The Adventure and Expedition Rangers concluded their series on the book of Romans last week and the theme was that as believers, God gives us hope and that is how we are able to live in a world filled with sadness and trials. In Christ we have hope as we shall one day spend eternity in the presence of God. I was reminded of this truth three times last week.
I was told about two suicides by family members of people we know. One girl hanged herself and another young man ended his life by drinking acid. Euphrasie responded to my astounded ‘but why?’ by saying that people have lost hope especially the younger generation. They see no future. As the situation in Madagascar is not improving, I am suddenly more aware of what young people are up against. Poverty, broken homes, abuse, a useless education system and now the introduction of drugs. I am also aware of the fact that this is pretty much the situation around the world, but here it is just so visible and in your face.
The third death was that of a German expatriate. He passed away of a brain tumour after a long medical battle. As he was part of the yachting community, Dries had a few opportunities to share the Gospel with him through the years. Each time, he rejected it and became offensive. A few months ago, we saw him again and asked how he was doing. ‘Trying my best to stay alive’, was the reply. He was told that he only had some months to live. We shared the Gospel of Hope with him one more time and at some point he seemed to think about it. Unfortunately, he started to become blasphemous against God and we decided to end the conversation, but told him that we would be there if he needed someone to talk to. He never accepted the offer.
It is heart breaking when people die without Christ. Without hope in life and in death. That is why we invest all that we can into the children at school and the young people at Rangers on Saturdays. Please pray with us for the young people on our island.
Alice joined us for Rangers on Saturday. I mentioned that I wanted to do a games afternoon with the young people and she offered to teach them some card games. It was a very good afternoon. As I watched each smiling face, the excitement of winning a simple game of Uno, I was so grateful that we could share that moment. They were all happy to be there and not out in the village, walking around aimlessly like so many others.
About Alice; she has applied to a university in Malaysia to study Interior Design and awaits the final decision from them after submitting her portfolio. Until she will leave for Malaysia in April, she works at the factory with PM and I think that that was good for their brother, sister relationship. Please pray that God will make a way for her. We are thankful that she serves Jesus and knows that her future is in His hands.
May you have a blessed week.
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