By Ishaya Ibrahim
A prayer for Redeemed Christian Church of God members to become the bailout for their colleagues has caused rumpus on social media.
The prayer, said amidst hunger in Nigeria, was offered by the church general overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye during one of the church events this week. A snippet of the prayer was shared on X, formerly Twitter by the church public relations handle, @RCCG_PR. It was later deleted after heavy criticisms from netizens. But before it was deleted, several people downloaded the video.
The prayer said by Adeboye prophesied that by this time next year, colleagues of those at the event will be running to them for food and refreshments.
He said: “Before this time next year, your colleagues will be coming to you for food.” The thousands of church members at the event thundered.
Adeboye added: “They will be coming to you for refreshment,” another amen followed.
He then said: “In every family, there is somebody they call the go-to-person. Somebody you go to when you have a problem. Somebody you go to when you have a need. I decree that in your family, you will be the go-to-person.” Another massive Amen followed.
Netizens have criticised the prayer.
A post from @ChinasaNworu said: “We must reject this type of prayer because a life of begging is not a good way of life . Does it mean that this Pastor Adeboye loves people begging , knowing quite well the negative effects of begging in a society. Begging contributes to social imbalance and economic inequality . Beggars often face harassment, sexual abuse, and health hazards .
Begging encourages laziness.
Yes, it’s good to ask for assistance from someone but not to live begging.”
@Joseph_icon1 said: “Your colleagues will be coming to you for food and you’re happy…. Most people just dey go church make dem no see dem as bad people, see nonsense wey pastor dey cap.”
@spoiltkid said: “Before This Time Next Year, Your Colleagues will Be Coming To You For Food…” – Pastor Adeboye fires prayers amidst hunger and hardship in Nigeria.”
@KuroPk said: “The Nigerian dream: I’m better than my neighbour.”