FJKM’s Holy Race
It has been a very busy year with many accomplishments and challenges for the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM), The Outreach Foundation’s partner church in Madagascar. Dan and Elizabeth Turk, who serve with FJKM, recently shared this update:
Dear Friends,
Greetings! We have been in the U.S. visiting churches and enjoying seeing so many friends in person.
All of the work that the FJKM is doing is guided by the impressive 4-year plan established during the FJKM’s 2021 General Assembly. The plan is based on the belief that the Gospel transforms lives and that the church should be a transformative agent in society living out Christ’s call. The FJKM is calling its work to do this the “Hazakazaka Masina” or “Holy Race.” The Holy Race involves sharing the Gospel, strengthening families, standing up for justice, promoting education, protecting the environment, working for better health and development for all, and promoting good governance. FJKM’s Holy Race resonates well with Matthew 25 as Christ calls the church to be involved in transforming all aspects of society for the better.
This is a critical year for Madagascar as poverty is rising and presidential elections are scheduled for November 16th. Life is a daily struggle for most people. FJKM’s vision of being a transformative presence in Madagascar has never been more important. This year, FJKM President Irako Amdriamahazosoa Ammi serves as the head of the Christian Council of Churches in Madagascar (FFKM) and the head of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Madagascar (FFPM). The FJKM and other churches are seeking ways to advocate for free and fair elections and call on the government to make decisions that are in the best interest of all its citizens. They have been very involved in mediation efforts since tear gas was fired on peaceful demonstrators in early October 2023.
This year, the FJKM has carried out many aspects of its Holy Race: sharing the Gospel, promoting healthy families, promoting justice and good governance, and caring for the environment. In FJKM’s annual New Year’s worship service on January 15th, FJKM leaders noted the importance of following God’s principles of justice and service to others. The church called on the government to serve the people and promote free elections. At this same event, the FJKM National AIDS and Epidemics Committee (KPMS) offered free HIV testing as well as education on COVID-19. The KPMS has also been working to educate people about COVID-19 and sponsoring events where people can get vaccinated.
Part of FJKM’s Holy Race is caring for the environment. FJKM is calling on churches, synods, and branches to hold reforestation events. The Fruits, Vegetables, and Environmental Education (FVEE) Program provided trees and technical advice for many FJKM entities in January and February to carry out reforestation events. On January 21st, the FJKM had its national reforestation day. FVEE provided the seedlings as well as logistical and technical support. Even though it rained the whole day, President Ammi, the Secretary General, and the Head of the Church Department were there with over 40 other people. Over 7,500 seedlings were planted.
This past September, the FVEE offered training for four volunteers from each synod. The training covered planting trees on church grounds and how to grow and propagate fruit trees. Each participant took home fruit trees to plant. The training was designed to help the synods accomplish the goal of all their churches becoming green by 2025.
During the week of Valentine’s Day, FJKM carried out another part of its Holy Race. FJKM churches all over the island had “Family Week” activities that included teaching and fun events for youth, couples, and entire families. The FJKM now has a Family Committee that helps prepare events and puts out an annual booklet of teachings for the week. KPMS is a member of this committee. The FJKM Family Committee sponsored a 6-day event from noon to 2:00 pm in the capital city and Toamasina from February 13th -18th.
We are happy to be working with our colleagues to take part in FJKM’s Holy Race. It is encouraging to see the FJKM include health and environment activities as important components of the church’s work. Thank you very much for all of the support you have provided for us and the FJKM. The work we do together shares God’s love and is making a difference in people’s lives.
Please keep Madagascar in your prayers as presidential elections approach. Please keep the FJKM and FFPM leaders in your prayers as they mediate the difficult pre-electoral situation. Please keep the FJKM in your prayers as it carries out its Holy Race to spread the Gospel and transform Madagascar.
In Christ,
Dan and Elizabeth Turk
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of FJKM Ministries and Outreach. All gifts of any size are welcomed. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.
