When the gospel reached Madagascar early in the 19th century through the London Missionary Society, an enthusiastic church developed. A change of the Queen brought an attempt to eradicate the church, but many Christians became martyrs rather than betray their faith. However, missionaries who came later introduced a liberal theology, and the once fervent spiritual life diminished. Today most who attend church have little understanding of their faith. Superstition, witchcraft and ancestor worship are now found within the churches. Some theological colleges do not provide teaching that makes a clear distinction between the worship of ancestors and biblical faith.

There have been instances of revival within mainline denominations, but most of their churches appear spiritually dead.

AIM began working on the island in 1980. Early years were in many ways frustrating, but they gave opportunities for our missionaries to learn the language and establish positive links with the government. The Mission has a team of missionaries and volunteers working with an evangelical denomination, Mission Evangelique de Tananarive, and also amongst university and school students.

One of the goals AIM has is to begin work with the unreached peoples such as the Antakarana, Sakalava and Bara tribes in the coastal areas.