23/09/2024
If being a pastor is a job you can apply for, I don't think any man in his right senses should apply but unfortunately it is a call that doesn’t need your permission.
I escorted a friend who wasn't feeling well to see her pastor because she wanted him to pray for her. It took us over an hour, waiting in his sitting room.
A small sitting room with two seats, a 3-seater and a 2-seater, and in one corner, there was a small table and a chair with a few books and a Bible.
In that same corner, I saw some papers hanging on the wall with scriptures and notes on them. They caught my attention because I started memorizing some of the scriptures.
On his wall, above the window, were three pictures.
Pa Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, the founder of RCCG, whom I recognized because I have seen his pictures several times, and two other men whom I couldn't recognize.
An old curtain that was used to cover the door leading to the sitting room opened, and a man who was looking sick walked out into the sitting room and sat directly opposite us.
The wife greeted and went back inside.
"My daughter," he said, referring to Josiah, who had gotten down on her knees as a sign of respect to greet him. I didn't hear the rest of their conversation because it was in Yoruba, but he placed his hands over her shoulders and prayed for her.
He was sick, but still he was praying for the sick.
When we left, she told me she wasn't feeling the severe pain in her neck anymore. She could afford to go to the hospital and get treated, but she didn't want to spend the money, so she decided we go see her pastor.
When I left her, I traced that house and went to see the pastor. He recognized me and felt I came for prayers, but I said no. I told him I came to take him to the hospital so he could be treated.
He felt Josiah had sent me, but I said no.
He wasn't willing, but I kept insisting, so he requested a shirt from his wife and followed me. All I spent was 72,000 naira; we ran all the tests, and he was given drugs.
I went back three days later, met him eating well, and looking much better than he was when I first saw him with Josiah.
The truth is, there are many evil and satanic Christians who only enter the gates of churches or have a need for their pastors when they need God's intervention.
Whatever happens to the pastor or his family is his personal business; they don't care.
One thing I never fail to do when I visit communities is to strengthen the hand of those pastors who are struggling but dedicated to the service of God and humanity, anytime God puts resources in my hands.
Maybe if you knew their struggles, just maybe, when you make every pastor an object of mockery, you would think twice before doing so.
God Never Forgets!
- Dr. Bakia Tabi Thomas
Neighbourhood Child Foundation
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