The 20th General Synod of the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM), held in Tolagnaro from 13-20 August, elected Rev. Dr Zaka Hary Masy Andriamampianina as the new president of the FJKM. This marks his third term on the Executive Committee; he first served as an advisor, then as vice president, before assuming the leadership of the church.
In his remarks, he stressed that holding three terms does not necessarily equate to experience, underlining instead the importance of collaboration. “When you take on a responsibility, you run, and the wind blows. Wind on the road is to be expected. But the joy is having colleagues and having the church praying for you […] What I seek to demonstrate is humility and the ability to work with everyone,” he noted.
Rev. Daimon Mkandawire – CWM Mission Secretary for the Africa Region, praised “the fullness and character of the prophetic witness of the FJKM” when he addressed the General Synod on its opening day, highlighting the value of the partnership between CWM and FJKM.
“This partnership is not built on convicts or formality, but on shared conviction that God calls us to work together in solidarity to proclaim the good news of Christ in word and deed and to embody the justice and peace and life abundance that God intends for all creation.” He underlined that CWM will continue to journey with FJKM in mission.
Former FJKM president honoured
A service of thanksgiving was held on 17 August in honour of Rev. Dr Ammi Andriamahazosoa Irako.
During this service, led by the Jubilee Committee, the General Synod paid tribute to the former president of the FJKM, who is retiring after nine years of faithful leadership.
In his tribute speech, FJKM Vice President Timoty Razarasoa expressed gratitude for Irako’s accomplishments, exemplary leadership, and unwavering dedication to God’s service. “At all times, we desire that you continue to speak and admonish when necessary, as you remain a father figure of the church,” he stated.
FJKM celebrates 57th anniversary
Irako urged the General Synod to recognise that “God is doing a new thing” as FJKM celebrated its 57th anniversary on 18 August in Tolagnaro.
At the same time, he exalted the FJKM believers not to dwell on the past, recalling instead the promise that “God is doing a new thing,” referencing Isaiah 43:19.
“What has been achieved is small compared to the greatness that is yet to be accomplished. May the Holy Spirit guide us. Then the glory of God will shine forth more than ever, the church will advance greatly, and the number of the saved will increase,” he declared.
The FJKM was founded in 1968 through the union of the London Missionary Society, the Friends’ Foreign Mission Association, and the French Protestant Mission, which chose to form a single church body named Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM).
