On October 14th, Patt Wadenpfuhl will head off to Antananarivo, Madagascar once again to meet up with friends and partners, Ibrahim and Cathy Ravoahangy. She will carry in donated medical supplies for the clinic that serves the children and their families in the Tana program, as well as needed supplies for different children’s programs in Tana and the villages. Like last trip, they will travel to the remote countryside visiting the various programs, encouraging leaders, teachers and children alike. And of course, we will restock the much-depleted store of Malagasy handicrafts, bringing them back in time for sale at our December 13th Ancient Path Christmas Benefit Concert.
Because of time constraints, Patt will not be traveling to the Mikea region on this trip. As of last year, Ancient Path accomplished the goals initially set a decade earlier for work in Anjabetrongo as other locally-based organizations came alongside our dear friends and partners, Pastor Jonoro and Hanitra. They continue to faithfully oversee and build the church, school and ministry in the village of Anjabetrongo and Mikea Forest with their network of partners – and we thank God for them!
At the beginning of November, Patt will fly to Malawi where she will meet arriving AP team members from Minnesota and Cleveland – Pastor Fred and Cindy Cressman, Kiersten Cressman, Bethany Cressman, Paul and Dixie Hiniker, Mikaela Clark and Mackenzie Valley. The list of planned activities for the Chifundo kids seems impossible to accomplish in a few weeks, but we’re going to try!
There will be an extra emphasis on the arts and education this trip as we help the children express themselves through painting, photography, dance and music. We will work with the older kids to make beautiful beaded bracelets to sell, work with tailors to make new chitenze bags (we’ve almost sold out!) and with all the kids using new educational supplies we will carry in. Of course, there will be plenty of time for play with the new soccer balls, jump ropes, parachutes and assorted toys we will bring them. And most importantly, there will always be plenty of time for hugs and the stories about God’s loving care that bring them such hope and encouragement.
We will also visit the new school blocks in Kawale that will be completed by the time we arrive and hope to distribute copy books and pens to the students. We will visit Sanjiko Village and the youth group there that recently completed our successful collaborative farming project. In addition, the team will preach at various churches and encourage local pastors with a seminar lead by Fred Cressman.
It will be a busy trip with alot of hard work and long days for the Chifundo team in Kalieka as well as the US team. But doing what we love, together with friends we love, for the people we love – it just doesn’t get any better than that!
We ask for your prayers to cover all of our travels, our partners and programs, and for God to pour out his powerful love, mercy and encouragement to the Malagasy and Malawian people through our teams.
If you would like to donate funds to buy extra food and supplies for the children in-country – such as mosquito mets or blankets or school supplies (whatever is their greatest need), we could use your help! 100% of funds donated for the trip will go to purchase supplies being carried in or purchased there. Every dollar helps! (And remember, ancient Path is a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit and all donations are tax deductible.)
You can donate online by clicking here – just put Africa Trip Supplies in the memo line. Or you can send a check to Ancient Path P.O. Box 38045 , Olmsted Falls, Ohio 44138.
