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| Sarindra Rajesson and Louise Rasoamiadana preparing for an interview for the programme Baiboly Iainana (Live the Bible). Tahina Andriamparany of the Malagasy Bible Society is the cameraman, editor and director. He produces two programmes each week for national television. Antananarivo, Madagascar. Photo: UBS Southern Africa ASC/Francoise Sieberhagen (MAD05DJ-11.JPG) |
“For one thing it meant we could acquire and distribute more Bibles than ever before – not that we have reached our potential: on average we distribute 90,000 Bibles per year and we still have the potential to distribute at least 150,000.”
Another O-21-funded project was the building and equipping
of a television studio and recording facilities in Bible House, and
the General Secretary shows great enthusiasm as he describes the developments
this has made possible. “We are now producing our own magazine programme for television,
which is aired weekly and another programme – which also goes out
weekly – in partnership with Scripture Union.
“Our radio programmes are broadcast by at least 31 different
radio stations all over the country and that is making an impact. Furthermore,
we are producing our own products on audio cassette that use Scripture
to comfort and console people in their different life situations.”
We walk round to the back of Bible House and he shows me some renovations
being carried out. The building started to disintegrate, requiring reinforcement
to the foundations by means of steel embedded in concrete.
Broadcast
Proud nation
“I don’t know what would have happened to the building if we
hadn’t received the necessary funds through O-21,” he
says. The Bible Society still needs a lot of support, but, being a proud
nation, the Malagasy people are doing their best to help themselves: the
increase in local donations during the past year proves this. "They
must be doing something right, I thought." (WR 392/9 - 04/5.05) [2
photos]