Dear Family and Friends:

How are you?  We are doing well and we have been back in Madagascar (M'car) since Sept. 10.  We had a refreshing time in the States.  We were able to refill our spiritual tanks, which was greatly needed.  We also shared about Madagascar at some Pennsylvania churches. 

Grace has adjusted well in returning to her home country.  She is sleeping better in her familiar crib and room.  Stephen has been playing a lot with his Malagasy neighborhood friends.  Leigh and Stephen have started 4'th grade and they are doing well. 

Have you ever wondered what God's plan for your life is?  We believe that vision from the Lord is absolutely critical to make sure we are doing what He wants us to do.  At this point in time, we believe we do have some direction.  We believe that we are to be the donkey that Jesus rides into town, just like on Palm Sunday, as He enters into different parts of Madagascar with His good news for children (and their families). 

Madagascar

Although M'car was recently identified as tied for the 3'rd most corrupt nation in the world, this should change because the old president has left the country.  The situation here is much better now and the long road to recovery has begun.  This is an opportune time to build the foundation on the word of God. 

There was a mystery virus in M'car that was later identified as the flu.  More than 700 people died, apparently mostly children who were probably malnourished.  The enemy has been trying to kill the children of Madagascar physically and spiritually.  But Jesus wants to give them life and eternal life!  With Him, this is our mission. 

Book of Hope

With much help from a Malagasy friend of ours in the States, we revised the junior and senior high versions of the Malagasy Book of Hope.  This week we sent in what we think will be the final revisions.  We hope to receive a shipment of these books and the elementary school edition early next year. 

We are on a one-year term now because we are uncertain of our options next year.  It may be possible that we can stay longer if it is necessary. 

This Saturday, Oct. 5, we plan to have a Book of Hope training session for some Malagasy Christians.  Pastor Nicolas plans to lead the training and we are very happy that he and other Malagasy pastors and Christians are taking on more responsibility with this project.  We are also thankful that thousands of precious children received Books of Hope here while we were in the States.  The above picture shows children at one of the schools. 

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, John starts teaching a 4-hour class on evangelism at the Bible school (once per week).  Since he found out about this after arriving here, he was unable to seek some books while in the States, but he has obtained some that should be helpful.  On days when Pastor Nicolas is unable to help co-teach, a translator should be available. 

John was recently asked to help with the possibility of getting the Full Life Study Bible translated into Malagasy.  To our knowledge, there are not yet any study Bibles in Malagasy and this should be very helpful, especially with the added emphasis on the baptism with the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. 

Preliminary planning has started for future training and distribution of the Book of Hope in two new provinces, Fianarantsoa south of the capital and Mahajanga in the northwest.  We hope that we might be able to get started in these areas later this year. 

Thanks so much for your vital prayers and your support.  Please keep in touch.  Our primary e-mail address is jpitterle@simicro.mg.  Our PSU address is scheduled to terminate in the middle of October.  If you cannot use our Simicro e-mail address, we do plan to check jpitterle @ yahoo.com at least twice per month.  Also, if you have any prayer requests, please send them to us. 

Maybe Jesus wants to take you somewhere.  If so, where?