What a Welcome!
Where do I begin to describe the unbelievable events of arriving in the Diocese of Mahajanga, Madagascar??!! My translator, who had met me in Antananarivo, explained that many Christians were planning to meet me at the airport when I arrived…so for my last flight I donned my cassock, and set off with growing excitement - but nothing would have prepared me for the welcome I received! After four flights (YYT-YYZ-ADD-TNR-MHJ), 24 hours in the air and a night in a hotel, I finally made it to the Mahajanga, the See city of the Diocese.
Military and Government Welcome
When I came down the steps of the airplane, I was greeted by an honour guard of several military/police officers all in their formal dress uniforms. Each one individually saluted me as I passed by, having never been so formally welcomed before, I wasn’t even sure how to respond, so I simply bowed to each one, and thanked them for their presence. At the end of the honor guard of uniformed servicemen, I was met by the Vicar-General of the diocese who took me into a private terminal. As I entered the airport there was another honour guard -but this time made up of my own diocesan priests and deacons. Their exuberant smiles melted my heart, and I tried hard to push back tears. It was so wonderful to see them again. After greeting them, I was led into a room full of government officials; the President’s Prefect, the Mayor of Mahajanga and several other officials. There were also several media people there representing both Christian and secular television and radio stations. After a series of speeches by the government officials, I was asked to bring greetings.
Media Interviews
I spoke openly about coming to Madagascar in obedience to Jesus, and to serve the Christians of the Diocese of Mahajanga in His Name. I shared my heart about reaching out ecumenically to other Christian groups so that we might work together for the sake of the gospel. I also spoke of extending the hand of friendship to people of other faiths so that we might live peaceably together. After a few questions from the media, I had an opportunity to pray with my priests.
The Christians Welcome
I was overwhelmed with this experience, but little did I know that the most joyous welcome was yet to come. I left the terminal and went outside to meet hundreds waiting Christians. Banners were waving, and a brass band was playing, Christians were singing and dancing - all to welcome me. It was embarrassing, overwhelming, and humbling. I worked very hard to refrain myself from weeping -but to no avail. I was so moved by the joy I was experiencing, that I couldn’t help but dance along with the Christians. (If you know me personally, you know that I'm not much of a dancer - I have promised my wife that I will dance with her in the kitchen, but nowhere else.)
I danced my way through the crowd to a waiting pickup truck – and to my surprise a parade began to form up. The brass band jumped in the back of the pickup truck, several busloads of Christians formed a procession, and young people on motorbikes went ahead and behind singing and waving banners “Welcome to our Bishop!” For an hour we made our way through the streets of Mahajanga city - with horns blaring, a brass band playing and Christians singing and rejoicing!
The Call to Pray!
We made our way to the cathedral where we had a time of worship. Several priests brought greetings. We sang hymns, and I brought a word of encouragement from the Bible. In our prayers, I asked them to pray that everything needed to develop the diocese would be provided. I asked him to pray that there would be more priests and deacons, more catechists and evangelists, more church buildings, and more Anglican schools. I asked them to pray that those poorest people in the diocese would have their lives influenced for good by both the preaching of the gospel and the raising of funds which would better their lives in very practical ways. I asked them to pray for wisdom, so that we would know how to use whatever funds we were can raise wisely, and in sustainable ways. I asked them to pray that men and women and children would be brought to saving faith in Jesus. I asked them to pray for me, and my wife and son….I ask you to do the same!