by Marc Ratovo
“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” 2 Corinthians 4:5
Marc Ratovo
I am so thankful to the Lord for the way He guides His children. God has called my family and me to serve Him in different regions of Madagascar, and today He has brought us here, to Mandritsara.
My name is Marc Ratovo. I’m married to Sahaza, and together we have two children: Benaiah (The Lord has built), who is three, and Soa Iriel (He is good, God is my light), who is one. I first trained in Applied Oceanology, but the Lord had something very different in mind for my life.
Marc & Sahaza
Ever since childhood, the vision of Hopitaly Vaovao Mahafaly (HVMM) — the Good News Hospital — has been on my heart. As an adult, I applied several times for different positions there. Meanwhile, God was shaping me for ministry. He gave me opportunities to serve as a leader in two churches — one in Tuléar, in southern Madagascar, for about five years, and another in Antananarivo, the capital, for almost a year.
Then, on applying for the position of General Director at HVMM, the hospital board invited me instead to serve as Spiritual Counsellor. After much prayer, the position was finally entrusted to me.
This role of Spiritual Counsellor is truly essential within the project. It is a pastoral ministry — preaching, teaching, listening, and counselling. Most of my work is among the hospital staff. People come to share their struggles, seek advice, or respond to a sermon or Bible study. Others simply need someone to talk to.
My main task is to keep the mission of HVMM alive in the hearts of the staff and the leadership team, of which I am a member. That mission is to glorify God and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I also listen to and seek to help those who face behavioural or relational challenges. And of course, I preach the Good News to all and help train evangelists within the project.
Project management committee (Marc is 2nd from Left)
Although I don’t have formal theological training, God’s grace sustains me in this ministry. I am also blessed with valuable resources, one of them being Pastor Julian Hardyman. We meet once a week for encouragement, theological discussion, and sometimes simply to share about daily life.
Sharing God’s Word with workers in the project, parents of pupils in the Good News School, and hospital patients takes up much of my time here. During these 22 months of service, I have preached more times than in my 30 years since coming to faith!
Marc counselling hospital workers
God is truly at work in His project. A couple in the hospital is a living testimony to that. Their marriage had been deeply strained — almost broken — for years. My wife and I had to step in and speak to them firmly. By God’s grace, reconciliation came. Today, they live in peace — and the birth of a new child in their family is a beautiful sign of that restoration.
Because HVMM is a Christian project, we want everyone who joins the team to share in the mission’s vision. In my role and responsibilities within the organization, I take part in job interviews, helping to discern whether the applicant’s profession of faith aligns with Biblical values. Praise God — those He sends to us are not only professionally qualified, but spiritually ready to serve. Many have joined our daily evangelistic activities!
Of course, the journey is not without challenges. Caring for the souls of more than 200 people is not an easy task. My youth can also be a barrier, as many of my colleagues have far more years and experience than I do. But as Pastor Julian kindly reminded me, quoting Jeremiah 1:7: “The Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.’”
Let Us Thank the Lord:
For the freedom we have every day and on every occasion to proclaim the Good News of Salvation in Jesus.
For each person He calls to serve Him through this project.
For the work and ministry He has given me.
We Ask the Lord:
That the glory of God may shine through this HVMM project.
That God may grant my wife and me the wisdom and the skills to accomplish the work He has entrusted to us.
That I may receive training in theology and counselling.