Navigating Persecution and Faith: A Leader’s Perspective
The global landscape of religious freedom is increasingly complex, with reports of escalating attacks on Christian communities sparking concern and debate. In an interview, Pastor Olumide Orekoya, the General Overseer of New Life for All Nations Ministries, shares his insights on the current challenges facing Christianity in Nigeria, his personal journey in leadership, and the unwavering tenets of faith.
The Shadow of Persecution
The rising tide of attacks against Christians, which some have labelled as genocide, is a deeply troubling reality. Pastor Orekoya acknowledges that while the Church has historically faced adversity, the current situation in Nigeria possesses a chilling and deliberate character.
“What the Church is facing today is not new,” Pastor Orekoya states. “It is common for the Church to face terrible situations like this. It happened in the days of the apostles, only that they didn’t publicise it the way we do today.” He elaborates that the present-day Church is indeed experiencing something akin to genocide, particularly in Nigeria, where foreign nations are taking notice. He believes these attackers are targeting the very soul of the nation.
Christians, he explains, are not caught off guard. “We were warned. Christ Himself told His disciples that persecution would come.” However, the alarming aspect of the Nigerian situation lies in its extreme barbarity and wickedness. The brutal murder of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chairman serves as a stark example of targeted killings that are evident to anyone witnessing the unfolding events.
Addressing the argument that attacks on mosques negate the claim of genocide, Pastor Orekoya likens such incidents to “diversional therapy in warfare, a strategy to confuse the public.” He asserts that the scale of violence against Christians is demonstrably greater, with Christians bearing the brunt of the suffering.
The Stance of Christian Leaders
When questioned about why some Christian leaders downplay these attacks, Pastor Orekoya offers a candid assessment. He refers to them as “political Christians” who are driven by fear for their accumulated wealth, properties, and large church structures.
“They have wealth, properties, and big cathedrals to protect. They don’t want to lose anything. So they downplay the killings to protect themselves,” he explains. He draws a parallel to a Yoruba proverb, suggesting that those with less to lose are more free to act, while those with significant assets are more prone to fear.
The Question of Self-Defence
Recent incidents, including an attack during a church service in Kogi and viral images of clerics bearing arms, raise the contentious issue of whether Christians should arm themselves for self-defence. Pastor Orekoya firmly advises against this path.
“Any Christian who goes beyond the Bible is walking into danger, even eternal danger,” he warns. He posits that dying while defending oneself with unapproved weapons risks eternal damnation, as humans can only harm the body, not the soul.
He recalls the biblical instance of Peter attempting to defend Jesus with a sword, only to be rebuked by Christ. “Our armour is not physical. Ephesians 6 tells us clearly: ‘Put on the whole armour of God.’ It is spiritual, not carnal.”
Pastor Orekoya emphasizes that divine intervention is the ultimate defence. “If God chooses to defend His people, He can do so in ways unimaginable, through angels, animals, insects, weather, or anything.” He cites the example of God defending Israel with hailstones, reinforcing his belief that Christians should not resort to human strength for defence unless divinely ordained.
A Journey of Leadership and Divine Provision
Since assuming leadership of New Life for All Nations Ministries in 2023, Pastor Orekoya’s journey has been marked by significant challenges and divine triumphs. He reveals that he never sought the position and only accepted it when he felt it was God’s calling.
“I never desired the leadership position. I don’t run after seats of authority unless God says, ‘This is yours.’” He recounts receiving a threatening message upon accepting leadership, which, rather than deterring him, strengthened his resolve. “Who are you, mortal man, to threaten me?” he questioned, recognizing that any failure would imply a defeat of Christ Himself.
His tenure has also been marked by severe health struggles that conventional medicine could not resolve. “I moved from hospital to hospital, had orthodox medicine, Asian medicine, and Chinese therapies. Millions of naira spent. Nothing helped.” Ultimately, he discharged himself, entrusting his fate to God, and experienced a miraculous healing.
Financially, the ministry faced considerable hardship. Attempts to increase contributions were met with divine guidance: “You are trying to run this ministry by human calculation. I said I will be with you.” This assurance proved true, as the ministry transitioned from deficit budgeting to a surplus within the year.
“People God touched came from different places and offered help,” Pastor Orekoya shares. He highlights instances of substantial contributions, including a ₦3 million stone beautification project and the provision of musical instruments worth approximately ₦30 million. The ministry now owns assets that were previously acquired through borrowing, and the welfare of pastors, including retired ones, has significantly improved.
A Continuing Fulfillment
Reflecting on his life’s journey, Pastor Orekoya describes his current state not as one of complete fulfillment, but of “being fulfilled.” He views fulfillment as an ongoing process, a victorious race run with God.
“Fulfillment is a continuous process. I am still running my race, and God is helping me to run it victoriously. That is fulfilment, not the end, but the journey with God.” He cites his recovery from a prolonged period of using a walking stick, despite the year’s theme being “Unstoppable Advancement,” as a testament to God’s power and his ongoing journey of faith.
Anticipating the Annual Convention
The upcoming annual convention, themed “Behold He Cometh,” draws inspiration from Revelation 22:12. Pastor Orekoya emphasizes that the theme is a divine call for the Church to refocus its attention on the imminent return of Christ.
“God wants the Church to refocus. People’s hearts are drifting. He is coming soon. We must be ready.” The convention will feature seasoned ministers from various denominations and regions, as well as participation from their South African churches, underscoring its non-denominational nature.
This year’s convention is positioned as a period of spiritual preparation, with expectations of mighty manifestations and miracles. A significant event within the convention will be Pastor Orekoya’s retirement ceremony. The convention is scheduled to take place from December 18 to 21 at the international headquarters in New Felele, off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan, Oyo State.
