I am pleased to announce that Pastor Daniel Rakotoarijaona has arrived from Madagascar to participate in the installation of Bishop Gonia and to enjoy an extended visit throughout the synod.
Pastor Daniel serves the Malagasy Lutheran Church as a director
for Project Shalom, the Malagasy church’s ministry of accompaniment with
Islamic peoples in northern Madagascar. Pastor Daniel was the first President (Bishop) of the Mahajanga Synod - our original
companion - and was serving when our relationship was established.
Since before the election, the transition team and
installation planning team had hoped to include a representative from our
companion synods in the installation rite. We are blessed to have Daniel not
only for the installation ceremony but also as a teacher the theological
conference and other activities during his two week stay in the Rocky Mountain
Synod.
Pastor Daniel’s visit to our synod
will not only celebrate the decades of history we share together, but also his
insights and expertise in multicultural ministry will help us see our own multicultural
opportunities here in our synod in new ways.
Project Shalom has found creative
ways for Christians and Muslims to walk together. Medical clinics operated by
Project Shalom bring much-needed care to Islamic villages and regions. In
addition, Malagasy skill in learning how to share faith with people from a
different religious tradition can help us in our own witness to others in our
pluralistic culture.
Pastor Daniel’s presence will help us all experience the value
and joy of accompaniment first hand. What a fitting beginning.
Linda Bobbitt
Rocky Mountain Synod Vice President
