Ecclesiological issues, including understandings of the role of the laity, the relationship to the historic missions, and the interface with traditional Malagasy ways of making meaning and viewing the world, also mark the movement as distinct from the island’s historic churches.5 These and other issues call for research and exploration.
The chapters in this volume have been arranged to give the reader a historical overview of the Fifohazana movement; to analyze and critique the principles, practices, and operative belief structures in the movement historically and today; and to raise key questions for the life and future of such a movement within the context of Madagascar’s Christian community and larger society and within the Christian community globally. Rafanomezantsoa Roger6 outlines the impact of the founder of the Fifohazana movement, Rainisoalambo. In this first chapter, Rafanomezantsoa lays out his thesis that the founding of the Fifohazana movement forged a path for the indigenization of the Christian church in Madagascar. In the next chapter, Andrianasolo Jaona and Randriamanantena Yvonne, consecrated shepherds at the toby at Ankaramalaza, offer a group of eyewitness accounts of the work, life, and witness of Volahavana Germaine, better known as Nenilava, the great prophet of Ankaramalaza. They examine how Nenilava developed a network of revival centers across the island and internationally, springing from Ankaramalaza and her headquarters in the capital, Antananarivo, and delve into the greater and continuing impact of the prophet’s ministry. Finally, the historical section concludes with a piece by Kjetil Aano, who served as a missionary in Madagascar and now serves as general secretary of the Norwegian Mission Society. Aano offers insights into the relationship of the historic missions, particularly the NMS, and the Fifohazana movement. Significant issues of dominance, oppression, control, and authority have arisen in this relationship and continue to challenge both sides as everyone works to be faithful to their understanding of their vocations before God.
The section of chapters that examines principles and practices of the movement follows. Rakotojoelinandrasana Daniel, who is a shepherd and a physician, has done significant research into the understanding of health and health care within the Fifohazana, particularly at the Ambohibao toby, located in the Ambohibao neighborhood of the capital, Antananarivo.