Evangelism Update: September 2018
Catechists training
To the glory of God we have expanded our training that was initially designed for the catechists to include preachers, cup bearers, and exorcists. We have continued to sponsor training for 67 student catechists. We now have officially trained 18 Catechists who are recognized by the Diocese. By the end of the year we hope to have trained at least 150 new lay leaders. This eases the work of the priest, who has pastoral oversight over 7-15 churches. It would be so strenuous to do all the work without lay leaders partnering in this team work.
New church plants:
We now have over 108 churches in the Diocese of Toliara (in 10 parishes and 4 districts). We have dedicated a number of church buildings since May 2016: St. Andrew’s in Motombe, St. James in Ampansinapoana, St. David’s in Miandriavazo, All Angel’s in Ankiliabo and one in Betioky Parish which is completed but not yet named. It will be dedicated in the spring. We also laid the foundation of a new church in the Fenoarivo parish on Saturday, October 14th 2017.
Evangelism training:
Evangelism has always been our core focus in growing the church. We continue to train evangelists, and presently have 17 students.
The Diocese is offering collaboration with three other Dioceses (Mahajanga, Toamasina and Fianarantsoa) regarding the training. This year, we expect to have 4 new students along with three returning students : 2 from Toamasina , 1 from Mahajanga from outside our Diocese. We have become the leaders in preparing evangelists to serve in other dioceses as well.
We are in the process of setting up a permanent curriculum and internship which helps the students to take more initiative in their role as evangelists. The Synod officially named our school for evangelism: St. Patrick’s Bible College.
Churches construction:
We continue in partnership with ICM (International Cooperating Ministries), who have now built three churches for us since August 2016.
We are also looking at building at least 5 temporary churches in areas where Christians are worshipping either under a tree or in a classroom or rented space.
We have 2-3 remaining geographical districts in our Diocese without any Anglican church presence. Please keep praying that the Lord will continue to expand his kingdom and that His will will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Update: September 2019
We are very pleased to announce the arrival of Rev. Adam Boulter and his family ( wife Beth, Joseph (11), Hannah (7) and Benjamin (3)) in Toliara. Bishop Todd has appointed Rev. Adam as Dean and Principal of St Patrick’s Bible College, which is training up both lay evangelists, and preparing candidates for ordination training. The plan with the candidates for priesthood is that Adam will arrange the initial training, and then after a year or two, when they are ready, the diocese will send them for three years of theological study at the University in the capital. That study is being sponsored, but their educational level is too low to get in the University without pre-training, which the Bible college will give. The college is very basic at the moment, with hardly any books, commentaries or text books, but we are blessed with a number of people who can help deliver the courses.
Adam Boulter with the Bishop of Europe, Robert McInnes