In the heart of southern Madagascar, where the land is dry and daily life is often arduous, lives a resilient woman named Francine. She and her husband, who has a disability, are the devoted parents of four energetic boys. A farmer, Francine grows sweet potatoes, corn, and pumpkin, and supplements her income by selling water—a precious commodity in this arid region.
In recent years, drought and locust invasions destroyed her crops, and the situation quickly became critical. Hunger set in, severely affecting the family’s health and well-being.
“My son Francio was very weak, suffering from acute malnutrition. He was extremely fatigued. At that time, we had nothing to prepare for lunch and had gone without food,” says Francine.
It was in this difficult context that World Renew, compelled by God’s call for justice and mercy, intervened to provide emergency support in partnership with Canadian Foodgrains Bank and SAF/FJKM, the humanitarian arm of Madagascar’s Reformed Church.
“We received 60 kilograms of rice, 2 litres of oil, and 9 kg of beans,” she says. This support was more than just a food basket—it was a lifeline of hope.
Francine felt overwhelmed with relief. With this assistance, her children were able to return to school, properly nourished and better able to concentrate.
“The arrival of the rice changed everything,” she shares. “Thanks to this, we were able to eat our fill, from breakfast to dinner. Today, my children can continue their education. We are gradually regaining our strength.”
As the family’s health improved, their faith in God’s love and abundance grew. For Francine and her children, every shared meal is now one more step toward a better future.
“Resilience is not about going back to how things were. It’s about moving forward despite everything.”
Together, they are taking each step forward with renewed strength and quiet determination. While challenges remain, Francine carries hope in her heart—hope that her family will continue to grow stronger, that her children will thrive, and that even in the driest seasons, new life and possibility can take root.
