Thank You For Praying For Tanantsoa



On one of Grant's first trips out to the bush, he passed by this small village named Tanantsoa. It is home to about 100 people who make their living selling charcoal to travelers passing by. Grant was well received, but struggled to find a "person of peace" - someone who truly trusted him and was not looking to get something in return.

This particular village has been close to my heart. The people are constantly struggling with day to day living (their nearest water source is 20km away). Every trip Grant made, I would want to hear about Tanantsoa, and every trip I was disappointed to hear that the people were closed off to a deeper relationship. During one trip, the leaders met to discuss whether Grant had truly come to share truth or if he had come to steal their children (a common belief here). The elders decided to trust Grant. Maybe this was a turning point for the village, though I can't say that we saw much fruit after that visit. Trip after trip, we have continued to pray that God would open their hearts.

God led 2 groups of people to adopt Tanantsoa for prayer through our Adopt-A-Village program. Because of limited access to this village, we believe that this has been the primary source of ministry among the people of Tanantsoa. We are so grateful for the people who have committed to pray for this village. God has been faithful to answer their prayers!

Last week, Grant headed out for discipleship in Besatra and Kilimary. When Besatra had to cancel, he took the opportunity to visit Tanantsoa. The atmosphere in the village was so different than anything he had experienced before. Everyone was lounging around under a tree, and were excited to talk to Grant and hear about his work. Before he knew it, Grant was in a spiritual conversation with the group. He was able to share the story of Creation to Christ with them and present the Gospel in several different contexts. The people were genuinely interested, and had many questions. At the end of the conversation, Grant asked if anyone believed that what he was saying was the truth. Ten people said that they believed and wanted to make Christ Lord of their lives! Praise the Lord for being faithful to answer prayers! Praise the Lord for working in the hearts of these people! And praise the Lord for raising up believers to pray for the lost! What an awesome God we serve!

(pictures taken nearly two years ago of 2 men that accepted Christ this week!)

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