In a village grappling with economic and spiritual challenges, an evangelistic team supported by MAF brought footballs, faith and hope
Students, teachers, and football players have embraced the love of Christ after MAF brought a team to share the love of Christ with a remote community in Madagascar, paving the way for lasting transformation.
Church Sports and Recreation Ministries (CSRM) led by Rasamoelina Andrianjaka ‘Njaka’, a former basketball player who represented Madagascar, and Randriambao Manantsoa Hasina arrived in Tambohorano on a MAF flight from the capital Antananarivo.
These flights are part of MAF’s work with the Mamafy (sowing) project, which aims to spread the Gospel by flying evangelists and pastors in the remote corners of Madagascar.
The visitors inspired young people in the town with their love of sport, but they also had the goal of initiating construction of an evangelical church and sharing the Gospel with a community yearning for change.
Njaka said that “Even while resting at the house where we were meant to stay, children would always come asking for Bibles.”
They were really touched when a young boy came asking for a Bible and said, "I can’t read or write, but my father can read it to me."
I can’t read or write, but my father can read it to me
They were warmly welcomed by locals and former trainees.
“The evangelism began at the public middle school, where 180 students listened intently. The director of the school, delighted with the previous success of the team, had opened the school’s doors,” said Njaka.
During the previous MAMAFY mission in July, Hasina’s wife Raseliarison Saholy Hanitra Miora supported the school by providing them with courses which led to the increase of the class pass rate during national exams.
According to Njaka, the school director said: “We have had an 83% passing rate, a rare achievement here."
Some of the students accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
“We were allowed to share the Gospel in each class, we could take time to really talk to the young,” Hasina said.
“Our mission extended to the local football field. After a match, players gathered to listen to the message. The club president told his players ‘Listen carefully; what they are sharing is important’. About 30 of young players where ready to follow Christ and committed to Him.”
We could take time to really talk to the young
Njaka explained the impact the group’s message had for the community.
“This time we could also talk and spend time with the teacher and decided to engage into topics like sexuality, emphasising that sexual relationships before marriage are not God’s will. The message struck them, and one teacher admitted ‘This opened my eyes’,” he said.
“Despite multiple challenges and the harsh weather conditions, we hope through the help of the Holy Spirit that the nine days we stayed there will leave an enduring impact.
“The conversions, commitments, and the hope of establishing a new church testify to the power of the Gospel to transform lives and entire communities.
“We believe only the Gospel can change people, society, and our nation.”