A Sakaraha Sunday

On Sunday morning, Avery and I (Bruce) travelled with Simon, Sue and Jackie to the southern Madagascar village of Sakaraha to visit the local Anglican Church. Shay stayed at the hotel with Abigail who was not feeling well. This was actually the third time Avery and I had visited the Church in Sakaraha. Originally there was supposed to have been confirmations during the morning service, but due to Bishop Todd's ill health, they had to be postponed. 

When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Rev. Hery and his congregation -- a welcome that included many handshakes. I was blessed to serve on the altar with Rev. Hery, and had the joy of being able to lay hands on all the children in the congregation and bless them. Oh how I enjoy praying for children! It always amazes me how much the Malagasy children love to recieve prayer. Some of their faces became so serious as I laid hands on them, and you could see the presence of God come upon them. If only we adults could always be as receptive to God's touch!

At the end of the service, we were entertained by some of the women of the church who performed some special dances for us. We were then given some locally made hats as gifts (you can see mine in the photo below of me and Rev. Hery). After a brief receiption in the new church office building, we said our goodbyes and headed back to Isalo, which has been our 'home' for three nights. Isalo, a Malagasy national park, is a stunningly beautiful place and is one of our favorite places on earth. We'll post some photos from Isalo in a separate blog post.

Tomorrow (Tues.) we head back again to the church in Sakaraha. Shay and I will be leading a day of teaching about the Holy Spirit and healing, concluding with a healing service. We are praying that God will pour out His healing love in abundance and that many will be healed. We can't wait to see what God will do. In HIm, ALL things are possible, and His love conquers all. 

 

-Bruce