One of the most encouraging meetings that I have had while in Mahajanga has been with FLKAM (men’s group). Each parish has a men's group, and they meet monthly for prayer, study of the Bible, and fellowship. Their purpose is similar to men’s mission, the men’s group at the Church of the Good Samaritan at home in NL. From time-to-time FLKAM groups come together for regional meetings, retreats, and fellowship. As well, every three years there is a national meeting which is hosted by the various dioceses in Madagascar. It is my hope that there will be an annual gathering of FLKAM in the Diocese of Mahajanga.
Parish, regional, and diocesan men’s ministry is very important. In my experience, it has been more difficult to engage men in the life of the church then to engage women. Perhaps it is that women are more naturally given to serving the Lord? Certainly, apart from the beloved John, women were the only ones to remain with Jesus at Calvary. I have encouraged all the priests and parish committees, to support men's involvement in the life of the church in as many and as varied ways as is possible.
I have required that my postulants be active members of FLKAM. This is so that they begin, at the earliest stages of their ministry development, to focus on the opportunities and challenges of involving men. As ministers of the gospel, I have encouraged them to pray for fathers; I believe that if the father receives the gospel, soon after, so will his wife and children. I believe the father is the head of the household because he has that God-given responsibility to be the spiritual head of his family. Pastors and priests must invest their time in men's ministry by supporting young men, encouraging husbands and fathers, and doing our best to see young boys grow up to know, love, and serve the Lord.
I'm heading off very soon to a retreat of the cathedrals men's group as they have asked me to speak about the power of the Holy Spirit (a wonderful topic) and about how we might together grow FLKAM in the diocese. As always, I ask your prayers to guide and lead me, and that the Lord would speak both to me and through me.