It is sometimes said that the Flemish are born with a brick in their stomach. The Malagasy and British may be no different. This combination cannot help but lead to new building plans.

We have started building three new houses on the site of the hospital. The houses are to provide prospective Malagasy doctors with good quality accommodation. Mandritsara remains a remote and rural location and the call of the Lord is vital to lead future staff out from the relative comforts of urban life.  We hope that this accommodation would help reduce practical barriers to those Malagasy brothers and sisters who would be called to serve here.

New flooring has also been laid in the two inpatient wards. It is a beautiful sight to see this project, first proposed years ago, now becoming reality! Praise the Lord.

This building work is largely financed with funds donated from overseas supporters. Foreign construction teams have also being asked to carry out certain aspects of the work. We are so grateful for our family of believers from across the world helping support the Lord’s project in so many ways!

In all this we are fully aware that we are dependent on our God and that we all do it in his honour. Without Him we would labour in vain. But with Him we always get new strength and ideas to continue this work that was started by and for Him.

Many of you reading will have undoubtedly contributed your important “stone”! Thank you very much.

Please do join us in praying:

• That the construction of the houses might continue to advance.

• For physical and spiritual protection for the workers.

• For Malagasy doctors do be called and respond to the call to work here.

• For enough finances to realise the plans.