The mission of the Shalom Catholic Community in Madagascar, Africa, was invited to give a workshop for people assisted by the Association of Physically Disabled People. The goal of the course was to enable those assisted to have a source of income. The African country is one of the poorest in the world. According to the missionaries, Madagascar is currently experiencing a severe financial crisis and, for this reason, the association has lost a large part of its benefactors. 12 people participated in the course that was given on May 5 and 6.
“There were two days of such an special experience for us missionaries. It was a grace to help these people who so many times suffer greatly. We did not only gave them some of our knowledge, we also received from them: the gratitude, the joy, the smile on their face. We had a great experience of seeing in their gaze a new hope. They had this hope of learning, and from what they learned, they can support their families and have a better quality life. It was wonderful, ”says the Local Manager, Vanda Santos.
Simplicity and gratitude
Vanda says that the simplicity and gratitude of the participants in the course deeply touched the hearts of the missionaries. “It was a moment of great grace for us as Shalom Community. We have done what the Gospel asks of us every day: to give for free what we freely receive. And at the same time that we were teaching them how to cook, with our little experience we were also sharing experiences that we have daily with the Love of God, with the Mercy of God”.
And, he adds: “it was very interesting to hear some testimonies and some people told us‘ We are going to pray for Shalom every day of our lives and we are going to pray to God that Shalom can spread all over the world. Every time my family eats this cake, we will remember Shalom and for Shalom we will pray, so that other people like us can also have this experience’. Imagine to listen to this from a very humble person, ”says Vanda.
See some photos of the course
