Learning to put our faith in God to accomplish the things we can't possibly do on our own.
So here are the top five ways God has done things beyond our control in this season.
In our last newsletter we shared that it feels like a bomb went off, but a good bomb! Lots of stuff happening, excitement, and a bit chaotic at times.
Well, we have been truly blown away by God's work in, through, and around us (see what I did there?)
It hasn’t come without its challenges and transitions, but we are simply in awe of what God has put in motion in such a short time.
**Don't forget to check out your favorite MEME from the Carlstrom kid's at the end!!
#1 Baptized 3 Amazing kids
Our kids were ready and God provided the timing and opportunity! On Easter Sunday we were able to baptize Braiden, Jacy, and Jolie on the top deck of the Africa Mercy Ship (AFM). Praise God!!
Braiden
In the name of the FATHER
Jacy
SON
Jolie
& HOLY SPIRIT
#2 Another Life Saved
We knew these trainings like "Helping Babies Breathe" could really equip healthcare workers with life-saving skills. But we didn't expect it was going to be this effective this quick!! Only a few have been trained thus far, but have already recorded saving 2 baby's lives.
Praise God for His mercy!. One baby (pictured below) was just delivered this last week and resuscitated for 20 minutes. The trained midwives knew exactly what to do to turn a devastating tragedy into a precious & joyful moment for this family.
#3 New Partnership for LMS
Huge Celebration at Lake Mantasoa School
We are so excited that after the Barber's years of submitting applications, the Cellular/Internet company Orange agreed to partner with the school and make it one of their official Orange sponsored Digital schools.
They donated a bunch of tablets and a projector; all connected to a network database with access to thousands of books, curriculum, and study programs. The school had a day long training for the teachers and the students. The next day was a big inauguration celebration where the staff did an incredible job making this a VIP event with government and regional school officials, Business professionals, and Orange program supervisors!
#4 Incredible progress on the ship
The Biblical Counseling Pastor's Conference was Awesome!!
The 3M team in collaboration with Mercy Ships had a blast hosting over a 100 leaders for this amazing Conference!
Neal teaching at the MercyShips CET (Country Engagement Team):
Neal lead a few different sessions with this very diverse team (9 different Nationalities). Neal lead sessions on understanding our different Cultural perspectives, team building, and communicating our strengths, fears, and goals.
Neal was thrilled to arrange some friends that have a pretty popular band called Reko to come and perform on the ship! It was a surprise for all the crew and day crew (Malagasy staff). What started as a mini concert soon turned into a powerful worship session as they invited everyone to sing with them on the song "Teach us." It was moving to sing together with more than 38 nationalities represented on the ship. Click on the logo or the text to listen to the song and find out why it was so powerful!
#5 Plans for the Maternity Center
We are all beyond excited to receive these 3D blueprints that brings the dream to life! This is for the the Maternity Center here in Tamatave. It is becoming more and more real each week as we put it all into the Lord's capable hands, timing and provision.
#6 Bonus- CRAZY TIMES
It has begun!! This young man has recently turned 16 and he is officially now behind the wheel. Unfortunately the driving age is 18 for Madagascar, but Braiden wants to get his license as soon as we get back to the states. He is enjoying learning first on a stick shift (manual) vehicle here in Madagascar as that is all we have.
Carlstrom Kid's latest MEME!
We started our own organization called Equip Madagascar.
We feel called to Equip Malagasy leaders to be the Body of Christ, through Discipleship, Community development, and Healthcare! We are all about leading from behind and empowering Malagasy to be the hands and feet of Christ to their community. Eph 4:12-13
If you have a heart for serving others and a desire to grow in your relationship with God, we invite you to join us at Equip Madagascar. Together, let us equip ourselves and one another to fulfill the call that God has placed upon our lives, and let us impact lives, transform communities, and bring hope to the nation of Madagascar.
Join us on this exciting journey of faith and service as we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Madagascar. Together, we can make a lasting difference!
