Madagascar
The Place
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world located off the south east coast of Africa. It is about the size of Texas. There are several distinct climates: seasonal desert on the west coast, temperate highlands, and a tropical east coast. There is significant biodiversity with 85% of the flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world.
The People
The people of Madagascar are primarily of Malay-Polynesian descent and number around 19.5 million. The main language is Malagasy, but French is also spoken in the cities. The majority of the population has a rural lifestyle of farming and subsistence. Main exports include coffee, vanilla, sugar and shellfish. In recent years there has been an increase in oil exploration and mining. The predominant religion is animism although 41% practice Christianity and 7% Islam.
The Need
The majority of people in Madagascar have few resources. The average annual income is $240. The Human Development Index has ranked Madagascar as 143rd out of 177 countries. 45% of the population is under 15 years of age. Large areas of Madagascar have inadequate infrastructure with no roads, and limited healthcare and education. Infectious disease such as malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis are a problem. With the practice of animism, many Malagasy people live under the fear of spirits. The taboos practiced through this belief system have many restrictions ranging from the owning of chickens to the birthing of twins. The repercussions of breaking these taboos can be as severe as death.
About Us
As a medical doctor and a professional counselor, we plan to use our combined skills to promote physical, mental, and spiritual health and development in Madagascar. We aim to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ through our work and relationships. Essential to our beliefs in service is partnership. Partnership with the Malagasy people in service to remote communities and partnership with friends, family, church's and various organizations to join us in our efforts in promoting health and healing in Madagascar.
In late 2009 we plan to relocate from the wilds of Alaska to the wilds of Madagascar. After focusing on language training for the first 6-12 months we will settle in Mahajunga, a large coastal town that is the gateway to a vast region with no infrastructure (roads, health care, electricity). Through travel health clinics we will care for the sick, develop relationships, and gain further insight into the regional health needs. Our long term goal is to partner with the Malagasy people to develop sustainable healthcare in these remote communities.
In collaboration with a dynamic team, our broad focus will also encompass areas of church and spiritual development, reforestation, mental health and member care. Mental health and social areas of need are psychiatric illness, substance abuse, child abuse, and child-sex trafficking. Member care is a service ministry to missionaries which focuses on the health and wellness of missionaries and their families.
World Venture
World Venture is non-profit, Christian organization through whom we are working. They consist of more than 550 missionaries working in over 60 countries world-wide. Their purpose is to "see people of all nations transformed by Jesus Christ through partnership with his church". Their objective to demonstrate "compassion and care for the hurting and needy" encompasses our focus on health care and mental health. We have chosen to work through World Venture because of their reputable 60 year history of global impact, which includes a presence in Madagascar over the past 40 years. Although World Venture provides us with many essential supportive services, we are required to raise our own financial support. This is made possible through the generous contributions of individuals, churches, and orgnaizations.
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