TVLC

Flower

Women working at manna

Manna Worker

The “Red” Island

Street Vendors

Little Helper

Antsirabe

Tapes made by Marilyn’s Dad 40 years ago

Street Scene

Marilyn Buying Fruit

Carrots

Radio Voice of the Gospel

Roadside Stand

Pastor Jim had no updates today from Madagascar, possibly due to Cyclone Ivan.  The following is from the Arizona Daily Star:

“High winds and flash flooding from Cyclone Ivan pummeled Madagascar, killing at least 11 people and leaving hundreds of others homeless.  Catastrophic damage occurred on a tourist island of Sainte Marie.”

We drove 3 1/2 hrs. South this afternoon. Wow what a beautiful Island.
The red dirt combined with the green grass and trees are a sight to
behold. The people along the way have had a consistent gentleness and
grace, combined with a quick smile and a gentle laugh.

Tana, like all big cities is quite congested,  but when you get out of
the city there are rolling hills with rugged mountains in the
distance. Along the roadside there are many fruit and vegetable
stands.. We saw carrots, apples (many varieties) pears, grapes,
pineapples etc…

It was a beautiful day.. I only hope some of the pictures can capture
a glimpse of the beauty.

Sent from Pastor Jim’s iPhone

We arrived at worship at 620am the place was full and the
preliminaries to the service had already begun.

The building is old and musty with not too much light. The organ and
piano are quite light in volume but the voices quickly fill the room
with full harmonies.

It appears as though most people come with their own hymnal and Bible
as there are none in the pews. There is no order of service besides
the hymn numbers on the wall. There is also no music in the hymnals.
The harmonies are from memory or maybe just from their souls.

The flow of the service is quite familiar with the biggest difference
being the offering. This is done with every person walking forward to
bring themselves and their gifts to God, while the choir sings several
anthems.

The tone of the service is VERY respectful and the 40 minute sermon
was given from the pulpit with wonderful animation and inflection. The
service today had a couple of baptisms but no communion and lasted
only 2 hours and 20 minutes or so.

It will be very interesting to see how the communion service differs.
I have been invited to serve with the pastors next Sunday.  We were
recognized as guests today and Marilyn was introduced as the daughter
of missionary and Pastor Gordon Ruud. It was clear that most people
did not know who he was but looked at Marilyn with honor in their eyes.

Sent from Pastor Jim’s iPhone

Notes on Mad
Very disappointed that the power cord to my computer burned out… So
I am writing this note on the iPhone.

Also has been difficult to get and send email,  so I  am frustrated at
my inability to communicate with Tucson.

Weather has been damp with occasional down pours but it has not
really impacted us although we have not seen blue skies or stars.

Both Marilyn and I have been under the weather. I hope it is side
effect of the anti-malaria drug, which I am now going off.  I have had
a severe cough and. Very raw and sore throat. We are may just (Sat am)
getting a little beyond the jet lag. It has been more difficult then I
thought it would be.

We did have a good visit with Pastor Peri yesterday. I learned more
about his journey and his plans. I also learned about the structure of
his church and how it operates.

They have about 9000 people worshipping of which 6000 are communicant
members. The membership process is 1 year long and studies Luthera
Small Catechism with its Biblical under pinnings.

Across Tana they have 15 “townships” which range in size from 1500 to
110.  Each township elects a President (who is automatically a member
of the 71 person Church Council. The townships also have a vp
secretary and treasurer. They hold weekly gatherings often without a
pastor. They each have choirs, youth and children’s programs. The
focus  of there weekly gatherings rotate from worship (without
communion) note: only pastors can distribute communion: Bible study,
and special topics.

At the church they have 3 worship services per Sunday each lasting 3
hours. Offering takes between 30-45 minutes and communion takes 90
minutes.

The sanctuary only seats about 2500 so many people listeniner loud
speakers outside.

Sent from Pastor Jim’s iPhone