In the midst of the current shades of turbulence confronting the country, the General Overseer, Palace of His Majesty Family Church, Benin, Edo State, Apostle Isaac Olasunkanmi Rhema, in this interview with OLAIDE SOKOYA, shares his experience and thoughts on some critical issues relating to the Church in Nigeria.
There are so many churches in Nigeria, both big and small, but there is also an upsurge in crime rate. What would you consider as the missing links?
The reason churches are many yet crimes are on the increase is because the pulpit presents the ‘Money gospel› above the doctrine of Christ. People become what they hear. When Christ is presented to people, they will change. Nobody sees Jesus and remains the same. Prosperity is not money. Money is a product of the prosperity of your soul. God blesses His own when they focus on Him and use their gifts and talents, but money should not take over on our pulpits. If the message is all about money, crime must increase because the greed of the people is being fueled from the altar. But when they see the person of Jesus, they will see who they really are in Christ and all bad behaviour drops off them as the word of God is rightly taught. I believe people also need to be given a Heaven consciousness. That way they won›t be wayward. However, some people have good churches and good Pastors but the choice is theirs to heed to the right teachings they have been given. No Minister can force people to live right. They have to choose to.
Another worrisome trend is the rising cases of divorce in marriages, including the ones conducted in the church. What is responsible?
The increase of divorce rates around the world is all about the illiteracy of God›s people regarding the Bible standard of the marriage institution. People just fall in love and get married without learning God›s Word regarding marriage. They hardly even pray to seek the opinion of God concerning the union before tying the knots. I think Ministers should insist on thorough marriage counseling before joining couples. It doesn›t prevent problems but it prepares them to be well positioned to win their challenges. Most couples are concerned about a grand wedding not a great married life. This is a misplaced priority that must be corrected. Couples must also be able to forgive each other always. The marriages that work have problems too but they are pairs of great forgivers. If forgiveness is constant, loves stays aflame.
The Christian community has been in the news lately, especially as it relates to perceived islamisation agenda by some persons in power. Do you think Christians should be worry?
As for the islamisation of Nigeria, it is a country with freedom of speech and religion. However, anybody can have any crazy plan but Nigeria cannot be islamised because we serve an awesome God who defends the church in the country. We are the Israel of Africa. The people who sank copies of the Bible in the sea so that the gospel won’t spread in this country, where are they today? The Gospel of Jesus is unstoppable. Certain individuals around the world do arise with strange dreams to take over nations and even the world with terrorism and other forms of negativity. However, there is a God in the church in Nigeria, whose government cannot be toppled. Glory! The Lord is in His Holy Temple.
What is your opinion on the raging debate in certain quarters on pastors being rich, especially in view of the prevalence of perceived ‘mega pastors’ who parade so much affluent lifestyles and display of wealth?
My question is, should pastors be poor? Don’t pastors have bills to pay? Don›t they have families to take care of? Don’t pastors’ wives and kids deserve a good life like the families of the non-clergy? It is unfair to reject poverty for yourself and desire it for pastors. A pastor is a human being and deserves a good life. However, he must not mismanage public funds within church coffers. He should have access to what he deserves and use church funds for church purposes and societal impact projects through charity. However, when a clergy is involved in personal businesses and God blesses them, people automatically accuse him of mismanaging church funds. This is a mistake because gone are the days when pastors just sat in church and did nothing else. One more point to note is that when God uses a man to change your life, you will appreciate him. For example, if I pray for you and God lifts you from a struggling man to a billionaire, it is not possible for you not to appreciate me willingly and joyfully. If you accuse me for enjoying that gift, then you should become a pastor and show me how it should be done. Nobody fights a man when his ministry is still in the struggling phase. Nobody criticises a pastor for sacrificing his entire life for the work of God, but when God lifts him, they are outraged. It›s an unfair razmattazz that needs to stop. It›s just a propaganda blown out of proportion. Some of these great men we criticise had their own time of sacrifices. Now God has raised them. We don›t know how great some of these ministries really are, so we are angry when the people do great things for their leaders. If people who can afford a jet deem it fit for their leaders and they buy it, so be it. If the pastor takes money meant for crusades, and buys a jet for himself, that is wrong. Riches for pastor is not wrong. A pastor should simply separate his money from church money and all is well.
As 2018 inches towards the month of December, has God told you anything about Nigeria?
The prophetic word I have for Nigeria is that we should move closer to God. We must seek the face of God in prayer and pray against bloodshed in our nation. Our nation will rise again. In a couple of years to come, Nigeria will be one of the most desirable nations to dwell in. We must not lose hope. Soon, our people scattered abroad are coming back to invest in Nigeria. Open your eyes and invest in Nigeria now. A time will come when people from different nations will migrate into Nigeria to become Nigerian citizens. Many will join the Nigerian Army as that will be the easiest way to nationalize. Quote me on this one. You will see it come to pass if I be a Prophet of God. Invest in Nigeria. Soon, that investment will skyrocket. That›s a word for the wise. Also, God wants Nigeria to return fully to agriculture. Every department of agriculture must be explored now. The wealth in agriculture is greater than the wealth in crude oil.
What is your advice to the nation as the 2019 general election fast approaches?
Let›s all get our Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and don›t allow anyone to buy your vote. Don›t sell your vote. Vote for whoever you believe in. May God bless Nigeria with the best leader who will take the nation to the next height. Whosoever is elected, let›s pray for the person to do the will of God when in power.
How was your growing up?
I was born in Lagos State. I had my primary and secondary education in Lagos. I attended Oke-Ira Grammar School, and I was a science student. I proceeded to the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, to study Civil Engineering. I spent a bit of my childhood in Ibadan but grew up practically in Lagos as a church boy. My parents are Ministers of God. However, I am not one because of them but because of a definite and unique call of God upon my life. Growing up was awesome. Learning how to play some musical instruments while growing up made it more fun. Music has always been a part of my life. I still write original worship songs and sing till date with two albums to my credit.
How did you receive your calling into the ministry?
I was five years old when I received God’s call. That was the first time God spoke to me as a little boy. He told me He will use me greatly and that I’m His servant. He told me to always realise it and separate myself unto Him. Ever since, I have been conscious of the divine presence of God around me. He has progressively given me clear cut directions on what He wants me to do for Him over the years. When I was in the Junior Secondary School (JSS1) at Oke-Ira Grammar School, the first deliverance of my ministry happened at the age of 9. A classmate was afflicted with epileptic seizure and I prayed for him. He was healed immediately. Thank God for my biological parents who are my first mentors, Rev. Paul and Pastor (Mrs.) Sarah Adekanmbi. They taught me how to pray and relate with the Holy Spirit. My Dad taught me how to raise the dead and emergency cases. He practically showed me the emergencies that he handled with the power of God. So for me, my ministry started when I was in secondary school. I preached my first sermon after that first miracle in JSS 2. I was really inspired by the teachings of Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, Pastor Benny Hinn and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome in my formative years.
What are some of the challenges you have faced over the years and how were you able to overcome them?
I chew my challenges like bread and I get stronger. Finances and lack of partners constituted the greatest challenge but I simply conquered it by faith. Trusting God has always been the key for me. I trust Him to provide and trust me, He always does!
Another major challenge which is common to all true men of God is persecutions. People fighting you because they envy God›s grace on you. It hurts when that comes from fellow Ministers whom you expect better understanding from. God is faithful always and it has only made me stronger. God also helped by sending me great men of God, men of insight and revelation, who broadened my horizon in the things of God.
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