Dear friends of the Mission,
Hello! It is with deep emotion and infinite respect that we send this speech, the fruit of gratitude for the volunteer doctors and specialists who left their homeland and came here, in Southern Madagascar. This visit was not just a journey – it was the living flame of the Gospel, the work of love that bridges seas and oceans and unites souls in a chain of compassion and giving.
The paediatricians, with a heart that pulsates for people, touched with affection the children of Madagascar, children who live in the desert of deprivation and struggle daily to survive. Every look, every examination, every gentle touch was like a heavenly blessing for these children, who often see their lives threatened because they do not have the minimum of three euros to save themselves from malaria. The presence of the doctors brought heaven to earth, like dew on an arid land, like an embrace of divine affection reminding them that their lives have value, that they are not alone.
The doctors, from the very first moment, were confronted with cruel images, but their souls were not broken. On the contrary: their will blossomed even stronger. In the eyes of these children, they saw more than patients – they saw the innocent hope that has not learned to be disappointed. These were moments when words were not needed; only a look could express their gratitude, only tears of joy could convey their relief.
The volunteers also visited the clinics that the Orthodox Foreign Mission Brotherhood has painstakingly built. These clinics are oases in the barren land of poverty, sources of life that offer care, comfort and hope. Where once the journey for an examination was endless and illness seemed inevitable, now the presence of these clinics brings the warmth of your love, and every room is saturated with your offering.
In the second part of the visit, we set off for the remote villages. Loaded with food, clothes and shoes that arrived thanks to your donation, we crossed rough and rugged paths to reach every corner that was waiting for us. The presence of volunteers was like a balm to the wounds of poverty, like rain cooling the thirsty land. We are grateful to Father Anastasios, who with inexhaustible energy and love for the Gospel became the messenger of your care, bringing light and consolation to every soul seeking support.
Volunteers also visited schools, bringing stationery, toys and books, generously sharing smiles and hope. The children welcomed them with songs, laughter and enthusiasm. They became one with the children, shared joy with them, and gave them moments that will remain indelible in their souls. Every notebook, every pencil they held, was like a little treasure, filled with your love that crossed seas to reach here, and become hope and joy.
This is the Mission – a bridge of salvation, solidarity and love. You from there, we from here, become one and support these people who need us as much as the earth needs water, as much as the soul needs hope. Together, united, we can bring God’s light into their lives, give care, hope and life.
We thank from the bottom of our hearts all of you, our brothers and friends, for supporting us with your love. Thanks to you, the Mission is an oasis in the desert of need, a source of life for every person here in Southern Madagascar.
† The Bold Prodromos
