The Traveler’s Palm
Evangelism among the Malagasy People
March 2008

Dear Friends and Family:

“The Lord is risen indeed…” Luke 24:34a

Happy Easter:  This Easter was a good time of remembrance for us concerning the glorious resurrection of our Savor.  We especially enjoyed the time of fellowship with the believers at New Life Baptist Church on Easter Sunday

Big Trip for Richard:  On March 13-16^th, Richard took his first trip into the northern area of Madagascar.  Up until this point, we had never been farther north than Antananarivo (which is the capital city of Madagascar).  Richard had the opportunity to go with an American friend who does extensive survey work in all parts of interior Madagascar.  Lalaina, a good friend from Antsirabe, also went with them.  Their transportation consisted of helicopter flights between villages and walking.  The Muslim faith and local tribal beliefs seem to dominate and any familiarity wit the Bible seems to be scarce.  Many people in several villages clearly said that they did not know who Jesus was or is and didn’t recognize the name.

Opportunities for Fruit:  We have both been blessed with good opportunities for talking with several people about salvation after the church services.  Even though these people did not pray then and there for salvation, we trust the Lord that the fruit will still appear.  We are reminded time and again that many of the Malagasy have never been told that there is indeed “ONE” time of salvation and that they don’t need to be saved over and over again.  Also, salvation based on faith and not on works is a hard thing for many of the “churched” Malagasy to accept.  Please pray that we will have boldness in witnessing but also patience as we wait on the Holy Spirit to do the work in peoples’ hearts.

Oh, To Fly Again! Continued J:  One of our hopes has been fulfilled in being able to report that Richard now has his Malagasy private pilot’s license.  Last week, he completed the weather and regulations briefing and received the certificate for that but there were numerous difficulties in renting a plane in which to do the required “flight check”.  He is now free to fly in Madagascar and can stay current.  Thanks for your prayers about that.

Paperwork Report:  In our last meeting with the people who will be helping us to file our non-profit organization (called ONG here) papers, it became clear to us that we can start either an international ONG, local ONG or continue to have visas issued to us through someone else’s ONG.  Our visas are currently under the last option and our goal is to have our own visas through our own ONG.  Pray that we will have wisdom in 1-choosing the type of ONG to set up and 2-preparing the papers to file.

 For His Service,
 

Richard, Charity, & Matthew Jertberg