Pray and give for the people of Madagascar

In the Malagasy language, there is a special word for the cycle of sustained drought and famine that regularly afflicts the people. That word is kere.

In 2020, Madagascar’s kere is the worst in living memory, killing people in the southern Androy and Anosy regions of the Anglican Diocese of Toliara, where Anglican Aid has close connections.  Our great friend, the Rev. Berthier Lainirina, called us to pray and to give.

Death from starvation is at critical levels, with the UN World Food Program reported that desperate families are resorting to eating insects. A report from the Diocese of Toliara said, “Acute malnutrition has struck 120,000 children, youth and elderly people, so desperate for food they have started eating ash combined with tamarin fruit or cactus leaves.”

Already, Madagascar is one of the poorest nations in the world, with more than half of children under five malnourished, with stunted growth.

The famine has also created a serious rural exodus, with families forced to migrate to larger towns in search of water and food supplies.

Thanks to generous supporters of Anglican Aid, we were able to send over $20,000 in emergency funds for rice, beans, and water for families across the Toliara region.

We are now partnering on sustainable water solutions, read more here: Madagascar: Water and Resilience Project.

Feeding the hungry

The Diocese of Toliara has already distributed famine relief to starving families. More than 200 families have been provided with food and water, distributed by Madagascan students supported by Anglican Aid’s Bible College Student Sponsorship program.

As well as coordinating relief distribution and preparing meals for the hungry, local churches are accompanying this practical love with the good news of eternal life through Christ.

To see how the famine relief has lead to many hearing the gospel, being saved and joining local churches, read more here: From famine to faith: God is working in Madagascar.