MADAGASCAR MISSION

Taking a taxi is an everyday event. Going to the grocery store, to the big market, to church, to pay utility bills or nearly anything else that needs or wants to be accomplished requires a taxi ride. There are approximately 1,000 taxis’ in Diego we have been told. They range from the old Renault’s barely big enough for my legs to fit into the front seat to the open 3 passenger Bajaj’s which we prefer. Honestly, it is quite fun to ride in a Bajaj and my family thoroughly enjoys it most of the time. When it rains, well that is another story, but normally it is an enjoyable way to get around town.  Often, we use the time to practice language, whether speaking to the driver or other passengers or simply by listening to them talk which is good for our comprehension of the language. Our team has also been praying for the taxi drivers and we are intentionally looking to get to know them to be able to share the gospel with many of them.  Today at team meeting we listened ...

I met Djanfar [john-far] one day outside of my house. Returning home from town with the kids there were two men wearing traditional Muslim dress outside our gate. After letting the kids into the house, I went back outside to meet them. It was more out of curiosity as to why they were standing by my gate rather than hoping to have an evangelistic encounter. However, Djanfar and I had a great talk, nothing major other than introductions, but it was a start. After our initial meeting, I invited him to come over so we could continue getting to know each other. Taking me up on the offer, he arrived one evening with a bag of fruit for us and we sat outside talking. In return I have stopped by his shop on occasion, and Brandi sent some goodies to him and his family.  Passing by his shop one day can see Djanfar as he stands at the counter in his shop selling basic goods like bread, tea, sugar, candles, and all sorts of snacks there is a steady stream of customers. He is busy with...

Sinot [see-new] is a young man in his 20’s who I met at the carpentry shop in December while trying to buy a table and chairs. He works on various projects there and from the start he has been good at helping me with language, even though I often cannot understand his accent very well. He introduced me to his family and has invited me over to talk with them on several occasions. He lives with his mother and three sisters. His father has never been mentioned other than that he does not live near him.  Sinot called the other day and invited me to his home. I was very interested to visit since Ramadan has started and I know that his sister is a serious Muslim and he has hinted, without committing, that he is as well. I was thinking I would see how Malagasy follow the fast and then break it as sunset Imagine the shock I had when upon arrival at around 4:30pm, while it is still very much daylight, I find everyone except Sinot and his sister, Zahara, drinking beer and I found ...