We are looking back on an engaged period. Most activity evolved around sponsorship. In Holland we have organised an information meeting which was attended by more than 50 people. It was a good afternoon in which many questions got answered and people could try some local delicacies of Madagascar. We have been visiting several cell-groups from our Dutch church to raise awareness for our mission to Madagascar.

Departure to Madagascar

Time flies and so January comes near. The leader of AIM-Madagascar, Daniel Zagami, asked us whether we could come to Antananarivo in January 2015. The goal was to join the Tana-Focus team (more about this later in this newsletter). This request was done in August 2014 and we all realised that it would be a huge task to make this happen.

The difficulty would be to raise enough financial support. To leave in January 2015 we needed to have 90% of our budget in place at the end of November 2014. We have managed to raise 40% in only four months. We are very thankful for this but still 40% is not a good foundation to leave for Madagascar. After consulting those who are involved we have decided to book the tickets as soon as we have enough financial support.

Course week in England

In November Jurgen travelled to the UK for a 'chronological Bible storying' course, organised by Wycliffe at the Redcliffe college, Gloucester. In many cultures, telling stories is a very important way of passing on knowledge. There are many people on Madagascar who cannot read or write. These people depend on stories.

During the course Jurgen did not only learn how he could tell the Biblical stories in a trustworthy way but also in a way people can understand it. That this understanding differs between cultures can be seen through the following example: During the course someone told about a culture where the hero always appeared at the last moment. This way the hero could save the day when everything seemed lost. One day, missionaries started to tell the Bible stories. They also told the story where Satan tempted Jesus in the desert (Matthew 4). This was very disturbing for the people as in this story it was Satan who came last. According to their 'rules' he, Satan, had to be the hero! That could not be right... could it?

You will understand that thorough preparation and a good understanding of where to give extra explanation is important. These and other suggestions where given during this course.

Our work

As promised, we will tell a bit more about our work on Madagascar. Initially we will join the Tana-Focus team. The goal of this team is to train and prepare local Christians for missionary work among the Malagasy. The vision is ultimately to see them send out to the countries of their origin, like Indonesia (among others).

Besides this educational work we will have to learn the language of Madagascar, Malagasy. This will be done through normal everyday contact with local people. Whilst living among them we need to practice our skills for example by doing groceries, having a good chitchat and inviting people over for tea (diner).

There are still eight un-reached people groups on Madagascar. Among those groups AIM have found some openings for missionaries. Besides our work in the Tana-Focus team and language learning, we will also explore the possibilities for new teams among those groups. It is important to discover what the people need. A team can be made up out of people who can give agriculture advise, medical care, education, etcetera. Teams will always work towards the establishment of Christ centred churches. In due time we hope to be part of the establishment of a new team.ure advise, medical care, education, etcetera. Teams will always work towards the establishment of Christ-centred churches. In due time we hope to be part of the establishment of a new team.

The financial situation

Some people think that our salary comes from AIM. This however, is not the case. AIM works with volunteers and her main work is to facilitate the work. A second misconception is that our church is paying a full salary. Again this is not the case. Although our church in Holland has pledged a monthly sum, this will not be enough to sustain us. For our monthly income we are mostly depended on family, friends and others.

We are grateful for all the people who already sponsor us every month. This money goes to a special fund under our name. It is very important that this money is already in place as we have to save for our tickets, vaccinations, visa, etcetera. These matters are very costly but we cannot do without them. The unused funds will stay in deposit for any unexpected situations such as the falling away of a supporter or other unforeseen situations.

Our mission is contingent on supporters. In Holland we have started to ask people in person. The reactions where positive. We would like to ask you the same question. Please consider it over. By supporting us you are helping God's kingdom grow. Acts 1:8 states that we need to be witnesses of Jesus in Jerusalem (your town), and in all Judaea (your county), and in Samaria (your country), and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Madagascar). While most will stay in their own country, which is fine of course, we would like to go to the uttermost part of the earth. We cannot do this without your support.

If you want to have more information before you decide you can get our leaflet and/or DVD. We are more than willing to send you these by post. Even more information can be found on our website.

We hope that you will join us in this mission.

This leaves us with wishing you a very good and blessed December month.