Maranatha Adventist Fellowship is a Bible believing, inclusive church where everyone feels free to worship, regardless of your nationality. We are proud of our diverse congregation with members from:
Maranatha began in 1995 with a small group of Nigerian Adventists who came together at the General Conference in Silver Spring, Maryland to craft a vision for a Nigerian church. They included Elder Timothy Atolagbe, Pastor Israel Olaore and Sister Bose Adeosifogun. Prior to this, there had been informal meetings of several Africans for regular Bible studies at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Fawole.
At the same time, a group of Nigerians residing mainly in Baltimore, Maryland, started a choir and informal meetings known as the “Baltimore Group.” Later, another small group of Nigerian Adventists gathered in Baltimore to hold a special praise session with the late Pastor James Erondu, who suggested regular fellowships. The attendees promised to consider the possibility and to pray about it.
Sometime in 1996, with the help of Pastors Martin Weber and Tim Goff of New Hope Church and Pastor Dapo Oriola, a ministry was created at New Hope to cater for the peculiar needs of the Africans in the congregation. Thereafter, the Baltimore Washington Metro area groups coalesced and Maranatha Adventist Fellowship emerged. New Hope Church was very supportive of Maranatha Adventist Fellowship.
During the summer of 1996, the Fellowship had its first official worship service at Jesus House, non-Adventist Nigerian Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. Subsequent meetings were held at Baltimore First SDA Church in Ellicott City. Since then, we have grown to a church where everyone feels free to worship regardless of his or her nationality.
From 1996 - 2009, the Fellowship worshipped at many different locations. Finally, in the fall of 2009 members mobilized and embarked on a major fundraising campaign. With $250,000 on hand, the Fellowship obtained a loan to acquire a 6.7-acre property in Bowie, Maryland for $700,000.00. This was a miracle then and God is continuing to perform more miracles at Maranatha Adventist Fellowship.
The church is currently running a capital campaign to raise funds to build a 500-seat worship center.