Written by Mosa Zulu
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has expanded its presence in Southern Africa following the creation of two new stakes in Toamasina, Madagascar and the south of Johannesburg in South Africa.
Toamasina Madagascar Stake
The Toamasina, Madagascar stake was officially organised on December 11, 2022. The new stake, situated on the eastern coast of the island country, was presided over by Elder Denelson Silva from the Africa South area presidency and Elder Irfano Rasalondraibe, an area seventy assigned to Madagascar.
The-newly-called-Toamasina-stake-presidency.-President-Pierrot-Erick-Andry-(centre),-with-first-counsellor-President-Jean-M.-Andriatsitoherina-(left)-and-second-counsellor-President-Sux-M.-Todisoa-(right).
The newly-called Toamasina stake presidency. President Pierrot Erick Andry (centre), with first counsellor President Jean M. Andriatsitoherina (left) and second counsellor President Sux M. Todisoa (right).2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.This brings the total number of stakes in the country to three, highlighting the growth and development of the Church in Madagascar. Each stake is made up of several wards or congregations.
Pierrot Erick Andry was called and sustained as the stake president with Jean Marius Andriatsitoherina, and Sux Marcellin Todisoa, as first and second counsellors in the stake presidency.
Madagascar's number of wards has recently grown with the establishment of Andranomadio, Ankirihiry, Mangarano, Morarano and Toamasina wards.
Elder Denelson Silva, second counsellor in the Africa South Area presidency, described the organization of the Toamasina Madagascar Stake as a remarkable experience that was met by excitement and joy by the members of the newly-formed stake.
“The weekend of December 10th and 11th was a remarkable experience for the Saints from Toamasina District. The organization and preparation for the creation of the first stake in Toamasina City were very well done,” Elder Silva reflected.
“The members’ countenances reflected their joy for the creation of the stake. A stake sets the firm foundation of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ,” Elder Silva concluded.
The establishment of Toamasina Madagascar stake marks a significant milestone in the country's history. However, it is not the only milestone for Madagascar. The country is also eagerly anticipating the construction of its very first temple.
President Russell M. Nelson, the president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans to construct the Antananarivo Madagascar Temple in October 2021.
Temples are special places of worship for members of the church. Distinct from Sunday meetinghouses, they are places where individuals can go to make sacred promises with God, feel His Spirit, and escape from the hectic demands of day-to-day life.
Johannesburg South Africa Stake
The Johannesburg South stake in South Africa was organised on the last weekend of January 2022. The organisation was presided over by the Africa South Area President, Elder Edward Dube, accompanied by Elder Glenn Holmes, an Area seventy assigned to the Johannesburg region.
During the stake conference, attended by well over 1400 congregants, Sandile Makasi was sustained as the Stake President, with Olev Nathan Taim and Frederick Nikosingiphile Ntombela as first and second counsellors in the stake presidency.
Elder-Edward-Dube-(far-right)-of-the-Africa-South-Area-Presidency-and-Area-Seventy-Authority-Elder-Glenn-M.-Holmes-(far-left)-pictured-with-the-stake-presidency-of-the-Newly-created-Johannesburg-South-Stake-President-Sandile-Makasi-(centre),-with-first-counsellor-President-Olev-Nathan-Taim-(left)-and-second-counsellor-President-Frederick-Nikosingiphile-Ntombela-(right).
Elder Edward Dube (far right) of the Africa South Area Presidency and Area Seventy Authority Elder Glenn M. Holmes (far left) pictured with the stake presidency of the newly created Johannesburg South Stake: President Sandile Makasi (centre), with first counsellor President Olev Nathan Taim (left) and second counsellor President Frederick Nikosingiphile Ntombela (right).2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The Johannesburg South stake houses seven congregations in the southern parts of Johannesburg and surrounds.
President Sandile Makasi expressed his gratitude and excitement for the blessings yet to be bestowed on the covenant-keeping saints in the Johannesburg South stake.
“I feel deeply humbled and grateful for the Lord’s confidence and the members sustaining the new stake presidency. This is a wonderful day for all of God’s children. I am very excited to see the Lord’s blessings be poured upon us as we choose the Saviour and make Him the most important influence in our lives,” President Makasi said.