0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:07 > 0:00:09- 888
0:00:20 > 0:00:22- ORGAN MUSIC
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- HYMN SINGING
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- Like many others, I have passed - this chapel on several occasions...
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- ..without ever realizing - its significance.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- It was here at Neuadd-lwyd, - near Aberaeron, 200 years ago...
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- ..that an incredible journey began.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- When these young people...
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- ..who were 21 or 22 years of age...
0:01:00 > 0:01:05- ..left here in 1818, they had - no idea what was ahead of them.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10- It was an epic adventure and a - stunning chapter in Welsh history.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- In 1818, two young men - left their homes in rural Wales...
0:01:14 > 0:01:18- ..and set out for Madagascar...
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- ..a country that had barely - been touched by white people.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27- David Jones, Thomas Bevan and their - wives headed to the Indian Ocean...
0:01:27 > 0:01:29- ..to become missionaries.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- But they were soon beset - by personal tragedy.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- I feel deeply for them.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41- I think about how young they were - going out there.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- They risked their lives for God.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- The National Library: the letters - of David Jones and Thomas Bevan.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- "Ninth of July.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- "Dear friend, following - a 15-week voyage from Falmouth...
0:01:57 > 0:02:00- "..we arrived safely in Mauritius.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- "We were given a warm welcome...
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- "..but were advised not to venture - to Madagascar...
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- "..because few Europeans - could survive there."
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- I'm going to follow - in their footsteps...
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- ..and try to understand - why they would risk so much...
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- ..to save the souls - of others overseas.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- Their journey was arduous.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- They had to sail - to British Mauritius first...
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- ..whereas I could fly straight - to the capital, Antananarivo.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39- As a Unitarian, a denomination - believing in freedom of thought...
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- ..the idea of going as a missionary - to another country is baffling.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- There's also tension between - evangelism and practical religion.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50- Is it preaching or helping?
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- Those are the questions.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- But I also admire - the strength of conviction...
0:02:56 > 0:03:01- ..that sent the Congregationalists - on such a big adventure.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- They had to start - from the very beginning.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- They had to get to know the people - and learn their language.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- Everything was new to them.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- There wasn't as much difference - in standards of living...
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- ..as there is today, - strangely enough.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- But everything else - was alien to them...
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- ..from the customs - to the pagan religion.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- It was all new.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- Our journey in Madagascar...
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- ..begins on the cliffs - above the capital, Antananarivo.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- This was the location - of the king's palace 200 years ago.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- It was in this very place...
0:03:48 > 0:03:53- ..that David Jones would have met - King Radama for the first time.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- We're going to try and follow - in their footsteps.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01- We know of some places they visited, - but the rest is guesswork.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06- We'll ask people what they remember - and their opinions of them.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- We'll also find out - whether they had any real impact.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- They came as missionaries - to improve people's quality of life.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- Our task is to discover - as much as we can.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- The first step is to explore - this area to see what we find.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- NATIVE SINGING
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- Here, where hymns - and native songs meet...
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- ..lives a sisterhood where - Eleri Edwards spent seven years.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05- Her motivation wasn't very different - from that of the first missionaries.
0:05:05 > 0:05:11- I wanted to share - what I'd discovered about my faith.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- The Bible is special to me...
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- ..and I hoped I'd have the chance - to share its teachings.
0:05:18 > 0:05:24- But I soon realized that I wasn't - going to be able to do that.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29- I had to experience - living alongside these people.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31- Sometimes in rural areas...
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- ..people were enslaved - by the old religion.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- The Malagasy themselves say...
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- ..that Christianity - has not only freed them...
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- ..but has also helped them - to move on in life...
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- ..and evolve in an incredible way.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- The Church's Record Office
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- When the missionaries first landed, - the old religion ruled.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- There are books and documents - that prove the challenge they faced.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14- It states how the population - adhered tightly to these beliefs...
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- ..with their idols and hierarchy.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22- They also made sacrifices - to benefit and keep evil at bay.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- We also know that they believed - in certain rituals.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- There were lucky days - and lucky colours.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33- They believed in doing and not doing - things at specific times.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- Witch doctors - more or less governed their lives.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46- There are some sick people - with medical problems...
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- ..that we'd call mental problems.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- They think that the witch doctors - can cure them, but they can't.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- When they finally turn - to the Church...
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- ..their relief is incredible to see.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- It's hard to imagine - the poverty that they live in...
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- ..without seeing it for ourselves.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- They're malnourished, - both physically and mentally.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- They exist on nothing. - They're poor in every possible way.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- Christianity brings light - into their lives.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- I say that - because I've witnessed it.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- NATIVE SINGING
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- After seeing where the missionaries - worked in the capital...
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- ..I travelled - to the seaside city of Tamatave...
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- ..where they landed - for the first time.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- I had no idea what to expect.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- I felt as though I was doing God - a huge favour.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- That I was going...
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- ..to a primitive place, not knowing - what it was going to be like.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- But when I arrived, - it was the exact opposite.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- It was a beautiful country - full of light...
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- ..and courteous, happy people.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- # Hallelujah, hallelujah
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- # Hallelujah... #
0:08:17 > 0:08:22- "Madagascar is a beautiful island - and its people are kind and gentle.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27- "They are neither monsters nor wild, - as they have been described."
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- I also witnessed their kindness - on my way to the church...
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- ..near where the missionaries landed.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39- In a passionate service, surrounded - by the sound of familiar hymns...
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- ..I was welcomed - by the congregation...
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- ..before being led to the beach.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- It was here on this very beach...
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- ..that David Jones and Thomas Bevan - first landed.
0:08:51 > 0:08:57- They would have been brought ashore - in one of the ship's smaller boats.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- They arrived on this beach for the - very first time on 8 August, 1818.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- They opened an experimental school - for some five weeks.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- "On 7 September, we started - our school with two children.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- "Within a fortnight - we had ten very promising pupils...
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- "..who were very eager to learn.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- "The leaders are happy for us - to educate their children.
0:09:27 > 0:09:33- "They say that if their children - are taught to read and write...
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- "..and to love God and their - fellow man, there will be no wars."
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- # Dal Fi Fy Nuw, Dal Fi I'r Lan #
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- "Within a fortnight, - they all knew the alphabet.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- "They could write it in the sand...
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- "..and five of them - could write it on paper.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20- "After six successful weeks, - we decided to return to Mauritius...
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- "..to collect our families - and belongings...
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- "..and bring them to Madagascar."
0:10:33 > 0:10:38- Those families were Mary Jones - and her two-month-old daughter...
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- ..and Louisa Bevan, - who was expecting her first child.
0:10:42 > 0:10:47- The intention was for them - to join the Madagascan mission.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- "Sixth of November, 1818.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- "God has blessed us - with a healthy baby boy.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- "He breathed for the first time - on 15 October at 5.10pm.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- "We have called him Iago...
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- "..and pray to God - to give him an evangelical soul...
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- "..so that he may preach - in Madagascar.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- "He and his mother - are both strong and healthy."
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- But then illness struck, - so David Jones and his family...
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- ..returned for the second time.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- Within some six weeks, - the child and Mary Jones had died.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- In the meantime, Thomas Bevan - and his family were on their way...
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- ..but had heard nothing - of the deaths.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39- Within a few days, Thomas Bevan - and his wife and child were dead.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- David Jones - was the only one to survive.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- Despite all kinds of difficulties...
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- ..he stayed and continued - his missionary work.
0:11:53 > 0:11:54- .
0:11:58 > 0:11:58- 888
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- 888- - 888
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- Despite being in Madagascar - for only a few weeks...
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- ..the memory of Thomas Bevan - and David Jones is kept alive.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- Streets and schools in Tamatave - have been named after them.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- It's fitting because education - was important to them.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- The success of that first - experimental school in Tamatave...
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- ..has ensured its survival.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- The school was renamed in 1968 - in memory of Thomas Bevan.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- It has more than 800 pupils, - ranging from nursery age to 22.
0:12:41 > 0:12:48- There are large classes with nothing - more than a blackboard and chalk.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- Government officials - have been educated here.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- But if parents can't afford to send - their children to university...
0:12:56 > 0:13:01- ..they could very well end up - riding taxi bikes in the city.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- Before leaving Tamatave, - I had to visit the chapel...
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- ..that's built on the site - of the first experimental school.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- During her training...
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- ..the new minister - had learned about the missionaries.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- SHE SPEAKS FRENCH
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- She knew that the first school - had been set up here...
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- ..and that the children - wrote in the sand.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- She also knew - that Thomas Bevan had died...
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- ..and that he and his family - were buried here.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- But nobody knew exactly where.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- On an average Sunday, - 1,200 locals come to the chapel.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- That rises to 1,600 - over Easter and Christmas.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- The words written above the pulpit - make reference to good deeds.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- They work with the poor - and socially deprived.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- They deal with poverty - and unemployment...
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- ..as well as crime - and prisoner rehabilitation.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17- It was on this site...
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- ..that David Jones and Thomas Bevan - ran their school for five weeks.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- For many, it was the beginning - of education in Madagascar.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- At the time, there must have - only been a cluster of houses here.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36- Now, it's a desperately poor suburb - within a big, bustling city.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- The work that began 200 years ago - is continuing here to this day.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- The work of believing and doing.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- I was about to leave - when an elderly lady approached me.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- She was the chapel's oldest member.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- She knew the exact location - of the Bevan family's grave.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- There was no headstone - for fear of vandalism.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- SHE SPEAKS FRENCH
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Her husband worked here - as a caretaker.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- One day, a hole had to be made - in the ground.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- That's when the bones - were discovered.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- Human bones.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- That's how she knows - that this is where Thomas Bevan...
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- ..and his family are buried.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- It's hard to imagine the loneliness - that David Jones must have felt.
0:15:40 > 0:15:46- The slave traders were against him - and he was desperately ill.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- Following a period of recuperation - in Mauritius...
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- ..he returned to Madagascar - to continue his adventure.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- CHILDREN SING IN NATIVE LANGUAGE
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- It was obviously an adventure - for me too.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12- But I trust God, - and have done since I was young.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- It definitely helped me.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- That's what gave me the strength - to go there...
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- ..and the strength - to carry out the work.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- In 1820, David Jones returned.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35- This time, he went to Antananarivo - to seek King Radama's support.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- After mountains like church spires - and footpaths like stairs...
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- ..David Jones arrived - in a woody area similar to this.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- One of the reasons - that he came here as a missionary...
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- ..was to end the slave trade.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- Madagascan people believed...
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- ..that their children - were being stolen, fattened up...
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- ..and fed to the white people.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- David Jones - saw a heartbreaking sight.
0:17:03 > 0:17:09- Merchants on their way to Tamatave - with a huge train of slaves in tow.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- "It was awful to see - so many human beings in irons...
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- "..being driven out of their homes - to be sold at market.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- "So many children of seven years old - taken from their parents.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29- "If a similar number were driven - through the streets of London...
0:17:29 > 0:17:34- "..and sold as sheep in Smithfield, - it would sadden every soul.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- "They would work hard - to prevent such trading."
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- Slavery may not exist any more, - but children are still suffering.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- This former missionary house - is now a home for needy children.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- Just as the missionaries' wives - learned practical skills...
0:17:55 > 0:18:00- ..these young people are also - learning vocational skills.
0:18:00 > 0:18:05- Conditions are better here, but many - are from unfortunate backgrounds.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- Some have lost families from curable - illnesses, some have been abused.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- Others have been wrongfully accused - of a crime...
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- ..by a master or relation - who no longer wants them.
0:18:20 > 0:18:21- Bonjour.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- Bonjour.- - Bonjour.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28- Je voudrais apprendre comment on dit - merci en Malagache.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- Misaotre.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- Misaotre, oui?
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- Et comment on dit...?
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- Only 30% of the Madagascan - population earn a wage.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- Everyone else lives from hand - to mouth on a dollar a day or less.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- When sick, they have to choose - between medicine or food.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- It will be difficult - for these children to find a job...
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- ..if they aren't well connected.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00- David Jones would have been only - too aware of situations like these.
0:19:00 > 0:19:06- Schools offering skills and caring - for poor and orphaned children.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- But I can't help thinking - that he'd be dismayed...
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- ..that such a place - was needed today...
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- ..and even more dismayed - by why the children had to come here.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- The abuse, the poverty - and Madagascar's social problems.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- I think that he'd agree with me - that practical Christianity...
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- ..would be the most important thing - here today.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- Bonjour!
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- The aim of the chapel's - current projects...
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- ..is to teach the Madagascan people - self-sufficiency.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47- SHE SPEAKS FRENCH
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- This project is about getting people - to grow their own vegetables...
0:19:52 > 0:19:57- ..by using sand, rice husks, sawdust - and old bags and bottles as pots.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- Improving health - and recycling waste.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- One simple concept - serving numerous needs.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- NATIVE SINGING
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- Jones was the first missionary - to make this journey to Antananarivo.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- The slave traders - tried to thwart him.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- But his first task - was to persuade King Radama...
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- ..to allow missionaries in at all.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- As far as I can tell, there aren't - many ancient buildings left.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- But we can be certain - that this was here...
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- ..when David Jones - first arrived in 1820.
0:20:50 > 0:20:56- He would have certainly - passed through the palace gate.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- After being granted permission - by the king to enter...
0:21:00 > 0:21:06- ..the cannon would be fired and - soldiers would take him to Radama.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- But David Jones entered - without knowing what awaited him.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- Would he be warmly welcomed - or would his life be in danger?
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- The king's invitation to enter - was very important.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- They weren't about to conquer - the country.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- King Radama was a shrewd man.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- He knew that if he wanted...
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- ..to keep the French - and British empires at bay...
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- ..he needed to be educated.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- He came to an agreement - with Robert Farquhar...
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- ..a colonial governor - in Mauritius...
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- ..that he would abolish slavery...
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- ..if people came to Madagascar - to educate his people.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- That's how the missionaries - were allowed in.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58- Among them was David Griffiths, - another student at Neuadd-lwyd.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- He came over to work - alongside David Jones in 1822.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- By the time he arrived, a school had - been set up for the upper classes.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11- But I knew that David Griffiths - had opened his own school.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- A plaque was laid in his honour - at this training college.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- Some of the students - joined me on my quest.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27- I want to ask how much do you know, - without reading a book...
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- ..about David Griffiths - and David Jones?
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- SHE SPEAKS MALAGASY
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- The way we've understood it...
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- ..is that there was a school - in the royal palace...
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- ..as well as a second school.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- Where was the second school?
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- SHE SPEAKS MALAGASY
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- That went better than expected.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- We knew that there was a plaque - commemorating David Griffiths...
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- ..and that his school - was located somewhere in this area.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- They knew about Thomas Bevan - and David Jones ...
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- ..but with some research, - we established...
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- ..that this was the site - of David Griffiths's school.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- There was another school - for the upper classes...
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- ..but this school for the ordinary - children was the most significant.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- "Fifteenth of June, 1822.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44- "A report by David Jones.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- "I established a school - in November 1820...
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- "..under King Radama's patronage.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- "Many of the children - are gifted pupils...
0:23:54 > 0:23:59- "..and I hope that they will be - a blessing to their country one day.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- "David Griffiths has opened a school - where he will teach 200 pupils.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- "Mrs Griffiths - will tutor the girls...
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- "..many of whom - are determined to learn."
0:24:09 > 0:24:14- He clearly made great strides - in teaching children to read...
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- ..so that they, in turn, - could teach others.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22- The sole purpose was to enable - people to read the Bible.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- He then set about translating - the Bible...
0:24:26 > 0:24:29- ..with the aid of those he'd taught.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32- They were incredible linguists.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38- They were teenagers - before they learnt English.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- They went to missionary college - and learnt French.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47- David Jones had books on Persian, - Arabic and Aramaic grammar.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- They learnt Hebrew and Greek - while studying theology.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- They then had to learn Malagasy...
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- ..which was different - from any other language.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03- Cette une pharmacie, mais je crois - que vous avez le Bible?
0:25:03 > 0:25:09- A Malagasy Bible is testament - to the work of the missionaries...
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- ..found in a pharmacy, - of all places.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- This represented - the city's social bible.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- It preserved - the mind and body's well-being.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- The Welsh influence was evident.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- Despite one English missionary's - objections...
0:25:25 > 0:25:29- ..they kept the orthography simple, - as in the Welsh version.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- David Griffiths describes - the argument they had...
0:25:34 > 0:25:37- ..with Mr Jeffreys, - the missionary from England.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41- Mr Jeffreys influenced the king...
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- ..and turned him against the idea...
0:25:44 > 0:25:49- ..calling Welsh - a mean and barbarous language.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- The letter then continues in Welsh.
0:25:54 > 0:25:59- "The king was unaware - that the A, E, I, O, U, Y...
0:26:00 > 0:26:05- "..was taken from the Welsh language - as well as the French."
0:26:05 > 0:26:10- They gave the king two versions - so that he could decide.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15- The phonetic version - and John Jeffreys's version.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20- Of course, the king found - the Welsh text far easier to read.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- The Welsh version was accepted.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- # Dal Fi Fy Nuw, Dal Fi I'r Lan #
0:26:31 > 0:26:36- His success was obvious because, - by 1824, the country had 32 schools.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- David Jones and David Griffiths - worked as teachers and supervisors.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- The wives also taught the girls.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49- The missionaries preached - to thousands every weekend.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- "The chapel was full - an hour before worship.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58- "Hundreds gathered at the windows - and in the front yard.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- "Some had travelled - 20 or 40 miles...
0:27:02 > 0:27:05- "..on both the Friday - and the Saturday...
0:27:05 > 0:27:07- "..just to hear God's word."
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- FEMALE SPEAKS MALAGASY
0:27:16 > 0:27:20- The Welsh placed great emphasis - on translating the Bible.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24- By March 1830, - the New Testament was finished.
0:27:24 > 0:27:30- In ten years, the missionaries were - fluent in the Madagascan language...
0:27:30 > 0:27:34- ..and were able to preach - and translate the scriptures.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37- FEMALE SPEAKS MALAGASY
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- Within a short time and with - the support of King Radama...
0:27:46 > 0:27:48- ..all was going well.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- But things were about to change, - for the country and for them.
0:27:52 > 0:27:52- .
0:27:55 > 0:27:55- 888
0:27:55 > 0:27:57- 888- - 888
0:28:04 > 0:28:06- So this is the cemetery?
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- You have to translate.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- "This memorial stone..."
0:28:12 > 0:28:16- The country enjoyed a golden era - under King Radama's reign.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20- Many missionaries and craftsmen - worked in the city.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24- My guide took me to see a journalist - who had researched the missionaries.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- He also showed me - where they were buried.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32- "He got malaria and died.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35- "And Mr Charles Hovenden...
0:28:36 > 0:28:41- "..was sent to teach the Malagasy - print for the New Testament.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45- But he went ill - as well of malaria...
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- "..and died quickly - in Antananarivo...
0:28:49 > 0:28:52- "..on 15 December, 1826."
0:28:52 > 0:28:56- Once again, - I learnt much more than expected.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00- I knew that there was a plaque - for Thomas Bevan and the wives...
0:29:00 > 0:29:04- ..but that stone tells me more - about their earlier history.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08- It mentions Thomas Bevan, - Mrs Bevan and Mrs Jones...
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- ..and the children - who died shortly after arriving.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- But it also mentions - what happened later.
0:29:15 > 0:29:20- Hovenden was meant to come here - to print the New Testament.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- But he died before establishing - the printing press.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- But it also mentions Cameron, - the builder...
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- ..in whose building - the press was assembled.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- That was somewhere around here.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36- Maybe in this spot or close by.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39- We've been made aware - of other facts.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- There's also mention - of a fourth Welsh missionary.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- David Johns, originally Jones.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- He later built this very church.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- The Welshmen were continuing - their work when it all changed.
0:29:54 > 0:29:59- King Radama died, - and one of his wives seized power.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04- "We've lost in him a strong - defender and avid supporter.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08- "The missionaries lost in him - a gentle father...
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- "..and a faithful, - warm-hearted friend."
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- THEY SING IN MALAGASY
0:30:23 > 0:30:27- Under Queen Ranavalona's reign, - the missionaries' success...
0:30:27 > 0:30:30- ..became their downfall.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- David Griffiths's regular baptisms - angered the senior officials...
0:30:35 > 0:30:37- ..who favoured the old religion.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41- They claimed that the Almighty Lord - was a threat to her power.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- A battle between religion - and politics ensued.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46- In 1835, the queen announced...
0:30:47 > 0:30:50- ..that Christian preaching - and worship was forbidden.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52- On the last Sunday of February...
0:30:53 > 0:30:57- ..David Griffiths delivered his - final sermon on the main island.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00- SHE SPEAKS MALAGASY
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- "On the first of March, 1835...
0:31:08 > 0:31:12- "..the island's Christian religion - had been terminated.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16- "Whoever renounced - the country's religion...
0:31:16 > 0:31:20- "..in favour of Christianity...
0:31:20 > 0:31:22- "..or read the books...
0:31:22 > 0:31:27- "..containing the words Jehovah or - Jesus Christ would be put to death."
0:31:28 > 0:31:31- She was an incredibly cruel queen.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- She was against the Christians.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37- Things rapidly deteriorated...
0:31:37 > 0:31:42- ..and the Malagasy Christians - were persecuted and executed.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- There were countless martyrs - among the Malagasy.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52- So we find ourselves - back in the Madagascan capital...
0:31:53 > 0:31:55- ..where our journey began.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59- On St David's Day, 1835, - Christianity was prohibited.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03- Locals were persecuted and killed - for their faith.
0:32:03 > 0:32:08- To prevent more torment, - the missionaries went on their way.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14- But David Griffiths and David Jones - were determined to return.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- David Griffiths - came back as a merchant...
0:32:18 > 0:32:23- ..and despite grave illness, - David Jones returned here in 1840.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- That not only shows the strength - of his faith...
0:32:27 > 0:32:30- ..but also his devotion - to his friends and the country.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34- But he was forbidden - from speaking to the Christians.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- He could do nothing - when nine Christians were killed.
0:32:38 > 0:32:43- En route to the execution, - a crowd lingered at their home...
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- ..in order to teach - the two Welshmen a lesson.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- The new queen, Ranavalona...
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- ..was intent on scaring - the Christians.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58- Many executions were carried out - in public.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02- Some martyrs were killed - with spears, some were poisoned...
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- ..and others were thrown over - this cliff.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14- It's unclear how many Christians - the queen had executed...
0:33:14 > 0:33:18- ..but history shows that 150,000 - were killed for various reasons.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- In Malagasy, the period - is referred to as "ny tany maizina".
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- The time when the land was dark.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30- The conflict Ranavalona created - clearly showed...
0:33:30 > 0:33:35- ..that changing people's religion - changes their culture and tradition.
0:33:36 > 0:33:41- Did they have the right to do that - in spite of all the good they did?
0:33:41 > 0:33:45- Or rather, - because of all the good they did?
0:33:45 > 0:33:50- The Welsh missionaries' final home - was somewhere in this area.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- David Griffiths - returned home to Wales...
0:33:53 > 0:33:58- ..but David Jones died - a relatively young man in Mauritius.
0:33:58 > 0:33:59- So, what's left?
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- A country that is much poorer - than it ought to be.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- A country that has been governed - by empires...
0:34:07 > 0:34:09- ..and been in political turmoil.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13- As a result, it's in the lowest 20% - of countries ranked by wealth...
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- ..with 80% of its population - in poverty.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19- Yet, more than half are Christians.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23- What we've seen here - are descendants of the faith...
0:34:23 > 0:34:27- ..that the early Welsh missionaries - practised.
0:34:27 > 0:34:32- Their faith and their influence - on education and development...
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- ..are things the Welsh missionaries - would have been familiar with.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41- At a difficult time in the country's - history, it's obviously doing good.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- They knew what they had to achieve.
0:34:47 > 0:34:52- The old missionaries - could turn their hands to anything.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- They had to be heroes in every way.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58- THEY SING IN NATIVE LANGUAGE
0:34:59 > 0:35:05- One person told me that their - culture and modern practices...
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- ..can be traced back to when - the Welsh missionaries landed.
0:35:12 > 0:35:18- The small chapel by the beach - represents all the good I've seen.
0:35:18 > 0:35:24- It was Thomas Bevan and David Jones's - faith that first brought them here.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29- I arrived at the chapel, - expecting to find one minister...
0:35:29 > 0:35:33- ..but all the village's Christians - had turned up to welcome me.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- Both the service - and the surroundings were simple.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42- They sung familiar hymns but showed - such enthusiasm and conviction.
0:35:42 > 0:35:47- Memories of being led to the beach - and hearing the children sing...
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- ..will stay with me - long after I've left here.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- # Hallelujah
0:35:55 > 0:36:01- # Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- # Hallelujah, hallelujah
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- # Hallelujah, hallelujah
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- # Hallelujah
0:36:09 > 0:36:13- # Hallelujah
0:36:13 > 0:36:15- THEY CONTINUE IN MALAGASY
0:36:26 > 0:36:28- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:36:28 > 0:36:29- .