Back from Mada...Madagascar!

Greetings from Uganda,

I am back form Madagascar with a mind full of what needs to be implemented to improved in Central Region's STer Program. The forum was great! We had Ster Coordinators form all of our Receiving Regions (the regions in Africa that get STers), ST Coordinators from our Mobilizing Regions (the office around the world that people go through to get on the field), and our current ST Program Director as well as our new ST Program Director.

It was a blessing to know who I will be working with. More then 50% of the Ster Coordinators are new.....turn over is high in this assignment. This is one reason I feel God calling me to this assignment for a while (more then 2 years). We all were encouraged to see how each region is growing and changing. As well as praying for each region. Many of us feel the role we are in is larger and unsure how to meet all the needs. While we were praying for each region I heard a theme. Everyone asked for prayer because they are new. Being new is hard. Not sure of all that needs to get done, how to get things done, and feeling like you are not doing a good job are some emotions related to being new.


I am right there with them! So, I ask you to join us in prayer. Prayer for us newbies, for the Lord's leading, and for each of the Ster missionaries the Lords puts in our path. Each of us are excited about the role God has lead each of us to but, we are also nervous. I covet your prayers and I know the others do as well.

A note or two about Madagascar:
Lovely country. It was a former French colony. Most people speak Malagasy and some French. There was a coo about three years ago and that is still the current government. The country is somewhat stable but many of the Malagasy people and all the missionaries are praying for a true democratic government. One that is truly voted in by the people.

The Malagasy love their rice! It is eaten with each meal...yes, that is three times day. There is still a strong French influence on the food, homes, and feel of the country. The people of Madagascar are more Indonesian then African. They come form immigrants of Indonesia and have lighter skin, long hair, and stronger Asian features.

I loved hearing the stories of how God is moving in the country from a few AIM missionaries that work on the island. Most are working in the capital city but they are praying for more people to join in what the Lord is doing in more rural areas. Please pray with us as we share in the dream of more and more Malagasy learn of Christ's love and our heavenly Father that created and loves them!