As World Christian Broadcasting’s spiritual influence grows in the lives of countless people around the world, its influence in other areas also expands.  Before the President of Madagascar’s visit to our programming center in May, 2008, WCB’s President, Charles Caudill, and Earl Young, President of the U.S.-Madagascar Business Council, arranged meetings between the Madagascar dignitaries and officials of Lipscomb University in Nashville. 

As a result of conversations during and since that visit, 26 Malagasy students have now enrolled as freshmen at Lipscomb University, just 14 kilometers from World Christian Broadcasting's Programmng Center. They are majoring in a variety of subjects including pre-pharmacy, the sciences, nursing, business, and computer science.  During opening day convocation at Lipscomb, World Christian Broadcasting’s Charles Caudill, along with long-time WCB friend Earl Young, were honored for their work in paving the way for the new relationship between Lipscomb and the people of Madagascar.

The Madascar Health and Education Fund has been chartered for the purpose of assisting the people of Madagascar with needed help in the fields of education and health-related issues.  Participants on the board of directors include Caroline Cross, long-time member of World Christian Broadcasting’s board, Earl Young, and Charles Caudill.  Conversations are continuing about ways in which the people of Tennessee can assist Madagascar in that nation’s health, education, business, and economic development.

According to Earl Young, “Since His Excellency President Marc Ravalomanana took office in 2002, he has actively been pursuing the objectives set forth in the Madagascar Action Plan, which designates the private sector as central to the achievement of the plan’s goals.  He has set out to reduce poverty, increase literacy, and since 2005, has seen steadily rising GDP growth rates.”

Charles Caudill adds, “World Christian Broadcasting will be a conduit for education and health information for President Ravalomanana’s country as well as the whole of Africa.  Many millions of people will be able to hear about Christ for the first time.”