Three cyclones leave Madagascar suffering

By Tianna Haas and Victor Fredlund | Madagascar in Southern Africa

On the heels of a prolonged drought, Madagascar has now been accosted by three cyclones (Emnati, Batsirai, and Ana) within a month’s time. Of the most severe, Batsirai, local pastor Clarisse de Manerinerina in Mananjary testified: "I am currently 71 years old, but I have never seen such a violent cyclone."

Working with Mission Evangelique Independante de Madagascar (MEIM) and Communauté Evangélique Indépendante de Madagascar (CEIM), our SIM team in the area is acting to distribute aid to, visit with, and pray for the survivors.

Damage in Madagascar from cyclones.

The southern region, served by CEIM and SIM workers Anita and Mamifeno Ratahinarivelo and Jimmy and Marlis Rabeantoandro, has had serious damage. Crops and forests have been ruined by both the wind during the storms and the subsequent flooding, bringing the threat malnutrition to huge portions of people.

SIM Madagascar director Victor Fredlund said: “We expect in this present disaster to assist about 10,000 people with food and seed, and to give evangelistic witness to many affected. People have been given temporary shelter but in the coming month food is going to be in high demand and resources scarce.”

Aside from food, basics, and agricultural assistance, MEIM will also work toward the needs of extra support for the vulnerable, repair of housing, and reconstruction of church buildings. SIM’s Timothy Centre has an existing emergency house building project, which will be involved in these efforts.

The 2,000 reported church members who’ve been impacted by the cyclones are being equipped to multiply the reach of relief to Mananjary. Victor said, “Church members will be encouraged to bring non-church people to access assistance with them as an outreach to their neighbours.”

If you are able to help us respond to needs in Madagascar’s communities, please visit our donation page, find your nearest location, and use project number 098298.

House toppled from the force of the tropical storm.

Pray with us

• Pray for those already impoverished, widows and orphans, pregnant women, and people who are sick without means of treatment.

• Pray for rural regions, where suffering and lack of access to temporary shelter and medical care are most pronounced.

• Pray for Christians in Madagascar to share aid and the hope of Jesus with their communities.

SIM Asset Publisher Portlet

Asset Publisher

SIM Asset Publisher Portlet

Asset Publisher

Related stories

In Carrie’s classroom, Jesus is shaping hearts and minds for his kingdom

When mission workers with young families leave their home country, a major concern is how their children will get on. While the parents are out serving, the kids need stability, education, and spiritual nurturing. That’s where teachers like Carrie come in. Originally from Kansas, Carrie now teaches at a mission school in Liberia, part of Dakar Academy in Senegal, shaping young hearts and minds for God’s kingdom.

Ken & Gwen Baker have spent 40+ years engaged in mission work and adventures with God

Ken and Gwen Baker have retired after 43 years of faithful service with SIM — a life devoted to God, to their teammates, and to equipping others for ministry. They spent decades planting churches in West Africa, fostering intercultural ministry, and shaping mission training that continues to impact workers worldwide. As they step into a new season of life, their story serves as a powerful reminder of how God uses ordinary people, willing to follow his call, to build His church and transform lives.

What might God do in 2025?

As we step into 2025, there is a sense of excitement and expectancy among those serving in mission work worldwide. From remote villages to bustling cities, SIM’s Entity Directors are preparing for what lies ahead, trusting God to bring transformation and hope to unreached and underserved communities. To gain insight into their vision and prayers for the year, we spoke with leaders across the globe about their hopes, challenges, and how the global Christian community can pray and support their work.

How the local church in France adapts to secularism and a changing society

France is a country of contrasts: rich in history, arts, and culture. Yet, as French native Vincent, Head of Communications for SIM France/Belgium, explains, it is also a nation of deep spiritual need. Things are starting to change, though. There is a growing openness to faith and a pressing need for mission work.