Women on Mission August 2017
Hundreds Come to Faith through Seed Distribution in Madagascar
In southern Madagascar, severe drought and famine are ongoing problems for the Mahafaly people. They’re often forced to eat crops they had saved as seed for the next planting season, which means the following year they will be unable to harvest enough food. Then the cycle starts again.
IMB missionary Grant Waller met with key Mahafaly church leaders to discuss the overwhelming needs. Though faced with immediate hunger, the leaders sought a longer-term solution. “Don’t give us food,” they said. “If you can, give us seeds.”
Grant received funds from Baptist Global Response to purchase 165 tons of peanuts, black-eyed peas, and corn. The seeds were disturbed to 41,000 people in 55 villages.
In each location, villagers gathered under a shade tree, and each man, woman, and child received six cups of corn, four cups of peas, and four cups of peanuts. The Mahafaly church leaders told the people that they trust God for a plentiful harvest.
During the distribution, 17,000 people heard a clear gospel presentation based on the parable of the four soils (Mark 4:1-34). There are now 700 new believers and 33 new Bible study groups. Mahafaly leaders also have been invited to share the gospel in 17 more villages.
“Now that the people have seed to plant, please pray God would send rain to the dry, parched land,” said Grant’s wife, Jodie. “Pray for a bountiful harvest, not only in their fields but also among their hearts.”
We will receive the World Hunger banks back at the church on Sunday, August 20th. These funds will be used by Baptist Global Response to feed hungry people at home and around the world.
Women on Mission will meet Monday, August 14th at 6pm at the church. All our ladies are invited to join us for study, prayer, and fellowship.
