Note

I’m writing this article while in flight from Toronto to Addis Ababi, on my way back to Madagascar. I left the diocese sixweeks ago, praying that the Lord would use my time away to support His work in the diocese. In the last six weeks I have flown on over 20 flights and had many opportunities to speak about the diocese and my work as a bishop in Mahajanga!

I spent several days in Antananarivo arranging the required paperwork for my Malagasy visa. I’m especially grateful to Bishop John, the diocesan of Antananarivo, for his help in ensuring I had the proper documentation! 

I arrived home in Newfoundland in time to celebrate my son’s 15th birthday. He is an amazing young Christian man! I loved spending the week visiting with family and working with the Church of the Good Samaritan (my Canadian church family). 

I then met Archbishop Gilbert and Archbishop James in Texas, USA to attend the GAFCON G25 conference. This leadership conference had a special focus on recently-consecrated bishops. I had the blessing of spending time learning from mentors of mine. The conference reminded attendees that the hope for the Anglican Communion, and indeed the world, is the historic Gospel!

From Texas I flew to Guatemala where I was joined by the mission team from the Church of the Good Samaritan. We have been doing mission and outreach work in Paramos, Guatemala with the Arms of Jesus Children’s Mission for two decades. As described in previous sub stacks, the week in Guatemala filled my soul!

I returned home to enjoy another week with family and support the work happening at the Church of the Good Samaritan. During this time, Sarah, Chase and I shared pictures and stories of the work happening in Mahajanga.

I then flew to Charleston South Carolina, USA, as a guest of Bishop Chip Edgar who very kindly made arrangements for me to visit with some of his mission-minded clergy and parishes. My time in South Carolina was very encouraging, and I believe will bear much fruit!

After a few more days home I flew to Ottawa, Canada to visit the Madagascar Embassy where I obtained the visa I needed in order to return to Madagascar. I was thankful that my son travelled with me to Ottawa. We only had 24 hours but made the most of our time! After obtaining my Madagascar visa, we were able to enjoy the afternoon at the Canadian Aviation Museum (aviation is a passion for him). We returned home with 24 hours for me to pack and prepare for this long journey back to Mahajanga.

Though I’ve been away from the diocese for six weeks, I think the Lord has used this time for ‘diocesan business’. I am always amazed at the connections that are made for the Lord’s work.