Madagascar's Lemur Island. An update from David and Ashley Ellingson.

It's our joy to share with you some pictures and video of Madagascar's famous lemurs.

Praise God that we have the opportunity to share about the ministry in Madagascar to the Master's Seminary Missionary Fellowship this Saturday (11/4). This group is for TMS families that are seriously considering overseas missions after they graduate.

As you know, we will need to learn two languages (both French and Malagasy) as missionaries in Madagascar. If the Lord wills, we plan to learn French before we arrive in Madagascar.
We have heard a number of very positive reports about the language school in Albertville, France. Everyone that has been there has shared that it was very challenging and intense, but they all felt like it really helped them progress in the language.
- One couple said that before they went to this school in Albertville, they had completed Rosetta Stone Level 1 and then took two French language courses in the U.S. But after only two days at the French school in Albertville, they covered all they already knew!
- Because this language school is Christian, they also teach you biblical and theological terms in French. This is something we would need, but would never be able to learn from programs like Rosetta Stone. The school also holds a chapel service during the week and has each student share their testimony in French.

I want to express my gratitude to so many of you who have told us that they are praying for us as we pursue future ministry in Madagascar. This really bolsters us for the task. We have already seen God working greatly in our hearts through all of our preparations. May God bless you for your prayer ministry on our behalf.

On our trip to Madagascar this August, we spent a few hours one day visiting an area called Andasibe. This area is in the middle of a rain forest where lemurs and many others creatures abound. As you'd expect in a "rain" forest, it rained most of the time we were there. But what a joy it was to see and experience God's creation in this way.

— David Ellingson

Even lemurs love Team Madagascar!

This lemur did not want to be photographed!

May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth! The heavens are the LORD’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man." Psalm 115:15-16

Our day in Andasibe was incredibly special to me! It was my first time in a rainforest! I enjoyed the beautiful scenery of lush green trees, rivers, plants, lemurs, and alligators! Yes, that was the most alligators I've ever seen in my life. I am thankful for this day when we got to see God's beauty all around and even got to play with lemurs who were more than happy to jump all over us. The plants and animals were a special treat to this Arizona girl who has spent most of her life as a "desert rat."

Thank you all for your prayers as we continue on our journey to "move it move it" to Madagascar. It is always such an encouragement to know you are praying!

— Ashley Ellingson

Pray for opened doors for the Gospel in light of the recent Bubonic Plague in Madagascar that has killed over 120 people and infected over 1,000.
Pray for both of us as we are working on French almost daily.
Please pray for perseverance for Ashley as she works towards the Biblical Counseling Certification.