In Madagascar, on Christmas Day, for more than a decade, President Andry Rajoelina, his wife Mialy, and their three children go to pray at the Akamasoa Center, located in Andralanitra Antananarivo, created by Father Pedro Opeka who is no longer to present, here, for his works in favor of the people of the street and the most deprived, since 1970.
For December 25, 2022, with the help of ” Samaritan’s Purse » and its operation « Chrismas child » (established in 1993), many children from the 23 regions of the Big Island in the Indian Ocean, will receive gifts for Christmas and the arrival of the New Year 2023. Including, therefore, those of the Akamasoa Center where 7,000 « shoeboxes » (literally ” Shoe box “) were distributed.
What are the motivations of « Samaritan’s Purse » (the Samaritan’s Purse), an international evangelical Christian humanitarian NGO, headquartered at 801 Bamboo Road in Boone, North Carolina in the United States?
« “Go and do the same”, commanded Christ after explaining the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. We do so. Samaritan’s Purse travels the highways of the world looking for victims along the way. We are quick to heal the wounds we see, but like the Samaritan, we don’t stop there. In addition to meeting immediate and urgent needs, we help these victims recover and get back on their feet. No matter where we go or what we do, we offer more than help. We offer hope. To those who suffer in a broken world, we share news of the only one who can bring true peace: Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace ».
This corresponds perfectly with the state of mind that animates the presidential couple, long before they enter the thankless arena of politics. It’s fine to denigrate and hate your neighbor all day long. But it’s better – and by far – to bring hope and comfort to others. And, already, I know one whose “the work” will disappear as if it never existed when he leaves this passing Earth. Who is it ? You will know when the time comes. And it will happen irremediably. For it is said by Ecclesiastes 8:13: “There will be no happiness for the wicked, nor will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear the face of God”. So be it.
Text: Jeannot Ramambazafy
Photos: Harilala Randrianarison – Jeannot Ramambazafy – Samarian’s Purse
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