We were privileged to have Madagascar's Minister of Health visit our floating home last week. The following was written for our community by our incredible friend Ally Jones. The Minister of Health's speech was especially meaningful to all of us - we're thankful for the Truth that he experienced and spoke of. (For our American friends, think "member of Cabinet" or "Secretary" when you read "minister of.")
On Friday 13th February, the newly appointed Minister of Health for the Republic of Madagascar, Prof. Mamy Lalatiana ANDRIAMANARIVO, visited the Africa Mercy.
Prof. Andriamanarivo had visited earlier in the field service as a guest of the former Minister of Health & Prime Minister, Roger Kolo.
This time he received his own personal tour of the Hospital from Dr Gary Parker. He was introduced to some of our patients & nurses.
In the International Lounge, Roland & Kirstie presented our plans for Madagascar, highlighting what we want to achieve by June 2016.
Prof. Andriamanarivo was very impressed, and gave a response speech that is well worth sharing with you all (disclaimer: the recording missed some of the speech - some of the first paragraph is written from memory):
Many people have come to Africa to help the people
There were missionaries before you
There once was a missionary called David Livingstone
He did great things for the people, providing Hospitals & clinics
And he talked about Jesus
When other missionaries came after him
They talked about Jesus
But the people said we know about your Jesus, we heard already about him
And they thought Jesus was David Livingstone.
Ladies & gentlemen, my point is
There’s a major gap between saying something and doing it.
Many people are talking
Many people are saying a lot of great things
When it comes to actually doing it
Very few can actually do something
You are a true example of great missionary work
And you are actually doing Jesus’ work
In the name of the President,
In the name of the Prime Minister,
In the name of everybody in the Ministry of Health
In the name of all 22 million Malagasy people
I really want to tell you from the bottom of my heart
What you are doing is amazing
I can only promise you the Ministry of Health will do everything to allow you to do your work in the best condition possible.
Thank you so much, you are such wonderful people.
We thank Prof. Andriamanarivo for coming & praying for a strong relationship with the Ministry of Health in Madagascar.
Prof. Andriamanarivo talking to the press after the presentation.
Surely there will be more to come.
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