A New Church is born in Windhoek - Welcome to Grace Reformed Baptist Church !

 A third of the great congregation present  at the service

It is not every day that one witnesses the birth of a new congregation!

In the city of Windhoek we have, with great joy received into our midst a new church – a new manifestation of the presence of God and a token of the advance of the kingdom of God on earth. 

We pause to give humble thanks for this wonderful occasion and we say with the Psalmist,

“Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Psalm 115:1 ESV) 

To crown the event, the new church was also able to ordain their new pastor, Tuundjakuje (Spencer) Tjijenda on the same day!

REPORT OF THE CONSTITUTION AND ORDINATION SERVICE 

All this happened on Sunday, 21st October at the Monte Christo Baptist Church (under the pastoral leadership of Laban Mwashekele). The service was led by Pastor Rieck, on behalf of the sponsoring church, Eastside Baptist Church in a packed service of worship to the God who is so very worthy of our praise!

Pastor Rieck leads the service 

Pastor  Laban Mwashekele began the service with Scripture reading (Acts 20:28-35) and prayer. 

Godwin Murangi, a senior member of the Grace Reformed Baptist church   shares the history of the church. He reminded us of the beginnings of this new church in 2006. 

The church was born in the midst of many physical difficulties and challenges, and we were made acutely aware of the fact that it was the grace of God alone that has caused this church to reach this milestone. 

Pastor Rieck, on behalf of the Eastside Baptist Church (sponsoring church) read out the names of the 38 charter members, followed by the recitation of the church covenant, which was then duly signed by the elders, on behalf of the members. 

The ordination service of Pastor Tjijenda followed with the laying on of hands by the elders of EBC, who asked the other ordained pastor- elders to join them in this act of dedication of our new pastor. The new church is now in the hands of their elders Pastor T. Tjijenda and Jafet Kazavanga.

The ordination of Pastor Tjijenda

The sermon was preached by Pastor Chipita Sibale of the Kabwata Baptist Church in Zambia. 

His text was taken from Romans 1:1,  as he reminded us all of the character, calling and commission of the pastor- servant of God, who exists for the benefit of the church. 

At this point it is important to mention the fact that the Zambian church has done much to encourage us in this work. 

We are careful to give thanks to God for their labour in sending a good number of men over these years to consolidate the good work which the Holy Spirit has begun. Special mention must be made of Pastor Nsenduluka Kapambwe who had laboured faithfully for 2 years for the establishment of this congregation. 

The new pastor - Tuundjakuje  Tjijenda

After the service a lunch was prepared, and good fellowship was enjoyed. Truly, we were made very aware of the fact that this was the day that the LORD had made!

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

Joachim Rieck – October 2012