The earlier we understand
that the church is not the reason citizens are poor, the better for us all.
Failed political leadership is the major cause of poverty in the land. But for
the church, the level of poverty in the land would be unfathomable.
"Why would a pastor acquire a private jet when there are poor people in his church" is a short-minded question which doesn't deserve an answer. A pastor doesn't just wake up to acquire a jet if there is no need for it. A pastor who needs to preach in different countries in a day and has over 100 countries in the world to traverse within few days will definitely want to make his life easy by getting whatever help necessary. To you, it's a luxury and to him, it's a necessity. And whether it's a luxury or necessity is a definition of your state in life.
Asking why he needs to
get a private jet where there are commercial planes is like asking why anyone
needs to get a private car when there are public transport vehicles. Each is to
one's level and state in life.
Apostle Suleman got a
private jet because he needs it for his Ministry. If there is one pastor I personally
know to have empowered his members, Suleman comes to mind. Those who worship in
his church would even wonder where the money for these empowerments comes from
because of his consistency. At the last count, he has built and donated about
150 houses to his poor church members. The record has lost count on the number
of cars he has given out. The scholarship schemes and other empowerment funds
are unmatchable. I really doubt if offerings and tithes could actually fund all
these and also fund the massive church projects.
Some of these pastors are
not depending on proceeds from church. They have their chain of businesses with
independent returns and income. These people are humans and they need to make
lives easy for themselves too.
When there is poverty in
the land, hold the government responsible. If it's even possible that the
pastors are contributors, still hold the government responsible because every
working government would regulate the affairs of all citizens for the overall
good of the society.
If you, in your little
capacity, cannot boast of any human you have ever pushed forward, you lack the
moral turpitude to query what anyone does with his or her money as long as he
didn't steal from you. Let the church be. Let Suleman be. If you're not comfortable
with how these pastors run churches as Christians, create your own church and
let us cite you as a better example. Even if God didn't call you, he won't be
angry that you are helping his people.
And if you're not a
Christian, just shut up!
© Barr. Itsede K. Okhai
© Barr. Itsede K. Okhai
