after two years here
By Debbie Hardyman, missionary dentist from the UK
Debbie Hardyman and friends
Almost two years into a new life in Mandritsara, there are still surprises and the odd reflection that hits me. This is Easter weekend. If it wasn’t in the diary and that there are some extra church services it wouldn’t be noticed. Monday is a day off, but we have random days off for other Catholic and Islamic special days, too. There are no chocolate eggs, no hot cross buns and no decorations with chicks and bunnies. There’s certainly no Simnel cake, due to the lack of almonds and dried fruit.
Passion flower
Last year I didn’t really notice the difference, but this year it is stark. I guess in some ways perhaps it is good for Easter to be stripped bare and the only thing that makes you aware of its presence is your Bible readings. Of course, the first Easter had no packaging except a crown of thorns, a cloak and some torture equipment. The amazing truth is that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and rose again, having conquered sin and death forever.
Oxcarts
Cooking Rice
Hoopoe
If the lack of Easter celebrations seems abnormal, what is striking is that seeing ox carts is now normal, that the temperature generally being over 30 is routine and eating rice is an everyday thing. (Although enjoying the views, the stunning birdlife, the butterflies and the sounds of the night and the stars are yet to become taken for granted!) And the list of things to bring out changes - Sudafed will be in my case next trip back!
But what you slowly become aware of, through friendships with the people, is the harshness and darkness of some things in the culture. Like the lack of support and security for women. So that you can be ‘replaced’ with no warning and need to leave where you have lived and farmed to return to your birth village. Widows have few rights and little security. And if you are imprisoned prior to your trial there is no one to check your children are provided for. And there is no saying how long the wait for a trial could be. Abuse is common, and being trapped in the cycle is, too.
VIllage
But although these sound dire, and they are, God’s people can make a difference. Churches are taking in those who have lost their homes. Families are taking in parentless children. Struggling women are finding loving communities. And some of these churches were started through the Good News project, and some of the church leaders are key figures in the hospital and radio work.
Church
And the project is still determined to take the gospel out into the communities around here, to show Christ’s love to them and bring practical help. To tell any and every patient in the hospital and their family about the love God has for them and how He has sent Jesus to be their Saviour.
When the darkness is so grim, we need to turn to the Light and pray for Light to be turned on in dark places and dark hearts.
Save the Date - October 25th Hybrid Prayer Day in Cambridge
We believe that the Mandritsara project is the work of God. It is He who gave the initial vision to the leaders of the Bible Baptist Association of Madagascar along with the leaders of Africa Evangelical Fellowship. It is He who has called workers from Madagascar and various countries around the world. It is He who has stirred up God’s people to give the funds and supply equipment and resources. Everything has come from Him. And He has built His Church as He promised in the Bible.
And throughout the project, God’s people have prayed, acknowledging their utter dependence on Him and seeking His direction, provision and blessing.
This is why we hold Prayer Days. They are opportunities for those who support the work in Mandritsara to be updated with the current news and to meet missionaries and short term helpers who have been or are going to Mandritsara. But above all they are meetings for prayer. Prayer is the focus of Mandritsara Prayer Days – earnest, united, focussed prayer to God. We believe that God answers prayer. We believe that this is the way to advance the Kingdom of God – by depending entirely on Him.