I am not a sadist, nor am I insensitive; however, some situations present us with the opportunity to ask some very important questions whose relevance may not be appreciated unless asked in situations that call for them.
As a human being, I acknowledge the tragic event that occurred at Christ Embassy, where an inferno engulfed its headquarters located in the Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos State. The fire was said to have caused significant damage to the Church property, but no casualties have been reported. It is an unfortunate event, and my condolences go to them.
It is understandable if one thinks I am being insensitive by criticizing Pastor Chris at this time, but I have to. We have self-acclaimed Men of God who have presented themselves to us as demi-gods, and it is proper that we ask them questions when they do not live up to the standards that enriched them in the first place.
Pastor Chris portrays himself as a miracle worker. If he is not talking about miracles on his ‘Atmosphere for Miracles’ show, there are testimonies on his ‘Healing Stream’. Watch this video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dvc4mYCCO8). In the video, he was giving his members the power of the Holy Ghost while the members kept falling. What a power!
If Pastor Chris is not predicting the winner of Nigeria’s elections claiming an angel told him (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/582879-2023-pastor-chris-oyakhilome-predicts-winner-of-nigerias-presidential-election.html?tztc=1), he is predicting when the rapture will take place (https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-54151214) or broadcasting divine COVID-19 permutations.
You know these people just as I know them. Would it be wrong to ask Pastor Chris Oyakhilome how come he did not foresee what would happen when it comes to his church being engulfed in fire? The same man whom God speaks with? That hears from an angel of God? The man who could give the power of the Holy Spirit to his disciples that so great was the power, they were falling to the ground?
It is on account of speaking to God, having the power to foresee events, and working miracles that people like Pastor Chris have enriched themselves with the money of the masses. When we detect inconsistencies, it becomes very important that we take note of them.
If a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall or a mosque in Saudi Arabia is engulfed in fire, we will understand that it is a disaster that is beyond the Imam or the worshippers as long as they do not claim to speak with God.
As for Pastor Chris, that he could not foresee the tragedy that befell Christ Embassy headquarters is a testament to the fact that he is not a Man of God but a mere actor and his Church is nothing more than a circus where people pay (in the form of tithes) to get entertained with tricks and drama. If a circus or cinema is burnt, we will empathize, and it is on that note that I send condolences to Pastor Chris for the fire that engulfed his circus.
Like it or not, there is nothing special about Chris Oyakhilome. He is a mere man, very ordinary…very, very…
Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman
English 