A coups, a clinic, and the long road home
Would we be able to get back home? If we got on the plane to South Africa, would we be able to continue to Madagascar, or would our flight be canceled? From Zambia, we scoured the news and prayed as protests, police violence, and riots broke out all across Madagascar on September 25, just two days before our scheduled flight home. Reports and rumors circulated of airlines canceling their flights and a possible seige of the airport.
Twenty-two protesters were killed, and over 100 people injured as police and military carried out their orders to quell the protests. Businesses were looted, politicians’ homes raided, and strict curfews were imposed in major cities and highways. Led by Gen Z activists, protests arose across the nation against government corruption and the lack of basic services and human needs: electricity, water, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
We made our flight out of Zambia on September 27, but overnight in South Africa, I became violently ill and we missed our flight the next day as I was in the airport clinic receiving IV fluids and meds. After an extra night in Tana due to the curfews, we finally made it home to Antsirabe after four long days of travel, grateful to set down our luggage and sleep in our own bed. What a trip!
After three weeks, the protests and demonstrations ceased as the former President of Madagascar fled the country. He has been impeached and his citizenship revoked. Madagascar has installed a new interim President and Prime Minister. The government is being restructured, and there will be a formal election in two years for a new President.
For four years, we have been praying that God would raise up a generation that would reject corruption and thirst for righteousness. What an unexpected answer to those prayers! May God pour His goodness on hungry hearts. This hurting nation is ripe for the Gospel message. Please join us in praying for God to bring a harvest of righteousness in Madagascar.
Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34, NKJV)
Between the political upheavel, curfews, government shutdown, delayed visa renewals, and the arrival of rainy season, we had to pivot from our epic road trip plans for the remainder of the year. But God is always in the details, directing our steps to the open doors He has prepared for us, whether that means preaching to a crowd at an outdoor alcohol market, encouraging those seeking to find their way in a lost world, or exhorting the local church.
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9, NKJV)
Where is God directing your steps today?
We’re coming for you, USA!
Last week marked our fourth year in Madagascar! Time flies, and it’s already been two years since we’ve tread on US soil. We’ll arrive in Florida on January 1 and look forward to spending the first three months of 2026 connecting with you, our family, friends, Bible studies, and local churches. We will start in Florida, make a trip to southern California, and are looking to spend February and March in the southeast region (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina), with a jaunt or two sprinkled in. We’ll be looking for a place to stay, serve, and connect while we’re there.