See also ELC 4/4/1 Background, TALC 16/8/8/1 Background.
In 1988, the first year of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, its Division for Global Mission (DGM) work related to mission activities in Madagascar fell under the responsibility of area secretaries for Africa, of which there were three. The Rev. James L. Knutson assumed responsibility for Madagascar work. Quickly a new work area that included Madagascar was created in 1989 - French-speaking and Southern Africa. Pastor Knutson continued as area secretary in this position, until 1990. At that time, the area secretary position was vacant and the area changed to include only French-speaking Africa. In 1991, the Rev. Olin K. Sletto assumed responsibilities as program director for a mission area referred to as Africa (French-speaking) and Madagascar. Pastor Sletto served as program director until 2002 and the structuring of this area work remained in effect until 2002. In 2002-2003, there was a restructuring in DGM and responsibility for Madagascar mission work transferred to the newly created Africa and East Africa Desk where it remains as of 2007. Gaylord M. Thomas became the director of this desk in 2003, a position still held as of 2007.
From the description of Madagascar Records 1979-2005; 1988-2002 (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 173665785
