December 2021 - March 2022

"For You have been a defense for the helpless, A defense for the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; For the breath of the ruthless Is like a rain storm against a wall." Isaiah 25:4 The congregation in Irina was putting the final touches of the new church together before the Cyclone season hit Madagascar. At the Christmas divine service more than 180 people attended church in the new building.
In January and February two massive cyclones hit the island.  This new church sustained just over $700 in damage to the roof of the new church.  See the pictures below. 



Jean, Aina and the girls started The House of Hope and took their Christmas break to go on a mission trip.  They collected toys, candies, breads and water bottles to share gifts and God's love with children in the rural areas.  In a week, they put on over 720 miles serving three villages and literally ran out of items to give away! To their best estimate they gave gifts to over 100 children.   






The House of Hope continues to pray over and look for additional ways to serve those in Madagascar.  The following came to them through the Malagasy Synod and House of Hope feels it would be very beneficial to God's kingdom there.  Please pray about this new mission opportunity:

Pastor Rémond Ramarijaona serves the congregation in Ranotsara Avaratra as well as Shepherd Camp.  Shepherd Camp is where sick people come to receive special pastoral care and healing through prayers and casting out of demons.  This is unique of its kind for the Malagasy Lutheran Church, who is in fellowship with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  A mission of this congregation was to start a Lutheran school. After years of planning, in 2021-2022 they opened  Martin Luther Private School and offered two sections of Preschool this year.  Pastor Ramarijaona’s wife, who is first responsible of the school, has been trained to teach in Lutheran schools and is currently one of the two teachers.  They have ten (10) table bench-seats for the children and use the church building for the classroom. 

In the first year of Martin Luther Private School they had enrolled 23 children.  However, they have heard from many more potential students, and with financial help, would like to build more classrooms.  Teachers would be appointed by the synod.  Martin Luther Private School is confident the church can supply the materials for the school needs, but they need our help to build two or three new classrooms.  They have land and would like to begin the process of construction sooner than later.  They would like to offer a full primary school which offers five levels of educational classes. 

Here are some pictures to look at and pray about.  If you feel called to help please do so as they would like to begin construction as soon as possible.




 See the sketch and digitalized version below. 






The current estimate for this construction is $9,011.95.  Would you consider helping this Lutheran school grow?

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

July 2021

Image
It has been some time since we have been able to do an update on the Madagacar Mission.  As COVID has created major lockdowns in Madagascar, travel to other cities has been greatly impacted.  Jean was able to get there in July 2021.  Even with the lockdowns, they have been able to get work done on the church. They are on the final stages of the outside now.  See the metal windows and doors that will be installed soon and the completed bell tower.   What remains is the paving of the inside floor, inside and outside mortars.  This beautiful church is nearing completion.   On Sunday, July 11th, Rev. Jean was asked to come lead worship as the current Irina Church pastor was being moved to another congregation within the Malagasy Lutheran Church.  See here the choir after the sermon and the closing hymn.  Following the worship the choir also did some special music as an extra thank you to the departing pastor.  Enjoy their praises! May we continue to bless this congregation through our dear
Read more

September 2019 - March 2020 Update

Image
Greetings to you from Christ our Lord and Savior. So much has happened in Madagascar in the prior months.  Jean sends his regards and blessings through many pictures and videos taken on a recent trip down to see the progress.  He returned home on 12 March 2020 and provided the following update. They have been busy in Irina constructing the church.  See for yourselves!  May God continue to bless our efforts to support the Irina Lutheran church. Videos: Pictures: May God continue to bless this mission.
Read more

April - November 2020 Update

Image
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and Word was God.  John 1:1  A Thank You message from Rev. Jean Rajaonasy to St. John Lutheran Church on behalf of the congregation at Irina.  The Lord has blessed the church at Irina through your gifts of money. So far in 2020, we have been able to send $2,370!!  Your monies have contributed to purchasing materials and finishing the brickmaking, the hiring of a contractor to build the church walls and roof.  He has been able to also start on a bell tower.  With these improvements, the church has grown by 12 members and they now have over 100 members! Notable happenings:  ·           In the June 2020 update we were told the church needed 34 more metallic tin pieces to complete the church roof.  They held a fundraiser in Irina in August 2020.  They raised 975,300.00 MGA , and an individual donor then contributed exactly the amount needed to purchase 34 additional sheets!  Praise God the contractor was then able to finish that p
Read more