In 1866 the first Lutheran missionaries arrived in Madagascar from the Norwegian Mission Society. In 1888, the first Lutheran missionaries from the United States arrived in Madagascar. During the next 125 years there was a total of 366 American missionaries who served in Madagascar. This equals to 5,445 years of service. The average time of service was 14.88 years. The longest term of service was 46 years.
In the early 2000’s the service of American missionaries to Madagascar came to a close. The mission and ministry is now carried on by Malagasy persons and they are very capable and doing a wonderful service of mission. They are forever grateful for the American missionaries.
We also remember these missionaries and give thanks for them. Recently, we have been notified of three former missionaries who have died: 1) Renie Lellelid, 2) Steve Lellelid (Renie’s son), and 3) Carl Vaagenes. We give thanks for their missionary service.
The “new missionaries” are now Malagasy evangelists. For information on how you or your congregation may support an evangelist, please click on the Evangelists/Evangelism page to learn more about this important program.