August is a productive month, rich in events, gatherings and testimonies of faith for the FJKM Reformed Church. The opening of the major national STK meeting. Following a national pastoral refresher course that brought together 1,300 pastors from across the country, more than 25,000 young people from the Sampana Tanora Kristiana (STK) branch of the FJKM, representing thirty-nine provincial synods (SP), are currently gathered at Nosy Be for a major national event.

This 13th edition of the grand STK youth gathering, running from yesterday through Sunday, August 30 at Nosy Be, is primarily an opportunity to practice evangelical tourism. The national meeting is themed around the Gospel according to Saint John, chapter 15, verse 16: "STK Voafidin'i Kristy, miasa amin'ny faharetana, mamokatra tsara" (STK, chosen by Christ, work with perseverance, be productive).

The objectives of this national gathering include deepening and strengthening faith, promoting cultural exchanges and sharing among the different STK groups from the 39 SP, and organizing various cultural, artistic and sporting competitions showcasing regional talents. Sporting competitions, including football, basketball and volleyball tournaments, as well as pétanque competitions, have already begun last Tuesday.

Security

The official opening was marked by a service at the Dar es-Salam football stadium, opposite the FJKM Ziona Famonjena Nosy Be Hell-Ville church. The field welcomed a massive crowd yesterday Wednesday, despite hundreds of latecomers still making their way to Nosy Be island.

Nosy Be has been buzzing with thousands of young Christians since Monday. Faced with this significant influx, local authorities and organizers have implemented special security arrangements. Security at the three reception sites is ensured by EMMO personnel. Participants are distributed across approximately thirty private and public schools as well as FJKM churches in Nosy Be. The first site is located in the city sector, the second in the Ambatoloaka and Dar es-Salam sectors, while the Dzamandzar and Andilana sectors host the third site.

Vero Andrianarisoa