Over the last several years, the Mid-South District has been blessed to get to know and support the Lutheran Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (LIME) in Madagascar. Led by the Rev. Dr. Joseph Randrianasolo, who addressed the delegation of our District’s 2018 Convention, LIME offers Malagasy adults (both lay and clergy) the opportunity for advanced studies as part of a three-year curriculum which includes Biblical courses. But like many organizations, businesses and individuals, LIME has been hit especially hard by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Graduating its last class in January of this year, the Institute’s doors have now been closed for six months. With no tuition coming into the school, Rev. Dr. Joseph Randrianasolo has shared that the six staff members of LIME and their families now face a dire situation: the very real possibility of starvation.
In a recent message to Mid-South District President Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola, Rev. Joseph noted that the staff have stretched their resources as far as they can, but that the coming month will be marked by extreme hunger—or worse—without the help of outside aid. In response to this critical need of our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Madagascar, the Mid-South District is sending support and inviting ministries and individuals across the district to do the same. Donations to benefit the staff of LIME and their families can be made on the Mid-South District website or by check. When making an online gift, choose the “Restricted Gift” field and designate the funds for “LIME Staff COVID-19.” Gifts by check should be made payable to the Mid-South District with “LIME Staff COVID-19” in the memo line. Please mail any check donations to: The Mid-South District LCMS, 1675 Wynne Road, Cordova, TN 38016
All funds directed to the Mid-South District will be wired promptly to LIME in Madagascar. In the past, ministries and individuals across the Mid-South District have shown tremendous support for the Institute, its staff and students by funding significant technology and facility upgrades. We pray for another overwhelming response to help our Lutheran friends in Madagascar face this new difficulty.
