ALEX & RACHEL'S
June 2025 Update
After nearly a year away, I finally had the opportunity to return to Madagascar for a very-much-needed six-week trip. While our family continues to navigate medical care here in Canada for our daughter, this trip allowed me to reconnect with our team, minister in churches, and move forward on some long-awaited ministry projects.
Building Churches
The main reason for the trip was to begin construction on two church buildings in communities that had been waiting a long time. We had received donations specifically designated for church buildings back in 2024.
In many of these communities, having a church building makes a significant difference. It brings believers together with a strong sense of unity, gives them a tangible place to gather and grow, and also helps their surrounding community see them as a serious, established church. That in turn opens many doors for the gospel.
By God’s grace, we were able to complete both church buildings in about four weeks. One of them was in a rural village and since life is simpler there, that building was mainly built by church members as opposed to a professional team. It was incredible to be there and worship the Lord together with them for their first services there.
IN-CITY CHURCH
RURAL VILLAGE CHURCH
Building Relationships
Beyond construction, I had the joy of:
1 - Reconnecting with our ministry team in Madagascar. They are the ones that go out to villages weekly to visit different churches, encourage pastors and believers, and preach the gospel. We held a spiritual retreat, which was a great opportunity for me to disciple, encourage, and help them grow spiritually.
2- Teaching God’s word - As I went around to different churches, I also got opportunities to teach God’s word and encourage them.
3- Visiting and spending time with our precious orphans/abandoned children.
4 - Handling various administrative tasks that are nearly impossible to take care of from here in Canada.
The time was extremely fruitful, and I came home deeply encouraged.
OUR MINISTRY TEAM
What's Next?
Back in Canada, we are entering another season of medical appointments for our daughter. In June and July, we are visiting both CHEO and SickKids for further tests. These results will help us understand what the next few months might look like and when we might realistically return to Madagascar as a family.
Online ministry will continue as usual as we are still putting out 3-4 videos a month. And, as always, overseeing the work in Madagascar (which is made possible by interacting with our ministry team online) will help keep us busy as well.
Please continue praying with us for wisdom, healing, and peace as we navigate this season. Thank you again for standing with us—in prayer, in generosity, and in heart. We could not do this without you. God bless!