Mahajanga Theological Students

Encouraging spiritual hunger but embarrassing physical hunger

After 3 days of travelling, including 20 hours of flying over 3 flights, we were welcomed in Antananarivo, Madagascar by Tojo (the driver) and Barcelo (the translator)! After a brief tour of Antananarivo and a good night’s rest in a hotel, we took the 14 hour drive to Mahajana. All six of us - me, Neny Sarah, Chase, Chelsea, Barcelo and Tojo - piled in the truck!

I love being back in the Diocese of Mahajanga. We have already been busy. I have spent a day with my theological students, met with the diocesan administrator Father Helarcin, and met with the executive of the ecumenical association. Sarah and I met with the diocesan executive committee of the Mother’s Union and had the great privilege of hosting Neny Rogette and her family for dinner. Neny Sarah and I have already spoken about how very busy, but very fruitful, life is here in Mahajanga.

This morning, I preached at the Cathedral and after the sermon prayed over the students from Saint Patrick's Theological College and from the Catholic University of Madagascar. I announced their summer placements - they will spend the next few months in various parishes doing the work of ministry, applying all that they have learned while at theological college.

The day that I spent with them was wonderful. It gave me a chance to get to know them better, to hear about their families and their experience of theological college. It was both very encouraging and honestly, a little embarrassing. Encouraging because they are seriously devoted to the faith once for all delivered to the Saints. Encouraging because they believe the Bible to be true. Encouraging because they believe that the gospel still has the power to change lives.

Embarrassing, however, because the only request that they made of me as their Bishop is that I might find the funds so that they won't go hungry while at theological college. I heard of them eating nothing but rice for breakfast, lunch, and supper. Their wives and children were sent home because there was not enough food at the college to feed the students and their families.

Before I left for Canada in June, I gave the principal of the college 1,200,000 Ariary to purchase food. This obviously was not sufficient as the students continued to be hungry. This embarrasses me. I have never known the experience of going to bed hungry at the end of the day. In fact, at Nashotah House where I was privileged to study, I gained weight because we were fed, perhaps, too well.

The needs here in Madagascar are great, but funds to feed young men and women who together with their families are giving themselves to serve the church in some of the poorest regions of the world seems to me not an extravagant request.

As always in these articles, I ask you first to pray for the miraculous provision that only God can provide. And I ask you to do what the Lord asks of you, perhaps you are in a position to help fund this very practical need. If you are, please message me so that I can help you direct the funds to help feed our Malagasy theological students. If you are not in the position to help financially, I covet, even beg your prayers, that God will provide mana and quails from heaven.