Dear Friends,

Thanks so much for the cards, notes and e-mails we have received from many of you, inquiring about our travel plans and what news we have about the situation in Madagascar. It warms us to know that you are thinking of us during this time of uncertainty.

The news is good, very good indeed, for the island. Finally, it seems as if the former dictator, Didier Ratsiraka, has left the island for good and for all. The island is entirely under the control of the new president, Marc Ravalomanana, who has been recognized by most international governments, including our own. We believe that the Malagasy people will now have a chance for real peace and freedom, led by the president they chose. We thank God for this turn of events.

As you may remember, we were to fly out on July 12, returning to the island. However, the five families of the ELCA mission who are in the U.S. met with Chicago staff in Minneapolis last month, and the decision was made to hold everyone in the U.S. until September. So we are here until then. We are hoping that the situation will have much returned to "normal" before our return.

We ask your continued prayers for the Malagasy people, the churches with whom we work, and the new government. There is much reconstruction and healing that must take place. The support of friends is much needed at this time. Thanks so much for all you are doing and will do to provide that support.

We would love to hear from you all during our time in the states. We look forward to catching up with how life is for many of you before we leave the U.S.. We are living in rural Maine with Cynthia’s parents; the children are in summer camp and are looking forward to a visit to Mark’s parents later this month.

In Christ,

Mark Hrecz Rich and Cynthia Holder Rich
ELCA and PC(USA) missionaries to Madagascar

The 2002 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 41