The official opening of the 130th anniversary of the Lutheran Printing House (TPFLM) in Antananarivo, Madagascar, took place at Ambatoninaky Lutheran Church (MLC) at 2 o’clock in the afternoon on August 26, 2007.

Pastor ANDRIAMBOLOLONTSOA Benjamin led the service, with the MLC Secretary General, Pastor Samoela Georges, at the altar. The service began with the TPFLM employees singing the anniversary theme song, which exhorts people to listen, to go, to spread the news around the world about Jesus.

Mrs. RANDRIAMANANTSOA Agnes, sociologist at the Malagasy Lutheran Church Health Department (SALFA) and member of the jubilee committee, read the first Scripture lesson from Isaiah 48:18-22. Mr. LALAONJANAHARY Jerinah read the second Scripture lesson from Luke 9:1-6.

The SPAnta Synod President, Pastor RANDRIANARIVELO Joseph gave a talk revolving around “The Place of the Malagasy Lutheran Printing House within the Development of the Church and the Nation.” Initially, printed material in Malagasy was sent from Norway. In Genesis 5:1, we are told that “This is the list of the descendants of Adam.” In other words, one method of saving one’s history is through the written or spoken word. This is further illustrated in Isaiah 30:8a which tells us that “God told me to write down in a book what the people are like...”.

When the missionaries came to Madagascar, tracts were distributed to the people.
In Proverbs 3:3, it says, “Never let go of loyalty and faithfulness.
Tie them round your neck; WRITE them on your heart.”

It is necessary for us to leave a “history” for those coming after us.
The TPFLM has an important place in the history of the MLC and in the Madagascar nation. Let us give thanks to God ... “to send out disciples throughout the country.”

Prizes were presented for first, second, and third place winners in the annivesary picture and theme song competitions. Following this were speeches from the TPFLM director, the SPAnta President, the Missionary representative (for NMS, ELCA, DanMission), Government representative, and the MLC Headquarters.

The service ended with the Aaronic benediction and a closing hymn and prayer.

There was a special worship service on August 27, 2007, to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the Lutheran Printing House (TPFLM) at which time the doors of the TPFLM were officially “opened” for one week, displaying the jubilee printing press memorial.

Mr. ANDRIANANDRASANA Noel, Malagasy Lutheran Church (MLC) Development Director and member of the 130th anniversary committee, was the worship service leader which commenced with the TPFLM theme song followed by prayer.

Scripture verses chosen for this special occasion were from Isaiah 29:18-19, 2 Corinthians 3:4-9, and Matthew 10:26-27. The sermon was based on the theme verse of Isaiah 48:20d, “Shout the news gladly; make it known everywhere,” which was preached by the MLC General Secretary, Pastor Samoela Georges.

After the sermon, a special prayer was prayed for the on-going work of the TPFLM equipment, expecially the printing equipment dedicated this day.

Mr. RANDRIANATOANDRO Raymond, TPFLM Director, gave a short speech concerning the printing equipment dedicated, followed by speeches from the SPAnta Synod, a government representative, and the Secretary General of the MLC. A special visitor was present for this commemoration service, Mr. Panti Filibus MUSA, the African Secretary for Lutheran World Federation, who also gave a short talk.

After the blessing and the closing hymn, everyone was invited to the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for this 130th anniversary celebration, and to view a special plaque commemorating the jubilee equipment at TPFLM.