Daniel and Elizabeth Turk - Update
Antananarivo, Madagascar
In late March, we left Madagascar due to the coronavirus pandemic and are currently in Orlando. PC(USA) called all mission co-workers back to the U.S. until the end of 2020. We are well and grateful to be near our children and parents, but it is hard to leave our friends and colleagues for so long in this time of crisis. We are continuing our work and communicate daily with our colleagues in the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM) via skype, phone, or email.
Fruits, Vegetables, and Environmental Education Program (FVEE)
The first months of the year are always busy because of the need to plant trees in the early part of the rainy season. From December 2019 through February 2020, thousands of fast-growing trees from the FVEE nursery were planted as part of FJKM’s reforestation efforts. Fruit trees and native trees were planted at three branches of the FJKM University, two FJKM seminaries, and the fruit center at Mahatsinjo. Many thanks to all who helped make this possible by donating to the Outreach Alternative Christmas project, “Trees for Madagascar.”
On March 20, the fruit center at Mahatsinjo was inaugurated. It was a festive occasion, celebrated with many FJKM and local leaders, over 50 students from the FJKM University, and many of the farmers who received training in fruit growing and propagation. The second large building at the fruit center, a dormitory, was completed in time for the inauguration. Presentations and speeches were made, some of my colleagues did a grafting demonstration, and the president and vice-president of the FJKM planted a ‘Keitt’ mango. A video of the event may be found HERE. The Outreach Foundation’s letter from Rob Weingartner was translated and read in Malagasy at the inauguration and was much appreciated. A plaque giving thanks to partners including The Outreach Foundation was unveiled. Please view photos of the event on page three.
Health and HIV-AIDS Work
In the first few months of 2020, Elizabeth worked with colleagues in the FJKM Development Department to help upgrade the FJKM’s 32 dispensaries. The FJKM HIV-AIDS committee participated in the regional HIV testing and educational event that was held at city hall in Antananarivo on January 30-31. Elizabeth and her colleagues prepared training modules for seminary students at the end of March. An exciting first-time event for the FJKM church that Elizabeth participated in was a week-long celebration during the week of Valentine’s Day. It included worship, teaching, and games promoting positive relationships between spouses and concepts for youth to consider.
COVID-19 Situation in Madagascar
The government of Madagascar enacted a series of confinement and social distancing measures within days of the declaration of the first COVID-19 cases on March 20, the same day the fruit center was inaugurated. Incoming international flights were stopped before the first cases were declared. Schools, in-person worship services, and non-essential businesses were shut down as was travel by bus in the affected cities and between regions. Social distancing was enforced and a little later, the obligatory wearing of masks, with those caught without masks being required to sweep the streets. Quick action and effective contact tracing slowed the spread of the disease. The total number of cases now stands at over 1,200 with 20 - 40 new cases reported daily. As relatively few people have been tested for COVID-19, the actual number of cases is likely higher.
The confinement and social distancing measures began to be relaxed in April, with students taking state exams and returning to school. Churches are now allowed to hold services as long as no more than 50 people are in church at one time, social distancing is practiced, and the pews are disinfected between services. Many churches are holding multiple short church services, sometimes over 10 per Sunday. Other churches have judged it impossible to do adequate cleaning between services and remain closed.
The economic effects of the coronavirus crisis have been devastating. Already a country with extremely high levels of poverty and malnutrition, Madagascar is now in a very vulnerable situation, with many people across the country not getting enough to eat. The natural forests and wildlife are also under threat as tourism has come to a halt and people have turned to the forests for sustenance.
Health and Environment Ministries Continue
Despite the coronavirus epidemic in Madagascar and our being out of the country, the ministry work goes on. Fortunately, the orchards and nurseries at the Ivato seminary and the fruit center at Mahatsinjo continue to receive care. Efforts to increase the quality and quantity of grafted mango trees produced at the fruit center continue. Funds have been received to equip the FJKM development dispensaries with needed protective equipment. Though social distancing guidelines have restricted the feasibility of training, the HIV-AIDs committee is preparing to train seminary students at the two seminaries in the capital this June. We collaborate with our colleagues in Madagascar preparing training documents, planning, and developing adaptive measures to carry out activities given the constraints of COVID-19. Elizabeth has been greatly involved in efforts to obtain funding to help the FJKM cope with the COVID-19 crisis. Efforts are underway to help the Madagascar Mission Network raise money to help the FJKM in this time of crisis.
In this time of great hardship in Madagascar, please pray
· for the people of Madagascar, that they might find the means to meet their needs for food and health
· for the leaders of the FJKM as they seek to lead the church in this time of crisis
· for the leaders of the country as they seek to balance health and economic needs
· for students and their parents struggling to become educated under the challenges of the pandemic
· for the work of the FJKM, including the FVEE, the dispensaries, and the HIV/AIDs committee.
Thank you very much for supporting us and the work we do in partnership with the FJKM church. Galatians 6:2 says “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Working together with the FJKM, we are all helping share God’s love and hope.
Peace in Christ,
Dan and Elizabeth
Read more about the Turk’s ministry HERE.
THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts totaling $10,000 for support funds. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.
