Picture this, over 2,300 delighted children went to a Grain of Wheat camp in Madagascar last year. As a result, more than 7,000 kids are now attending weekly clubs! But the most remarkable thing is that after camp, each child brought hope through Jesus to their faimly who in turn had the opportunity to discover God. Members of our local team, Fabienne and Jean-Patrick explain how Malagasy families are profoundly transformed by the Gospel.
What is the place of a child in the Malagasy society?
Fabienne: «In Madagascar, having a child makes a parent wealthy. Therefore, having many children is highly valued. But faced with severe poverty, the future of these children is basically hopeless. They go without food, education, or protection. Because these youth are left to fend for themselves, they are victims of violence, forced labor. Yes, children have an important place in Madagascar, but ironically they are completely neglected.»
Since parents are often hostile to the Gospel, how can a child share his faith?
Fabienne: «The daily life of a Malagasy family is mainly focused on work, so there is liitle time or interest to care about the needs of others.»
Jean-Patrick: «It is highly unusual for children to obey and help their parents. This may seem naive, but in this society, children share the Gospel with their parents through a respectful attitude and acts of love which speak much louder than words!»
Fabienne: «When a child says, «I love you» to his parents or «Can I help you prepare the meal?», they are deeply moved! This is when it becomes real to a parent that their child has truly changed. They realize there must be something more and are ready to listen when their child explains how Jesus’ love transformed their lives.»
