Harvesters is committed to reaching the unreached through evangelism, often venturing into some of the most challenging and remote areas of the world. This is exemplified through the ministry of pastors in Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean with a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
Bridging the Gap
Christianity in Madagascar was introduced by early European missionaries in the 19th century, but many communities, especially in the rural and isolated regions, have yet to experience the transformative power of the Gospel. Harvesters Ministries recognises this gap and has taken on the crucial role of bridging it.
Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, is home to over 30 million people. From among them The Joshua Project has identified 11 unreached people groups totalling half a million people, highlighting the immense need for church planting and Gospel outreach.
Harvesters is Responding
We recently held a Kick Off event in Antananarivo, the capital city, where we presented our church-planting model to a new group of pastors. There was an overwhelming response as 102 new leaders eagerly signed up, ready to take on the mantle of church planting.
These dedicated individuals wasted no time, immediately going out to evangelise, resulting in 250 people giving their hearts to the Lord that day. This is a testament not only to the effectiveness of the tools and training from Harvesters, but the readiness of the local pastors to bring about transformative change in their communities.
Finding the Opportunities
Pastor Bertrant ministers in the south of the island. He travels by foot to some of the most forgotten places in the extreme heat. Sadly, many of these impoverished villages have no food to eat. He believes the Good News is the solution; it’s their only hope.
Madagascar suffers from extreme climate conditions that affect all aspects of life – from severe heat and drought to cyclones and flooding. When Pastor Alain, Country Leader for Madagascar, was asked how they prepare for an oncoming cyclone, he responded, “We gather all our resources and money. Then when the storm hits and people are left without food and clothing, we go out and provide for the community.”
In the middle of difficult and disastrous circumstances, these local leaders choose to see the opportunities.
Accelerating the Mission
Pastors in Madagascar face significant challenges to evangelism such as walking long distances, suffering scorching heat and encountering communities with limited access to education.
Through the support of friends like you, Harvesters is training pastors in evangelism and discipleship methods, as well as supplying resources such as the Heart of Man Chart, a powerful visual tool that transcends literacy barriers to effectively communicate the Gospel message.
We have also provided three key leaders with bicycles to help accelerate the mission. By foot, a pastor can reach one village on average per day; with a bicycle they can reach three.
With 11 unreached people groups still on the island, there is much work to be done. However, through the dedicated efforts of Harvesters’ pastors and the support of individuals like you, the Kingdom of God is advancing in Madagascar. By planting churches, making disciples and bringing the light of the Gospel to even the most forgotten corners, Harvesters Ministries is bringing the Kingdom of God to the unreached, one soul at a time.
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