Nigerian Pastor's Unusual Act: Entire Night Service Offering Given to Young Lady
A Nigerian pastor has generated significant attention and mixed reactions across social media platforms after performing an unconventional act of generosity. During a recent night service, Pastor John Ezenwoko handed over the complete offering collected from the congregation, along with all seeds sown by attendees, to a young lady who was present at the worship gathering.
Divine Guidance Behind the Gesture
According to Pastor Ezenwoko, who shared details of the incident through a Facebook post dated February 2, the decision was not his own but rather a direct instruction from the Spirit of God. The cleric revealed that while he was ministering during the service, he received a strong spiritual prompting to give the entire offering to the young woman. He admitted attempting to ignore this divine leading initially, considering the church's financial obligations and bills that needed payment.
The pastor explained that despite his reservations, the spiritual prompting grew increasingly stronger until he felt compelled to obey. He emphasized that this was not merely an act of charity but rather what he described as "a prophetic statement." The young lady, according to the pastor's account, is expected to utilize the funds to establish a small business venture.
Beyond Financial Support: Spiritual Significance
Pastor Ezenwoko elaborated that the gesture carried significance beyond the monetary value of the offering. He stated that something greater was released through this act—specifically mentioning dignity, courage, and a fresh beginning for the beneficiary. The pastor expressed unwavering confidence that whatever business the young woman initiates with the capital will undoubtedly prosper, and he anticipates her future testimony.
In his detailed Facebook post, the pastor wrote: "While I was ministering, the Spirit of God led me to hand over the entire offering of the night, every seed into her hands... It was strong, I tried to ignore it, because we had bills to pay and sort... But then, the prompting got stronger... I obeyed, handed over the entire offering and seeds to her, not as charity, but as a prophetic statement."
He continued: "She will start a little business with it as instructed... But beyond money, something greater was released, dignity, courage, and a fresh beginning. We prayed. Tears flowed. Faith rose. When love becomes practical and God’s heart touches a real life... I'm sure, that whatever she starts with the capital, will definitely prosper... A testimony is loading… and it will speak louder than words. Amen."
Mixed Reactions from Social Media Users
The pastor's unusual action has elicited diverse responses from social media commentators, with opinions ranging from enthusiastic support to cautious skepticism.
- Kingsley Pedro commented: "It will go a long way to her, more grace, but make she no carry offering money go give boyfriend ooo."
- Revered Divine Ohida observed: "Men, men, men. A very difficult creature to lead, when you fail to do, they accuse you, when you do, they still say he didn't do it well or maybe he had a bad motive behind what he does."
- Onah Lary expressed concern: "I hope this gesture does not transcend to another thing in future. I wonder why it must be a lady and not man that God directed you to hand over the offering to. Pls be guided."
- Ayabowei Elagha offered strong support: "I don't even know this Pastor... but this should be posted in all social media platforms. If it were a negative act it would be trending everywhere, but because it has to do with 'an act of the goodness of God', even the so-called religious Christians are saying thrash... Evil cannot never dominate the goodness of God."
Context of Similar Pastoral Actions
This incident follows a pattern of similar unconventional gestures by Nigerian religious leaders. In a related development, another pastor previously took an offering box outside his church and distributed all the contents to those in need. Additionally, there was a reported case where a pastor gave all church offerings to a widow who had recently lost her husband and attended service with her children despite financial hardship.
These occurrences highlight ongoing discussions within Nigerian religious communities about the practical application of faith, the interpretation of divine guidance, and the responsibilities of religious leaders toward their congregations and broader communities.
