Pray for the unreached Antakarana
The Antakarana, who are originally of mixed Austronesian, African and Arab ancestry, settled in the far north of Madagascar in the 12th century.
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.
The Antakarana, who are originally of mixed Austronesian, African and Arab ancestry, settled in the far north of Madagascar in the 12th century.
What has changed in 125 years? Missionaries from the early 1900s would not recognise much about the AIM of 2020. And today’s missionaries might not recognise the AIM of 2050. Or even 2030.
We are serving as part of a ministry team working among the Sakalava on the island of Nosy Be in Madagascar.
There are still almost 1,000 African unreached people groups, mostly in the Sahel, north and west Africa. May Jesus find us faithful, even for the next 125 years. Or until he returns.
The Bara live in small village communities of 50 to 300 people, scattered across the grasslands of south-central Madagascar, not very accessible by road.
Steve Auld, who is now serving as a pastor, reflects on how his experience on a TIMO team shapes his current ministry in Belfast.