Long Term – Church Worker in Rundu, Namibia
There has been a rapid growth in churches in the North of Namibia, many of them being ‘mushroom churches’ with no Biblical foundation (both ‘prophetic’ and ‘health and wealth’ churches are increasing). There is little solid Biblical training available and the concept of discipleship is not well known. This person(s) will be working in conjunction with Namibia Evangelical Theological School (NETS) and/or Evangelical Bible Institute (EBI) in Rundu and also partner with the Pastor’s Forums in the localities with the Namibia Council of Churches when possible.
People groups in this area are the Kwangali, Sanjo, Gciriku, Luchazi, Mbukushu, and, to the east, Chokwe, Nyemba, San, Subia, Yeyi, Mafwe, Tortela and various tribes from Angola. These can be found in small village groups or towns between Rundu and Katima Mulilo (500kms). Therefore, it is essential the church send cross-cultural missionaries that have already learned or can use a common local language. These are the individuals we aim to facilitate and equip.
The Ministry Vision of this posting would be to equip church leaders, mobilizing disciple-makers and support the ministry focus of those churches that are actively reaching out to their neighbors and making disciples in the northeastern part of Namibia (Kavango and Caprivi area).
Location:
Rundu, Namibia
Duration:
The length of the position will be a full-term posting, a minimum of 4 years.
Experience:
Required: The individual will need to be able to network, relationship build and the ability to be well-organised. Language used will be English (and Afrikaans if possible) for most daily function but learning RuKwangali will be a requirement as it is the most commonly used local language. Language learning will be a high priority, requiring a high percentage of their time the first year and the individual will learn the local language to a conversational level within the first two years.
A Bachelor’s degree is required and experience in Bible teaching and cross-cultural experience will be necessary.
Desired: It is highly desired that this individual have a minimum of 4 years in cross-cultural experience and has familiarity in working with the African church and its struggles and preferences. Academic qualifications would be helpful in acquiring work permits and establishing credibility in his/her position in the community but are not a prerequisite for ministry.
Personal Characteristics Required:
The ideal candidate will need to be self-motivated and disciplined. This individual will also need to be highly flexible and self-sufficient and able to handle rough road travel to reach the villages, which can be 6+ hours from town on rough dirt/sand tracks.
Living conditions:
Living conditions are not “bush conditions” but one can expect that services such as electricity and running water will be sporadic at times. Basic commodities will be regularly available as well as fresh fruit and vegetables though these can be expensive when not in season. All kinds of meat, both game and beef, are always available. Many tourists pass through Rundu so there are some good restaurants and lodges but the town itself can be dirty and poorly organized, especially as regards to dealing with government services. Temperatures are sub-tropical and malaria is endemic. There are some good local doctors and a good private clinic, but there is no specialized health care. Roads are very good compared to other African nations and the political situation is stable. Yet, beyond the main ‘highway routes’ dirt roads can be challenging. The capital city, Windhoek, is 7 hours south with excellent, specialized medical care available as well as a wide range of shopping choices.
