Called to go, and stay
Janaine Basso, her husband Fernando and their two sons, Benicio (5) and Timóteo (2), live in Betroka, southern Madagascar, among the Bara people. Janaine explains how God called her.
The world’s fourth biggest island boasting flora and fauna that exist nowhere else on earth. 92% of the population exist on less than £2 per day. 41% of the population identify with Christianity, 7% with Islam, the majority follow Traditional African Religions.
In 1979 Colin & Christine Molyneux began AIM’s work in Madagascar. Initially working with the Malagasy Bible Society the plan was for AIM mission partners to engage in farm projects that would support poor communities, and encourage Christians in these communities to share the gospel. Quickly, however, it became clear to the Molyneux’s that there was a tremendous need for evangelism and Bible teaching across all of Madagascar. Whilst many in Madagascar professed the Christian faith, few knew Christ.
Today the task continues, Madagascar is still in need of Bible teaching and there remains ten people groups who are still waiting to hear the gospel for the first time. AIM’s goal is to reach these unreached people with the good news of Christ, and to see Christ-centred churches across Madagascar, and the rest of Africa.
Janaine Basso, her husband Fernando and their two sons, Benicio (5) and Timóteo (2), live in Betroka, southern Madagascar, among the Bara people. Janaine explains how God called her.
Betroka is a small village in southern Madagascar, surrounded by beautiful mountains. This place has been the land and home of the Bara people for centuries.
Rosina Ferdinand, AIM’s Unit Leader for Madagascar, shares about what is happening in Madagascar as the country deals with the impact of Covid-19.
‘Look up at the sky and count the stars…so shall your off-spring be’ (Genesis 15:5). Time and again in the long years that followed, Abraham would have been reminded every time he looked up at the night sky of this promise from God.
Madagascar is thought to have more than 300 species of frogs, 99 percent of which only live in Madagascar. Frogs are the only amphibians found in Madagascar—there are no toads, salamanders, or newts. Why not have a go at making an origami jumping frog and see whose will jump the highest or the furthest?
Elizabeth Macaulay looks back on sharing life with Malagasy friends, students and missionary colleagues.