Update on the Five

God has been at work among the Mahafaly people!  I wish I had time to share with you every story of faith that encourages us, but there are just not enough words!  Instead, I thought I would give you a quick update of these five churches that mean so much to us.

Kilimary:  One of the first villages we ever visited.  What a history we have with these people!  They have grown so much in their faith, and wow – they are not afraid to share it!  On this last trip, the villagers told Grant and Steve they are planning on building a church building….not because they believe that God is contained in a building or that they need it as believers, but because they want a place to worship that lets everyone know that they are Christian believers and worshipping God alone. 

Besatra:  We also have a long history with this village.  What a special and unique relationship it has been!  The believers continue to grow and mature in their walks with the Lord.  The life change among these believers is evident to all and is reaching many around them.  Over a 100 people came to the last time of worship.  Praise God for the passion and fire he has set to these people’s hearts!

Andremba:  We have had many highs and lows with this village.  But in the last 6 months, the church leaders have really stepped up and transformation has become a constant theme with each visit.  This past week, they told Grant and Steve not to sit under the normal kily tree they meet under (the same tree used for any formal village meeting or religious time).  They told them they have been meeting in a different location so that the town’s people would realize the believers were different and their time together was not just like any other meeting under the tree.  They want to set themselves apart from ancestral worship.  They then proceeded to show Grant and Steve songs and dances they have created to go alongside the stories they have been studying.  All of them were set to traditional music and dance.  This is what indigenous church planting is all about!!

Itamboina: Over the past few months since Doug, Nathan, Noelle, and pastor Toria preached the gospel in Itamboina the believers have continued to grow in their knowledge and understanding of God. We have had a consistent group meet with us for initial follow up stories. The believers here have a passion to share Christ with others.

Ampotake: Before Doug and Nathan returned to America they partnered with Noelle and pastor Toria to proclaim the gospel in Itamboina. Since that time the believers have undergone persecution from some of the more established churches in the area. Despite and possibly due to this persecution, the believers’ faith has actually strengthened! God is growing the faith among the believers there and adding to their number each week!