The Sakalava People

February 2008

Hello to all the people praying for the Sakalava people, Well things once again have really slowed down on the front lines work with the Sakalava. This is because the rains have come. Most of the people we know that work with the Sakalava people are stuck in the city of Mahajanga. This includes non mission agencies as well as mission organizations.

Madagascar is still a developing country and the road systems are not very good. There are 9 paved main roads on the whole island and they connect people from city to city. The Sakalava people live mostly in the deep country side where the only road systems are roads that are fit for a monster truck rally. Crossing rivers and driving through big holes are very common before you reach your destination. Unfortunately when the rains come, the rivers become very high, the holes full of water, and a lot of mud in between.

During this rainy season, a lot of work with translation and Bible Study preparation is going on.

There is a big need for leadership training as well. We have seen that often the best missionaries are people who have come out of the Sakalava beliefs and have such a good understanding of their own people group.

We are working on translation and practicing what is all ready translated of the “Building on Firm Foundations” program as well as the “Look, Listen and Live” materials. This not only involves getting the translations correct but also keeping our Sakalava language sharp enough that we can use it once we get out to the country side again. The roads should be dry again around the middle of March.

We thank you for your prayers. We see God moving often and know that is because there are many saints praying for the work that is being done here on the island of Madagascar. Thank you again.

Kevin