Sight to the Blind

About 35 kilometers north of Manakara is a place called Asasaina. About 3 years ago, Ancil met a man who then invited him to his home on the side of the road. For 2 1/2 years they met under a mango tree. The man stopped coming, but the group began to grow in number. About 6 months ago, 4 leading men from the village started attending. Ever the skeptics, they sat and asked hard questions. Ancil could tell they were strong men who would eventually be strong leaders in the church, if this group ever became one.

Many faithful children, women, and young people continued to come and learn. One woman even left to follow Islam for awhile but realized the truth is Jesus and returned. The men sat and asked many, many questions. Searching to find truth.

A few months ago, Ancil's family came from Miami and did a vision clinic. This clinic was to strengthen existing churches and help show compassion to outsiders. These clinics were wildly successful! The gospel was shared at each presentation of glasses. I believe over 100 people professed faith in Jesus after receiving their glasses!

During these clinics, the doctor found 5 people that needed cataract surgery. There is a specialist in a town about 4 hours away that was able to do the surgery. Sponsored by the American doctor and their family, they were able to send 5 people to have the surgery completed. 2 were able to have it done right away, but 3 had to return in 10 days because their blood pressure was too high.

About 4 weeks ago, we all took a trip to this town and dropped them at the hospital for their surgery. Our awesome national partners stayed with them and arranged everything for them. The surgeries were successful and they all returned home. One of the surgeries that took place at this time was a woman that lives in Asasaina. 

This woman returned with gained sight. She could see! She is a living testimony to God's faithfulness in her life. Two weeks ago, Ancil was presented with a gift. This group gifted him a duck, which is the equivalent of 3 days wages for an average Malagasy person. The person presenting it to Ancil said "we were literally blind, and now we see. We were blind spiritually, but you taught us the Bible, and now we see clearly."

Today, was a special day. Today, we celebrated. Because today, 17 people walked through the waters of baptism. The woman with new sight. Three of the 4 men. God was glorified today! Trucks crossed the bridge over us and saw people being baptized. The town knew the stand these 17 made for Christ today! 

What a glorious day to be part of God's work in Madagascar! The soil is often tough and muddy with culture. But below that is a desire in everyone, to be known, seen, and loved by the One who created them. To be able to share that with them and see them rejoice in the truth they have found is the cherry on top of the work of the Lord.