Walking Together as Companions in Christ

It is difficult to capture the essence of the Malagasy Christians - our companions in Christ in the Mahajanga and Antsiranana Synods. A passion for the Gospel of Jesus... warm vibrant smiles expressing their love... rich harmonious voices raised in song... strong spirits able to rise above the economic poverty of their land... In the ten years of our journey together the relationship between the Rocky Mountain Synod and our Companion Synods has moved from a formality to one of deep human connectedness and shared love rooted in the love of Christ.

The Island of Madagascar

The Island of Madagascar is about as far away from the Rocky Mountain Synod as you can get, geographically, culturally, and economically. Yet, since 1992, we have enjoyed a special relationship with members of the Boina Mahajanga Regional Synod. In 1996, this relationship was expanded to include the Antsiranana Regional Synod of the Malagasy Lutheran Church. This relationship has allowed people in both countries to expand their horizons and grow in their experience and understanding of the global nature of Christ’s Church.

Both the Mahajanga and Antsiranana synods, like the Rocky Mountain Synod, are relatively young - they were established in 1986 and we in 1988. Located in the northwest region of the island, they face similar challenges in bringing the Christian faith into a "frontier" area. The Lutheran presence in this part of Madagascar is the result of migration from the traditionally Lutheran southern part of the island by people in search of work and fertile lands. They are powerful evangelists! Since 1986, the Mahajanga synod has grown to over 200 congregations with over 15,000 baptized members. All this with only 19 ordained pastors. Their geography, like ours presents one of the main challenges to ministry with pastors traveling by foot or rural taxi. The Antsirana synod, with 17,000 baptized members and 250 congregations, seeks to minister in a unique context strongly influenced by the presence of Islam. Both synods are heavily reliant on overseas funding for their general operations. While our differences are many, they serve only to prove that God’s powerful presence can bring us together in mission and friendship.

Betela Regional Seminary

Betela Regional Seminary serves both synods and has been a primary focus of our financial support. Betela is included in the budget of the Rocky Mountain Synod and special fund raising projects have provided solar power and lighting on the campus. In the future, Betela will continue to be a funding priority in our companion relationship. In addition to the initial training of pastors, our partners have identified the need for continuing education and support for their pastors, women theologians and catechists.

Synod Exchanges

The exchange of visitors has contributed significantly to the development of this relationship. Trips to Madagascar have taken place in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2005.  In 1999, we were able to bring both synod presidents and their wives as well as former "missionary in residence" Pr. Daniel Rakotoarijanoa, for a month long visit in our synod. 1998 brought ten year Madagascar missionaries Jim and Kim Gonia to service as missionaries-in-residence here in the Rocky Mountain Synod. Their work paved the way for the trip in July of 2000, when Bishop Bjornberg and 20 others traveled to Madagascar for a three week exchange. This exchange was marked by participation in both synod assemblies and by small groups venturing to remote rural villages. Visits to Madagascar have been exciting, challenging and transformational for all who participate. In 2002 we will welcomed Pr. Robelison, a professor of practical theology at Betela, for a three month residency in our synod. Twenty persons participated in the most recent trip in June of 2005.

As we look to the future we seek to grow in faith, mission and friendship with our companions in Madagascar. We ask you to join us.

Pray for the people and their powerful witness to the Gospel in a country which is just 50% Christian. Pray for the pastors and other leaders who serve in the midst of extreme poverty and all its accompanying challenges. Pray for our ELCA missionaries who serve in health care, education and leadership development in partnership with the Malagasy Lutheran Church. Give generously to special projects that allow us to share from our abundance. Receive the gifts of passion and zeal for the Gospel that spills forth in effective evangelism demonstrated by these Malagasy Lutheran Christians. Learn more about our companion synods through one of the many previous visitors eager to visit your congregation and from resources available on the RMS and ELCA websites.