In July 2024, the Rev. Éric Kalumba (Advance #3022783) set foot on Malagasy soil, accompanied by his wife and four of their children. His assignment? Spread the Gospel and establish new United Methodist churches across the island.
Kalumba is a missionary with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries working in congregational development. Originally from Congo, he is experienced in leading and serving churches and communities. He has undertaken several evangelical missions for The United Methodist Church in challenging environments in his home country.
The only United Methodist parish in Madagascar officially opened in 2018. Today it is part of the Mozambique Episcopal Area, under the leadership of Bishop Joaquina Nhanala.
Before arriving in Madagascar, the Kalumba family stopped in Mozambique to meet with Nhanala.
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In Madagascar, they were warmly welcomed by church members and Jean Ratovohery, the local pastor of the Ambodifasika United Methodist Church in Ambodifasika.
Kalumba immediately went to work, convening the church council to listen to their concerns and develop strategies to expand The United Methodist Church in Madagascar.
Pastor Ratovohery noted that because of professional and family responsibilities, he could not travel beyond Antananarivo, the capital city, since 2018.
Since his installation, Kalumba has accomplished numerous pastoral tasks. Sunday worship attendance is growing, Bible studies were introduced and other small ministries were planted. He has officiated at funeral services, provided pastoral care and counseling, and visited homes of church and community members alike.
Kalumba also visited and prayed with Bebe Tinina. A longtime believer, she has suffered from severe leg pain for months and faces financial difficulties that prevent her from attending church.
Kalumba doesn’t miss an opportunity to speak about Jesus Christ, whether during his visits or when he encounters people, warmly inviting them to join the United Methodist church in Ambodifasika. His determination to fulfill the mission entrusted to him is already evident in the growing number of worshippers at the church.
“Madagascar is a very vast nation, even though it is an island,” Kalumba explained. “I am convinced that many here are ready to accept Jesus Christ and that the Gospel must be preached in every corner of this island.”
Quoting Matthew 9:37, he said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.”
Lying off the southeastern coast of Africa, Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world.
“The vastness of this island is both a challenge and an opportunity for United Methodism,” Kalumba said. “We need everyone’s support to carry out this work. There is extreme poverty here, and we want to support these communities through various projects such as hospitals, technical schools, and social and agri-pastoral centers.
“However, as a new mission field, we still lack the resources to materialize this vision. We hope that United Methodists around the world will support us in expanding the UMC throughout the country and in providing help where it is most needed.”
excerpt from a story by Esdras Rakotoarivony, communicator for the Madagascar mission field of The United Methodist Church
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