Despite deeply rooted local traditions, Hasina and his family flew in with MAF on a mission to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Tambohorano, Ambalabadika and Bekapaiky are communities where traditional beliefs still have deep roots.
Determined to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this region, Hasina and his wife with their son flew with MAF to reach this isolated region on a mission to help people.
Their second visit to Ambalabadika in 2023 was marked by a remarkable change. The village chief, once a pillar of traditional beliefs, is changing and wants to know more about his newfound faith. During that visit, the chief gathered his family, not to speak of ancient customs, but to hear the Gospel and God’s love for them.
I don’t go to traditional doctors anymore for my teeth problem, I started to take medicine
In these remote areas on Madagascar’s western coast, whenever people get sick, they will seek help and healing from witchcraft.
The evangelist described the change in the former local leader.
“As he spoke, his voice carried the weight of his newfound faith. His words, filled with conviction and hope, were a beacon of light that promised healing and freedom from the fears that had once bound them,” Hasina said
The family flew with MAF from the capital Antananarivo to Tambohorano, in the Melaky region. It can take up to four days of travel by road due to the poor infrastructure and the security concerns that further complicate access to this location.
The ability to fly directly into the area provides a lifeline for the local population and enhances the overall safety of the family’s mission.
We would not be able to go there without MAF
Hasina and his family went on a long walk to Bekapaiky, a village 90 minutes away on foot.
“Upon arrival we encountered a family deeply entrenched in tradition and plagued by fear. We could see that the villagers wanted to be free from ancestor worship, but they are afraid,” Hasina said.
The villagers told Hasina that they were afraid of changing their belief but agreed to send their children to a local Lutheran church.
Hasina spoke of a God who could offer them salvation and peace but also protection, a God who could remove their fears and grant them safety.
By attending church, their kids’ hearts can be touched by the message of Christ.
“During this visit, we could go to about five homes and gave them the good news book and for those who cannot read we gave them audio tracks for them to listen,” Hasina added.
The journey continued as Hasina and his family visited a middle school in Tambohorano, where his wife Miora, a mathematics professor, could help the students who face educational challenges. Miora’s arrival was a gift, offering both academic reinforcement and a chance to share the gospel.
The school director, deeply appreciative, saw the value in both the academic and spiritual contributions.
He told Hasina that he hoped the blend of education and faith would pave a brighter path for the children’s futures.
As night fell, the message was broadcast to a wide audience.
Despite the obstacles, the mission was a success. Hasina and his family worked tirelessly to share the Gospel and prepare for future visits. The mission’s achievements were a reminder of the need for ongoing support and follow-up to nurture the newly planted faith
Twenty of the locals accepted Jesus
It is a testament to the transformative power of faith, even in the face of deeply rooted traditions in this region.