I am writing this on behalf of my dear friend, Irene Fanjanirina, who lives in Madagascar. Irene, or as I call her to this day, “Sister Fanj,” and I met in 2000 while we served together as missionaries in Cape Town, South Africa. We have been dear friends for the 25 years following. She is now married with five children—including adorable identical twin daughters that came as a surprise pregnancy when Fanj was 46 years old. Fanj is a faithful member of our church and has stayed faithful through all the difficulties of her life. Through the years we have corresponded, I have watched her grapple with difficulties that I, as an American, can never truly comprehend. Fanj lives in a third world country, where trusting others is nearly impossible. This is a world with no safety nets—no welfare, no food stamps, no government programs. Even the church is unable to help much, as there is so much need from all members in that country. Despite this, Fanj has worked hard to make a life for herself and her family. She completed the BYU Pathways program some years ago and started her own cleaning business. She has many clients, including the church. She also began to make cheese to sell to neighbors, which was doing well—until the riots broke out a few weeks ago. At the moment, Madagascar is a complete mess, and as she lives in the capital, she is being required to stay in her home.

Over the years, I have helped Fanj when I can, but though I am a “spoiled American,” I am not a rich one, nor am I connected with those who have extra funds. Years ago, I did a GoFundMe to raise money for her eye surgery. I sent her $400, which saved her eyesight. During COVID, I sent her money so she could buy a refrigerator—her family was unable to go to the market daily due to government shutdowns, and a fridge made it possible for her to feed her family over the long term. When her twins were born, as a twin mom myself, I sent her money to help with the hospital bills. The thing is—American money goes a long way in Madagascar. $100 can feed a family and pay rent. Fanj does not ask often, so when she does, I know she is in dire need.

Right now, Fanj is in dire straits, as the predatory bank from which she got her business loan is demanding full payment. Her crushing debt is enormous in Madagascar—but in American money, it is only $700. She is unable to work much because of the riots. And so, I have decided to ask for help myself. I know there is a lot of trepidation in America concerning fraud from Africa, but let me assure you that Fanj is legit. I have known her for 25 years and have met many missionaries who have come home from Madagascar and spoken glowingly of her service in the church and her community. She is a female business owner in a third world country just trying to make a way for herself and her kids. But I do not have the funds to help her fully this time. Because money goes so far in Africa, small donations can make a huge difference. This is a chance to help someone who has done absolutely everything she can to help herself, someone with a name and face in a country torn with war and corruption. If you have anything to spare, please help if you can. Every dime of it will go directly to her. I have sent her money through Moneygram multiple times, and will send the full amount to her through that channel.