Husband of one (Lily), Father of five (Daniel, Samuel, Emmanuelle, Gabrielle and Rachel), graduate of The Master's Seminary, ordained pastor and missionary partner to Grace Community Church in Sun Valley California, ministering as part of the Madagascar 3M team.
“How are you Fitahiana?” He moved his hand to signify that he is so-so. As we communicated through questions from me and hand movements from him, he explained to me that he is tired, emotionally exhausted, in pain, that he has had enough, that he wonders when this would end, and he would finally be fine again. I tried to encourage him from Scripture as much as I could. I cried with him and tried to make him smile…
It was one of the most difficult weeks I have ever been through with the passing of Pst John MacArthur, the passing of Saidi Francis Chishimba, a Zambian brother I got to know through Christian Publishing, the passing of Nombana and Antsa, taking the number of people dying through the food poisoning incident of June 14th to 31. 😭
The death of people aged 17 to 86 years old is a vivid reminder that life is but a vapor, and one day we will all stand before God to give an account (Heb 9:27).
However, can we even imagine how the past month has been for Fitahiana? 😭😭
He has been on this hospital bed for over a month now, almost completely paralyzed. Since June 15th, he has had to process the death of his sister, and the one-by-one death of the 4 other people that shared the room with him, including his cousin, Kasaina. He heard the doctors trying to resuscitate them to no avail. He heard the cries of the family members who lost loved ones. He doesn’t know anything of all the judicial and political circus going on outside, but what he knows is that he is still there on that bed, alone in that room. And what we know is that no antidote nor curative medicine is given to him yet. He is getting better, but so did Nombana before dying.
In an age dominated by rapid information flow, people find it challenging to stay engaged with prolonged crises. The allure of new trends and the constant bombardment of notifications lead to waning interest; once the initial shock wears off, individuals quickly move on to the next headline. Social media and news outlets thrive on rapid-fire updates, encouraging a culture where everyone urges to “move on.” Events that once captivated public interest swiftly lose their urgency, replaced by the next trending topic, meme, or viral sensation. The continuous influx of events creates a desensitization effect, where societal empathy becomes diluted. Each tragedy, each emergency competes for attention, making it easy to forget the past crises that once gripped public consciousness.
In our increasingly self-centered society, many find it hard to prioritize collective problems over personal interests. The relentless hustle for personal success often sidelines the struggles of others, leading to a culture where empathy towards collective emergencies dwindles. This is exacerbated by those who benefit from others’ predicaments. Profiting from chaos and misfortune, these individuals, be it in business or politics, resist resolving the issues, as their interests are intertwined with the persistence of such crises.
Attempting to maintain a state of emergency is inherently exhausting. The emotional toll of constant alertness and vigilance is unsustainable, leaving individuals burned out and seeking solace in ignoring the ongoing issues.
I would thus want to make an appeal for Fitahiana and the 8 others that are still fighting for their life at this hospital: let’s not move on from this. Please continue to pray for them. Please continue to pray for the families who lost a loved one.
But at a more critical level, this exhausting situation mirrors a deeper, spiritual emergency. The Bible speaks of a different kind of poisoning: sin. Rather than pursuing repentance and liberation, many tend to play with sin, allowing it to persist. John Owen poignantly stated, “Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” This quote highlights the urgency of addressing our moral failures instead of letting them fester.
As Christians, we are called not only to recognize this spiritual emergency but to act upon it. The scripture reminds us in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some consider slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” This calls for a collective turning back to God, repenting for our sins.
Let us remain alert, understanding that while societal emergencies may fade, the need for spiritual awakening and search and rescue missions for dying souls is ever-present. Each moment is an opportunity for Christians to share the gospel, extend mercy, and act as beacons of hope in a world distracted by fleeting crises, ensuring that we never lose sight of the ultimate state of emergency that affects every soul.
On June 15th, 2025, the day of her 15th birthday, I had the privilege of baptizing my daughter Emmanuelle. I would like to share the testimony she gave before getting baptized as it gives you an insight in the life of a PK (Pastor’s Kid), a MK (Missionary Kid), and a teenager dealing with being different and lonely. I hope it will be a blessing and encouragement to you.
“Hello, everyone. My name is Emmanuelle Ravoahangy, and many of you know me as the eldest daughter of Pastor Faly Ravoahangy. I was born into a Christian home, surrounded by teachings and love. I’ve had a life that many would call fortunate—I’ve traveled, I have a roof over my head, two loving parents, opportunities to grow in my gifts and passions, and I have been given too many blessings to count. Yet for most of my life, I’ve felt a deep emptiness and loneliness as if I were unloved by those around me.
No matter where I go, my life has always stood out. I never quite fit in, but that’s often the reality of being a missionary kid. My dad once told me that when you choose to devote your life to God, there’s always something you have to give up. For me, growing up homeschooled meant sacrificing friendships and a normal social life most people take for granted.
I remember one Christmas when I was about eight years old. We had just come back from the States the year before, and I had forgotten almost all of my Malagasy. I struggled to communicate, and I only knew the simplest phrases and words. And when I tried to speak, my broken Malagasy would often lead to laughter or insults from those around me. That’s when the fear, the social anxiety, and the shyness started. I became silent, scared of being mocked.
Because I was homeschooled, and because of that fear, I had no friends. And so, on Christmas Day, at just eight years old, I looked up at my dad and told him my only wish: ‘Dad, for my present this year can I please get a friend?’ I still remember so vividly the expression on my father’s face. He smiled at me gently, but there was such sorrow in his eyes. And when he told me, half-jokingly, that he couldn’t just kidnap a little girl and throw her under the tree, I nodded quietly, blinking back tears.
With time, I grew used to being alone. Whenever I faced pain or struggles, I kept it all inside and cried in silence. I shut myself off, hiding my emotions until they built up too much to contain—and then, when someone pushed me too far, it all came out as anger. My anger became something I couldn’t control that resulted in violence towards my sisters, either verbally or physically. I was like a ticking bomb, carrying pain I couldn’t express, too scared to open up, yet too proud to change.
I used to believe my family was placed in my life to hurt me. I resented my parents and their teachings, and I grew bitter toward my siblings when they didn’t say what I wanted to hear. Then, when I finally made my first best friend, I changed in ways I deeply regret. She and I grew close, and I clung to her desperately, doing whatever she asked, even if it meant gossiping and spreading lies about my own family just to earn her approval. I had never known what it felt like to have a best friend, and the thought of losing her terrified me.
Although some memories of us are still kept close to my heart, I let her take advantage of me because I was desperate for the love I thought I wasn’t receiving. But then, one day, she replaced me, discarded me when I had no more use for her. That night, I cried until the tears wouldn’t fall anymore. A deep emptiness settled in, and the pain was so sharp that I pulled away from everyone even more. Losing someone you relied on more than yourself leaves a scar that no one should have to carry.
Ever since that day, I began to hate my life. There were moments when I begged God to take me, because I didn’t have the strength to keep living. Every day felt heavy, filled with misery. I was overwhelmed by loneliness and an anger I couldn’t control. My parents scolded me often, and each beating was etched into my memory. Every word spoken in anger echoed in my mind, and I came to truly believe that my parents didn’t love me. No matter what I did, it never felt like enough. I felt rejected, unwanted, and maybe that’s why I believed I was so unlovable.
So I chose to live a double life. In real life, I became ‘the perfect daughter.’ I ate whatever my parents gave me, did every chore my mom asked, studied hard, and built a knowledge of the Bible and theology that surpassed most. I wanted so badly for my parents to be proud of me, to finally love me. I made them believe that I had accepted God at a young age, hoping they’d see me as an angel.
But online, I became someone entirely different. I created multiple identities, wore different personalities, and did things I now deeply regret. I thought no one would ever find out, and for a while, that secrecy gave me joy. I met people from all over the world, and for the first time, I felt like I had friends. To keep them around, I did shameful things but I didn’t care. My parents believed I was a golden child, so what did it matter what I did in secret?
Eventually, my parents found out what I had been doing, and they disciplined me. But in my mind, it felt unfair, after all, I had done everything else perfectly. Why couldn’t they just let me have this one thing? That mindset trapped me in a cycle. I would return to the same sins, chasing temporary joy, friendship, and the illusion of love. Then I’d be disciplined again, stop for a while—maybe a month—only to fall right back into it.
Two years ago, stuck in the same cycle of sin and shame, God finally opened my heart. I had been caught once again in the very sins I had promised to let go of, and once again my mom found out. After confronting me, she left me in my room to go talk to my dad. Fear and panic took over. Without thinking, I decided to run away.
I left barefoot, without a jacket, even though the air had started to cool. I was careful not to let any sibling, neighbor, or even our guardian see or hear me as I slipped out. It was late afternoon, maybe four or five on a Saturday, and I was running in fear. I started pounding on random doors, hoping someone would open up. But each unanswered knock only made my fear grow.
I decided to use my brain. If I couldn’t find someone right away, I’d outsmart my parents. I’d stay somewhere they’d never expect and stay just until Sunday morning. Then, when my family left for church, I’d sneak back into the house, grab what I needed, and leave permanently.
The family I stayed with was kind. They gave me dinner and gently asked me what had happened—why I had shown up at their door, shaken and sobbing. Through tears, I told them my version of the story, and they listened. They let me rest in one of their beds for the time being.
Surprisingly, my plan seemed to be working. The family told me they had seen my parents and siblings pass by, clearly searching for me. I begged them not to say a word. But as the evening grew darker, I lay in that bed—half-relieved, half-scared—and then I heard footsteps approaching. Suddenly, my father was being led into the room. I broke down completely, backing away from him in fear. My whole body trembled.
But even though he looked tired and worn, my father brought me back home. No shouting. No anger. Just a quiet, exhausted plea not to ever run away like that again. Later, I learned that my mother hadn’t told him the full story—he was simply too tired to fight. He just wanted me to apologize to my siblings and to my mom for the trouble I had caused.
That night was one of the lowest points in my life. I walked back home in tears, weighed down by shame. Every step felt heavy with regret, and I was embarrassed by how I had acted. When I finally reached my mom, she looked angry and exhausted. Without saying a word, she motioned for me to sit beside her.
The room was silent, except for my sobs. Then, she began to speak. She told me how selfish I had been—each word was like a blow to my chest, causing even more tears. Her scolding was harsh, and I couldn’t stop crying. Looking back now, I understand that her words were necessary, but in that moment, I felt my heart tighten with fear. My whole body trembled, and I looked at her with resentment. I think in that moment, she truly saw the condition of my heart.
But then she retold me the Gospel. The same Gospel I had heard all my life. Normally, I would have shut it out—mentally plugging my ears out of pride. But this time I listened. I had memorized the Gospel, I knew all the right answers, and I thought I was already saved. But something was different. The Gospel touched my heart personally.
That night, I cried—not out of anger, but out of relief. Out of shock. Out of conviction. And that’s when I truly accepted Christ. I saw that everything He allowed in my life had a purpose. My pain wasn’t pointless. My parents’ discipline wasn’t hatred. It was love. The love I thought I didn’t receive.
My sanctification had many highs and lows. Letting go and changing was difficult and it took time, but as I look back, I thank God. I thank Him for He truly does love His children no matter what we’ve done. Psalm 118:5 (ESV) “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” God set me free from years of loneliness and hatred. And now I can say proudly: Psalm 118:21 “I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.” God truly loves me.”
It is quite difficult to summarize a whole year from a Christian perspective. Many affirm that the influence of Christianity, especially in Western countries, has reached historic lows. However, others notice a resurgence of Evangelical Christianity with many public displays of faith such as the March for Jesus in Dublin, with organizers estimating up to 12,000 attendees, on October 26th.
Three ‘events’ that took place this summer epitomize 2024 for global Christianity.
1- Elon Musk and Cultural Christianity
Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and Tesla, is often associated with innovation and technology rather than overtly religious beliefs. In an interview with Jordan Peterson on July 23rd, Elon Musk, indubitably the richest and one of the most powerful men in the world, declared himself to be “a cultural Christian”. Musk, who in the past identified as an atheist or an agnostic, divulged his admiration for Christianity:
“While I’m not a particularly religious person, I do believe that the teachings of Jesus are good and wise. … I would say I’m probably a cultural Christian. There’s tremendous wisdom in turning the other cheek.”
He went on to say that Christian beliefs,
“result in the greatest happiness for humanity, considering not just the present, but all future humans. … I’m actually a big believer in the principles of Christianity. I think they’re very good.“
A few days later, in response to the Olympics’ opening ceremony, Musk said “Unless there is more bravery to stand up for what is fair and right, Christianity will perish.” Granted, Christians need to be more bold for their faith, but here are a few issues with Musk’s perspective:
Christianity will not perish
Jesus Himself declared “…I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Mat 16:18b) and also, “…In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Paul confirms “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom 8:31)
Unlike with cultural Christianity, believers have the confidence to be on the winning side as the Lord reigns supreme over all things.
Christianity is about Faithfulness not Achievements
Musk’s work with advanced technologies reflects a contemporary understanding of progress that is often divorced from traditional religious frameworks. His focus on renewable energy, space exploration, and artificial intelligence can be seen as an interpretation of humanity’s God-given mandate to subdue and have dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28), and not a faithful submission to Him.
Musk’s rhetoric, when addressing the existential risks facing humanity, including climate change, technology and artificial intelligence, suggests a moral imperative to confront these challenges, hope, perseverance, and the importance of working towards a better future. These resonate with Christian teachings.
However, Christianity’s hope resides in Christ’s return, not human betterment.
Musk embodies a proactive engagement with ethical dilemmas connected to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications, advocating for responsible innovation that aligns with a progressive vision of humanity’s future. However, his quest for technological ethical practices and stewardship is not built upon a dependance and surrender to Christ.
Musk even posits that humanity must become a multi-planetary species to ensure its survival. No, men must surrender their lives to Christ, live in faithful obedience to His commands, and hope for the new heavens and the new earth in His presence (Rev 21:1-7).
Christianity is Christ-centered, not man-centered
Musk represents a new kind of visionary—a figure who pushes the boundaries of human capability and reflects a belief in the possibility of redemption through innovation. He embodies in his entrepreneurial journey individualism and personal purpose. He represents the archetype of the self-made individual, challenging conventional wisdom and pursuing his vision regardless of societal limitations or norms.
There is much to be celebrated in his creativity, entrepreneurship and drive. But it is self-centered. His story of perseverance, work ethos, failure, and ultimate success can serve as inspiration, but it is not pointed to the ultimate source of purpose and satisfaction, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The tension between personal ambition and surrender is palpable, and this dichotomy reflects the broader challenge with the increasingly popular conservative cultural Christianity. Cultural Christianity becomes a framework for exploring spirituality outside of Christ.
Ultimately, Musk’s embodiment of cultural Christianity serves as an intriguing case study for understanding modern spirituality and the evolving relationship between faith and human innovation.
2 years ago, the Christian satire website missed the opportunity to clearly share the Gospel with Elon Musk when they interviewed him. He, and all those who believe in some form of cultural Christianity need to heed the words of Scripture: “…Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31a)
2- Olympics’ Outrage and Testimonies
E tenebris oritur lux. Out of darkness comes light.
The 2024 Olympics were the most polarizing ever. Yet, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Blurred lines hurt a society. Blurred lines hurt the church’s testimony.
The Opening Ceremony was a celebration of sin, not of sport. Thomas Jolly, the ceremony director, decided to go beyond the Olympic spirit and promote the dominant social trends in France, deeply rooted in “wokism”. Drag queens, “queer” dancers, polyamory, blatant idolatry, and blunt mockery of Christianity were all on display.
However, as a result of the controversies from the opening ceremony, the polemics about transgender boxers and the attempts to caricaturize and belittle Christians:
Every Christian blogger on the planet took this opportunity to contend for the faith
Many Christians worldwide were bolstered to stand as faithful and loving ambassadors of the truth as they realized their faith was under attack.
The Woke movement was exposed for what it is, and many recognized its aberrations.
Mainstream media worldwide jumped in to defend Christians from a religious liberty point of view.
And last but not least, Christian athletes spoke more boldly about their faith than ever before.
When German shot-putter Yemisi Ogunleye was asked how she approached that decisive final throw for the gold medal, she replied, “Before the last attempt, I didn’t think about anything but just lifted my hands and prayed. … After seeing where the shot landed, when I knew it was hopefully going to be enough for the gold medal, I just went on my knees and said, ‘Thank you, Jesus.’”
At the end of the post-event press conference, the moderator asked Ogunleye, “Is it true that you sing in a gospel choir? What song was going through your head tonight?” She responded with an impromptu rendition of “God Kept Me” by Harvey Watkins Jr.
Marileidy Paulino, who started her career running barefoot because she couldn’t afford shoes, became the first woman from the Dominican Republic ever to win Olympic gold by breaking the Olympic record. At the Tokyo Olympics, she held a Bible after earning silver three years ago. This time, Paulino knelt and prayer after crossing the finish line. She thanked God for her opportunity to excel on her country’s behalf.
British diver Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix said, “I give glory to God,” and quoted Joshua 1:9 on her Instagram page after earning bronze with partner Lois Toulson in the 10-meter platform synchronized diving competition.
“This is more than just sport,” she added. “I am proud to represent my country, my family, and glorify the name of Jesus.”
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who qualified for her first Olympics while still in high school, broke her own world record in the 400-meter hurdles. Her husband is studying theology at The Master’s Seminary in California (which is where I also studied) and they have both used the platform God has granted them to make their Christian testimony widely known. Sydney even wrote a book called “Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith.”
During the post-race interview in the Olympics, she declared “I credit all that I do to God. He’s given me a gift, he’s given me a drive to just want to continue to improve upon myself, and I have a platform and I want to use it to glorify Him…So whenever I step on the track, it’s always the prayer of ‘God, let me be the vessel in which you’re glorified, whatever the result is’—how I conduct myself, how I carry myself, not just how I perform. So it’s just freedom in knowing that regardless of what happens, he’s going to get the praise through me. That’s why I do what I do.”
Amen! That is true Christianity. That is living knowing Christ and making Him known!
3- The Fourth Lausanne Congress in Seoul
This one is potentially the most controversial point of the 3, but if you have read to this point, you should be able to endure through to the end.
You may not be familiar with the Lausanne movement. It was founded by Billy Graham, Leighton Ford and John Stott in 1974 to accelerate and build better collaboration for world evangelism. The first meeting was held in Lausanne, Switzerland, thus the name of the conference that sticked afterwards.
The Fourth Lausanne Movement Congress, gathering over 5,200 people from 202 nationalities in Incheon-Seoul, South Korea, sought to accelerate global outreach through collaborative efforts, promoting unity in diversity. The theme of the Congress was “Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together.”
The Congress ended with a call to joint action through signing the ‘Collaborative Action Commitment’, stating on paper the signatories’ intention to:
“respond to the Great Commission by filling gaps and seizing opportunities”,
seek “relationships and unity with leaders”,
work to “remove duplication and silos by celebrating others”
“identify existing collaborative initiatives”
and by addressing “together” the challenges facing the global church.
I do not wish to remove anything from the amazing experience lived by those who attended, notably when people from over 200 nations worship the Lord and fellowship together as a foretaste of Revelation 7:9, but unity in diversity is hard to achieve. Especially when the diversity is related to doctrine. Congresses and joint declarations are nice, but they fail to conceal and properly address the issues wrought by diverging theological perspectives.
As an example, Ruth Padilla DeBorst addressed the challenge of social injustices. As part of her presentation, she made two remarks that made some participants uncomfortable. She stated that “There’s no room for indifference towards all who are suffering the scourge of war and violence. The world around the uprooted and beleaguered people of Gaza, the hostages held by both Israel and Hamas and their families, the threatened Palestinians in their own territories”. Then, at another point, Padilla lamented that “colonialist theologies that justify and finance oppression under the guise of some dispensational eschatology”.
An email apology signed by the event’s director, David Bennett, had to be issued. Her singling out and critic of ‘dispensational eschatology’ and her failure to express comparable empathy for the suffering of Israeli people were flagged as they caused an avalanche of opinions and informal conversations at the conference.
In other examples, one of the speakers passionately and graciously reprimanded cessationists, claiming they denied the power of the Holy Spirit. Creation care was outlined as a justice issue, but the proposed solutions echoed secular narratives. Rick Warren was invited and given a prominent platform from which he reprimanded complementarians, suggesting they overlook Joel 2. An American Pentecostal presenter, in his excitement, asked everyone to raise their hand if they considered themselves “Spirit-filled” believers. The talks on social justice related issues often reflected a liberal and postmodern lens: creation care, gender gaps, anti-colonialism, and critiques of capitalism. There was also no mention of abortion or the current capitulation of the church when it comes to same-sex marriage. In a nutshell, certain viewpoints were given a platform while others were delicately excluded.
And here resides one of the main problems: The Lausanne Congress become so “issues-driven” that the emphasis on world evangelization, which used to be central, has now been buried down to just one emphasis among many. The main thing is no longer the main thing per se.
At the heart of all the disagreement is a simple question: What is the mission of the Church? During the congress, The Seoul Statement Seoul Statement was released, and it generated a lot of discussion. It outlines seven key themes for the global evangelical church: a biblical theology of the gospel, a strong view of Scripture, doctrine of the church, and a vision for humanity and biblical sexuality, discipleship, global conflict, and technology.
None of these are inherently bad, but there needs to be a clear delineation of emphasis on evangelism over social action. The Seoul Statement wrestles with the tension, striving to give equal weight to both “incarnating the gospel” and “holistic gospel”, and as a result dilutes the Gospel.
When everything becomes a gospel issue, nothing is actually the Gospel, nor the issue.
So What?
As the church looks ahead to 2025, we need to make sure that the Gospel remains central and is proclaimed by words and deeds. Theological clarity, triage and discernment are more needed than ever in a world where the words “evangelical” and “church” have lost their intended meaning.
God will always have His remnant throughout the ages. The church must endeavor to be a pillar and buttress of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). And the church must seek to be faithful in the Lord’s eyes before seeking to be attractive in the world’s eyes.
May our testimonies be bold, sincere, earnest and powerful as we trust, obey and proclaim our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sea Point Promenade, Cape Town. A giant pair of spectacles on the beachfront are pointed in the direction of Robben Island. The work is called “Perceiving Freedom.” It was meant as a reference to the sunglasses worn by Nelson Mandela because of the damage done to his eyes while working on the lime quarries of the prison island. The declared goal of the Ray-Ban sponsored artist, Michael Elion, was to appeal to us to look at the big picture and to immortalize the nation’s political icon. But the structure is controversial as many city residents feel that the piece is using the deceased president’s legacy to promote a luxury brand of eyeshades.
This raises an important question for us to consider: “How effectively do we communicate and spread ideas?”
Early April 2024, Avotra and I had the privilege of attending a Christian Publishing Intensive training organized by Desiring God a few meters away from Sea Point Promenade. It was truly a mindset-shaping event for us, and I believe a game-changer for our approach to our publishing ministry.
Publishing jedis Rick Denham and Daniel Henderson led the workshop, challenging the traditional approach to publishing in Christian circles and inviting us to focus on spreading ideas. The workshop was attended by like-minded publishing ministries in Africa that are also in their inception phase.
Rick brought us back to the time of the Reformation when pamphlets and the ministry of Matthieu Zell in Strasbourg were instrumental in the spread of Luther’s ideas throughout Europe. Over 10 million were printed in those days around Germany. Pamphlets were the equivalent of the explosion of the internet or the current advent of AI in those days. They were successful because they were written in the vernacular mostly understood by the people, they were affordable and accessible, and they conveyed ideas both saturated with Scripture and relevant to the societal issues of the day. Finally, they were easy to reproduce and spread.
The real epicenters of the Reformation were the Scripture-based pulpits, publishing, and training.
Rick revolutionized out thinking by conveying that the goal is to build a confessionally distinct community within a ministry ecosystem. The community must be fed continually, abundantly, and richly.
The 4 doorways bringing people into this ecosystem are:
Publishing (books, articles, journals, etc.)
Web presence (website, online classes, social media, etc.)
Events and Training where books are promoted and distributed.
Preaching/Teaching in the local church. Healthy local churches proclaim truth and equip their members to continue to learn, grow in their faith and live in community, and plant other churches.
Daniel Henderson continued by emphasizing that the three central activities of a publishing ministry are:
Quality Content development.
Developing effective methods of spreading ideas. Content should not be fenced off but be made as accessible as possible.
Nurturing the community/ecosystem: The community is created as people discover ideas and connect to others who share those same values. The community is not defined by any one doorway, but by the common ideas that unite them. Change happens very rarely individually. It happens when people realize that they are not alone. The main value in an ecosystem is where the lines converge.
Based on all we learned, our ministry new Transformative Purpose at 3M Publishing is:
“To transform lives in Madagascar and beyond through Scripture-centered resources designed to raise and equip Preachers of God’s Word, Shepherds of God’s people, and Servants of Christ in local churches.”
We produce 3 types of books to that end:
Books in French thanks to our partnership with Publications Chrétiennes and BLF Éditions.
Books translated from English or French by our team of translators and therefore now available in Malagasy.
Books in Malagasy written by Malagasy Christian theologians, pastors and teachers.
We want to make books available to as many as possible so these Bible-infused ideas will spread.
To accomplish this:
on Saturday April 20th, we will open our bookstore and library on the 3M Preaching Institute campus.
We will also be launching 2 books written by Conrad Mbewe that we have translated from Malagasy: “God’s Design for the church” and “Your Discipleship Manual”. These resources written by an African author, suitable for an African context, are completely in line with our purpose and mission.
Finally, we are planning to launch a quarterly magazine to be widely distributed with great content to feed the mind and the soul.
May the Lord use all of these resources and avenues to edify His church!
I have read this passage of Scripture quite a few times, but I am each time startled by the sternness of the tone used by Paul here. “Do not walk as unwise…” (v.15), “do not be foolish…” (v.17), “do not behave like a drunkard” (v.18).
I don’t know about you, but I know I do lack wisdom at times…okay, often… okay, always. However, I wouldn’t instinctively call myself a fool. Yet, Scripture does. In 3 ways specifically. I am a fool when:
I don’t use my time wisely (v.16)
I don’t use my brains wisely (v.17)
I don’t allow my heart to be led by Wisdom (v.18)
So, in 2024, I would like to resolve to grow in wisdom in these three areas.
I would like to examine again how I use my time and see if my agenda reflects godly wisdom. Do I truly invest the hours of my day (and night) for things that are profitable, things that glorify God and seek the greater good of others? Can I truly stand before the Lord and say that I am making the best use of my time? The Lord is still teaching me to balance my time better between ministry and family. I need His wisdom desperately in that area, how about you?
I would also like to consider what occupies my mind mostly, my preoccupations, fixations, and musings. Where does my mind wander off when given the opportunity? Not always where it should. I cannot say that seeking the Lord’s will is what first engages my mind. But I know it should and truly want Christ to win on that battlefield. How about you? Are you sharing my struggle? What is your “victory plan” for 2024?
Finally, Paul points to the heart; the center of our passions, desires, and affections. He says that our foolishness leads us to allow it to give in to dissipation but that instead we should intentionally relinquish control of our heart to the indwelling Holy Spirit. I know I am growing in being led by Wisdom when I am gradually prompted towards godliness, gratefulness, and humility (Eph 5:19-21).
May this be true of you and I in 2024.
And may “God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us— Selah.” (Psalm 67:1)
Scripture repeatedly commands us to rejoice! Why is it an imperative? It should be pretty easy and nice to be happy!
There are at least 25 verses in the Bible calling us to be glad in the Lord.
Why is it that the Lord has to mandate us to be happy?
Because we live in a world that is in a dark gloom of sin, suffering and misery with “…no hope and without God…” (Eph 2:12). And we forget that we are in this world, not of this world.
Because we easily forget Jesus Christ who gave us His joy (John 15:11), and who “…for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb 12:2)
Because it is unnatural. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. The joy that the Bible speaks about requires a supernatural indwelling and in-working. Men, as they are and in their own own strength cannot know that joy. That’s amazing! I mean, we see some seemingly happy people around… But they don’t have joy. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and thus worked out by that Spirit in those that submit their life to Christ and let their heart be filled by the influence of the Spirit. Our natural tendency is towards ingratitude.
Because we are lazy or misled and do not cultivate our joy in the Lord. We are so self-focused that we forget that real joy can be found in the Lord alone. A neglect of personal time with God often precedes a lack of joy. The Lord and His promises are our sole source of joy. If we don’t draw near to God, we can’t rejoice in Him.
Because we fight among one another and rob each other of joy. There is no joy in the body when it is disjointed or in pain. The church is under attack in this individualistic society and believers need to strive to “…think the same way, by maintaining the same love, being united in spirit, thinking on one purpose, doing nothing from selfish ambition or vain glory, but with humility of mind regarding one another as more important…” (Phil 2:2b-3a)
Because we live in carnality and disobedience as described in Galatians 5:19-21. We cannot find joy in the Lord if we are too busy pursuing it in earthly pleasures.
Because of worry and anxiety. They choke out our life vitality and prevent us from seeing the good gifts from our Good Father. We fear for tomorrow and forget to rejoice today (Mat 6:25-34).
1 Pet 1:8 says “And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, YOU REJOICE WITH JOY INEXPRESSIBLE and full of glory.” (LSB) [emphasis mine]
Christian, may that be true of you and I: Rejoice!
Enintsoa has just joined the Madagascar 3M team. We are delighted to have her with us. As you read through her bio, you will understand why.
” Since my childhood, I have always been perceived by others as an innocent, wise and obedient little girl. I knew I was not, without a single shadow of doubt. I excelled in my studies, attended Sunday school at FJKM Andraisoro Church, smiled and greeted people properly, as my parents taught me. Fascinated by knowledge and books, I used to read the Bible and Christian literature filling my head without changing my heart. But during my high school years, God through His word, progressively revealed to me the corruption of my heart and convicted me of my sinfulness. Indeed, He regenerated me and granted me faith in Jesus Christ.
The desire to improve livelihoods and society has long captivated my interest, and has been featured throughout my academic life. Confronted with the reality that Malagasy people rely heavily on wood energy, I was determined to study and find an alternative way of producing energy other than firewood and charcoal while studying Industrial Engineering in ESPA Vontovorona. After my graduation, I specialized in renewable energies at University of Reunion (Island) and in Development, as well as in Environment and Societies at Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium. Meanwhile, I also worked as a Teacher Researcher at the University of Antananarivo.
In 2020, the social distancing and staying at home concept of covid-19 prevented me from doing the fieldwork of my study and suspended my work as a teacher. Passionate about interior design, I exercised my passion for painting and crafting as I created Petite Casanière, which is a small business operating in the production of personalized terra-cotta vases, paintings and handmade decorations. My perspective is to meet the needs of the Malagasy community in terms of decoration with local skills and raw materials. When I resumed my teaching, I could no longer leave my decoration activity which gives me joy and creativity, so I manage to do both.
Captivated by theological books since I became a believer, my thirst to grow in my walk with God sparked in my heart a genuine interest in Puritan books, while opting for sound doctrines. It lately caused me to attend 3M events which provide valuable tools to face sin and its wearing out effect in this world.
Hence, the offered proposal to be a Translator Coordinator within this entity aligned with my skills and interests and I see it as a great and opportune fit for my desire to refine my knowledge and understanding of God as I serve Him. Not only does it urge me to grow as person and a Christian, but it will also contribute to the spread of the Gospel to people while crossing language boundaries.”
‘My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.’ (Psalm 73.26 / ESV)
We have benefited already from her talents as she skillfully and beautifully decorated the student lounge at the 3M Preaching Institute. We trust that she is a valuable addition to our ministry.
Growth is a sign of health, right? By God’s grace, our ministry has been blessed in so many ways.
We are in the final phase of acquiring some print-on-demand equipment and will start printing and publishing activities, Lord willing by July 1st, 2023.
Our printing ministry will be used to print resources for our preaching institute but will also provide a source of income for it, as we will be able to print any books that comply with our printing parameters.
Our publishing department will enable us to print theological books that we endorse, either in French through our international partners, or in Malagasy. The resources in our language can either be translations of French or English books or works of native theologians.
Needless to say, we are very excited!
Else, we are welcoming 4 new team members and I would like to introduce them to you.
Oliva
At the age of 14, I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Before that, I just went to church because my parents were Christians. I did what good boys do and attended Sunday school because everyone else attended.
After my conversion in 2009, I started to grow and to get more involved in my church in Diego Suarez (FJKM). After high school, I chose to study Sociology at the University of Ankatso in Antananarivo and, in 2019, I was convinced that I needed to be baptized thus asked my spiritual mentor to baptize me.
I started to serve in the worship and sports ministries of my church FJKM Zoara fanantenana Ambohipo and, since 2021, I joined Madagascar 3M.
This ministry has helped me grow spiritually and develop in many other areas, and I thank the Lord daily for this blessing.
I got married to Sarobidy in December 2022 and now attend and serve the Lord at the Biblical Baptist Church of Andavamamba with my wife.
It is a grace of God and a pleasure for me to be part of the 3M team as the Corporate Administrative and Finance Manager.
Sarobidy
I grew up in a Christian family and I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior at age 9. Since then, I’ve been eager to serve Him and to learn the Scripture more and more. I helped with the children’s program and was part of the choir in the Biblical Baptist Church of Antsiranana. I was baptized when I was 18 in 2014 and grew in my commitment exponentially. I now am part of the children and teenager ministry, not only at my church but at our denomination level. I also am part of the worship team.
I got married to Oliva in 2022. I have been part of Madagascar 3M since 2020 and a member of the Biblical Baptist Church of Andavamamba since 2016. It has been exhilarating to be able to serve the Lord in all these avenues.
I got a bachelor’s degree in communication in 2018 and have begun to work in that sector: archivist, community manager, and project manager. I am so glad to now join the 3M team as the Commercial and Marketing Manager for 3M Publishing and Printing. A new challenge for me.
These verses are my life verses since my baptism in 2018:
Colossians 3:17: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Galatians 1:10: “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
Erlando
I was born in a catholic family in Sambava, a town in the North of Madagascar. My parents, wanting to provide a better level of education for us, moved my brothers and I to Antananarivo in 2003.
I was born again in 2014. The Lord used a Bible study group that met weekly right in the house next door to make me realize that my works and my efforts to be a good person are not the way to reconciliation with God. I found true life, I found salvation in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for my sins. He is THE way to salvation.
I began to really love reading and studying the bible and I discovered a new hobby: reading theology books. I was happy when I learned all these things about God, but at the same time there was a kind of sadness that came over me because I saw the contrast between sound doctrine and the Christianity that is practiced in my country. The gap is huge.
I prayed that I might participate in the advancement of good doctrine and the recoil of false teaching in my country. And my prayers were heard! The Lord blessed me with close friends and communities who love the bible. I was able to serve in a few ministries.
I didn’t attend a bible-centered church until 2019 but the Lord still graciously provided a community with a great sense of fellowship and love for the Word of God, whenI joined the Biblical Baptist Church of Antsahabe (also called Internation Baptist Church) where I still gladly serve until now.
I studied and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Logistics Operations Management and a Master’s degree in Commerce. At the same time, I worked as a web redactor, followed some digital training and immersed myself in the world of digital marketing.
“All things work for the good of those who love God” and the Lord prove it again with this new opportunity. I am called to serve with the team of Madagascar 3M as the Communication and Digital Marketing Manager in the newly created project: 3M Publishing & Printing. Not only I can continue to work in digital marketing, but I am serving in a project that is close to my heart. Praise God.
Liva
I grew up in a Christian family, raised by my parents in Christian circles. I was taught about Jesus and the Word of God early on in the local church.
It was in 2012 that I really knew that I need Jesus Christ as the way of life, the way to save sinners. I understood that it is not enough for me to know facts about God or just to be a “good child”. The Lord touched me and led me to accept Him as Lord and Savior.
The love for God’s Word grew in the Scripture Union group I was part of, as well as Bible Study Fellowship. Even though I spent a short time there, I grew to know more about God… I also benefited there from the help of spiritual mentors.
I studied mechanical and industrial engineering at Ecole Supérieure Polytechnique d’Antananarivo. I really wanted to work full-time for a Christian company when I was in school, and I for a long time asked the Lord, “What do you want me to do?”
The Lord led me to see that my calling is to help Christians who are thirsty for spiritual growth, and I saw the need for maturing among many Christian believers. I designed a “devotional Bible study card” to enable and help people to study the scriptures every day. I volunteered in another organization and continued to be a member of the Executive Committee of that organization.
Now, God has called me to join Madagascar 3M and I will be the Technical and Maintenance Manager for 3M Printing and Publishing. I am so excited to serve God with the team at Madagascar 3M. May His will be done in me and through me!
It is truly a pleasure to have them serve with us starting on May 1st, and I am looking forward to seeing how God will use them for His glory.
It is my privilege to introduce you to Madagascar 3M’s new Executive Director, Avotra Ravelo.
Avotra has been part of the 3M team for more than 3 years now, pouncing on every opportunity to serve. We have been able to observe his character, his zeal for the Lord and his giftedness. He is a natural servant-leader, and I am thrilled to see how the Lord is going to use him in the years to come. Avotra will oversea Operations, Administration, HR and Finance for our organization.
Here is his testimony:
“I grew up reading the bible, attending church, going to Sunday school, getting involved and serving in every possible way. What I thought to be a zeal for His house was nothing more than an attempt to deny my own wickedness and gain other people’s approbation. In reality, I went on without understanding the true Gospel, living exactly like the world yet firmly believing I was being a good person.
Thankfully, the Lord has been so gracious and used someone to share the Gospel with me back in 2015. From that day on, I felt an increasing desire to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word and to be a member of a Bible-centered church. Following a long set of trials, I joined and am now actively serving at the Biblical Baptist Church of Ankadivato with my wife and my son.
It was in that setting that the Lord provided me with great fellowship with dear friends for whom I am thankful, as they are powerful tools for my sanctification. Their servant heartedness, genuine love for God’s Word and diligence to minister to others, fueled my desire to do the same wholeheartedly.
I graduated with a chemical engineering degree and occupied different positions, as a teacher, a consultant, and even as a flight attendant.
This year (2023), God called me to work full time in ministry and I am more than grateful and thrilled to serve with the team of Madagascar 3M as the Executive Director.”
Welcome on board Avotra! May you be a conduit of blessing to the staff and all those you interact with. All for His glory.
It’s this time of the year. We look back, we look within, we look forward and we set goals for ourselves. We make resolutions. We sincerely want to keep them most of the time. And we fail to do so most of the time. This is true even of Christians setting spiritual goals for themselves every year like abiding to a Bible reading plan or studying deeper a specific area of doctrine.
So, the question is: should Christians keep making new year resolutions and try to keep them? Is there a point in making a list of self-determined objectives aimed at bettering one’s life?
I would like to argue that yes, Christians should make resolutions. We see the people of God in the Bible and throughout church history make commitments. And we can see that they don’t make them only at the beginning of every year but every time they feel compelled to.
The start of a new year is a great time to ponder and pledge, but it shouldn’t be the only time. Resolutions ought to be made all year long, and even all lifelong for us as disciples of Christ.
However, here are a few questions to challenge how these commitments are usually made and to help ensure that we do keep them:
1- What is the Point?
As Jesus explained the reason why He did what He did in His ministry, He summed it up by saying “…I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” (John 8:30)
Jesus was focused on pleasing and honoring God.
Do I make my resolutions with the same focus on God’s glory and honor? Or do I focus more on what people will say of me or my own exaltation? Is my intent fixated on the “now” or on eternity with God (John 14:1-4; Rom 8:18-25; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 John 3:1-3)?
Our resolutions must align with God’s intent for our lives as Christians: our sanctification (1 Thes 4:3; 1 Pet 1:14-16). We must kill what prevents it, the deeds of the flesh and nurture what improves it (Rom 8:12-13; 13:13-14).
We need to make commitments that lead us to pursue holiness, not personal success.
2- What is the Push?
God looks at why we do things, not only at the things we do. He fully knows our motivations (1 Sam 16:7). We thus must attach not only an ultimate intent to our resolutions but also an unambiguous heart motive. We might be motivated to lose weight or acquire knowledge by ego or peer pressure. Yet we must learn to slay any selfish desires and replace them with a stronger yearning to conform our life to Christ’s. His smile of favor ought to be the only approval we seek.
Paul prays in 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12…
As we display steadfastness, Jesus gets the glory.
3- What is the Plan?
What are the accompanying measures you think to implement to ensure you will achieve the goals you set?
Scripture encourages us to make plans, but reminds us that these plans are always subject to God’s sovereign will (Prov 16:9; James 4:13-17).
The Bible also invites us to seek advice in making those plans. Proverbs 15:22 says “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.”
Once counsel is received, you must for your own ideas as to how you are going to reach the set target. Having an accountability partner long the way is definitely wise not to be side-tracked or blind-sided.
4- What is the Power Source?
For the believer, all resolutions are illumined, empowered and sustained by the Holy Spirit.
We are to live out our Christian lives with fear and trembling, knowing that God is at work to fulfill that which we commit to do (Phil 2:12-13).
We thus must totally depend on His work on our behalf through prayer.
Jesus asked the disciples to commit to one hour of prayer on His behalf in the garden. As we know they failed miserably. And so do we, often.
Jesus tells us that the way to maintain our resolution is by watching and praying.
We are to apply all necessary processes so not to fall into temptation and we are to pray continually as our best efforts to fulfill the former will always fall short.
We need to pray for guidance, wisdom, and strength (James 1:5) when it comes to our walk in Christ.
May the Lord grant us endurance in the race set before us. May He give us milestone victories through accomplished goals. May He help us delay gratification and quicken mortification of sin. May He be glorified as we resolve to depend on Him prayerfully to keep our year-long and lifelong resolutions.
Madagascar 3M 