Christians in politics have joined the bandwagon —Apostle Afolabi

Apostle (Dr) Johnson Olayinka Afolabi, the founder of Joyous Miracle Gospel Church and Ministries, Iyanu Ayo Centre, Okoto Jesu worldwide, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, recently marked 40 years in the ministry and his 57th birthday. He speaks with TUNDE OGUNESAN on challenges facing evangelism in Nigeria. Excerpts:

HOW did you find yourself in the ministry?

I am a living testimony of the power and wonder of God. First, God called me into the ministry, having grown up in a poor background. Despite this, I worked with my mother to have primary school education. I hawked various farm produce to ensure I achieved this. After my primary education, I won a scholarship but my father objected and took me to a tailor in Ilesha to become an apprentice. Because I had to fend for myself, I joined a gang at the motor park when I worked in the night. However, I managed to finished the training and tried to live a normal life.

Then, I had the privilege of being invited to one of the crusades of the late Apostle Timothy Obadare held in 1977. I was pissed off and planned with my colleagues then at the park to disrupt the crusade. As we were trying to disrupt  the crusade, Apostle Obadare kept shouting at the top of his voice that God wanted to use the leader of the gang, that God was preparing me for His work. The announcement only made angrier and I ordered my people to intensify our mission. However, one day, I surrender my life to God. From the altar, I was welcomed into the crusade. Though I tried to escape, by some miracle, God arrested me.

How would you rate your experience of 40 years in the ministry?

I have been able to spread the gospel across the cities of Africa, from the low to the mighty and there are testimonies today. I give thanks to God Almighty. He called me at the age of 17. I got married at the age of 19; I started my ministry when I clocked 29. My greatest experience which has become a source of concern to me is that some ministers of God have become the problem of evangelism; that is the greatest challenge for me in the ministry.

In what way?

The pastors have neglected the main objective of their calling. In my opinion, 90 per cent of pastors today have deviated from their original calling. Pastors now pursue prosperity by all means. Today, we’ve heard of various pastors who lean on questionable means to prosper in their ministry. Some have unconsciously become businessmen on the altar – selling anointing oil, holy water and handkerchiefs at will. Let me tell you, pastors should be the reason God will have mercy on a country like Nigeria. If pastors in Nigeria really engage in pastoral work as God ordained us to do, Nigeria would not be in the present situation. I can tell you that 90 per cent of pastors are adding to the problems of our people.

I can say that for over 40 years that God has called me, I have never worked with anything except with the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And no member of my church would dare go astray because, with the grace of God, I have led them to Christ the way Christ who is the Head of the church called us unto Himself. If a country will fear the Lord, such fear should emanate from the lives of pastors.

What can be done to correct the situation?

The only thing is to give room for the truth; nothing but the truth to take charge in our various ministries. They have denied the truth in the word of God for a very long time. Let them confess and work according to what their calling states.

With the current situation of things, do you consider Nigeria in your prayers?

Why not? This is my own time and I must pray for Nigeria. The country is our first mission field and ministry; it is when the country is peaceful that our ministry can also flourish.

What would be your advice for Nigeria’s leaders?

Nigeria has been under the control of devilish people. Our leaders are not serving and worshipping God. They are not ordained to be our leaders by God. Truly, Nigeria as a country has sinned against God, but He allowed them to discipline us. Now, they have concluded God’s assignment of torturing us, during which the devil took over the reign of this country. But, we have prayed, and soonest, just wait to see how God will overthrow the government. He will overthrow the government of Nigeria and hand over to the person that deserves it. God will rebuild Nigeria. In short, God has completed the work of rebuilding this country.

What is your assessment of Christians in politics?

Christians in politics have joined the bandwagon. This is so because they are working under an authority; in that situation they don’t have the mind or principle of their own but to carry out an order. More so, they would have spent a fortune before attaining that position and their priority is first to recoup their investment. As I told you, God is coming and He is near. Tell Nigerians, God is coming and He will salvage this country.