Leading by example

In the remote villages of the Androy region in southern Madagascar, where the land is affected by high salinity and the weather is harsh due to a lack of rain, farming is a challenge. The region often experiences both droughts and famines and poor infrastructure make it difficult to reach. Opportunities to earn a living are extremely limited and many communities depend on foreign aid.

Against this backdrop, OM is working to share the gospel with people in this area by word and deed. 

A gift of goats

Anajafy is a hardworking mother who often does not have enough money to meet her family's daily needs. And she is not alone — unfortunately, this is the same reality faced by many in her village, Anjatelo.

When a neighbour told Anajafy about Jesus, she was intrigued. She longed to experience the peace, forgiveness and healing shown in the story of the woman who had been sick for 12 years and was healed by Jesus. As she learnt more about the gospel, Anajafy decided to commit her life to Christ. She began gathering her friends regularly to listen to Bible stories and took over leading the Bible study group in her community. Since then, the group has started two other Bible studies in neighbouring villages.

OM in Madagascar runs community empowerment projects focused on goat farming with the hope of empowering the communities of Jesus followers they are connected with. Anajafy's community is one that was impacted. 

OM team leader Hanitra (Madagascar) explains, “The communities are given eight female goats, which multiply quickly, providing 28 goats in one-and-a-half years. In the past, OM would hand out relief packages in response to a famine, but now people are being empowered as they can bring relief to their own families through the goats they have tended.” 

So far, Anajafy has sold 10 of the goats in order to buy food to distribute in her community. She says, “It was a great help to us that we were able to give relief at the time we needed it most. Our Bible study group was really encouraged as we were able to help each other. We are also happy to be able to share and show love to our neighbours who have still not made the decision to believe in Jesus Christ.” 

A gift that multiplies 

As a woman in the local culture, it is not easy to both lead and manage the goat programme, as culturally it should be a man’s — not a woman’s — responsibility. However, Anajafy shares, “I am thankful to God that my husband is standing by and supporting me, and he is also starting to show interest and be open to hearing Bible stories.” 

The OM team supported the local relief team by gifting them two goats to help them as they supervise the ministry and continue growing it.

“The goat programme is an opportunity for us to be able to engage with new communities and share the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Hanitra says. 

With dedication, integrity and support from the local OM team, Anajafy’s efforts have paid off and the goats continue to multiply. Her community now has 30 goats, and their dream is to raise enough funds to build a community basin to store water. 

“The success that Anajafy and her community have experienced is something for other villages to aspire to. We are happy to see the model they have provided, and hope to see other communities experience the same success,” Hanitra adds. 

Pray for the goat project to continue to bring transformation to communities. Pray for Anajafy as she leads the Bible study and goat programme in her village.