A man named Samuel had planned to make a generous donation of ₦100,000 to his local church, believing it would help with various community projects. However, in a moment of confusion while making the transfer, he accidentally sent ₦1 million instead, ten times the intended amount.

Rivers Crisis: Fresh demands may stop Fubara’s return as governor

Realizing his mistake almost immediately, Samuel felt a mixture of shock and anxiety. He quickly contacted the church’s pastor, hoping to rectify the situation. When he explained his error and requested a refund of ₦900,000, the pastor responded with an unexpected comment: “Money given to Jesus is non-refundable.”

Taken aback by this response, Samuel found himself frustrated and feeling that his trust had been taken advantage of.

Convinced that he needed to take action, he decided to call the police to report the incident, hoping they could assist him in recovering his funds. The situation escalated into a dispute that raised questions about ethics, the responsibilities of charitable institutions, and the importance of careful communication in financial matters. The matter ended up in the police station, where the pastor was arrested for refund of the balance.

Facebook Users have dragged the pastor for such an act.. See some reactions below:

Olajire Ayokunmi Gbolu: These days, it is sinners that should be begging pastors to repent. Every evil, every wrongdoing, it is always from pastors. Even if you mistakenly sent that money to an olosho, she will return the 900k, but see pastor, his greed will not let him

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Benyeogo Tony: This is totally wrong and he has sinned against God by saying is the Holyspirit that touched him to donate . Blessings of GOD maketh riches and added no sorrow. Very simple he would have returned the 900k and even apologized. These are men that called themselves

Nsikak-abasi David Benson: Stealing with the name of the Lord.

Awayewaserere Bmk: “This is madness. Extorting with legit Bible back up. (This man or this pastor you wonderful)

Oti Abali: The pastor is von mam

Bryan Williams: So police is now debt collectors

Prince Nze: The pastor is a thief and is evil.🤣

Ezugwu Chigbo: The so called pastor is not even ready to refund anything

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Edmund Ebiware Opori: What a country full of dramatist ?? Hahaha If you are depressed just get data u will be relieved. I had same experience 17 years ago 200k instead of 100k sent to a pastor for a building project the pastor held tight my 100k ,I had to pull him …

SEE VIDEO

https://x.com/i/status/1929870899047465300

[PHOTO]: Tinubu in secret dialogue with suspended Rivers Governor Fubara in Lagos 

Following the death of Rev David Azamman in a car crash on Saturday May 24, some ex-Muslims in the north have vowed to continue preaching Jesus.

Rev Azamman was a popular Kaduna preacher who has a huge social media following. He died on his way to Kaduna after a mass outdoor evangelistic campaign in Makurdi. He was a mentor to many ex-Muslims in the north..

IPOB Warns: ‘Islam is taboo in Biafra land’

But the ex-Muslims led by Evangelist Ibrahim Dikko said on Thursday that his death will not in any way dampen their resolve to continue preaching the message of Jesus until those who are lost embrace it.

While presenting some of the ex-Muslims that were mentored by the late Rev Azamman, he said, ‘Azamman is not just a blessing to us. He was a blessing to the world. He has impacted us in so many areas. We are glad to be associated with him.

“Thank God that Elijah has gone but many Elishas are here. We have received the double mantle from him Azamman is not dead. The spirit of mission and evangelism are with us here. We will continue from where he stopped. May his soul continue to rest in peace.’

Earlier in a Facebook post Dikko took time to eulogise some ex-Muslims who have been at the fore front of spreading the gospel in the North .

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He wrote, CHRIST SOLDIERS EX-MUSLIMS: We’re all from northern Nigerian and former Muslims who are now preaching the gospel and defending the gospel from false teachers of Islam.

“Muslims are surprised by what the Lord is using Ex-Muslims to do. Dear Christians it is time we take away fear and focus on preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Some Christians discourage us from this Evangelism of apologetics. But they should know that the 21st-century Christianity has changed in dimension. Today’s Christianity is for those without fear and those full of boldness. Go and check on how the 12 apostles died, and the past God’s generals.

My joy is that God is fulfilling what he says in the book of Matthew 20:16, So the last will be first, and the first will be the last..Mark 10:3, But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Luke 13:30, And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.

“Christians stop sleeping, stop not being serious with God, some of you are over-familiar with God. That is why you are not serious with God. Wake up. Arise, and let’s push the gospel ahead. The days of being afraid of Muslims are gone. Be bold and confront Muslims with the Gospel, preach to the Muslims, pray for them.’

He expressed joy in the post that Ex-Muslims are the ones now confronting the world with serious revival, saying, ‘ Can’t you see how God is calling the Ex-Muslims to be pastors, apostles, prophets, teachers, and apologist evangelists,

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‘Jesus is now washing the Ex-Muslims and making them great vessels and arrows to the kingdom of the devil.’

He said further, ‘God is already raising stones and they’re taking over, the stones are Ex-Muslims, Ex-Hindus, Ex-pagans, Ex-atheists, Ex-Budis, Ex-Krishina and etc… Check the fire in their bones as if they will pull down heaven.’

In the post he mentionedeading.ex-Muslims that have taken evangelism as a task.. He stated:

I celebrate Late #Rev_Azzaman_Azzaman our father and faith builder who has been standing to many Ex-Muslims.. He is the canopy of Ex-Muslims, a warrior, and a pillar.

I celebrate #Evangelist_Musa_B_M an Ex-Muslim Fulani who is now a great soldier. He is burning for revival, and preaching to fellow Fulanis who are surrendering to the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I celebrate #Evangelist_Aliyu_Nuhu_Danfulani an Ex-Muslim Fulani who is now a great soldier of our Lord Jesus, Evangelizing bringing the lost souls to Christ.

I celebrate Evangelist #Mohammed_Mohammed an Ex-Muslim who is now a great soldier. He defends the Christian faith through his apologists proven through his deep knowledge of the Quran, he is a revivalist, a discipler who teaches the ex-Muslims who are coming to Jesus.

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Evangelist Dikko who has always been very vocal on social media preaching the gospel and debating with non-Christians with a view to bringing them..to Jesus said in the post that there are many Ex-Muslims within Nigeria most especially from the North where Muslims are dominant,

He said, ‘Jesus is taking over the North and changing Muslims to his image and making them great vessels that will bring revival in northern Nigeria. So many of the Ex-Muslims are with the fire of revival. The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed

The Church in his words ‘exists for nothing else but to draw men to Christ, to make them little Christ. ‘If the church is not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, and even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became Man for no other purpose but to reconcile men to himself.’

IPOB Warns: ‘Islam is taboo in Biafra land’

Source: Church Times Nigeria

In a captivating episode of the MIC ON Podcast, hosted by the engaging Seun Okinbaloye, the renowned and often controversial Nigerian pastor, Abel Damina, who is the visionary founder of Kingdom Life Network (KLN), candidly shared his insights on LGBTQ issues.

Pastor Damina’s remarks aimed to challenge negative stereotypes and promote a more inclusive perspective within religious communities, encouraging dialogue around acceptance and compassion for all individuals.

He attributed them primarily to identity crises rather than inherent evil or demonic forces.

“LGBTQ people are not bad people. They’re just people who need to realise their true identity. When a person is suffering from an identity crisis, he’s not a bad person; he just needs guidance,” Pastor Damina stated.

He emphasised the importance of understanding one’s origin, saying, “For a man to know who he is, he’s got to know where he came from. It is the revelation of Jesus that unveils the identity of a man.”

When asked about his approach to helping LGBTQ individuals, Pastor Damina highlighted the need for spiritual teaching rather than condemnation.

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“These people need teaching. It’s not demonic,” he clarified, adding that unresolved identity crises could open the door for demonic influences over time.

“If nothing is done, Satan will come in. It begins as an identity crisis and eventually becomes demonic,” he said.

Pastor Damina gives clarity on deliverance

On the controversial topic of deliverance, he explained the biblical interpretation of the term.

“Deliverance, or ‘aphesis’ in Greek, means forgiveness of sins. It’s different from casting out devils,” he said.

Pastor Damina underscored that born-again Christians could possess authority over demons but clarified, “A man who has Jesus in him has no demon to cast out.”

Addressing whether one can be a born-again Christian while identifying as LGBTQ, Pastor Damina acknowledged the complexity.

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“Yes, you can be born again and still struggle with an identity crisis,” he stated, urging for patience and understanding in addressing such issues.

The interview provided a nuanced view of LGBTQ matters from a spiritual perspective, urging compassion and education over judgment or sensationalism.

WATCH FULL VIDEO

https://studio.youtube.com/video/0cfQuEnfjjE/edit

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Pope Francis assumed the papacy in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was known for his action on climate change and being critical of consumerism

Beloved Pope Francis has died after spending his entire life “dedicated to the service to the Church”, the Vatican has confirmed.

Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the sad news the Pope passed away at around 7.30am. The 88-year-old was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome for treatment for bronchitis on February 14, after he had difficulties breathing during one of his meetings.

As a result of his hospitalisation, the pontiff’s events were subsequently cancelled. Since he was taken to the hospital, the Vatican released regular updates on his condition.

Cardinal Ferrell said in a statement. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”

Pope Francis, whose birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. At high school, he earned a chemical technician’s diploma before entering the Jesuit novitiate in March 1958.

He became a Catholic priest in 1969. Four years later, he was appointed superior of the Jesuit province of Argentina. In 1992, Pope John Paul II – who was pope from 1978 until his death in 2005 – named him an auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires and then in 1997, he was promoted to coadjutor archbishop. He became head of the archdiocese in 1998 and three years later, Pope John Paul II named him to the College of Cardinals.

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On March 13, 2013, he became pope at the age of 76, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, the first pope in 600 years to resign from office. In his February 2013 announcement, Pope Benedict, who was 85, said the modern world was changing so quickly and profoundly that someone of his age and era was “no longer suited” to the papacy.

Bergoglio – the first Jesuit pope and the first to take the name Francis – was considered a modern pope, as he advocated for progressive issues and worked to reform the Catholic Church. Some of the issues he had at heart and addressed in his role as Pontiff included climate change, human rights, immigration, modern slavery and LGBTQ+ rights.

He travelled widely across the world, mostly to areas where there are few Catholics and they feel marginalised. His first trip outside of Rome was to the Italian island of Lampedusa, off the coast of Tunisia, which is considered the gateway to Europe for hundreds of thousands of migrants making the perilous sea crossing on the Mediterranean Sea. During his visit, Francis attacked what he described as the “globalisation of indifference” that leads to tragedies like the deaths of refugees who perish while seeking a better future.

The Pope also promoted outreach to other religions and pushed for the Church to improve its dialogue with Islam. He said: “Sincere and respectful dialogue between Christians and Muslims is a duty for us who want to obey the will of God.”

With his critique of capitalism and his staunch environmentalism, Francis angered many conservatives inside and outside the Catholic Church. During a visit to Bolivia in 2015, he gave a speech saying that behind the harm being done to the environment is what he called the “dung of the devil, the unfettered pursuit of money”. The Pope said: “Once capital becomes an idol and guides people’s decisions, once greed for money presides over the entire socio-economic system, it ruins society, it sets people against one another, it even puts at risk our common home, our sister mother Earth.”

While visiting Mexico, he famously prayed at the US border. On his flight back to Rome, the Pope was asked about Donald Trump’s position to build a wall along the border and replied: “A person who only builds walls and not bridges is not Christian.”

Francis also called for the Catholic Church to implement a more welcoming approach to divorced people, saying they may be able to receive communion in certain circumstances. Part of his legacy will undoubtedly remain his approach towards the LGBTQ+ community.

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When asked about gay priests during a spontaneous exchange with the press, he replied: “If they [gay priests] accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalised. The tendency [same-sex attraction] is not the problem… they’re our brothers.”

In 2023, the Pope formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, a radical shift in policy that aimed at making the Church more inclusive while maintaining its strict ban on gay marriage. Sharing his support for civil unions, Francis said: “I support civil unions. Homosexual people have the right to a family.” He added: “They are children of God and have the right to a family. No one should be ousted or made miserable because of this.”

Before his health took a turn for the worse, Pope Francis issued a rebuke of US Vice President JD Vance’s characterisation of Ordo Amoris – a theological concept relating to love used by Vance to justify Trump’s migrant policy, including mass deportations. His pushback caused fury from the White House, raising the prospect of a highly politicised succession battle following the Pope’s death.

Pope Francis also sent a message of support to Ukraine from his hospital bed, as he delivered his regular Sunday message. In the message, shared by The Vatican, he also thanked his doctors for their care and well-wishers for their prayers. And in a poignant reference to Ukraine following US President Donald Trump ’s bust-up with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in The Oval office, the Holy Father said: “From here, war appears even more absurd,” he said, adding: “Let us pray for tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and Kivu.”

The senior pastor of the Fountain of Life church, Jimmy Odukoya, has reiterated that God instructed him not to cut his dreadlocks.

The Nollywood actor cum clergyman in a recent sermon recalled seeking divine clarity about his appearance before resuming pastoral duties at the church.

Jimmy, who succeeded his late father, Taiwo Odukoya, said his sister had raised concerns about how his hairstyle might affect public perception, and he told her to pray about it.

Odukoya also narrated how God used his dreadlocks to save a woman who travelled from Zimbabwe to Nigeria to attend service.

He said, “Before I came back, one of the things I asked the Lord was whether or not I should cut my hair. And the Lord told me not to cut my hair.

“I knew what God had said to me so I told my sister to go pray and that God will speak to her. She goes back and told me I wasn’t supposed to cut my hair, to which I replied, ‘I know, because God already told me.

“A couple of weeks ago, someone had come to see me all the way from Zimbabwe just to come to church. I said please bring the lady in and she begins to tell me her story.

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“She says, ‘People think I’m crazy. I told everybody I am coming to Nigeria for the next three to four weeks. I’m just coming to church’.

“She says, ‘It was 2016, I was in New York, it was Thanksgiving and I had a vision, it felt so real. In this vision, I see you with your hair and you’re speaking to me and I have been dealing with somethings in my life.

“There was this dog on my shoulder. I knew the dog represented the weight I was carrying and you had this long sword. You began speaking to me and it looked like thunder and lightning was coming out of the sword and it burnt the dog into ashes. And you began to declare over me and gave certain instructions’.

“She said, ‘Fast forward 2025, after that vision I went through a tough break-up, I lost everything in a divorce. My ex took the house.’ She said, ‘Everything I worked for… It was a tough time. To compound issues, my mom got sick and I watched her die in my arms’.

“She said she was trying to find God so she went on YouTube to hear sermons. And all of a sudden my preaching popped up.

“And she said, ‘You don’t understand, because when I had this vision, I didn’t know you existed. The person I saw, I did not know it was a real person. So when I saw the man from the vision with a long hair I screamed. I didn’t know any pastor would have long hair.

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The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has revealed that the administration of President Donald Trump will be a threat to global peace and will likely spark several wars among nations.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele recalled how he warned citizens of the United States and the world at large against voting for Donald Trump in order to avoid the issues being faced at the moment.

The prophet stated that Trump’s administration will be full of negativities and that the world is yet to see anything, indicating that more difficult times are still coming under the administration of Donald Trump.

However, he stated that no matter how powerful Trump thinks he is, he will be disgraced.

“I warned the world before voting for Donald Trump that his administration would be majorly negative. America voted for the wrong person, and as a matter of fact, with the way it is now, the world hasn’t seen anything yet.”

“Trump will use the military to do a lot, and the world will go to war. I am not seeing peace across the world, but as powerful as he is, he will be disgraced.”

Speaking on his relationship with Elon Musk, Primate Ayodele revealed that they will have issues which will lead to separation.

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“Elon Musk and Trump will still fight; they will have serious issues sooner or later. I warned the world, but they didn’t listen; they should expect war in his administration.”