Dan and Elizabeth Turk (PCUSA) - February 2015 Update
Madagascar
We received Chevalier de l'Ordre National - Knight of the National Order - awards during the 40th year celebration of the FJKM Development Department. We are humbled and appreciative of this honor.
Dear Friends,
Hard to believe that 2014 is now past and a new year has begun. One of the first things we want to do this year is let you know how important your prayers and support are to us. For many of you, your support has been ongoing for a number of years, for others this is a new partnership. Thank you very much for all of the ways that you have supported us! Please know that no gift or prayer is too small – God combines them all to further his kingdom in Madagascar and let people know of his love and salvation.
This is a brief letter to say thank you and to review a few of the major events that occurred last year. We also want you to know we will be on home interpretation from July 2015 to June 2016. Please let us know if you would like us to visit your church during this period. Our best contact is daniellturk@hotmail.com.
Milestones, Transitions, New Beginnings
These characterized our lives and ministry in 2014:
*Robert’s graduation from high school in Madagascar and start at Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA
This was by far the biggest milestone and transition last year. Robert is doing well (and so are we). Thank you to all who have assisted in this, whether through prayers or other ways.
*A new project with the FJKM began – The Fruit, Vegetable and Environmental Education Project
This project will help entities of the church like seminaries, synods and new pastors in the fields of environmental education and fruit trees. This picture, right, shows the new garden work at the FJKM Ivato Seminary.
*Conclusion of the five year Fruit Tree and Environmental Extension Project
This project brought many benefits to rural farmers through trainings and the introduction of new and improved fruit tree varieties. A follow-up project is still in discussion. Pictured at left is a farmer from Antanetibe where the whole community was trained to grow citrus and supplied with top quality varieties.
*Revision of the Youth Peer Education Program
These revisions will help participating youth be more effective in sharing with their peers how to lead lives that are healthy, productive and in line with God’s teachings.
*Training local health committees in water and sanitation
Ongoing trainings were carried out with committees in how to manage the new water and outhouses that were built in the last five years.
*Expansion of FJKM AIDS training to reach all four FJKM seminaries
The AIDS Committee now has more time with students to teach counseling techniques as well as other aspects of AIDS prevention and treatment.
Although national elections occurred in late 2013, the people of Madagascar are still suffering from the effects of the five year economic and political crisis. This makes the work of the church in evangelism, development and reconciliation all the more important. People need help, hope and healing. Following the example of Christ, the FJKM church is ministering in all of these areas. There is still much to be done, but together we can help the church share God’s love in tangible ways. We would appreciate your prayers and financial support in 2015. Without your support, we cannot carry out these ministries. Please join us in prayer and partnership so that this year even more people in Madagascar will benefit from God’s plan to bring abundant life (John 10:10).
Peace in Christ,
Dan and Elizabeth
Amount needed in 2015
The Outreach Foundation seeks to raise a minimum of $850 per month for the Turks' support and $2,300 per month for FJKM Ministries and Outreach. To make a donation, click the Donate Now link in the sidebar.
The Outreach Foundation now offers the option of receiving missionary/project updates, newsletters, and receipts by e-mail. If you would like to sign up to start receiving these communications electronically, please send your name and e-mail address, along with that request, to info@theoutreachfoundation.org or call us at (615) 778-8881.