Summer among the Sakalava

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James Loney spent the summer of 2015 serving on a Training in Ministry Outreach (TIMO) Quest along with five other short termers among the Sakalava of Nosy Be, an island off Madagascar.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever go to Madagascar! But Iโ€™ve always considered that God might be calling me to long term mission and I wanted to get a feel for it first. The number of options available was a bit overwhelming, until I came across the Madagascar TIMO Quest trip. It ticked all the boxes and I really felt God calling me there.

Living like a missionary

“I know that if I continue to walk with God, then there is no need for me to be nervous.”

For most of my stay I served with Bryan and Rebe McReynold and their four children. I was able to shadow them and get a feel for what it is like to live as a missionary. I got to know the Sakalava community and was a part of the teamโ€™s ministry, establishing Bible studies and chatting about the Christian faith. At first it was tough, trying to adjust to my new surroundings, especially during a homestay with a Sakalavan family, having no idea of the language or how to act in that culture! But I met two young Sakalava men, Franklin and Rivaldo, who helped me with the language as I helped them with their English. Time spent with them was one of the highlights, together with the camaraderie of the team and the beauty of the island.

Sakalava-short-term

Godโ€™s word to the world

Since coming home from Madagascar, I wish I had made more of my time there. But it has heightened my desire for mission. I am actively looking for new opportunities, and while I havenโ€™t decided if this something I will do once I have finished my education, I still want to experience the world and bring Godโ€™s word to unreached parts of it. It would be wonderful to know that people are praying about this with me, as very soon I will have to decide what I want to do with my life, a big decision! However, I know that if I continue to walk with God, then there is no need for me to be nervous.

To finish, Africa is an amazing place. I have never experienced such a rich and abundant culture, and the memories that I made there will never be forgotten.

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