In early 2019, Uaundja Karamata joined the membership and pastoral internship at Eastside Baptist Church following a recommendation from Conrad Mbewe (after Uaundja completed his pastoral internship at KBC in 2018).
During his time at Eastside, it became evident that he had a strong desire to plant a church in Otjiwarongo, a regional capital of the Otjozondjupa region. The elders advised him to get married first and settle into his marriage.
After two and a half years of internship, in August 2021, Uaundja and his wife Christabel moved to Otjiwarongo with the aim of planting a Reformed Baptist Church.
On 22 August 2021, the first Bible study was held in their rented home. The church began conducting outreach in the neighbourhood on Sunday mornings (targeting non-church attendees) while holding Bible studies in the evening. After some time, they transitioned to Sunday morning services and added a Wednesday prayer meeting.
In July 2023, Sunday service attendance had outgrown their seating capacity, prompting a move to a new rented venue—a conference hall of a local lodge in town, where they continue to meet today. The church celebrated its first baptism on 13 March 2022 and has conducted five additional baptisms since then.
Membership
Since 2023, the church has been working to bring regular attendees up to speed regarding formal church membership through teaching and communicating their intentions to establish formal membership. While there was resistance from some committed attendees (who eventually left), most remained and applied for membership. After almost three years, the church is finally ready to formalise membership with eleven initial members (including Uaundja and his wife).
Sunday attendance continues to fluctuate, with an average attendance of approximately 20–25 people.
Weekly Meetings
The church maintains the following weekly schedule:
- Sunday, 9:00–9:50 am—Sunday School (for adults and children)
- Sunday, 10:00–11:40 am—Sunday Service (Lord’s Supper observed every second Sunday of the month)
- Wednesday, 6:30–8:00 pm—Growth Group (prayer and sermon reflection)
Ministries and Outreach
The church operates several ministry initiatives designed to reach and serve the community, with all outreach efforts aimed at sowing the gospel seed throughout Otjiwarongo:
- Men’s breakfast: First Saturday of each month
- Women’s ministry: Monthly meetings for encouragement and prayer
- Community outreach: Monthly outreach activities in town, including marriage seminars, testimony and fellowship evenings
- Crocodile farm ministry: Weekly devotions with staff at a popular tourism attraction
- Gospel tract printing ministry: Local tract distribution
- Preaching academy: Focused on equipping men in expository preaching
Future Plans
Two potential plots of land have been identified for future development, both priced at approximately N$1.2 million each.
Contact
Pastor Frans Brits