When you pass through the waters, I will be with you – Isaiah 43:2

Our journey mirrors the Exodus story, a people moving forward in faith despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. When apartheid’s dark clouds forced us from our original home in the Old Location, we didn’t just survive, we thrived. From Louisa Bruwer’s welcoming home to the classrooms of M.H. Greef Primary School, every step of our journey proved that the church isn’t just a building, it’s the living, breathing body of Christ.

Like the early Christians who found strength in persecution, our congregation grew stronger through adversity. Construction workers laid not just physical foundations but spiritual ones. Teachers shared not just academic knowledge but eternal wisdom. Nurses and hospitality workers demonstrated Christ’s healing touch and welcoming spirit in their daily work.

I will give you shepherds after my own heart – Jeremiah 3:15

Through the years, God has blessed us with shepherds who have led with vision, wisdom, and compassion. From Reverend Jan Meyer’s first Holy Communion service to our current leader, Reverend Dr. André September, each pastor has added unique threads to the tapestry of our story.

As the young congregation took root and flourished, God provided faithful shepherds to guide His flock. In 1969, marking our first decade of ministry, Reverend Peter Lamoela answered the divine call to become our first fulltime minister. Though his initial season with us lasted just one year before returning to South Africa, God’s plan for his ministry among us was far from complete.

The mantle of leadership then passed to Reverend Stephanus (Steve) Titus, whose dedicated service from 1973 to 1978 strengthened our foundation and deepened our spiritual roots. Like Samuel returning to Bethel, Reverend Lamoela was called back to our congregation in 1980, beginning a powerful twelve-year ministry that would shape our church’s identity until 1992.

Following this season, Reverend De Ronde Martin faithfully served from February 1994 to 1996, before God orchestrated Reverend Lamoela’s third return in March 1998. This final chapter of his ministry, lasting until his retirement in 2004, completed a remarkable legacy of service spanning three decades.

The Spirit’s guidance continued through Reverend Annalie Brandt, who answered the call in 2009 and served until early 2012. Our current chapter began in January 2013 when the ministrty of the Reverend Dr André September started.  His ministry continues to flourish with visionary leadership and dedication to the mission of God.

Supporting these pastoral leaders, God provided wise counsel through our Consulents: Reverend Jan Meyer, Reverend Phillip Strydom, Reverend Amanda Shipman, and Reverend Cornelius Beukes. Today, we are blessed to have two distinguished Emeritus Ministers in Windhoek: Reverend Cornelius Beukes and Reverend Stephanus Titus, whose wisdom continues to enrich our congregation.

Like the great cloud of witnesses described in Hebrews, each of these faithful servants has contributed to our church’s story, weaving together a tapestry of leadership that continues to guide us forward in faith.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue – Proverbs 31:26

Our story would be incomplete without celebrating the remarkable women who have shaped our church’s journey.

Leaders like Mrs Esmé Lamoela (President); Mrs Marian Green (President), Mrs Anna Blom (Secretary) and Mrs Kate Du Plessis (Treasurer); and Mrs Roseline September (President), Mrs Michelle Husselmann (Secretary) and Mrs Mirinda Bailey (Treasurer), have demonstrated that in God’s kingdom, every voice matters, every gift has purpose. Their leadership in the Women’s Fellowship has created ripples of transformation that continue to touch lives today.

On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it  – Matthew 16:18

Today, our modern sanctuary on Andrew Kloppers Street stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness, but our reach extends far beyond these walls. From our main campus to our Wanaheda building and our Gobabis outstation, we continue to expand our borders, just as the early church spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Our congregation reflects the beautiful tapestry of God’s kingdom. From our earliest days, when families like the Beukes, Bok, Brandt, Cloete, Damon, Daries, De Wee, Diergaardt, Esterhuizen, Feris, Harnoster, Klaassen, Koopman, Losper, Olivier, September, Snyders, Titus, Van Rooi, Van Wyk, and Williams, and many others joined our fellowship, we’ve celebrated the strength that comes from unity in diversity. Each family brought their unique gifts:

• Construction workers who built not just buildings, but community
• Teachers who shaped not just minds, but hearts
• Nurses who delivered not just medical care, but Christ’s healing touch
• Retail and hospitality workers who showed God’s love in everyday service

There is one body and one Spirit – Ephesians 4:4

As part of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, we’re connected to a global family of believers. Our partnerships with the Council for World Mission, World Communion of Reformed Churches, and other bodies remind us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves we’re part of God’s grand plan to redeem and restore all creation.

Through our connections with:

• The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa
• The Council for World Mission
• The World Communion of Reformed Churches
• The All Africa Conference of Churches
• The World Council of Churches

We maintain a global vision while keeping our local mission strong. These partnerships enable us to:

• Share resources and expertise across continents
• Participate in global mission initiatives
• Learn from diverse Christian traditions
• Contribute to worldwide church renewal

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future – Jeremiah29:11

Perhaps you’re reading this today because God has led you here. Like those first four members who gathered in faith, you too can be part of a story bigger than yourself. Here you’ll find:

• Authentic worship that lifts the soul
• Teaching that transforms lives
• Fellowship that feels like family
• Service that gives life purpose
• Hope that never fails

We invite you to become part of this continuing story of faith. Whether you’re:

• Seeking spiritual growth
• Looking for community
• Wanting to serve others
• Searching for purpose
• Needing hope and healing

You’ll find a home here at Windhoek United Congregational Church.

Your Next Step

Visit us this Sunday at Andrew Kloppers Street, Funky Town, Khomasdal:

• Morning Prayer: 8:00 AM
• Children’s Ministry: 8:30 AM
• Main Service: 9:00 AM

The Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let the one who hears say, Come! Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life – Revelation 22:17