Mission To Madagascar
After five years, Ellis recovered his health and he accepted an offer from the LMS to travel to Madagascar for them as their official emissary. Arriving in 1853, his mission was rebuffed and he was refused permission to go to the capital. Basing himself in Mauritius for a while, he tried again and was again refused entry. A third visit was made in 1856 although the Queen allowed him only a one month stay. In celebration he wrote a book entitled Three Visits to Madagascar, 1858.
On his fourth attempt, in 1861 he was eventually permitted entry. There were said to be issues underlying the delay relating to French influence in the area. Ellis stayed until 1865, and gradually laid the foundations for Christianity. He returned to a great welcome in England in 1865 and was asked to lecture widely about his travels and the religious influence he had left behind. Three years later, in 1868, a Christian Queen ascended the throne of Madagascar.
Ellis wrote books about his experiences and the history and geography of the island - Madagascar Revisited, 1867, and Martyr Church of Madagascar, 1870.
Read more about this topic: William Ellis (missionary)
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