Duncan preaches to a congregation on the 25th of September in Anketraka
Shares the message of Christ with people in the community
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Duncan preaches in Anketraka
Duncan preaches to a congregation on the 25th of September in Anketraka
Shares the message of Christ with people in the community
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
YOUTH CONFERENCE REPORT 2009
Preamble:
“My life will never be the same again”. “Now I understand what prayer is and why I need to pray.” “How much will the next camp cost?” These are just some of the comments made by the participants of the very first youth conference to be organized in the South – West of Madagascar, Toliara by the Anglican Church.
Notre Dame College was the venue that hosted the conference which was one of its kinds. Apparently it was the very first time of the majority of the youth to attend a youth conference and so, high standards had to be set to raise the expectation for the next camp.On arrival, many were not so sure what to expect or how it would be. It was those of let us wait and see. But by the end of the meeting some for sure did not feel like going home….
The camp was attended by around 85 young people from Toliara. There were members both from the Anglican Church and other churches as well.
The program:
The program was carefully designed to meet the needs of young people and the issues facing the society at large. Some of the topics handled included preparation for marriage, relationships, academics and spiritual warfare. It is about letting our value systems and viewpoints shaped by God’s word.
We had well seasoned speakers who tackled different topics among them the very first guest priest, from Kenya Rev. Apela to visit the first Anglican missionaries from Kenya serving in Toliara.
The theme of the conference was drawn from Ephesians 5.15 “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.” This was basically to help the young people be able to make wise decisions from an informed position biblically. That will in effect help in avoiding unnecessary blame and regret and that everyone becomes fully responsible of every decision that they make.
The exploration of the book of Ephesians by Bishop Todd was just marvelous. It was an eye-opener to the young people and gave them an opportunity to discuss key issues from scripture in their small bible study groups. The time for personal devotion was another learning experience and the Lord dealt with his people in an interesting way.
The campers were divided into four groups. That was done deliberately to help break barriers and enable interaction with the people to whom one is not used to. One of the expectations during the free time was to connect with new people and share each other’s experience.
Every morning physical exercises were done just to keep fit and later on in the evening we had creative games that also helped in bonding and building relationships.
Achievements:
- Games equipment.
- Stationery.
Generally, I think that for a first youth camp things went really well. I was especially impressed in the way that the event was embraced and fully supported by the organizing team and the youth in general under the leadership of Bishop Todd.
Madagascar being a nation with over 60% of the population comprising the
youth means that we cannot ignore the youth. They are the leaders of today and the future generation. Targeting and holding them clearly implies that we are not only impacting their spiritual lives but also influencing the nation in that we raise leaders of integrity.
And with that I am confident that our numbers for the next camp will double or even triple! We covet your prayers and continual support for the youth ministry as we transform the lives of the young people in Madagascar for Christ.
Report prepared by: Ev. Victor Osoro – Youth Ministry Coordinator, Toliara Diocese.
“My life will never be the same again”. “Now I understand what prayer is and why I need to pray.” “How much will the next camp cost?” These are just some of the comments made by the participants of the very first youth conference to be organized in the South – West of Madagascar, Toliara by the Anglican Church.
Notre Dame College was the venue that hosted the conference which was one of its kinds. Apparently it was the very first time of the majority of the youth to attend a youth conference and so, high standards had to be set to raise the expectation for the next camp.On arrival, many were not so sure what to expect or how it would be. It was those of let us wait and see. But by the end of the meeting some for sure did not feel like going home….
The camp was attended by around 85 young people from Toliara. There were members both from the Anglican Church and other churches as well.
The program:
The program was carefully designed to meet the needs of young people and the issues facing the society at large. Some of the topics handled included preparation for marriage, relationships, academics and spiritual warfare. It is about letting our value systems and viewpoints shaped by God’s word.
We had well seasoned speakers who tackled different topics among them the very first guest priest, from Kenya Rev. Apela to visit the first Anglican missionaries from Kenya serving in Toliara.
The theme of the conference was drawn from Ephesians 5.15 “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.” This was basically to help the young people be able to make wise decisions from an informed position biblically. That will in effect help in avoiding unnecessary blame and regret and that everyone becomes fully responsible of every decision that they make.
The exploration of the book of Ephesians by Bishop Todd was just marvelous. It was an eye-opener to the young people and gave them an opportunity to discuss key issues from scripture in their small bible study groups. The time for personal devotion was another learning experience and the Lord dealt with his people in an interesting way.
The campers were divided into four groups. That was done deliberately to help break barriers and enable interaction with the people to whom one is not used to. One of the expectations during the free time was to connect with new people and share each other’s experience.
Every morning physical exercises were done just to keep fit and later on in the evening we had creative games that also helped in bonding and building relationships.
Achievements:
- Many young people committed themselves to the Lordship of Christ
- A good base for networking with other churches was created
- Many young people were able to explore their talents and grew in their areas of gifting especially during the evening talent shows and fun time.
- Youths were able to connect well and learn from each other.
- Youths who were Christians already were strengthened in their walk of faith.
- Created an opportunity for the young people to open up and share their experiences which they would normally not share because most of them have limited or no access to their pastors and no one seems to be willing to give an ear.
- Bible information was given on various issues that young people struggle with like relationships, academics and the like.
- A good number did not have bibles, pens or notebooks.
- Unclear discipleship strategy for those who get saved.
- The location being too close it was easy for some guys to rush home unnecessarily.
- Inadequate games equipment.
- Most of the young people were unable to raise the amount to attend the conference and those from far could not come at all.
- Develop a strategic youth discipleship program.
- Find a way of providing Bibles.
- Invest fully in the youth department in the areas of:
- Games equipment.
- Stationery.
- Involve all our clergy and evangelists from the onset.
- Train more camp counselors.
- Develop a theme song for the camp.
- Develop income generating projects for the youth.
- Look for churches or dioceses to partner with the youth ministry in Toliara.
- Explore the possibility of having regional conferences.
Generally, I think that for a first youth camp things went really well. I was especially impressed in the way that the event was embraced and fully supported by the organizing team and the youth in general under the leadership of Bishop Todd.
Madagascar being a nation with over 60% of the population comprising the
youth means that we cannot ignore the youth. They are the leaders of today and the future generation. Targeting and holding them clearly implies that we are not only impacting their spiritual lives but also influencing the nation in that we raise leaders of integrity.
And with that I am confident that our numbers for the next camp will double or even triple! We covet your prayers and continual support for the youth ministry as we transform the lives of the young people in Madagascar for Christ.
Report prepared by: Ev. Victor Osoro – Youth Ministry Coordinator, Toliara Diocese.
GLORY TO GOD
I have now been in Madagascar for one year and five months and my spiritual adventure continues. In the month of September the focus has been an evangelistic mission in a place known as Anketraka. This took place from 24th to 26th September. We had house to house evangelism in the mornings then mass evangelism in the evenings as well as showing the Jesus film. I was blessed to have organized that mission as well as preach on 25th September.
House to house was particularly successful and considering how uncommon it is to do evangelism here many youth were exposed for the first time to the experience of doing evangelism and they did a very good job. Glory to God.
Right now we are working on follow-up as well as evaluation.
The next mission is from 8th to 11th October in a place known as Betaola so pray that all goes well and many come to Christ. At the same time we hope to start on 9th October a house fellowship in Motombe with the expectation that it later becomes a full-fledged church. I am working on that with an evangelist who works near there so also pray for God's guidance on this.
A public-address system is increasingly becoming an issue since in my next mission I will not be able to use the P.A of the church but will have to hire one. Pray that God provides the evangelism department here with a good P.A.
I will also be preaching in the Sunday services of two of our churches here in October.
The work of the Lord continues.
House to house was particularly successful and considering how uncommon it is to do evangelism here many youth were exposed for the first time to the experience of doing evangelism and they did a very good job. Glory to God.
Right now we are working on follow-up as well as evaluation.
The next mission is from 8th to 11th October in a place known as Betaola so pray that all goes well and many come to Christ. At the same time we hope to start on 9th October a house fellowship in Motombe with the expectation that it later becomes a full-fledged church. I am working on that with an evangelist who works near there so also pray for God's guidance on this.
A public-address system is increasingly becoming an issue since in my next mission I will not be able to use the P.A of the church but will have to hire one. Pray that God provides the evangelism department here with a good P.A.
I will also be preaching in the Sunday services of two of our churches here in October.
The work of the Lord continues.
Victor's Prayer update
• Safe journey mercies to Morondava
• Wonderful time with the youth at Morondava
• More financial supporters for our ministry in Madagascar.
• Continued good health
• Betaola and andranomena missions
• Toliara has been approved to be a diocese so pray for smooth electoral
process to elect a diocesan bishop.
• Wonderful time with the youth at Morondava
• More financial supporters for our ministry in Madagascar.
• Continued good health
• Betaola and andranomena missions
• Toliara has been approved to be a diocese so pray for smooth electoral
process to elect a diocesan bishop.
THANKSGIVING
• Successful youth conference
• Safe journey mercies for Rev. Apela
• Duncan’s health is improving
• Many are giving their lives to Christ.
• Safe journey mercies for Rev. Apela
• Duncan’s health is improving
• Many are giving their lives to Christ.
Door to Door Evangelism
Last week we had wonderful open air meetings, door to door evangelism and
the Jesus Film at one of our daughter churches in Anketraka and we had
several people won for the kingdom of God. Next week all roads will be leading
to Betaola which is about an hour and a half by road from Toliara. Betaola is
characterized by cattle rustling and early marriages. Actually as the name
suggests, Betaola literally means a place of many bones probably due to many
cattle and people who die during the ordeal and the carcass and bodies are not
well disposed of.
the Jesus Film at one of our daughter churches in Anketraka and we had
several people won for the kingdom of God. Next week all roads will be leading
to Betaola which is about an hour and a half by road from Toliara. Betaola is
characterized by cattle rustling and early marriages. Actually as the name
suggests, Betaola literally means a place of many bones probably due to many
cattle and people who die during the ordeal and the carcass and bodies are not
well disposed of.
A TORNADO HITS TOLIARA
I cannot forget this day. It was a national holiday and everyone was in a jovial mood and excited about the celebration. All was well or so it seemed or so it seemed until evening came and all that changed in a split of a second. All the happiness was suddenly turned into gloom. I was in my house during that time and I heard a sound like an airplane hovering. So I wondered how come the plane does not but seems to go far. All over sudden there was a blackout! The roof of my house was shaking and there was a lot of noise outside. So I thought to myself mmh! Let me open the door and see what is happening. I wish I did not do that. I got the shock of my life. That door pushed me back forcefully and I got myself at the floor. Before I realized it, my window was flung open and there was dust all over. It cooled down after a couple of minutes. I was really shaken.
I later on went to see Duncan’s house just to find out how his situation was. He was fine in his house just wondering where all the dust is coming from in the night. So he picked his spotlight and we went out together to survey what had happened. Destruction, destruction, destruction. Trees had fallen on top of houses, roof tops and doors blown off, electricity poles displaced, some major roads blocked…it was terrible but thank God we were kept safe. Some people were injured and rushed to hospital but there were no any deaths reported. The gasy word for it is rambon’danitra which literally means the heaven’s tail. So it is wiping the earth.
I later on went to see Duncan’s house just to find out how his situation was. He was fine in his house just wondering where all the dust is coming from in the night. So he picked his spotlight and we went out together to survey what had happened. Destruction, destruction, destruction. Trees had fallen on top of houses, roof tops and doors blown off, electricity poles displaced, some major roads blocked…it was terrible but thank God we were kept safe. Some people were injured and rushed to hospital but there were no any deaths reported. The gasy word for it is rambon’danitra which literally means the heaven’s tail. So it is wiping the earth.
YOUTH MUSIC CONCERT
The very first youth music concert began on a high note at Ankilifaly. A platform was created for different youth groups to praise the Lord and to display their talents and gifting musically. The congregation was thrilled by a one acapella group that did a super local mix with classical overtones. No one expected such a brilliant performance from them. This helped the young people in general to appreciate our different gifting in the body of Christ and praise God together in our uniqueness. It was evident that each group really did hard work to ensure that they offer God only the best. Everyone is looking forward to the next concert. We even had some of the people who attended the concert joining our English class.
CHURCH PLANT
The Fort- Dauphin church planting mission went really well with a new church established. As at now it has a membership of around 70 adults. Duncan and Rev. Donne spearheaded the team in doing the groundwork and a wonderful job was done. We joined them later on to boost the workforce in the areas of person to person and open air evangelism and many gave their lives to Christ.
Right now the church is considering buying a land and constructing a permanent church structure. They are meeting in a classroom for the time being.
Currently Duncan and I are back to our base in Toliara and Rev.Donne is in charge of the parish and being assisted by one of the local evangelists, Tomboasy to continue the work that began there. Glory be to God.
Other new fellowship groups are beginning in Motombe and Beravy areas which are not very far from Toliara which will culminate to fully fledged churches soon.
At the moment we are exploring the possibility of starting a new church in Morombe which is around 300km, North of Toliara. Pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit in that direction.
Right now the church is considering buying a land and constructing a permanent church structure. They are meeting in a classroom for the time being.
Currently Duncan and I are back to our base in Toliara and Rev.Donne is in charge of the parish and being assisted by one of the local evangelists, Tomboasy to continue the work that began there. Glory be to God.
Other new fellowship groups are beginning in Motombe and Beravy areas which are not very far from Toliara which will culminate to fully fledged churches soon.
At the moment we are exploring the possibility of starting a new church in Morombe which is around 300km, North of Toliara. Pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit in that direction.
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