Spiritual Awakening Movement: conclusion of the year completed in Ambohibao

Not even the huge Temple of Ambohibao’s Toby did prove large enough to welcome the thousands of participants with due care. The commoners had to find their comfort in the yard, for the nave was dedicated to the Shepherds, who donned their priestly robes on that occasion, and the rest of the Temple to the major guests. The ceremony was led by Dr. Modeste Rakoto Endor, supported by the Malagasy Lutheran Church’s central Bureau, as well as by that of the Spiritual Awakening Center of Ankaramalaza. Apart from Dr. Modeste Rakoto Endor, national President of Madagascar’s Lutheran Church, were present as well the former first lady Lalao Ravalomanana and the acting Mayor of Antehiroka, wife to a former communication department minister under Marc Ravalomanana’s presidency. An Agape prayer dedicated to high ranking guests followed the consecration of 151 new Shepherds selected by each of the four regional Synods (Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Fikasana and Fianarantsoa) and by the theological Seminary of Betafo. The Toby of Ambohibao got christened Toby Betesda anew. The Toby Nenilava of Taolagnaro in the South will be next in January