We are excited to share an update from Madagascar, where we’ve recently launched a second church-planting movement. The Lord has shown us that the harvest is ripe, and we are grateful to be a part of it. This is a place where the Gospel has been fought for in ways few can understand, with many paying the ultimate price for Christ. Now, we reap the fruit of their sacrifices and ask for your prayers as we continue this important work – prayer points are listed at the end of the article.
The Heavy History of Madagascar
Madagascar has a rich yet painful history, especially in its relationship with Christianity. While the Gospel first arrived in the 16th century, it’s spread was severely hampered during the reign of Queen Ranavalona I in the 1800s. She saw the spread of Christianity as a direct threat to her authority and responded with horrific violence, forcing the Church underground. Thousands were martyred and many more suffered for their faith.
As we continue our mission here, we are entering fields that have been tilled by the blood of martyrs. God is moving, and He is answering the cries of His people. We encourage you to join us in praying for Madagascar’s transformation, both spiritually and materially.
Poverty And Access to Training
Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries with over 70% of its population living in poverty. Despite the struggles, the people are resilient and hungry for ministry training from Harvesters.
A unique aspect of Harvesters is we take training directly to pastors in their villages, enabling them to stay and plant churches in remote communities that desperately need them. This approach allows us to reach those who might otherwise not have access to training. And the best part? The training is provided free of charge. The contribution of enrolled pastors is to plant at least three churches during the programme.
Currently, almost 300 pastors are in training across two church-planting movements in Madagascar, known as Streams. Eager to reach their communities with the Gospel, many have prayed for this opportunity for years. As Pastor Alain, Harvesters’ Country Leader for Madagascar, said: “These are the things we prayed for.” God is at work in this land and our prayers can have an impact.
Unreached People and Need for Churches
Today, around 40% of the population profess to be Christians. But with 11 unreached people groups still on the island, there is an urgent need for evangelism and churches. Furthermore, there’s a deep need for discipleship, as many believers are mixing traditional practises in with Christian teachings.
During the launch of our second Stream in Tamatave, an area increasingly influenced by Islam, the pastors applied their new evangelism methods. In one afternoon, 60 people came to faith in Christ! Pastor Alain shared, “Harvesters teaches us an easy way to present the Gospel.”
Hope for the Future
The harvest is indeed ripe – and there are more pastors waiting to get involved. Perhaps most encouraging of all is the rising passion of young people in their 20s who are eagerly signing up for church planting training. There is even the potential for seven more areas across Madagascar to launch new Streams!
In the words of Thinus Botha, Continent Leader, “There’s a need for church planting, there’s a need for discipleship, there’s a need to share the Gospel… That’s why Harvesters came to Madagascar!”
Prayer Points
- Pray for the protection and boldness of pastors as they plant churches and evangelise.
- Pray for the 11 unreached people groups to encounter the Gospel.
- Thank the Lord for faithful leaders who want to see their nation won to Christ.
- Pray for the physical and spiritual healing of the people of Madagascar.
- Pray for young people in training to become bold leaders for the Great Commission.
