Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye, the wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has recounted a distressing incident involving a pastor from their church who absconded with $8,000 meant for mission work. This revelation came during a recent program organized for men in the church, where she shared the story to highlight issues of integrity and accountability within the congregation.
During her ministry trip to Cape Town, South Africa, Mrs. Adeboye was preaching at an RCCG parish when a woman began packing up chairs, signaling that their time was up in the rented eatery they were using for services. Taken aback by the situation, Mrs. Adeboye asked the pastor, whom she described as an Ekiti native, about the feasibility of acquiring a permanent site for the church.
The pastor suggested that with just $8,000, they could initiate the process of purchasing a permanent property for the parish. He elaborated that the money would be invested in a fairly used vehicle through a tourism agency, which would generate returns for the church. Excited by this prospect, Mrs. Adeboye quickly secured the funds and handed them over.
However, unbeknownst to her, the pastor had ulterior motives. After receiving the money, he absconded to the United States, leaving his wife stranded in South Africa. Mrs. Adeboye lamented the situation, stating, “The woman he abandoned is presently in a terrible state, almost running mad.” This personal account served as a poignant reminder of the consequences of betrayal and deceit.
Addressing the gathered men, Mrs. Adeboye posed a rhetorical question: “RCCG men, what are we going to do? Are we going to continue with such a lying spirit, a deceitful spirit to the God of the kingdom?” The men responded in unison, expressing their disapproval.
She emphasized the need for a return to integrity and faithfulness, stating, “We must go back to the old path where we look up to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” She reflected on the church’s humble beginnings, recalling times when they had to rely on lanterns and grind with stones, contrasting it with their past abundance.
Mrs. Adeboye concluded her message with a hopeful outlook, assuring the congregation that their future is bright if they remain faithful. Her testimony has sparked conversations about accountability, transparency, and the importance of integrity within the church community.
