Madagascar
Find out more about partnering with Presbyterian World Mission in Madagascar: click here.
Find mission workers in Madagascar
NEWS
Working with FJKM to stop sexual violence in Madagascar
Critical global initiatives taking root in Madagascar
Mission co-workers lead efforts to transform communities
“Notes from an autopsy” by Doug Tilton
A pastor in Madagascar teamed up with World Mission to rescue women taken to the Middle East for forced labor and sex
Training Leaders for Community Transformation in Madagascar
Webinar
More Than Dancing Lemurs: Trafficking in Madagascar - Click here to view the webinar
Read about how mission co-worker Dan Turk is working with the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar to train leaders to transform their communities through agriculture.
Read about how Jan Heckler and The Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar ( FJKM) are improving the quality education in Madagascar as part of the Educate a Child, Transform the World campaign.
7/27/2015 CALL TO PRAYER FOR MADAGASCAR For national elections on July 31, 2015: Read this message
3/4/15 Two prayer requests for the people and nation of Madagascar:
1. Disaster. There have been intense rains in Madagascar during the past two months, and many are homeless and have lost everything due to flooding and landslides. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is collecting funds for disaster relief—give online to http://pda.pcusa.org/situation/madagascar-flooding/ .
2. Reconciliation. Pastors of the PC(USA)’s partner church in Madagascar, the FJKM, and church leaders of other denominations are holding regional and local reconciliation meetings throughout the island this week and the next in efforts to help Madagascar get past the crisis of the past six years. Pray for those leading the discussions that the Holy Spirit might direct them as they guide people through the reconciliation process. Please pray for healing for this nation.—Dan and Elizabeth Turk
December 19, 2014, was a historic step in the process of national reconciliation. The president of Madagascar met with the four former presidents, including Marc Ravalomanana, at a hotel in Ivato. The meeting was moderated by the four leaders of the FFKM, an ecclesiastical entity formed by the Catholic, FJKM, Lutheran, and Anglican churches. Little has yet been released about the meeting or next steps.
The leader of the FFKM has asked the Malagasy people to pray for the reconciliation process. Presbyterians are asked to join them in prayer as well:
• for wisdom for the leaders of the FFJKM as they guide the process of national reconciliation
• for the current and former leaders of Madagascar that they would put the interests of their countrymen above personal interests
• that the reconciliation process will move forward no matter what the obstacles—Dan and Elizabeth Turk
12/14: Madagascar remains in political and economic crisis. In October the deposed past president, Marc Ravalomanana, returned to the country without permission, was placed under arrest for illegal entry, then transferred to his home for his ‘house detainment’—causing healing wounds to be made raw once again. The reconciliation process, so important to the peace-loving people of this country and barely begun before, has been dealt a blow.—PC(USA) mission co-worker Jan Heckler
11/16/14 Update and prayer request - Please pray for a spirit of reconciliation and unity as Madagascar embarks on a national reconciliation intiative led by the Malagasy Council of Churches (FFKM). Read more
10/15/14 Please pray for peace, justice and calm in Madagascar in the midst of a tense political situation. Marc Ravalomanana returned to the island nation October 13. Elected president of the country in 2001 and again in 2006, Ravalomanana was deposed by a military coup d’état in March 2009 and has spent the last five and a half years in exile. A crowd gathered for a press conference at 11 a.m. The military fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, entered the Ravalomananas’ home by force, and removed Marc Ravalomanana. Read more
Churches are trying to broker Bible- and theological-based political solutions, says 2014 International Peacemaker Lala Haja Rasendrahasina
"The burning issue in Madagascar is the reconciliation process"
2014 International Peacemaker undeterred by roadblocks
‘Peace is reconciliation, reconciliation is a process,’ says Rev. Lala Haja Rasendrahasina
Spring 2014 – Five years after the 2009 coup that put Madagascar in a deep political and economic crisis, Madagascar may be on a track toward a return to rule of law and constitutional normalcy. Presidential and legislative elections were held in December 2013 and in January Hery Rajaonarimampianina was declared president. Mr. Rajaonarimampianina was supported by 2009 coup leader Andry Rajoelina.—Dan Turk Read more
Call to Prayer for Madagascar: Election Update
December 2013 - The second round of Madagascar's presidential election was held on December 20, 2013. Although the polling was peaceful, the turnout of just over 50% was well below that of the first round of voting on October 25th. The still-emerging results are proving controversial, and many are concerned that the official announcement of the outcome, scheduled for early January 2014, may trigger renewed conflict and violence that could impede the country’s return to democracy. Read more.
In the Spring 2012 issue of Mission Crossroads magazine:
"Fruitful ministry: Protecting Madagascar's people and environment," by Doug Tilton
"Risky Journey: PC(USA) mission worker Doug Tilton stands with African partner church in time of need," by Pat Cole
Despite “roadmap,” human rights violations continue in Madagascar
Solidarity, peace and human rights focal points of PC(USA) visit to Madagascar
Read the letter from Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons to U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton
Action Alert — March 3, 2011
Church leaders see growing efforts by the de facto government to stifle free speech
Read the stated clerk's March 1, 2011, letter to Secretary of State Hilary Clinton
Read the 2010 General Assembly's action on Madagascar and Honduras
Background
Madagascar, an island country roughly 500 miles off the coast of Africa, is home to some 19 million people, about 45 percent of whom are Christian. France invaded the island and established a colonial administration in the late 19th century. Madagascar regained its independence in 1960, but spent much of the next three decades under military rule. In March 2009, the military deposed the democratically elected President, Marc Ravalomanana, and installed Andry Rajoelina, the mayor of the capital city, Antananarivo, as the head of the “High Authority of the Transition”.
The PC(USA) works in partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM), which was formed by the union of three churches in 1968. PC(USA) mission personnel work with the Development Department of the FJKM to protect Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity, promote agricultural development, provide clean water and sanitation, and prevent the spread of HIV, malaria and other threats to public health. The Outreach Foundation supports theological training for clergy and lay leaders, as well as entrepreneurship training to enable evangelists to secure independent livelihoods.
Madagascar Partner Churches and Organizations
Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM)
Akany Avoko Remand Home for Girls
Synod Partnership
Madagascar Mission Network
For more information contact Doug Tilton or Paula Tibbs
The Madagascar Mission Network is among more than 40 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices and develop strategies.
Learn more about Madagascar
Visit the BBC country profile.
