06/11/2023
PRESS RELEASE
A NEW CHAPTER UNFOLDS: VILLAGE CHURCH MAUN BECOMES KINGDOMCITY MAUN
In a monumental step towards advancing its mission of “Loving People, Changing Lives, Shaping Futures,” The 30 year old Village Church Maun is thrilled to announce a transformative journey as the church transitions to Kingdomcity Maun which will be officially launched on Sunday November 26. This journey signifies a shift into a global network and represents a new chapter of growth, unity, and expanded impact.
The Village Church Maun, under the leadership of Missionaries and founders, Drs. Jerry and Jana Lackey, commenced its journey with home groups with the aim of providing upliftment and nourishment to missionaries, Love Botswana staff and community members without a church home. The growing services were held at the London Mission House on the then, Ngamiland Christian Academy school property in the Borolong Ward, adjacent to Maun General Hospital in 1993.
The Village Church is a pivotal department under Love Botswana, a faith-based NGO established in 1987 through the missionary efforts of the Lackey’s. The Village Church, originally All Nations Village Church, has played a crucial role in realising the evangelistic goals of the mission. Over the years, it has planted 15 branch churches, three of which are situated in Namibia.
Operating as a non-denominational, multi-racial, multi-national, full-Gospel church, The Village Church has remained true to its vision of impacting the congregation and community with the practical love of God through relevant programmes. Its mandate, “Loving People, Changing Lives, Shaping Futures” is embodied in every facet of its services. These services are interpreted in both Botswana Sign Language and Setswana, ensuring inclusivity.
At the core of The Village Church ethos is its commitment to serving people in practical ways. From children to the elderly, The Village Church has established relevant programmes that cater to a wide range of needs, such as providing children and elderly meals along with life-giving Biblical truths, while also conducting house visits in order to ensure that the children and those in need who attend the church, are served adequately. The church has always been a sanctuary ensuring that individual’s holistic needs are met.
In 1995, it was recognised that there is a gap when it comes to effectively serving the youth of the Maun community. “Fire By Nite” began on Friday nights, creating a safe, wholesome, enjoyable space as an alternative to Maun’s nightlife. Through Fire By Nite, countless youth have been equipped with the tools to make good life decisions and to resist alcohol, substance abuse and reckless lifestyles.
The Village Church’s care extends to vulnerable elderly who have no family support with initiatives like the Men’s Ministry building homes for some of the senior members. This endeavor has not only provided shelter from natural elements, but has restored dignity and hope, ensuring a place they can call home even outside of the church walls. Other programmes have been introduced over the years as gaps were recognised and needs arose in order to serve the Maun community in more relevant ways. These programmes include; Creative Hearts - a programme geared toward young people that unearths and nurtures their creative talents and abilities that takes place on weekends and showcased on Sundays and special events; Operation Blessing, clothes, feeds and cares for the disabled, elderly and those in crisis, working with local government where possible; a Deaf Ministry called Deaf Heart, serving those within the Deaf community, bringing the Gospel in their language, creating community and helping young adults find jobs; Prison and hospital outreaches are also ongoing through the years.
Over its remarkable journey of 30 years, The Village Church has touched hundreds of thousands of lives across Botswana and more than 15 nations worldwide. With branch churches spanning diverse locations like Xakao, Kauxwi, Etsha, Gumare, Shakawe, and Namibia, its influence has transcended borders. Since 1998, there has been a notable expansion of the vision, which has been expressed through planting 15 branch churches in the north of Botswana, all the way into Popa Falls, Namibia, which now has three branch churches.
The decision to transition The Village Church to Kingdomcity Maun came about as a result of the Lord's leading, direction and much counsel in order to provide longevity and legacy, first and foremost for the Kingdom of God in Ngamiland. Kingdomcity is a global church with over 30 locations internationally. Founded in 2006 by Pastor. Mark Varughese in Malaysia, Kingdomcity has grown into a global church movement with a presence in over 30 locations worldwide and growing. The organisation recently announced its expansion into the nation of Burundi, marking a significant addition to its presence in Africa, which already includes vibrant communities in Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa.
Through prayerful consideration, the alignment has become increasingly evident and Drs. Jerry and Jana have been diligent to adequately steward the vision and mission of The Village Church over the years, and now to transition it to its next season to facilitate greater impact. The Lackeys and the church body as a whole are overjoyed in facilitating this transition. They also look forward to joining hands with Kingdomcity Global in serving God and His people, and to also serve in Kingdomcity in various capacities. The Lackeys will continue to lead the many programmes of Love Botswana Outreach Mission Trust as Founders, together with the LBOM Board and Team.
Kingdomcity is excited to now have Kingdomcity Maun, led by Pastors Kabo and Naean Moji, who are elated and eager to embark on this exciting new chapter and calling Maun home. The Gaborone campus in Botswana acts as a dynamic hub for the region, currently extending its reach to gatherings in Mahalapye, paving the way for an upcoming campus there.
The leaders and pastors of The Village Church branch Churches have been trained extensively to continue with its vision and mission. Through this transition, the branch churches will continue being operational under the umbrella of The Village Church Xakao, led by Pastor Ntemogang Mmeke, becoming the new mother-body. Ps. Johannes Kamwanga Shakumwena will oversee the churches In Namibia. In order to adequately facilitate this new role of Xakao as the mother-body, a new multipurpose facility has been built, serving as the national headquarters and will also be a training hub for future Village Churches in the Okavango and Namibia. These churches will continue to be under the oversight of Love Botswana. With this new season The Village Church, now based in the North, is poised to continue its legacy of transforming lives in the Okavango and Namibia regions through a 10-year strategic vision to plant 50 new branches.
![Village Church Verse Of The Week | 8 March – 14 March“God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], a very p...](https://img5.prayers1.com/177/531/972458101775312.jpg)
![Village Church Verse Of The Week | 1 March – 7 March“I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who ...](https://img4.prayers1.com/221/119/968099232211199.jpg)
![“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; t...](https://img5.prayers1.com/395/163/950694833951639.jpg)
