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Country becomes the 128th with official Salvation Army service.
By Dominic Nkomo, Major –
Zimbabwe territorial leaders Commissioners Joash and Florence Malabi conducted an opening ceremony of The Salvation Army’s service in Madagascar Oct. 23 in Alakamisy.
The official opening of the 128th country in which The Salvation Army is serving gathered nearly 500 people, including Salvationists from Zimbabwe and Madagascar, along with new recruits. The Under Secretary for East and Southern Africa, Major Isaac Siundu, and Assistant Under Secretary for Africa, Major Judith Nkounkou, also joined, as well as local government officials represented by the Mayor of Alakamisy, councilors, and leaders of other Christian denominations.
A large banner proclaiming the official opening of The Salvation Army in the Malagasy language was erected and Joash Malabi read from Isaiah before unveiling a ceremonial plaque. As this happened, the congregation sang “How great thou art,” and Malabi went on to cut a ribbon as he officially announced the opening of The Salvation Army in Madagascar.
Zimbabwe Territorial President for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Florence Malabi reiterated that The Salvation Army was not bringing Jesus to Madagascar but rather it was Jesus who had brought the Army to Madagascar.
“Today, Madagascar joins the rest of The Salvation Army world where women are preaching this gospel of peace,” she said, emphasizing the ongoing ministry of Salvationists who are “doing their best to bring the love of God to different communities.”
Joash Malabi presented the new Salvation Army Madagascar flag to its pioneer officers, Majors Kiala, and the congregation expressed their joy in celebration. The mayor thanked The Salvation Army and affirmed his support to the new church in his community.
After the ceremony, Andriamananomy Rasahoby, the Salvationist who brought The Salvation Army from Russia to Madagascar, gave a testimony in which he thanked God. He could not hide his joy as his dream of The Salvation Army ministering in his homeland was realized.
Eight senior soldiers and six junior soldiers were enrolled, and a Salvation Army vehicle for Madagascar was dedicated to God.
