Madagascar

Coping in "Chaos"

12/15/09 04:52

Earlier this month we did the long drive from the lowlands of Houston to the Highlands of Colorado Springs where we have settled at Mission Training International for a three week course on culture and cross-cultural living. Our days have been filled with class while Oliver has been enjoying the daycare. Topics have abounded on cultural adjustments, dealing with stress and conflict, building community, value awareness and much, much more. One of the most relevant topics to our life now has been transitions. We have officially entered “chaos”, also known as the rootless stage. We can expect this to intensify as we enter a new culture, facing many new internal and external challenges. It has been helpful to name and understand the larger process in which we find ourselves. We know the anxiety and ambiguity of "chaos" will pass as we press through the many stages of change.
Please pray for us as we take the 15 hour drive back to San Antonio this next weekend. We look forward to celebrating Christmas with family before departing for France at the end of month.

France

10/04/09 05:42

We are officially registered to begin French classes on January 4. We will be attending a small language school in Massy, a suburb outside of Paris. Life on the road is preparing us for the tiny apartment in the big city that will be our next home. If you didn’t receive our newsletter (send us your address) you may be wondering, what about Madagascar? Madagascar is still our final destination and our plans for ministry are the same, however the route has changed. Learning French is an invaluable resource in the practice of medicine in Madagascar and will broaden the scope in which we can live and practice. We are in the process of acquiring visas and passports for this move. Let us know if you're stopping through Paris this next year.

Frisbee and Farewell

08/24/09 00:39

The clock is ticking as we are closing in on two weeks until our departure from Alaska. We are savoring everything we know we will miss...trips to the zoo, runs through the mountains, great times with friends and the comforting routines in life that we know and love.
Our wonderful friends and church family are sending us away in style and have put together two very exciting events for us this week. If you are in the area we hope to see you at one or, better yet, both events this coming weekend. Here are the details:

Commissioning Service
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009
Place: First Covenant Church
1145 C Street
Time: 10:00 am service

A portion of the morning service will be dedicated to sending us off to Madagascar. All are welcome to join this special gathering.

Frisbee Golf Tournament Fundraiser
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009
Place: Kincaid Park Frisbee Golf Course
Time: 3:00 p.m. Registration at the Kincaid Pavilion next to the Chalet
            3:30 p.m. Tee off with shotgun start
            Family picnic and awards following Tournament
Prizes: First, Second and the Highest Scoring Team.

Registration Fee: $50.00 a Team (2 players) or $25.00 for a single
Please make checks payable to WorldVenture. www.worldventure.com

To Register:
1. RSVP by e-mail to shelbwilson@yahoo.com
2. Send the names of your team and your Team Name. Singles will be made into teams.
3. Include each team member’s mailing address, phone number and e-mail.
Please bring your registration fee or donation for Hole Sponsorship to registration the day of the tournament

If you are not interested in playing in the Tournament here are some other ways to be involved:

Hole Sponsorship: Become a Hole sponsor with a donation of $25.00 or more. Please see the attachment to this e-mail. This can be a personal sponsor or a business sponsor. Each sponsorship will be listed on the tournament score card (example: Hole 18 is Sponsored by Joe Frisbee).

Event Donations: Make a donation to help fund this event. This can be a food or monetary donation. The money will be used toward the rental fees at Kincaid Park, and food and drinks for the family picnic. Reply to shelbwilson@yahoo.com.

Volunteers: We need volunteers to help with registration, scoring, food preparation and service, and clean-up. Reply to shelbwilson@yahoo.com.

Everyone is welcome so please share this information with a friend.
Tournament will proceed rain or shine

Transitions and Trust

08/10/09 22:01

Packing boxes, yard sale, visa applications, plane tickets, good byes, sleepless nights, using up the food from the back of the pantry... These are many of the things we are dealing with as we prepare to leave our home in Alaska in less than 4 weeks. This time is filled with many emotions as we approach the changes in our world as we know it. We are excited to go, we are stressed with the logistics, we are sad to leave our friends and home, we are apprehensive of the unsettled months ahead, and we have hope for the future.

We are so thankful for the support and prayers we have from our friends and partners. We are learning more than ever what it means to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." (Prov 3:5)

Imaging Madagascar

06/30/09 21:39

In the entertainment industry, grainy, two-dimentional, black and white videos don't get much attention these days, but in medicine they can be the difference between life and death. Ultrasound imaging can look like a blur to the untrained eye, yet to the skilled professional this technology opens up an important view of the body. With our mobile clinics to the remote villages of Madagascar, this technology could be invaluble in treating patients.

With this in mind, I have spent the last few months learning to use this tool. Scott Pickett ( a professional ultrasonographer) and his collegues at Advanced Sonograms of Alaska have generously offered their time to teach me some of the basics of this trade. In addition, Scott surprised me last month with his plan to raise funds for a portable ultrasound machine that I can take to the remote villages in Madagascar! We have selected the Sonosite 180 plus as the best option for its portability, durability, and price.
To give, click on our "Partnership" page.

Creative Partnership

06/08/09 18:38

Check out some of the creative ways that you can support our ministry and promote health and healing in Madagascar.

Renee Fredette and Robert Kurtz have created an online medium called Art4Causes to support both artists and causes. As a featured "cause" we benefit when art is purchased through this venue. Here is how they describe themselves: "We support causes and the artists who believe in them. We are in the business of turning canvas, clay, and color into food, medicine, and bridges. Our art is compassion driven, not money motivated. . . Our art is for making a real and lasting impact in this world." Check out their website at www.art4causes.com.

Real Estate for Real Impact

Reuben Schug is a Portland, OR based real estate agent that has committed to giving us 50% of his commission if a customer referal comes through us. For more details click here.

Amazon

Thanks to the Amazon Affiliates Program when you buy something from Amazon.com via this link on our website we receive a 4% referral fee. Its that easy, shop amazon and impact Madgascar.

Miles for Mad

Have more miles than you know what to do with? We can use them. Unfortunately, most airlines do not permit direct donations to our mileage accounts but here is how this can work. You let us know how many miles you can donate on which airline. When we are ready to purchase a ticket, we will contact you to complete the transaction. Miles donated must be enough to cover one leg of a trip (ie: at least 12,500 miles).

Texagascar

05/19/09 21:54

What state is the same size as Madagascar, has a similar climate, has about the same population, and is also known for its cattle ranching.... you're right... Texas! There is a lot in common between Texas and Madagascar but there are also many differences. Madagascar is one of the poorest nations in the world with many people suffering from malnutrition, poverty, no healthcare, limited educational opportunities, and the suppressive forces of animism. These issues have been augmented by an unstable political situation over the last few months.

Last week found us in Mandy's stompin' grounds of Houston, Texas. We spent time reconnecting with some of our partners and meeting with others who showed interest in our vision for health and healing in Madagascar. It was a full and filling time. We visited our supporting church, Faithbridge UMC, where we were introduced to the congregation and got to meet quite a few people. We are so appreciative for the kindness and generosity of people throughout our travels in Texas and we are excited to see these partnerships grow and develop.

Island Update

04/27/09 19:25

The Malagasy people are facing a difficult and growing humanitarian crisis that is creating hardship across the island. The three main elements playing into this situation are a long standing drought in the south, an unstable political situation, and the three plus hurricanes or tropical storms that

have hit the island over the last few months. The malnutrition rate in some places is over 14% and greater than 10% of kids won't make it to their 5th birthday. 10,000 people have been displaced by the storms and the political "storm" is now in its 4th month as the Malagasy learn to deal with a broken governmental infrastructure and a collapsed tourist industry.

The need in Madagascar is now greater than ever. We feel a growing urgency to be on the ground in Madagascar. Remember the Malagasy people in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Partner with us so that we can reach our goal of departing for the island this autumn.

One Dollar

04/14/09 23:37

My head was tucked behind the projector as I realized the room was filling. I looked up and there were 40 5-6th graders talking excitedly and milling around... I guess it was time to start. I had been asked to speak about our ministry in Madagascar to this AWANAs group but had not expected so many kids. Well, we had a great time. The kids were curious and enthusiastic. They also seemed drawn in to the images of kids in this other culture and the need that was so evident.

As I ended the talk, some of the kids crowded around me to ask questions and before I had a chance to respond, one small boy ran up to me, placed a one dollar bill in my hand, and ran off. I don't know who that boy was, but it was touching to see him and the other kids respond as they did. I think this boy has it right... we can make a difference one dollar at a time... one person at a time.

Oliver and Madagascar

03/18/09 21:23

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Oliver did not fly anywhere this last month! With all of the trips out of state for fundraising and family visits, he has been flying every other month since he was born. This month at home has given him the opportunity to spend time with his many friends and work on his soon to bud walking skills. His personality continues to reveal a spirited child who encounters life with passion and intensity. We look forward with nervous excitement to Oliver maturing amidst rich cultural and language experiences in Madagascar. Oliver will be learning three languages with exposure to English, Malagasy, and French. The town we plan to settle in, Mahajanga, has a French primary school that Oliver will likely attend for early grade school. After that we will be exploring the many education resources available for children without access to traditional learning environments. Thankfully we have some time until we have to sort this out. For now, we'll keep our focus on learning to walk. We have learned that regardless of where you are in the world that children speak a universal language. They are a bridge, connecting us with friends, neighbors, strangers and even enemies. Here is a link to an Anchorage Daily News blog where Mandy was asked to write more on this subject, click here.

Playing with friends, Lars and Ilsa, in Seward:
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Upheaval

03/18/09 21:15

The mayor of New York City, has declared himself President of the United States! He has set up a transitional government and called for the current President to step down. Some of the generals from the armed forces have endorsed him and threaten to use whatever means possible to to make this happen.

Fortunately this event has not happened in the US, but this is the scene that has been taking place over the last few weeks in Madagascar according to multiple news sources. The 34 year old mayor, Rajoelina, of the capital city has been attempting to oust the democratically elected president, Ravalomanana. There have been daily demostrations and riots creating a standstill in commerce throughout many cities across the country. Just today, the president ceded his position. So far, the people of Madagascar have avoided civil war and there has been limited bloodshed. Although foreigners have not been a target, the US embassy has requested that all nonessential Americans leave as a precautionary measure. Please keep Madagascar in your thoughts and prayers through these uneasy times. Whatever the political outcome, we hope for freedom, peace and prosperity for the Malagasy people.

Introductions

03/10/09 19:30

Jamie and Alissa Shattenberg are a big part of our decision to move to Madagascar. My introduction to the island was almost 15 years ago when I traveled with Jamie back to his home in Madagascar. Mandy and I have turned towards Madagascar and partnership with the Shattenbergs because of our similar vision for service in this underserved region and mutual friendship that will be a vital support for us as we enter a foreign culture.

Jamie was born and raised in Madagascar as a missionary kid. He has an integral knowledge and experience of the local culture and language. Over the last decade he has continued to pour his heart into local communities. He has partnered with one remote community where they have started a church and planted over 1 million trees as part of a reforestation program. This work has started a transformation in the community that is healing the scars of animism, poverty, and deforestation. Alissa has spent several years in Madagascar using her skills in health care to aid in healing in this remote region. She plans to use her training and experience as a nurse practicioner to further the health of the region through health care and education. Their two girls, Isabella and Eliana, are bundles of joy who will be great friends for our little Oliver.

To learn more about their work and ministry, check out their website at www.redislandrestoration.com.

The Power to Go

02/24/09 02:29

The significance and burden of "going" has begun to weigh more heavily on us as we draw closer to our departure for Madagascar. We have become more acutely aware of the logistical, educational, cultural, emotional, and spiritual burden that is wrapped around this two letter command... Go! We have realized that we cannot be self-reliant in this endeavor. We need partners who back us up through prayer, emotional support, and finances. In essence, we need to be Sent. (Rom 10:13-17)

We are fortunate to have a growing group of individual and church partners who are meeting us in this need. Our home church, First Covenant Church, has taken us in like family and committed to Sending us. They are constantly encouraging us and supporting us in this endeavor in a myriad of ways. A new church partner is Faithbridge UMC in Houston, Texas. This church has eagerly jumped into partnership with us to promote health and healing in Madagascar. We look forward to a growing relationship with this church as they Send and we Go.

Picture is of our family at First Covenant Church, Anchorage, Alaska

The Team

02/10/09 19:36

The end of January found us in Littleton, Colorado for a WorldVenture conference. We arrived in balmy 70 degree weather and met Mandy's mother at the airport. It was great to see her and she was an incredible help since she hung out with Oliver while Mandy and I were in meetings. During this conference we covered issues related to our fundraising and the myriad of details involving transition to life and work in Madagascar. It was encouraging to gather with couples from around the country who are at the same stage in preparations to move internationally.

A highlight for us was spending some time with Jamie and Alissa Shattenberg and their two daughters Isabella and Eliana. The Shattenbergs are our friends and partners in ministry who will be traveling back to Madagascar with us. Jamie is the Madagascar director of a reforestation program called Eden Projects and has done some extensive work with the local church. Alissa is a nurse practitioner who plans to be involved in health care education. This picture shows us at the Denver aquarium during one of the fleeting moments that we could get all seven of us in one picture frame.

Cyclones*

02/03/09 00:10

Madagascar has been hit by both physical and political cyclones over the last few weeks. First came the news that two cyclones were bombarding the island from two different directions. This event is heralding the beginning of the storm season for Madagascar. Over the years this country has been devastated by multiple storms. Fortunately, the immediate impact of the recent cyclones have been minimal with only around 20,000 people made homeless. The long-term repercussions have the potential to be devastating. The palm leaf and mud brick homes can often be rebuilt quickly but the decimation of crops can spell out starvation later in the year.

The political storm that has hit Madagascar over the last week seems to be a battle between Ravalomanana, the president of Madagascar, and Rajoelina, the mayor of the capital city, according to various reports from BBC and CNN news. Demonstrations became violent causing the deaths of over 100 people across the nation and the destruction of many shops. These are tense times for the Malagasy people as they grapple with the turbulent politics of a young democracy.

*Cyclone- The Indian Ocean equivalent of hurricane.

Mothers

12/22/08 18:24

Who are the most important and effective healthcare providers in the developing world? ... Mothers! This was the most powerful statement that I heard at the Global Missions Health Conference last month. This conference in Kentucky was attended by thousands of global healthcare workers. One of the themes of this conference was approaches to community healthcare systems in the developing world. I was able to hear about many experiences and projects as well as acquire resources.
Kentucky Nov08-12

So why are mother so essential to healthcare? They have 24/7 contact with most of the patients in a given community. They are the ones treating day-to-day health issues. And people listen to them! This is such an important concept for our project in Madagascar as we build a "grass roots" health care system. Traditionally, a system is developed by first building a hospital. These systems can work great but they usually require a continual influx of outside money and people often have to walk days to get to the facility. In our approach we are starting with the foundation of the family unit... the mothers. We want to empower families through education in healthcare prevention and treatment. Not only is this cheap and sustainable but it is available right in the home.

Will this work? At this conference I learned about several examples where this approach has had powerful and effective results. (One such example in India you can read about in National Geographic Dec '08.) In rural Madgascar, more than 60% of deaths are easily preventable--the causes are pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhea. With some basic education and resources, village health workers can treat most of these cases without a visit to a hospital. With our "grass roots" approach, mothers can effectively provide health care and impact thousands of lives.

Fady

10/29/08 20:21

Taboos, or fady, play a large role in many Malagasy communities. They are derived from an animistic belief system. Daily life is a dance between survival and appeasing the spirits who take the form of their ancestors. Each community has a set of taboos or actions to avoid that would anger the spirits and bring calamity down on the individual or community. This system creates an atmosphere of fear that can be quite paralyzing. Some of these taboos in and of themselves are harmless. One such taboo I learned about while in southeastern Madagascar is wearing red on the beach. This was easy to avoid and does not limit daily life for the most part. Other taboos can be devastating to a community such as having twins, a taboo in the southeast region. The tragic outcome is that one or both of the twins are abandoned, thrown in the river, or left in a hole to die. If a couple tries to keep their twins, they are ostracized from society and survival for the whole family can be almost impossible.

Several years ago I visited an orphanage near Mananjary that has functioned to save the lives of these twins. It was tragic to see these children living with the emotional and physical scars of their abandonment. The difficult challenge is to provide an escape from this practice while keeping intact the cultural integrity of the community. This is going to require a multifaceted approach. Education and health care will be important to show the possibilities of life with twins. Along this line, the government of Madagascar is promoting an educational initiative in this region in an attempt to change some of this practice. Even more important, is the need to break the cycle of fear that is griping these communities. Some local Malagasy pastors have been sharing the love of Christ in this region which has begun to have some dramatic impacts on healing this cultural wound.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear… We love, because He first loved us.”( 1 John 4:18-19)

Seasons

10/14/08 20:46

Portrait through Numbers

10/02/08 20:53

Rice - The Life Blood of Madgascar

08/31/08 01:58

Rice is life in Madagascar. It is the staple food with which most of the island lives on... breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Rice is grown all over the island by small scale subsistence farmers. These small farms are quite suseptible to the extremes of weather from long standing droughts in the South to multiple cyclones (hurricanes) that hit the island each year. In the 2006 -2007 season there were 6 full scale hurricanes. One of these not only displaces hundreds of thousands of people but decimates the crops. Even without hurricanes, Madagascar has to import more than 200,000 tons of rice each year.

Rice Distribution

Jonathan in 2000 distributing rice in Southern Madagascar

Importing rice costs 70% more than the locally produced rice. The government of Madagascar is currently working with NGOs and other governmental organizations to increase productivity with improved farming methods and better transportation to get the rice to market.

Yet more rice will not solve the problem of malnutrition in Madagascar. Although rice does provide some calories it is devoid of many essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. Work is being done to improve the crop profile. For example sorghum, which disappeared during droughts in the 1990s, has been reintroduced. Compared to rice, this grain has a higher nutrient content and can survive through hotter, dryer weather. Much work is needed in the agricultural and economic infrastructure before the Malagasy people are free from malnutrition.
(Info adapted from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations)

Madagascar or Bust

08/12/08 21:16

Mandy and I have some exciting news to share as we move forward towards our goal of departing for Madagascar in autumn of '09.

We recently received notification that we were accepted for a grant to repay our school loans. This is a huge blessing and brings our departure goal closer to reality. Without this help it would be many more years before we could head to the mission field. The granting organization is called MedSend. They will take over our payments as long as we continue our work overseas.

We are also excited about our new partners both here in the US and in Madagascar as this "Mad Vision" builds momentum. We now have 30% of the ongoing monthly expenses raised! Thank you to those who have donated recently or are continuing as monthly givers.

Fun Fact

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The Malagasy language has the same letters as the English alphabet minus the letters C, Q, U, W, and X. The word "Madagascar" is not in the Malagasy language since it has a "C". The Malagasy spell it Madagasikara. The name came from the European explorer, Marco Polo, who never went to this area of the world and probably confused it with the town of Mogadishu in Somalia. The Malagasy people actually have several names for the island including Nosin-dambo, Izao tontolo, or Ny aninvon'ny riaka.
(Info from www.wildmadagascar.org)

Thank You

07/17/08 22:21

Thank you Heart Touch Ministries and St. Philips Episcopal Church for hosting us in Katy and Beeville as we shared about Mad Vision. The helping hands of so many worked together to makes these two events possible. We were thrilled to meet with many old and new faces as we shared our heart and vision for ministry in Madagascar. Welcome to our new partners who are coming alongside us in prayer and financial support. We are excited to be on this journey of helping to promote health and healing in Madagascar with you.

Here are a few pictures from Mad Vision Beeville:
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Heading South

06/16/08 20:25

This week we are headed to Texas for a whirlwind two and half week trip. We will be reuniting with family and friends as we share about Mad Vision. On Sunday, June 22 at 3:00 pm we will be presenting at Heart Touch Retreat Center, 2221 Porter Rd Katy, TX 77493 and then again at St. Philips Episcopal Church, 311 E. Corpus Christi St. in Beeville, TX 78102 on Tuesday, June 24 at 6:00pm. If you are in the area, we sure hope you'll join us!

Valley View Connections

05/24/08 01:33

During the first weekend of May, we had the opportunity to spend three days connecting with our Valley View family in Clackamas, Oregon. We had seven meetings over three days ranging from men's and women's breakfast to combined sunday school to home groups. We also had a "David Letterman" style interview from Pastor Steve during the morning service. We were able to reconnect with friends of Jonathan as well as meet new people.

This was a rewarding time as we shared Mad Vision and experienced others growing excitement about opportunity to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual health needs in Madagascar. We have gained new financial partnerships bringing us to more than 10% of our financial goal.
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Here is Oliver soaking in grandma love at Valley View.

Mad Vision and Valley View

04/29/08 01:02

Coming this Weekend!...
Mandy and I will be spending some time in the Portland area with the Valley View Evangelical Church family to share about our work in Madagascar.

This feels like a home coming for me since this is the church I grew up in. I did my first mission trips through Valley View when I was in high school. I have fond and impacting memories of my spring break trip to Mexico with the youth group where we helped at an orphanage and led some worship services.

Now as I return with my wife Mandy and my son Oliver, we are excited to become reacquainted with our Valley View community and meet many of the new faces. We are looking forward to exploring what it means for Valley View and the Casurellas as we partner in their mission to "reach out to one another, our community, our world, in reaction to God reaching out to us."

Here are the details:
Where: Valley View Church
11501 SE Sunnyside Road
Clackamas, OR 97015
When: Sunday, 4th May 9am

Madagascar and First Covenant Church

04/01/08 03:15

We will be sharing more about our plans for ministry in Madagascar at our church this upcoming Sunday. All are welcome as we share stories, pictures, and dialogue about the people and needs of this unique island.
Here are the details:
Where: First Covenant Church
1145 C St. Anchorage, AK 99501
When: Sunday, April 6th, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Children are welcome to join, childcare will also be provided.

Mad Preparations #1

02/05/08 04:39

We are keeping rather busy as our plans and vision for our work in Madagascar continues to take shape and pick up speed. Last autumn we shared about our vision with friends and family in Portland, OR (where Jonathan grew up). We have connected with Valley View Evangelical church and are excited about partnership plans with them. Over the Christmas holiday and through January we have been working on developing this website. We've realized that web design is a ton of work for two web design rookies!

Right now we are in our "partner development" phase. This is a challenging and rewarding job. We have enjoyed seeing others come alongside our vision for work in Madagascar, supporting us in a variety of ways. Our financial base is beginning to grow as we connect with people and churches. We are striving to connect with experts in our fields as we continue to brain storm and pull details together.
Well that's the Mad News for now. We will update again in a few weeks. In the meantime we are awaiting the arrival of our first child... due this week!

Real Estate meets Real Need

02/02/08 03:06

One exciting opportunity has been brought to us by Reuben Schug, a real estate agent in Portland, Oregon. He has generously offered 50% of his commission that is generated through Casurella referrals. So if you or a friend is trying to buy or sell a house, contact Reuben and let him know we referred you. He can work directly with you in the greater Portland Metropolitan area. He also gets commission if he refers a client to another agent anywhere in the country. For example, if you live in Houston, TX, you can call him up, give our name, and ask for a good referral in your area. He will do some research and find an agent with a great record and great service-- and he will donate half of his referral commission to ministry in Madagascar.

So if you or anyone you know wants to buy or sell a house... contact Reuben! Click on this link for more info: www.reubenschug.mywindermere.com

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