Madagascar

The world’s fourth largest island, Madagascar, had a dramatic and colorful past. It was first discovered and used by Arab traders during the days of the Byzantine empire, and later it became a pirate stronghold. For over three hundred years it was subsequently united under a strong native kingdom — one strongly opposed to Christianity. If one visits Madagascar today, he may still view the rocky cliff over which missionaries and many national Christians were plunged to their death by the edicts of the island’s ruler.

It later became a French colony and finally an independent country in 1896. The island is still unique and colorful: it varies from a lush tropical coast to savannah to the parched steppes of the south. Most of the plant and animal life one witnesses in Madagascar cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Yet, the fate of the twenty-seven million Malagasy people is not unique: they suffer from the same heartaches, sin, and trouble that burden all of mankind. So far changed from the sentiments that governed the cruel kingdom of years ago, nearly half the country professes a form of Christianity today. Yet, in common with many African countries, it is a polluted Christianity fraught with false doctrine, animistic practices, and leaders that lure people further away from the Truth. Animism and Ethnic religions are professed and practiced by the majority of those who do not claim Christianity.

French and Malagasy are the only languages the island claims. Most people can be found on the eastern half of the island. High mountains and rainforests often impede ground transportation, making this island is an ideal place for an airstrip ministry. Frequent droughts and food shortages in the southern regions give missionaries many opportunities to demonstrate the love of Christ to a people who need His salvation even more desperately than the physical assistance they lack.

Missionaries in Madagascar: