In the remote villages of the Androy region in southern Madagascar, farming is extremely difficult. The soil is highly saline, rainfall is scarce, and the climate is harsh. The region frequently suffers from drought and famine, and poor infrastructure makes many communities hard to reach. With few opportunities to earn a living, families often rely heavily on foreign aid to survive.
Against this backdrop, OM is working to share the gospel with people in this area through Word and deed.
Anajafy is a hardworking mother who often struggles to earn enough to meet her family’s daily needs. Sadly, her situation is not unique—many families in her village of Anjatelo face the same challenges.
When a neighbor first told Anajafy about Jesus, she was deeply interested. She was especially moved by the story of the woman who had suffered for 12 years and was healed by Jesus, and she longed to experience that same peace, forgiveness and healing in her own life. As she learned more about the gospel, Anajafy chose to commit her life to Christ.
Her faith quickly began to shape her community. Anajafy started gathering friends regularly to listen to Bible stories and eventually took on the role of leading the Bible study group in her village. Since then, the group has multiplied, helping establish two new Bible studies in neighboring villages.
OM in Madagascar runs community empowerment projects centered on goat farming, with the goal of strengthening and supporting the communities of Jesus followers they serve. Anajafy’s community is one of those that has been positively impacted by this work.
OM team leader Hanitra (Madagascar) explains, “The communities are given eight female goats, which multiply quickly, providing 28 goats in one-and-a-half years. In the past, OM would hand out relief packages in response to a famine, but now people are being empowered as they can bring relief to their own families through the goats they have tended.”
So far, Anajafy has sold 10 of the goats to buy food to distribute in her community. She says, “It was a great help to us that we were able to give relief at the time we needed it most. Our Bible study group was really encouraged as we were able to help each other. We are also happy to be able to share and show love to our neighbors who have still not made the decision to believe in Jesus Christ.”
Anajafy and her community in Ambovombe Androy, Southern Madagascar, have been empowered by the OM relief team with the gift of goats.
As a woman in the local culture, leading and managing the goat program is not easy. Traditionally, this responsibility would be expected to belong to a man. Despite these challenges, Anajafy remains encouraged. She shares, “I am thankful to God that my husband is standing by and supporting me, and he is also starting to show interest and be open to hearing Bible stories.”
To further support this growing work, the OM team partnered with the local relief team by providing two goats, helping them continue to oversee the ministry and strengthen its long-term growth.
“The goat program is an opportunity for us to be able to engage with new communities and share the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Hanitra says.
Through dedication, integrity, and support from the local OM team, Anajafy’s efforts have borne fruit. The goat program has continued to grow, and the herd has multiplied. Today, the community owns 30 goats and is working toward a shared dream: raising enough funds to build a community water basin to store much‑needed water.
“The success that Anajafy and her community have experienced is something for other villages to aspire to. We are happy to see the model they have provided and hope to see other communities experience the same success,” Hanitra adds.
Pray for the goat project to continue to bring transformation to communities. Pray for Anajafy as she leads the Bible study and goat program in her village.
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