The Tanala of Madagascar
Pray for the Antanala of Madagascar. They live near and in the forest of South East Madagascar, in difficult to reach areas. They are a large group and are skilled woodsmen, hunters and gatherers. They also practice slash and burn farming, which is discouraged by the government.They are animists and venerate the spirits found in the forest. Pray for Christian farmers to come and teach them another way to farm and another Way to live.
Population: 1,140,093
Location and Background: The Tanala people, also called Antanala, live in southeastern Madagascar and are separated from the coast by the Antaimoro and other ethnic groups. They are a large tribe of forest dwellers living inland. Their homeland separates the east coast from the central highlands. The Ranomafana National Park is located in the area of the Tanala. They are divided into two subgroups: the Tanala Menabe in the mountainous north and the Tanala Ikongo dwelling in the more accessible southern part. Tanala Menabe villages are isolated. They are built on mountain tops and are hidden in the dense forest.
History: At the time of the French conquest, the northern Tanala were under Merina domination while the southern Tenala still held many independent fiefdoms.
Culture: The Tanala are skilled woodsmen, food gatherers, and hunters. They trade beeswax, honey, and other forest products and engage in slash-and-burn agriculture, growing rice as a staple. The central government is encouraging the Tanala to use more modern agricultural methods in the cultivation of rice and coffee. The Tanala observe patrilineal descent and often live in large compounds consisting of a father and his sons or of a group of brothers. Their houses are usually built on stilts. Besides slash-and-burn agriculture, they grow rice, corn, yams and coffee. The traditional dance of the Tanala (Dombolo) has become widely recognized and popular.
Religion: The Tanala hold deeply to their traditional religious practices, which is based on animism and ancestor worship. They believe that there are spirits all around us in nature and that people must try to please the spirits. Animists usually live with a certain amount of fear that a spirit will be unhappy with them. Very few of the population is evangelical but there has been some church planting among them within the past two years.
Taboos
Tanala of Madagascar: During our time in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, taboos have had a significant impact on both daily life and ministry. Recently, we tried to help a woman receive medical treatment, but she was unable to attend even a simple appointment due to fear of breaking certain taboos. While some of these practices reflect cultural wisdom, many are shaped by a deep fear of consequences and a sense of spiritual bondage. Please pray for the Malagasy people—that the truth of the gospel would break through fear and bring true freedom in Christ. Pray Galatians 5:1 over them: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Ask that hearts would be set free, that many would come to know the love and authority of Jesus, and that they would walk in the liberty He alone can give.
Reactions were incredible
We showed the Jesus Film in the villages of Midongy and Befotaka and the reactions were incredible! The Bible stories became clear to many. Please pray for the new brothers and sisters in Christ that they would shine and remain firm. Following Jesus is not easy when families fear ancestral punishment, and sorcerers are not happy about more Christians.
