During our week away, a friend contacted me on Facebook. He was touched by the fact that the villagers in Ankevohevo made building a new Christian church a priority for the village. He asked if I would stop by the village again to get a price quote for the church and the community wash basin (another item on their list of needs). He planned to submit a proposal to his church foundation to pay for it. Bless his heart!
Of course, I was thrilled to be going back to Ankevohevo so I could see François and help make plans for the new church. The villagers were happy to see us again.
We met with Richard, Jaona and a few others from the village to draw up an estimate. The new church should accommodate 200 people, have solid construction (unlike the current church), a cement floor, pews with backs and a designated place for music. The price of the church plus a 10-person wash basin is approximately 15,314.000 ariary or $6,200. The church alone is approximately $5,600.00
While the men were discussing the plans for their new church, I escaped the meeting to go back to the church. I don’t speak much Malagasy and I understand even less. So I found something more productive to do…please pardon my horrible Malagasy pronunciation. The kids understood and in return, they learned some uplifting English phrases.
The people of Ankevohevo were so excited about the possibility of a new church, before I left Madagascar they drew up official plans and a signed and notarized contract promising to build the church together as a community. I was touched.
Unfortunately, that proposal was turned down by my friend’s church. But I have faith we can make their dream a reality! If you feel the calling to help this beautiful town receive their new church, please consider making a donation for this town.
For more information about Ankevohevo, please visit the other sections about this village.