The BWAid team, led by Director Marsha Scipio and Capacity Development Specialist Allen Chimombe, joined the Executive Committee of the All-Africa Baptist Fellowship (AABF) in Madagascar, where the Fellowship convened its annual meeting in Antananarivo from 10 to 16 February 2026. The visit was a solidarity mission to stand alongside the Malagasy people, who face recurring challenges as the island nation ranks on the Baptist World Alliance Vulnerability Index.
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is highly exposed to periodic cyclones that disrupt communities and livelihoods. The presence of BWAid and AABF leaders underscored both compassion and commitment: listening to local Baptists, encouraging resilience, and strengthening capacity for disaster preparedness and recovery.
During the team’s stay, the nation was struck by Cyclone Gezani, which left 59 people dead, displaced more than 16,000 individuals, and caused extensive damage to homes, churches, and vital infrastructure. In response, BWAid is providing solidarity grants to local Baptist conventions, enabling them to deliver immediate relief and support to affected communities.
This mission reflects the Baptist World Alliance’s ongoing commitment to walk alongside vulnerable nations, affirming that the global Baptist family stands with Madagascar in both times of crisis and in the pursuit of long-term resilience and hope.
