We recently heard from seminarian, Zafy, about how he and his family are coping during this coronavirus pandemic.

He wrote:

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We are very happy that you remember us. Thank you so much for your prayers for us and for all the people of Madagascar. We also continue to pray for you and all human beings around the world, especially in light of the outbreak of the Covid-19 epidemic.

In Toliara, we are living in a time of crisis due to rising inflation, the closure of markets and businesses, especially education. As a result, all daily necessities, such as Cycle Pousse (rickshaws) and taxi, etc are more expensove. 

All of us here at the Cathedral Complex are trying to be very disciplined in maintaining good health. Such is the practice of praying in groups of two, and washing of hands as soon as one enters the gate to the complex, taking of temperatures, and the observance of the two-meter distance, which is a teaching left by the Rev. Derek and his wife. Special thanks go to Neny Holy, who makes life worth living by continuing to teach and remind people to follow all the instructions that she and Rev. Derek have taught.

About our family:
• Christophère (aged 6) has taken exam even though it is not done in school. He has tried his best and they will hear on August 20th, if he has passed and can go on to the next grade. Special thanks go to him for his constant prayers for the people affected by Covid-19, all the doctors and the police etc.… everyday.

• Tantely, (Zafy’s wife) tries to continue her studies to be a midwife even when she is not in school.  She goes to lessons and does daily exercises at school at a special cost. The problem with this is that there is no teacher to explain the lesson when it is not clear to her. It started last month in July and will last until November, but admission to the next school year is still in November, so there will be no Vacation but it will continue for study. She is part of the women supervising those sewing masks at Base Toliara, which has gone well. It was great to work with other women and they were also happy to work with us. Continuation of this sewing work will continue at the Women Center’s.

• Zafy is still in the process of taking the exams for seminary.  He is back home from university in the capital and using online learning and conferences via Zoom. As for learning, he really tries and thanks the Lord for always helping him.  His problem, however, is that he must travel to a Cyber Café  in Toliara city every time he studies, especially when he uses Zoom and downloads books and lessons. This is very expensive, but it must be done. He also tries to organize the distribution of religious programs that are distributed from house to house by the community here.

May the Lord always be with you all.

Trusting in God, the Protector and Blessing of His People. 

Zafy 

The LORD is my light and my salvation; of whom shall I be in dread? God is the stronghold of my life; whom shall I fear?”  Psalm. 27: 1