Jonathan, Mandy, Oliver and Alex Casurella are living in France as they study the french language in prepration for ministry in Madagascar. Jonathan is trained as a family medicine physician who has experience working with remote Alaskan communities. Mandy is a licensed professional counselor and has worked in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. Oliver and Alex are growing little boys playing in a great, big world.

The robust baobab tree of Madagascar is a source of life and beauty for the community. Gatherings such as school, village meetings, and social events often occur in the shade of the baobab.We see our role in Madagascar as coming beside the strengths and needs of the Malagasy people, coming Beside the Baobab.

The need in Madagascar is great. Inadequate healthcare, limited education, deforestation, and the fearful grip of animism have been destructive to these resilient people. Through partnership with individuals and churches we are already seeing life, health, and healing being restored in lives and communities.
Our goal is to promote health and healing in the remote Mahabana region of Madagascar. As a part of a larger team we will focus on physical, mental and spiritual health. Together we bring skill and heart to a remote corner of the world. We are a doctor, a counselor, a local pastor, a nurse practitioner, a local fisherman, tree planter, and teacher. We desire to demonstrate the love of Christ and envison total life impact for the people of this region.

Our work is to partner with the Malagasy people in four major areas:

• Body Care- through mobile medical clinics in local villages we will advocate health education and train local village workers to diagnose and treat basic preventable conditions. This cost effective and sustainable approach will empower individuals and communities and give them tools to impact their own health. Further development will include connecting these village workers with a hospital based referral center.
• Heart Care- promoting personal and relational health among cross-cultural workers and the Malagasy people. This involves helping to prevent and address burn-out and depression through workshops, retreats and counseling. In addition, providing resources and basic teaching to help people live and work well.
• Community Care- healthy individuals make up healthy communities who can in turn positively impact their environment. We are working alongside partners who are passionate about caring for creation. Extensive reforestation projects are in effect and an integral aspect in promoting sustainable living and environmental responsibility.
• Soul Care- many Malagasy people live under the fear of spirits. Some taboos practiced through an animistic belief system involve restrictions ranging from the owning of chickens to the birthing of twins. The repercussions of breaking these taboos can be as severe as death. Through church partnership and discipleship we share the love of Christ and the truth that sets us free.

World Venture is non-profit, Christian organization through whom we are working. 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 partnership with individuals, churches, and orgnaizations.

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