Christianity without charity is incomplete, Reverend Tioluwani

Reverend Paul Tioluwani, popularly known as Lesekese, is the founder of the Bible Way Crusaders Church International and the president of the Care People Foundation. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, he discusses the impact of charity in the gospel and emphasizes that genuine miracles still exist.

Despite the inflation in the country, you have remained committed to restoring hope for the homeless and younger generations of mothers. How have you managed to achieve this?

The idea of helping the poor was not a personal choice; it came from an encounter I had with the Lord Jesus Christ. I remember being operated on at the late Banjoko Hospital in the Imalefalafia area of Ibadan. After the operation, I experienced a moment where my soul left my body. I found myself in a line, where I was number four, waiting for two angels who would determine my fate, heaven or hell. The three people in front of me were sent to hell, leaving me next in line. At that moment, I noticed a man suspended in the air beside the angels. This man was there to assist those waiting for their judgment. When it was my turn, as the angels were looking into their books, the suspended man came down to me. I realised this was Jesus. He said to me, “Tunde, your time is not yet up. I will be sending you back, and when I do, I want you to champion the cause of the poor, the disabled, and the underprivileged in society.” That was the vision I returned with, and I began my mission as soon as I landed.

How have you managed to bring that vision to fruition?

When I returned from that experience, I immediately started my project. I began with just 20 naira. I told Jesus during that encounter that I didn’t have any money. He responded, “Go and start with what you have; your commitment to the vision will bring you the resources you need to fulfill this mission.” The project officially started in 1990, under the Molete Bridge, with that 20 naira. I would share 15 naira worth of garri and 5 naira worth of sugar with beggars. That was our humble beginning. I remained undeterred because I had faith in God. The lantern can do what the sun cannot: it can shine at night when the sun cannot.

So, we started with that small amount, and today, by the grace of God, we have made a significant impact on many lives. We have provided cars to individuals and supported people with return tickets and valuable items, even in times of great financial need. My motivation comes from the vision itself and the fact that this is a calling and passion for me. I take joy in what I do, and honestly, there is nothing else I could be doing in life that would be better than what I am doing right now. I love being there for those in need. The beautiful thing about life is that when you live for others, you truly find fulfillment. Just as a tree does not eat its fruit but gives it to others, the greatest life a person can lead is one through which they positively impact the lives of others.

Even amidst Nigeria’s economic struggles, we, as believers, do not operate solely under the Nigerian economy. We have our economy, a divine one. The Bible states, “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). While this may be hard for some to understand, I can only say that this is a God-sponsored project that cannot fail, regardless of how difficult the economy may become. God will always make a way to support this initiative, and that is what we’ve been experiencing. Funds have been coming through divine provision.

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What should people expect from the upcoming miracle rally?

The programme, tagged “Miracle Rally,” is divinely ordained, and this second edition will take place at Adamasigba Stadium. It is organised by Bible Way Crusaders Church International (commonly known as Lesekese) in collaboration with other churches. The event will feature medical treatments provided by experts from the United States. Approximately 100 widows will receive 10,000 naira each, and attendees will also receive free bags of rice and Christian literature.

The main event will showcase the raw power of God, allowing people to witness His magnificent manifestations. Gospel ministers, including Mike Abdul and Psalmos, will uplift spirits through their musical ministrations. I do not doubt God’s power, and I know He will manifest Himself even more than before at the crusade. I am convinced that genuine miracles still exist, and I encourage everyone to attend and experience a significant transformation.