Ravaka Rajo

We are deeply sorry to say that our good friend Ravaka Rajo*, pictured here with his wife Liz and the children Anna (9) and Jonathan (8) last year, has died. Ravaka who was a pastor and seminary head in Antsirabe, Madagascar, was hit by a motorcycle earlier this week and after a short time in hospital in Antananarivo was declared dead. He is with the Lord which is far better but we must pray for Liz and the children and the Baptist churches left behind.

Liz was a nurse in Madagascar, where she first met Ravaka. They came to London in 2002 and Ravaka trained in the London Theological Seminary and began studies in The John Owen Centre, transferring to WEST towards the end of his time. It was a delight to have them as part of the church at that time and to see God bless them with their two children, both born here. They had all hoped to be in England this Summer.

Ravaka was a gentle and intelligent man of God with a winning smile. It is hard to overstate what a loss he is to the Baptist churches of Madagascar. It is a reminder that all our days are numbered and that God sometimes moves in mysterious ways.

If people wanted to give to the inevitable financial need that will arise then I'm sure that the church here could see that gifts were passed on.
I understand that the funeral will be in Monday.

(Rahvak' Radzoo he would have said. In Madagascar they called him Doda.)