Before Anthony, a husband and father, came to Bible college, he thought that his spiritual success depending on his own efforts and the strength of his faith. But this changed when Anthony studied at St Patrick’s Theological College in Madagascar.  

St Patrick’s Theological College, located in the Diocese of Toliara, offers both a Bachelor of Theology and a Diploma of Evangelism. Anglican Aid currently supports 42 students, a partnership born from originally providing famine relief to the Diocese of Toliara in 2020-21. Here in Madagascar, the church is rapidly growing, and well-trained leaders are needed to preach God’s word faithfully.  

The college runs subjects in theology, church history and ministry. It also provides opportunities for students to practice skills in pastoral care, evangelism, and youth and kids’ ministry, as well as providing time for personal Bible reading, group Bible studies and morning prayer.  

Since engaging with these subjects and activities, Anthony has grown in his knowledge and love of the gospel. He has learnt that God is involving him in ministry because of God’s love for him and, now that he has finished his studies, is eager to wrestle with how to share “the beauty of the gospel.”  

Church workers in the Diocese of Toamasina receive support, thanks to people like you.

“I think unceasingly on how the church can do something useful for the city and the people apart from being a place of worship: education, healthcare, social work.” 

Sharing the gospel through emergency relief

This pairing of practical help with the gospel is echoed in the Diocese of Toamasina. Earlier this year, the diocese was hit by Cyclone Gezani. Crops, houses, schools, and other community infrastructures were destroyed. This meant that churches weren’t receiving the offertory income that they usually did, and so weren’t able to pay their staff. 

But, with help from people like you, the Diocese of Toamasina received money to distribute to 50 church workers throughout the area. The distribution was done through volunteers from Mothers’ Union and the local church, some traveling to remote areas to ensure that the recipients received their support.  

Not only did this provide a means of paying for food, buying seeds for new crops, and minor house repairs, but it also encouraged recipients to continue in their ministry. Unexpectedly, churches grew during this time, with people needing to stand outside because there was not enough room inside.   

Anthony’s gratitude reflects that of our brothers and sisters in Madagascar.  

“You are so loving. I think about how I could go to study again, regarding my situation. It was so difficult, almost improbable, but made possible through your engagement. Whoever you are, thank you so much. My life was blessed through you.” 

Your support is helping churches, like the Diocese of Toamasina, be strengthened, and future pastors, like Anthony, be trained to transform their communities with the power of the gospel. Providing aid to the poorest nations is important. But, when paired with the hope that Jesus brings, it can raise up faithful Christians trained and willing to assist their own communities.  

For Your Prayers 

Pray that the staff and students would grow in wisdom, love, and knowledge of God.