A new AIM TIMO team is forming to reach out to the Sakalava people of Madagascar beginning in late 2012. This team is one of several forming to reach AIM’s top 10 unreached peoples. The leader of this new TIMO or Training in Ministry Outreach team is Rosina Ferdinand, herself a member of the Sakalava people. New team members — singles, couples and families — are urgently required.
The Sakalava is one of the largest people groups in Madagascar with their territory stretching from Morondava in the south to Nosy Be in the North. Historically there has been animosity between the highland Merina people and the coastal Sakalava. This is still evident. The Merina are often not welcome in traditional Sakalava areas. Christianity is considered a religion of the highland people and is largely rejected by Sakalava, many of whom have now become Muslim.
New TIMO team leader Rosina Ferdinand became a Christian as a child, through the ministry of UGBM (Union des Groupes Bibliques de Madagascar) in Morondava. Years later Rosina’s mother, a medium inhabited by a “Sakalavaking’s spirit”, also came to know Christ as Lord and Saviour. This is an amazing testimony of the power of God and His ability to transform lives.
Rosina obtained her Masters degree in linguistics and God called her into ministry with UGBM for the past 28 years. She is now working in partnership with AIM to accomplish what has been her desire for many years; to reach her own people with the gospel.
Expressions of interest to join TIMO teams can be sent to Len on E: personnel.aus@aimint.net.
January 2012
