Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar

Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 June 2010 14:46

Much of Madagascar suffers poverty and unemployment, and the FJKM is seeking to respond to these problems. It runs 450 schools and recently began a project to fight bribery, HIV/AIDS and poverty.

Religion

• Indigenous beliefs (52%), Christianity (41%), Islam (7%)

Government

• In early 2009, protests due to increasing restrictions on opposition press and activities resulted in Ravalomanana stepping down and the presidency was conferred to the mayor of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina. Following negotiations in July and August of 2009, a power-sharing agreement with a 15-month transitional period was established, but has not yet been implemented.

National and community concerns

• Poverty and unemployment.
• Increase in delinquency, violence and corruption.
• Threat of deforestation.
• Renewed growth of traditional religions, sects and the spread of Islam presents a challenge to the churches.
• International debt.
• Corruption is rife in all spheres of life in the nation.
• The Dorkasy movement seeks to raise the awareness, status and participation of women in church and society and to define moral and ethical values.

Church priorities and programmes

• Leadership development and mission training to combat shortage of ministers.
• Literacy and vocational education training.
• Village health centres, orphanage, church schools, village co-operatives, social home and handicraft centres.
• Blue Cross (teetotallers).
• Involvement in economic and social life of the nation through the Christian Council of Churches.
• Renewal of mission work through the training of ministers and evangelists.

Members/Congregations

• 2.5 million/5,795

Women's representation in church

• 10% of ministers are female and the number of women going into the ministry is growing.
• The Dorkasy movement seeks to raise the awareness, status and participation of women in church and society and to define moral and ethical values.

Youth activities

• Workshops and youth camps at regional level.
• Evangelistic activities in congregations.
• Singing is an important contribution to worship.

Missionaries sent and received through CWM

• Rebecca Rabearisoa, HIV and AIDS education, from the Presbyterian Church of India.
• Bruce and Rev Perline Cooper, theological education and librarian, from the US, ecumenical appointment.
• Hilda and Japhet Asukile, teaching and development work, from the United Church of Zambia.
• Jean-Teddy Ramaherijaona, chaplaincy work in Morocco

For more information

• Rev Charles Rakotonirina, General Secretary

Prayers:

• For the church leadership to bring progress to the church and nation.
• For the project to fight fast-growing illiteracy.
• For the development and fundraising projects.
• For the fight against corruption and injustice.
• For spiritual renewal at every level within the church.