06/19/2026
Madagascar Day Celebration
Every month, the disciples of Mt. Zion take a special offering for a “Mission Beyond Our Walls (MBOW)". The MBOW chosen for April was the synod's Madagascar Fund to help support our two companion synods in the Malagasy Lutheran Church.
In the weeks leading up to Madagascar Day, bulletin inserts were downloaded from the synod website, and information describing “Madagascar Day” was included in the church newsletter. A life-long disciple who absolutely loves to color donated her artwork of Malagasy scenes for bulletin covers. Members were encouraged to prepare Malagasy meals from the dozens of recipes available on the synod website and share them with family and friends. A video of a Malagasy offering was shown on a Sunday morning as Mt. Zion gave their offerings to God.
On Madagascar Day, the special liturgy posted on our synod website for that day was incorporated into Mt. Zion’s worship service. Mofomamy (pronounced moof-MOM), a Malagasy sweet bread, was prepared for Holy Communion. After the worship service, disciples gathered and recorded a video message to our friends in Madagascar. Mt. Zion showed their location on a colorful map of the United States and invited Malagasy travelers to “stop in and visit with us the next time you are in the area.” They sang the first verse of “Jesus Loves Me” as a reminder of our Savior’s love, and included a Malagasy greeting:
Malagasy: Hitahy anao anie Andriamanitra
Pronunciation: hee-TAH-ee ah-NOH on-YEE on-dee-MONT
Translation: May God bless you!
After the worship service, the congregation was invited to enjoy native refreshments: Malagasy coffee with an option of vanilla flavoring; honey-roasted peanuts; banana cake with coconut; mango pineapple coconut cake; and Madagascar vanilla ice cream. A colorful table display with information on Madagascar and the Malagasy Lutheran Church was educational and encouraged conversation. The Holy Spirit was present and alive on Madagascar Day!
