(From Operation World/Lausanne Movement) Most of the 2 million people living in the large East African island of Madagascar are subsistence farmers. Years of drought, famine, a degraded environment, and turbulent politics have left the population desperate for hope and answers.
Half the population professes Christian faith and church growth continues. Spoiling the picture are church splits, prosperity teaching, and lingering pre-Christiqn beliefs. The old beliefs still prevail in many ways, despite the growth and spread of Christianity. Compromise with the old beliefs, veneration of ancestral spirits, and witchcraft is widespread among those who claim to be Christian. A Christian veneer often prevails, but many have little understanding of the biblical message of salvation. Many churches appear to be spiritually dead and in numerical decline, particularly in mainline denominations. Revival as well as biblical teaching and leadership are urgently needed. Pray for a new move of the Holy Spirit to reawaken these churches that have such a strong legacy.
Here at The Waiting World, we produced a short video on animism (the worship of spirits) and tribal people. To see it, click HERE