IMPACT
OCTOBER 2014
BELONG ING
ELDERS FIND THEIR VOICES TOGETHER
P
erhaps the greatest benefit for those in the choir of elders in
from Asia and Oceania. After centuries of colonialism and, more
Unbound’s Antsirabe program in Madagascar is their experi-
recently, a succession of unstable governments, the Malagasy
ence of belonging. As members of a generation of Malagasies all
economy is weak. All of these elements conspire to make the
too familiar with isolation, it is a benefit they
already dire situation of the poor and marginal-
don't take for granted.
ized that much worse.
“The elderly, when they enter the pro-
But despite their long history of disempow-
gram, are quite solitary,” explained Barclay
erment, the 150 sponsored elders in the choir,
Martin, member of Unbound's U.S. Outreach
which has been together for two years, have
team. “There isn’t a sense of sharing or
no problem expressing themselves in song.
inherent kinship.”
They sing with a joy that defies the difficulty
Barclay recently returned from a month-
of their lives.
long trip to gather songs for a special musical project, Voices of Unbound: Madagascar. Madagascar is separated from the rest
Marthe, 62, is a member of the choir and also Marthe composes songs for the choir.
composes many of their songs. She wants her music to express gratitude to God and those
of the world by both geography and culture. Although it lies off
who have helped her. In describing one of her songs, "Dadaô!
the coast of Africa, the island was settled primarily by travelers
(continued)
INTRODUCING LIVING UNBOUND SUNDAY
A REMINDER FROM SPONSOR SERVICES
This year, Sunday, Nov. 30 is Living Unbound Sunday. On this
As Christmas draws near, many sponsors want to send gifts
day, sponsors across the country will host sponsorship tables
like dolls or toy cars to their sponsored friends. But packages
to help make it possible for others to reach out and change a life
are costly to send and to receive. Customs fees associated with
through sponsorship. Talk to your pastor and ask if you can host
packages can become a financial burden for local Unbound
Living Unbound Sunday at your church. To request materials
offices. Instead, try sending a homemade Christmas card. It will
or more information, contact us at outreach@unbound.org or
be just as special and treasured as any store-bought toy.
(800) 875-6564.