Are you a Church or Mission leader who could play a part in outreach ministries happening across Madagascar?
Could you use the opportunity to serve God overseas for 1-2 weeks to move you to inspire and encourage your congregation/context to take the gospel to the ends of the earth?
Background:
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, and home to around 25 million Malagasy people. Despite the gospel having been preached on the island for over 200 years, many of them remain unreached. In some areas there is enthusiasm amongst believers in sharing the gospel with those around them and in many areas of Madagascar, people are free to preach the gospel. But cross-cultural mission remains a challenge. Animistic traditions are woven into Malagasy culture, and particularly in many of the coastal areas, Islam is growing.
AIM has been engaged in Madagascar since 1980 in different outreach ministries including student work, theological education, church planting, healthcare ministries, Bible translation, ethnomusicology and more.
This opportunity will involve working with the Sakalava people on the island of Nosy Be, off the northwest coast of Madagascar. The Sakalava combine traditional African spirituality, where life and community are dependent on the relationship between the living and their ancestors, with elements of folk Islam and Christianity. They are a minority ethnic group, making up about 6.2% of the population.
Vision and Strategy
This Ignite team aims to provide church and mission leaders with an opportunity to experience mission work amongst the Sakalava people of Madagascar. Our prayer is that as you are exposed to and envisioned for cross-cultural mission, you would be inspired to in turn, encourage and challenge your congregations to participate in sharing the gospel across the globe- as supporters or senders of missionaries and/or going out as missionaries themselves.
Ministry and Type of Work
As part of an Ignite team, you will observe, learn and participate in the outreach ministries that are happening amongst the Sakalava people. There will be particular opportunities to experience the culture and build relationships, including with local believers, in different ministry settings while reflecting on your ‘home’ church context/congregation, and considering ways to encourage greater participation in cross-cultural missions.
Qualifications and Experience
- Must be a current Church/Mission Leader of a local church congregation.
What are the personal (not academic) characteristics required?
- Passionate about sharing the gospel and seeing the church mobilised for missions
- Willingness to learn and take direction from the mission team and national church leadership
- Servant-hearted leader
- Flexible and adaptable
- Encourager and motivator of others
Other Information
Teams are expected to be sent in May 2023. For more details, get in touch.
Knowledge of the Malagasy language is not essential; translation will be provided.
