Madagascar Link
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BLEAN CHURCH MADAGASCAR LINK
Life in Madagascar The multi-faceted landscape of Madagascar reflects, in many ways, the lives of its people. On the one hand they remain an agricultural-based society, and on the other they cannot avoid the fact that they live in a global society. Indeed, technology produced in other parts of the world is bringing great benefits. Take the use of planes and drones to deliver medicine to remote areas, the tech-hub businesses in the capital Antananarivo (‘Tana’), and the future promise of 3D-printed school buildings. All of this rises above the fact that a very high percentage of people in Madagascar do not have a job as such, 75% live on less than $1.90 a day, and eke a living from subsistence farming. With an ever-burgeoning population this, in turn, means a continuous fight to save the country from the devastation of mining exploitation, deforestation and an ever-reducing habitat for animals, birds and other living creatures. Three-quarters of children live in severe poverty, and are often sent out to labour at a very young age, instead of attending school. Weather systems are intense and have a role to play in the economy of the country. Madagascar experiences frequent cyclones and devastating floods, particularly in the north – ruining the rudimentary infrastructure, making travel and commerce very difficult and exacerbating poverty; in the south much of the landscape is a virtual desert for most of the year, and many people have become semi-nomadic due to their inability to grow crops, sustain cattle or even find enough water for themselves. As if that were not enough, plagues of locusts, serious diseases, some corrupt politicians and poor law and order in remote areas, add to the challenges. Fortunately, the Malagasy are very resilient; despite having so little in life, they are often very cheerful and accepting of the difficulties they face. They are also keen to help themselves, so any assistance is gratefully received and embraced with both arms. Assistance comes in the form of international aid, religious organisations, individuals and non-government organisations (NGOs). ~~~~~~~~~~ Over a decade ago, a link was formed between Blean Church and a dynamic priest named Rev Olivier, who lives in Ambatondrazaka, just south of Lac Alaotra in the northern half of Madagascar. Since then, there have been two visits by members of Blean congregation to Rev Olivier and his parishioners in Madagascar - in 2011 and 2018. This ever-strengthening link depends strongly on a regular exchange of information by email, encouraging - among other things - mutual support in worship; the link is prayed for each week in both Madagascar and Blean. We learn from each other and Blean congregation makes annual payments to support projects encompassing health, hygiene, education, disaster relief and mission. This money comes from a PCC grant and funds raised by various activities, notably Madagascar-themed lunches attended by around half the regular congregation! All agree that personal interaction and plentiful exchange of photographs and information, have enriched the link-experience for communities in both Madagascar and the UK. Trust, communication and personal relationships form the core of this successful link. These maps show where the parishes, cared-for by Rev Olivier, are located:
----------------- Here are the prayers exchanged and regularly used by parishioners both in Blean and Madagascar; prayers especially written for the link:
~~~~~~~~~~ Madagascar Lunches take place about once per month and everyone is welcome to join in! The aim is to hear about and discuss our various projects - and raise funds; we're talking about £5 per person - to include the cost of the lunch. Don't be shy, you don't even need to be a member of the congregation, just contact Mike Swain on 07956 638928, to find out the date and venue for the next lunch, or indeed if you want further information about our link and projects. ~~~~~~~~~~~ HEADLINES FROM MADAGASCAR NEWS BULLETIN - April 2023
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Following on below are summaries of the most recent communications with Rev Olivier in Ambatondrazaka, North East Madagascar, together with other news about our link and pictures depicting religious life in Madagascar. The November 2019 article by Roger Vickerman, gives an excellent general overview of how the link has been working, together with future plans. 29th May 2023 Dear all friends in Blean For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us power, love, and self-control (2Tim 1.7) With joy I represent my deanery and parish to greet you all for the feast pentecost. May the Spirit of Lord that we have received alive always the life of love to empower our link and our relationship. God bless you all Yours in Christ Revd Olivier 18th April 2023 Dear all friends in Blean, May the grace of Lord be with you all. I represent my parish and our deanery to greet you happy Easter . Christ is risen, we are winners through Him, Hallelujah! Next, I inform you the sad news about George's family. Germaine, the George's mother was dead on 29 March. You know good Germaine. Her departed is heavy for George and his family so we pray for him, his sisters and their family. Then, Thanks God that I have got a new computer through the money you have sent to me to buy it. Thank you very very much for your dealing with me to obtain lost because of the robbery in my house. God bless you all Yours in Christ Revd Olivier 22nd December 2022 Dear Roger, With joy I write to you. Peace of the Lord for you all in Blean. Thank you for thinking of what we want to improve and to develop our link so it may touch the social life. Thank you very much for all your support during this year. May God reward you for all the things you do for us. God bless. As we prepare for Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas and happy new year. Yours in Christ Revd Olivier
27th September 2022 Rev Olivier reports that in August this year, the church successfully hosted a meeting for youths from the whole Deanery, on the subject of dealing with drug and alcohol dependency – otherwise known as ‘Toxicomania.’ The farming and planting in Mahatsinjo are reported to be going well, and a gradually increasing number of people are now gaining benefit from this. Here is a picture…
9th September 2022 Dear all friends in Blean, With sadness I join you all and your Country through this e-mail. For our all condolences for you all and your Country for the leaving of Queen her Majesty Elisabeth II. We wanna thank to the Lord because He gave and He has taken away, blessed be His name. We ask for God will design Who will succeed in the royal throne in England. We feel also, not only England is in mourning but also all anglican in worldwide, because she is historically as a symbol of anglicanism. We pray that she may rest in peace. Continuing to pray for you all Yours in Christ Revd Olivier
4th June 2022 Revd. Olivier writes “Have a happy Whit Sunday. The Holy Spirit of God comforts us to continue our ministry. God bless you all” He tells us that in Holy Trinity Church in Mahatsinjo, the pig farming and the planting of vegetables are going well. The vicar is sharing the pigs with other families so they can learn how to farm a pig. The Mother’s Union is leading the planting of vegetables, helping families to enjoy healthy food. The feeding project for ensuring healthy meals for children continues. Revd. Olivier also tells us of his wish to continue studying to help improve his leadership and his ministry and seeks our support. The Malagasy Bible Society has sent him abroad to train in bible translation and he is now in the translation team in the Bible Society. 30th May 2022 Rev Olivier sends us news of harvest festival and the ordination of Pascal, who was sponsored by Blean Church community Everything here is going well and thanks be to God because the Church activity here is going well. We are now on the time of harvest feast in each Church in our Deanery. The harvest feast is the one activity to help the Church for doing his duty in the Diocese center.
Next, it is a good news to share with you. Pascal, the youth supported by Blean was ordained as Deacon on 21 May. Thanks be to God and thank you very very much for your supporting him to realise his ambition to be a clergyman God bless you all Yours in Christ
19th April 2022 Rev Olivier sends Easter greetings Dear all friends in Blean, Christ is risen today, we're winners through Jesus. With joy, we great you all our friends in Blean for a great day of our christian faith. Happy Easter Day. The God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, may cover us his power so we continue to serve Him. The God bless you all Yours in Christ Revd Olivier
12th March 2022 Rev Olivier sends us a pictorial report of : FEEDING THE CHILDREN IN SUNDAY SCHOOL AND PLANTING TREES FEEDING PROJECT OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL IN ST JAMES CHURCH AMBATONDRAZAKA 13 FEB 22 It is important for the parents and children in our Parish and Deanery to have the feeding project. That is helpful for them in fighting against Covid-19. The vegetables and fruits are important in providing protection for the body.
PROJECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION On Saturday 5th March 2022, the Churches of St James in Ambatondrazaka, St Michael in Ambohidava, and St Paul Manakambahiny went together to plant 800 trees. It is a project for environmental protection which is one of the missions of the Church. Thanks to the Parish of Blean which has helped us to realise the project. One father taught his daughter to plant a tree. The church youths also participate in tree planting.
Dean Olivier and the Revd Valiha from Holy Trinity Church in Mahatsinjo at the tree planting. Zo the Wife of Revd Olivier also took part in the tree planting!
Preparation of the food for all the people coming for the tree planting. It was a wonderful day for us because it was a great meeting for the congregations; we shared the picnic, and most importantly we were able to take part with God to renew all things by improving the environment.
21st February 2022 Dear all friends in Blean, The peace of the Lord be with you all. I hope you are well under the grace and protection of the Lord. There was a cyclone called BATSIRAI which passed through Madagascar a few weeks ago. Fortunately it has not touched our Area. There was a lot of damage in the region of South East Madagascar. Tendry, the young man supported by Blean for his studying has obtained the BACCALAUREAT and is now going to study theology. He is preparing to be a priest. I have bought for him some books which he needs for his studies and I represented Blean to give them to him (see accompanying photo). Pascal, the other young man supported by Blean has finished his studies and is waiting for his Ordination to the Diaconate. About Covid, we are now mobilizing people to be vaccinated. We continue to practise the use of masks, washing hands, and social distancing. Last Sunday we remembered Dr Jim Appleyard in our holy communion service. It was sad for the people here because Jim is one of the enthusiastic people to support us. We remembered his visit to Madagascar in 2011. May God give him rest and peace in Christ. God bless you all Tendry receiving Theology books from Rev Olivier
Revd. Olivier writes to wish us MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. He refers to the Anglican tradition of the carol service with nine lessons. He reports that in Madagascar the number of cases of Covid-19 is increasing in a 3rd wave and that the health situation is bad. Care is needed and in the Church they are respecting the health emergency by respecting social distancing, mask wearing, using the anti-bacterial gel and washing hands to prevent the spread of the virus. He prays that in the New Year God will give us his grace and peace and bring to us prosperity and health. We continue to pray that God have mercy on this earth. He tells us that the two young men whose education we have supported are now moving on to the next stage of their training. One has completed the Baccalaureate and will now study at the Anglican Theological Institute in Tananarive. The other has finished his studies at the Institute and is waiting for ordination to the diaconate. The musical equipment for the new Church in Mahatsinjo provided with help from Blean was dedicated on 19 December 2021. The congregation was delighted to receive it and to use it on Christmas day. Below: The new Catechist at Mahatsinjo church is named RAFENOARINIRINA Lucienne; she is called Lisy (like the flower Lys) and is pictured with her husband. She is also pictured with other church committee members. Rev Olivier promises the next news will be about a proposed environment project... 10th December 2021 Zo (Revd. Olivier’s wife) has written to us with news of some of the projects on which women in the churches in Manakambahiny and Mahatsinjo have been working. The sewing machines we helped to provide are being used to produce mosquito nets and in the vegetable project saonjo, a type of cassava has been planted.
1st December 2021 As reported in October this year, Rev Olivier had received the money from Blean and was off to buy a music and sound system for Mahatsinjo church. We are pleased to say he has now written with the following message: "Just to inform you that we have got the Sound equipment for the Holy Trinity Church in Mahatsinjo: Synthesizer YAMAHA PSR E465, 2 professionals loudspeakers, amplifier and 4 professional microphones." The Priest and congregation in Mahatsinjo are said to be "very very happy," and have asked Rev Olivier to send their thanks to Blean. On 19th December Rev Olivier will visit Mahatsinjo to officially inaugurate the equipment in the name of Blean Church, and at the same time, he will install the new Catechist there. 10th November 2021 The following response to our message of congratulation has been received from Rev Olivier: "The story of the last 20th years of my mission as a priesthood has been written. So the last story makes me to put a new challenge for the next 20 years. I feel that all development of my mission here in Ambatondrazaka depends on our link. You helped and continue to help me until now. You saw that I started in Ambatondrazaka from 2 small Churches but now there are 5 Churches, and the new church like Holy Trinity in Mahatsinjo has become other Parish. The Gospel of God I preached has an impact in the life of people of God through your support, thank you very much. I strive to do as possible to improve my mission here under the grace of Lord and I hope that you always help me to write a new story for the next 20 years." ...together with some pictures of the celebrations...
29th October 2021 The following message has today be sent to Rev Olivier to mark his celebration of 20 years as a priest: "The Vicar (Revd. Dr Stephen Laird), the Churchwardens, the Parochial Church Council and members of the congregation of St Cosmus and St Damian in the Blean send their congratulations to Revd. Olivier Rajarison in celebration of his 20 years of ministry as a priest. We recall with thanks all he has done to promote the links between our parishes and send him and the members of all the congregations in his Deanery our very best wishes for the celebrations on Sunday 31 October and for the continuing development of our link." 25th October 2021 Reverend Olivier has recently sent a variety of news from his parishes: VEGETABLES, MINI-MARKET AND TREES Vegetable planting is going well in Mahatsinjo, and they are hoping to repeat this success in the vicinity of other churches in the district. Linked with this, there are plans to set up a mini-market at Andreba near the shores of Lac Alaotra, in the hope and expectation of improving social development and helping to rebuild the family income of parishioners hit by the effects of Covid. They have started to raise funds locally for the mini-market and are looking for support elsewhere if possible. Staying in the realm of eco-action, Rev Olivier tells us his parishioners are keen to contribute to the planting of as many trees as possible in the Ambatondrazaka region. THERE WILL BE MUSIC SOON IN MAHATSINJO! Blean were asked for help in providing a source of music (a synthesiser) at Holy Trinity - a relatively new church in Mahatsinjo. The congregation there have been very pro-active in different ways, and music will enhance their worship experience significantly, not to mention attract more people to join the congregation. Blean PCC agreed to send £500 towards this purchase and the money has now been received in Madagascar. Rev Olivier will shortly be off to Antananarivo to make the purchase, and have the instrument installed at Mahatsinjo as soon as possible. REV. OLIVIER CELEBRATES 20 YEARS AS A PRIEST AND 15 YEARS AT AMBATONDRAZAKA Finally, Rev Olivier has informed us that on 31st October 2021 he will celebrate 20 years in the Priesthood and 15 years working from Ambatondrazaka. He asks everyone to pray that he and his family will be able to continue their work and meet the challenges church leadership presents. He says that he feels God has given him the hands of people in Blean to assist in developing his parishes quickly, and he himself constantly feels the hand of God upon him. 21st July 2021 The vegetable planting is developing well and helping to improve diets as well as raise money by selling the surplus produce. In Mahatsinjo, where the congregation have already built a new and more substantial church building, they are hoping to use this extra money towards providing music in the church. Music is an extremely important aspect of worship in Madagascar as we have seen on our visits, and this was the one church without any means of making music. We have offered some money towards this project from recent donations. It seems that the wave of infections from coronavirus is now abating a little and the vaccination programme is getting underway, but there is vaccine hesitancy, not helped by mixed messages at the political level. Revd. Olivier is leading by example here and is now awaiting his second dose of vaccine. The churches in the Ambatondrazaka region are responding to calls from the British Embassy in Madagascar to make the environment a priority. This fits well with our own ambitions to promote an eco-church and demonstrates the positive aspects of learning from each other through our link. 24th June 2021 The latest news from Revd Olivier in Madagascar is slightly more encouraging on the incidence of Covid-19 with cases going down in his area. Vaccination of the elderly and those with health problems is now starting at last. Locally there is good news that members of the Mothers Union in Mahatsinjo have been planting vegetables which is part of the healthy feeding programme and judging by the photographs is going well. This is another example of the start of self-help micro-businesses as excess produce can be sold to generate further funds.
Less encouraging is the impact the pandemic is having on the population in both social and economic effects with increasing poverty and consequent impacts on faith and spirituality. 26th May 2021 Judy has received a letter from Rev Olivier’s wife Zo. She thanks Judy for her personal gift which has enabled the women in Manakambahiny to repair their sewing machines and restart their instruction of other women in the art of sewing with a machine. With regard to the purchase of another machine, Zo says it will have to wait until the road to the capital is re-opened, as they are not permitted to travel there at the moment due to Covid restrictions. Her daughter has also been prevented from continuing her University study in the capital for the same reason. Zo makes mention of the recent craft fair at Blean church, in aid of Madagascar funds, and thanks the congregation for their continued effort. She asks to be remembered to members of the Mother’s Union and in particular the women of Blean Church. Below is a picture from the craft fair Zo referred to.
Women using the Blean-funded sewing machines in Madagascar
7th May 2021 We continue to think about our friends in Madagascar. So far Madagascar has not suffered as badly as some countries from Covid-19, perhaps because of its lower levels of contact with the rest of the world. International data from Johns Hopkins University records 677 deaths to 4 May (2.6/100,000 population) compared with 127,539 in the UK (190.0/100,000). Recorded rates of infection are also much lower. However, it is clear from recent messages from Revd. Olivier and his wife Zo that there is a second wave currently in progress and they are looking nervously at the situation in India. There is as yet no vaccination programme in Madagascar. Because of this, more areas are beginning to go into lockdown and many churches are closing, although so far this has not happened in Ambatondrazaka. The women are busy sewing masks using the sewing machines we provided both for the congregations and for sale in their villages. In Church they are respecting procedures such as hand washing and disinfecting. Using masks is obligatory. No more than 50 people are allowed at any one time. If the situation continues to worsen and churches have to close Revd. Olivier is considering the use of local TV and Radio to keep in touch with his congregation. People are already becoming afraid of going to church for fear of infection and the Government is beginning to impose stay at home orders. We shall be discussing with Revd. Olivier how we might be able to help further to enable him to keep in touch with all his congregation in a situation where there is no universal broadband and Zoom is not an option.
1st April 2021 Rev Olivier wrote to pass on Easter greetings and update us as to the situation in Madagascar regarding Covid. Church worship continues, with a limit of 100 persons in church. There was a report about the death of Bishop Theophile in Antsiranana and the newly elected Bishop Samitiana in Toliara. Women in Mahatsinjo and Moramanaga continue to use their sewing machines (bought through gifts from Blean), to make masks and embroidery. Thanks were offered also for the wool sent to the Mother’s Union members from Blean church members.
12th December 2020 Rev Olivier prays for the parish of Blean in the lead up to Christmas. He has been to a Diocesan Synod meeting and reported the help which Blean was giving to him and his parishioners. There was other news about the success of his daughter in the Baccalaureate examinations, and her hope to one day study abroad.
28th November 2019 Roger Vickerman wrote the following article for the Blean Church magazine, providing an overview of the current status of our link: Madagascar Developments It is now a year since our successful Madagascar evening when Eileen, Judy and I talked about our visit in June and July 2018 and outlined plans for the future development of our link with the Revd Olivier’s churches around Ambatondrazaka and others in the Area Deanery. Much has happened during the past year reflecting the developments envisaged in the “umbrella” to bring together education, healthy eating, improved hygiene and self-help; much of this being coordinated through the Mothers’ Union. A core annual budget of £3000 is being provided through funds allocated by the PCC and the money raised through the regular Madagascar Lunches that continue to be a great success in both raising awareness and communicating developments to a wider group of people in Blean. This core budget contributes to the feeding programme for children in all the churches and for education relating to hygiene and healthy eating that we promoted during our visit. Two young men, Pascal and Tendry, both of whom we met when in Madagascar last year, are being supported in their education. Pascal is studying in the Theological Institute in Antananarivo with a view to becoming a priest. Tendry studies in High School in Manakambahiny and also wants to be a priest.
Bishop Trevor Wilmott with Rev. Olivier Outside the regular budget we have been supporting two self-help projects. Using an award of £500 from a charity chaired by Canon Norman Woods we are supporting a banana ripening project organised by the Mothers’ Union in in Moramanga. The idea is for them to buy unripened bananas and ripen them before selling them on, with the money raised supporting the women and generating profits that can be reinvested in the business. We are looking forward to hearing about the success of this project soon. The second project is to provide sewing machines for the groups in each village to enable them to make clothes etc. By the end of the year we should have sent sufficient money for the purchase of up to six machines; this is being raised from specific donations and from sponsored events such as a 5k run undertaken recently by Sally Penfold. A fruit tree, a Crab Apple, has now been planted (currently in a pot close to the South Door before being moved to a permanent location). This complements those we purchased and donated to each church in the Ambatondrazaka District at the 10th Anniversary Service last year to symbolize growth and the bearing of fruit from our link. We have been fortunate, whilst he has been studying at the University of Kent, to have the company of Marc Ranarivelo, whose father is Bishop of Antananarivo. Marc attended our event last year and also spoke at the “Second Sunday Special” service on 16 June. This was a great opportunity to hear first-hand about a number of issues including the current problems of training for the ministry in Madagascar. Much has also happened in Madagascar reflecting the growth that our link has helped to promote. Revd. Olivier has spoken about the development of our link to the Diocesan Synod in Antananarivo. The Bishop held a confirmation service at St James, Ambatondrazaka on 22 September and later dedicated the new church in Mahatsinjo as Holy Trinity (below). This was first visited as a wooden shack by Sally and Jim in 2011 and the new building was visited by Eileen, Judy and me in 2018. This picture is from a confirmation service conducted by the Bishop of Antananarivo and Rev Olivier. The service took place at the newly extended church of St James in Ambatondrazaka. The extended and rebuilt church of St James, Ambatondrazaka (below) will be dedicated by the Bishop on 24 November. Blean contributed particularly to the roof, but there is still work to do on the windows – this may be another project which could be supported outside the regular giving.
The extension of Church of St James in Ambatondrazaka, partly funded by Blean Church community. This combination of a regular financial contribution from the ongoing projects and some additional funding given by individuals has helped to support our link. But the link is not just about money and projects it is about a living and developing journey in which we learn so much from each other and which will continue to bear fruit as we hope will the trees that symbolise our growth. This depends on the continued support of all those who attend the regular Madagascar lunches, those who donate or raise money for specific projects and those who maintain a special interest not just in the link but in the wider developments in Madagascar (informed by a regular newsletter compiled by Mike Swain) where political instability and damaging changes to agriculture and mining threaten the stability of a rare and important biodiversity. Roger Vickerman
Catechist's house Ambohidava - part destroyed by cyclone. Cyclone-damaged Bridge previously used by visitors from Blean!
Dedication of the brand new church at Mahatsinjo in September 2019
Blean Madagascar group meets regularly, both to manage various projects and organise fundraising. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
