki or Tolotra at monde.venir@simicro.mg
Their enthusiasm, infectious humor and positive Christian attitudes were contagious, and I found myself promising to do all I could to help them achieve their aims.
Another high spot was a visit to the oldest WCG church member in the Indian Ocean. Papa Pierre, 85, assured us that if it weren't for his knees he would be fit enough to become a boxing champion. The faith that he and his wife have in Jesus just shines forth out of both of them. We met Papa Pierre sitting in the sunshine in front of his house reading his Bible while waiting for his wife to return from market.
The worship service for the growing house church in Tana was conducted in the family home of Madame Georgette, a blind member who is suffering severe health problems. All the members crowded into the living room for the service so that she could hear from her bedroom.
I was deeply moved to see how Jesus is using members in Tana to reach out to and to give hope to some of the most neglected members of society in one of the poorest countries in the world.
A true finale to a great trip came when at last I visited the Triomphe Orphanage, organized and run by Madame Eliezara. An amazing 81 children stay in the orphanage. Although bouncing (in place) with excitement during a worship service, they remained quiet and responsive to everything that was said and absolutely reveled in the singing and clapping and dancing.
I was filled with admiration for Madame Eliezera, who manages to keep the orphanage running while trying to raise the $25 per child per month it takes to keep it going. It takes incredible faith to trust that God will provide the necessary funds as and when they are needed when the lives of 81 destitute children depend on you.
About five years ago we had only a handful of contacts. Now we have a church in Tana, the church of the Orphans, the church of the Street People (will talk about this next time), the youth club and groups scattered toward the north.
This trip was one filled with warmth, enthusiasm, encouragement and fun. These dedicated people who rejoiced in our visit, inspired and gave back more than we could ever have brought to them!
I really am missing Madagascar!
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000