New church catches fire

A section of the recently inaugurated Ondobe church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (Elcin) was destroyed in an unexplained fire at the weekend. The new church caught fire on Saturday afternoon – the day after Holy Communion was held at the church. Reverend Fillipus Haulofu told Namibian Sun that the altar caught fire and destroyed the communion cup and the holy garments. “The cross and the large statue at the altar are also all gone. We held a Holy Communion on Friday and everyone was happy, only to receive news the following day that the church had caught fire,” he said. Haulofu said they suspect that the fire was caused by a short-circuit, as he doesn’t recall that any candles from the Holy Communion were left burning or the electricity left on. “Or maybe someone was trying to be scandalous. I really don’t know and I can’t think what possibly caused the fire,” he said. The pastor appealed to the public, especially members of Elcin, to make donations to restore the church. “Everybody needs to help us so that we can stand on our feet again. Every little contribution will help as we have lost all our materials,” said Haulofu. The church was built at a cost of N$3.3 million and was inaugurated by presiding Elcin Bishop Dr Shekutaamba Nambala on November 9. It is the most expensive church yet built in the Elcin Eastern Diocese. OSHAKATI MERJA IILEKA