Thank you, thank you, thank you for praying! Those of you who have been following me on Substack will know that I have been having a very difficult time with finding an appropriate house in Mahajanga. I need a house that will meet the practical needs of my family, but even more so the needs of the diocese. The bishop’s house is the primary place of meeting -the vast majority of the meetings of the diocese happen around my dining room table. I am very grateful and honored to host these meetings and social events.
The challenge has been finding an appropriate place within a very limited budget, and with the reality that as a foreigner sometimes the monthly rent can increase quite unexpectedly. My first house more than tripled in price within two months. My second house has been plagued with electrical issues, including an electrical fire which has resulted in losing electricity 15 to 20 times a day. Moreover, the area that this house is in has caused many of my Christians to be concerned for my safety and therefore every night the security doors are locked (those which are to provide security from cyclones) and I am imprisoned until the morning …. this is more than a little off-putting!
I have asked for your prayers to find an appropriate house and by God's grace I believe today I have done so. I have found a house in the centre of the city only a few minutes away from the cathedral. The area is safe and secure, plus these is a security guard at the house’s gate from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. This is kind of security is common in Mahajanga. The compound includes a house with 3 bedrooms plus a guest house with 2 more bedrooms. There is plenty of space to host diocesan meetings and provide hospitality to house guests who attend diocesan events. There is a generator for when the electricity is unavailable. There is even a small swimming pool which the Riata (the young people's association) will enjoy tremendously.
While more expensive than the house that I am presently in, this house is within the budget that Neny Sarah and I have set. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers! A day ago, I had no options for appropriate housing and today the Lord provided a perfect house, in a perfect area, right on budget! To God be the glory great things He hath done!!
God is good, all the time!
Praise the Lord that the prayers of many have been answered for you in providing the exact house which is needed not only for your personal needs but also for the needs of your ministry as Bishop of the Diocese. As we keep our eyes focused on Jesus we will continue to see answers to the prayers for your people and the Diocese as a whole. God is rich in his mercy towards us. Blessings now and always, Brian+