Key points:
- The Rev. Éric Kalumba and his family arrived in Madagascar in July on a mission to spread the Gospel and establish new United Methodist churches across the island.
- He engages with the local church community, providing spiritual guidance and other support as he visits homes and leads church activities.
- The only United Methodist parish in Madagascar is part of the Mozambique Episcopal Area, under the leadership of Bishop Joaquina Nhanala.
In July 2024, the Rev. Éric Kalumba 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.
“I had never imagined coming to Madagascar,” he said, “but through God’s power and guidance, and in response to my lifelong calling to serve him, I have now been sent to work here.”
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.
“We felt your joy from the moment we arrived at the airport,” Kalumba said. “Despite the many obstacles we encountered before coming here, by God’s grace, we are able to be among you.”
Missionary support
To learn more about the Rev. Eric Kalumba or to donate to his work through the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, click here.
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.
“We have been waiting for this missionary for a long time because we felt an urgent need to grow our church,” council member Juliette Razafindrafara said.
Pastor Ratovohery noted that because of professional and family responsibilities, he could not travel beyond Antananarivo, the capital city, since 2018.
“We believe that with the arrival of this missionary, things will change, and we thank UMC leaders for sending him and his family to Madagascar,” Razafindrafara said.
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.
“I am particularly grateful (for) the presence of Rev. Éric in our country and our midst,” said congregant Helisoa Rakotonindrainy. “He didn’t let the language barrier separate us, and his visit to our home truly blessed our family. We are happy and comforted by his presence.”
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.
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“My heart is full of joy,” Tinina said. “The pastor didn’t just visit me; he also gave me money to buy medicine and pay for the bus fare to go to church. Now I will do my best to attend services.”
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.”
Rakotoarivony is a communicator for the Madagascar mission field of The United Methodist Church.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer, news editor, newsdesk@umcom.org or 615-742-5469. To read more United Methodist news subscribe to the free UM News Digests.
