Earlier this month of November 2007, the nutritional team of Dr. Antamalala and Mr. Arinala visited the east coast around Vangaindrano. Here is a report from Dr. Antamalala regarding the fire which consumed the medical director’s residence at Vangaindrano....

Around 1 o’clock in the morning on the 28th of October 2007, the business manager for the Vangaindrano Lutheran Hospital noticed a different type of brightness coming from the direction of Dr. Benja’s house, the hospital medical director. Dr. Benja was not home at the time but had taken his wife and children to Mahajanga. One of the hospital employees had been given the responsibility of looking after the house during their absence. For some reason, however, this employee was not at the house during the time of the fire.

The fire quickly consumed the entire house, a former NMS residence. No belongings inside the building were rescued. This included all the material possessions of Dr. Benja along with many church furnishings. Only cinders were left smoldering in the ashes. An investigation by local government police is on-going.

Because of this destruction to home and property, Dr. Benja is no longer staying on the hospital premises, but has moved to a local hotel in Vangaindrano, which has come to his assistance. Dr. Benja and family are left with no material belongings. Absolutely everything was destroyed, including clothing, cooking utensils, furniture, and the list could go on and on. They need mental, spiritual, and financial support from all of us, his friends and neighbors. Please remember Dr. Benja and family in your prayers. Thanks be to God for your response and thanks to one and all.

Here is an addendum from Dr. Handry....
Greetings to all of us in the name of Jesus our Lord. This message is being written because of the news received about our friend and co-worker, Dr. ANDRIANARIJAONA Benjamin... that their house was totally destroyed from a fire in Vangaindrano. We give thanks to the Lord that no lives were lost. However, all of their possessions were burned, with nothing saved, including keepsakes from years’ past. Because of this great loss, the doctors at SALFA headquarters, led by the Technical Director, met and committed to assisting Dr. Benja through prayer and finances.

Thank you also for your prayers and financial assistance. Monetary donations may be sent to the following address:
Monsieur ANDRIANARIJAONA Benjamin
Banque BOA Vangaindrano Account N°: 1327 402 0000
Dr. RAVELOSON Handry

Please send inquiries to:
lantosalfa@moov.mg
drantamalala@yahoo.fr
drhandry@mel.moov.mg