Adamu Ciroma is a man of great national stature for whom I personally have great respect. Many regard his years at the New Nigerian as the golden era of that newspaper, then mouthpiece of the North. An editorial in the New Nigerian of those days invariably represented the irreversible position of that region on any national issue.
And although, Ciroma went on to succeed in several other assignments, including that of Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria and as head of some federal ministries, it is his New Nigerian days that came to my mind as I read the letter he signed along with five other northern leaders, on the vexed issue of Dr Goodluck Jonathan's candidacy in the forthcoming primary of their party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In logic and tone, the letter written for and on behalf of "Concerned Members" and addressed to party chairman, Dr Nwodo, it's a powerful reminder of the robust intellectual rigour of newspaper editorializing of those days.
I haven't always agreed with him, because even the most intellectual of us can sometimes resort to sophistry when we have interests to protect. And I'll cite just one painful instance when this giant developed clay foot. I am doing so also because it is relevant here.
Shortly after the June 12, 1993 was annulled by the Ibrahim Babangida regime, Ciroma was the lone "establishment" voice who had the courage to declare that M. K. O. Abiola "won the elections fair and square." But, citing ethnicisation of the crisis that followed the illegality, he subsequently drifted from opposition to the annulment to supporting it. I'll return to this presently.
Let's take excerpts from the letter under reference. According to the "concerned members," PDP put in place the "zoning policy," in Article7, section 7.2(c) of our Party’s constitution "in pursuant of the principles of equity, justice and fairness," and made it mandatory that it "be enforced by the appropriate executive committee at all levels."
They also pointed out that the policy was " enunciated and in fact reinforced by Preamble 2(c) of same constitution, which states in part that, ‘to create socio-political conditions conducive to national peace and unity by ensuring fair and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, to conform with the principles of power shift and power sharing by rotating key political offices among the diverse peoples of our country... in the spirit of Federalism."
They recalled that the South benefited from this provision through the Obasanjo/Atiku presidency for eight years noting that: "At all times during the Obasanjo/Atiku ticket, the record reflects that it was Obasanjo from the SOUTH that our Party nominated as its Presidential
Indeed, at the end of Obasanjo/Atiku two term ticket, the Party rotated its Presidential and Vice Presidential tickets and zoned it to the NORTH and SOUTH respectively for the same two terms... the Party nominated Alhaji Umaru Yar’adua from the NORTH as it’s Presidential
candidate and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan from the SOUTH chosen by Yar’adua, as the Vice Presidential candidate. This tenure began in 2007 as the Yar’adua/Goodluck ticket. It was to end in 2015. Unfortunately, this two term tenure of NORTHERN Presidency was punctuated by the untimely death of President Yar’adua... mid way to the completion of the first term tenure. In strict obedience to the dictates of the Constitution of our country, Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as President to complete the remaining years of the first term tenure".
Continuing, they said: "the first term tenure of the two term Yar’Adua/Goodluck ticket will soon come to an end. It is now time for our Party to conduct it’s primary elections to nominate it’s
Presidential and Vice presidential candidates for the second tenure of the two term tenure of Yar’adua/Goodluck ticket, which is expected to begin in 2011 and end in 2015... If we follow our Party’s practice and constitution, which we must, the Party must nominate a NORTHERNER as
our Presidential candidate and a SOUTHERNER as our Vice Presidential candidate because the existing Yar’adua/Goodluck ticket zoned to the NORTH not the SOUTH. To do otherwise would amount to injustice and the violation of our Party’s grundnorm ...The rotation of power to the NORTHERN zone is not personal to Yar’adua. It is for the entire NORTH... To our shock and dismay, although there are some individuals from the NORTH aspiring to earn the nomination of our Party to complete the second term of the NORTHERN ticket, the intention of
President Goodluck Jonathan to wrongly use the power of incumbency, to arm twist Party members, usurp, misappropriate and confiscate this NORTHERN ticket has now been confirmed... The evidence suggests that the Party leadership may be encouraging this infringement..."
Every fair-minded person will agree with the premise and conclusion of this northern leaders. And I do. Beyond that, however, I urge everyone to take appropriate notice of the following portions of the letter:
"... this constitute great danger to peace, security and stability of our country. We fear that if President Jonathan’s plot succeeds, it will divide and dislocate our beloved Party. It will also cause irreparable damage to the peace and oneness of our country. It will constitute an assault on reason and gross injustice to the North ...Above all, we are extremely worried that our Party’s failure to deliver justice in this matter, may ignite a series of events, the scope and magnitude of which we can neither proximate nor contain. The peace, stability and unity of our country are superior to the personal ambition of one man..."
I feel tempted to tell Ciroma & Co that "regionalising" an issue as national as who our president is invalidates their case as much as so called "ethnicisation" was said to invalidate Abiola's election. The threat of violence, hardly subtle here, more so!
But, I think we should listen to them, not out of fear; but because, as one wise man said, "nothing is ever settled until it is settled a-right."
Sunday 26 September 2010
Friday 17 September 2010
HELP KEEP "SHEDRACK, MESCHACK & ABEDNEGO" ALIVE IN IRAN!
HELP KEEP "SHEDRACK, MESCHACK & ABEDNEGO" ALIVE IN IRAN!
Remember the three Hebrew children in the Bible?
How can you ever forget! They capture the imagination easily.
They thrill us with their courage and the tenacity with which they held on to their faith.
They were given a choice between, as we say these days, bowing or burning.
It's what the Americans would call a "no brainer". In other words, you
don't need Self Preservation 101 to make the right choice!
But, Shedrack, Meschack and Abednego were "hare-brained" enough to make the "wrong" choice and
ended up in Nebchadnezzar's burning fiery furnace. But, of course, you know that wasn't the end of the story.
They were thrown in the fire alright, but as the book of Daniel recorded it in chapter three, they did not burn.
Now, if you thought that was just a Bible story, please allow me the pleasure and "pain" of presenting to you,
these three modern day equivalents. George Whitten of Worthy News reported their plight in a September 13 report as follows:
"Three Christians are being threatened with the death penalty if they do not renounce their Christian faith and revert to Islam, a well-informed Christian network reported Monday, September 13.
Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN), which has close ties with Christians in Iran, said the three Iranian Christians, residents of the city of Mashhad, were charged with apostasy and have been jailed since July 28 this year.
The Christians, who FCNN only identified as Reza, also known as Stephen, his wife Maria, and Ehsan Behrooz were reportedly ambushed and arrested while traveling from the city of Mashhad to Bojnoord to attend a Christian worship service.
FCNN said up to 15 other Christians arrested with them were released after one week when they posted bail and signed written promises to the government 'to refrain from and renounce' their Christian faith. However, Stephen, Maria, and Ehsan reportedly refused to sign the document.
FCNN quoted unidentified sources as saying that the families of the Christians were informed that 'after more than 50 days of re-conversion efforts back to Islam through means of torture and solitary confinement' they remained unwilling to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ.
Iranian government officials reportedly demand that the families, during court-approved visitations, must persuade their loved ones to renounce their Christian faith and embrace Islam once again.
The families were informed if their loved ones refuse to cooperate with the government, charges of apostasy will be upheld, and they will be tried on these charges in an upcoming court session, FCNN said.
Iranian officials have not commented. However, under Iran's strict Islamic law, the charge of "apostasy", or converting from Islam to another religion, attracts the penalty of death by hanging if found guilty by the Islamic court. In 1990, Reverend Soodmand was executed by the same district court.
In a recent ranking of countries in which Christians are most persecuted, Iran ranked second only to North Korea, according to advocacy group Open Doors."
Now, how about that?! Dear reader, do you think you can do something about this situation? As for me and my household, we are praying to God to extend to the Iran Three and many more like them accross the globe, the deliverance that He wrought for the Hebrew Trio. Will you please join your faith with ours? It is my birthday today (Friday, September 17); please make this your birthday gift to me. Together we can shame the devil again. Thank you - so very much.
Remember the three Hebrew children in the Bible?
How can you ever forget! They capture the imagination easily.
They thrill us with their courage and the tenacity with which they held on to their faith.
They were given a choice between, as we say these days, bowing or burning.
It's what the Americans would call a "no brainer". In other words, you
don't need Self Preservation 101 to make the right choice!
But, Shedrack, Meschack and Abednego were "hare-brained" enough to make the "wrong" choice and
ended up in Nebchadnezzar's burning fiery furnace. But, of course, you know that wasn't the end of the story.
They were thrown in the fire alright, but as the book of Daniel recorded it in chapter three, they did not burn.
Now, if you thought that was just a Bible story, please allow me the pleasure and "pain" of presenting to you,
these three modern day equivalents. George Whitten of Worthy News reported their plight in a September 13 report as follows:
"Three Christians are being threatened with the death penalty if they do not renounce their Christian faith and revert to Islam, a well-informed Christian network reported Monday, September 13.
Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN), which has close ties with Christians in Iran, said the three Iranian Christians, residents of the city of Mashhad, were charged with apostasy and have been jailed since July 28 this year.
The Christians, who FCNN only identified as Reza, also known as Stephen, his wife Maria, and Ehsan Behrooz were reportedly ambushed and arrested while traveling from the city of Mashhad to Bojnoord to attend a Christian worship service.
FCNN said up to 15 other Christians arrested with them were released after one week when they posted bail and signed written promises to the government 'to refrain from and renounce' their Christian faith. However, Stephen, Maria, and Ehsan reportedly refused to sign the document.
FCNN quoted unidentified sources as saying that the families of the Christians were informed that 'after more than 50 days of re-conversion efforts back to Islam through means of torture and solitary confinement' they remained unwilling to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ.
Iranian government officials reportedly demand that the families, during court-approved visitations, must persuade their loved ones to renounce their Christian faith and embrace Islam once again.
The families were informed if their loved ones refuse to cooperate with the government, charges of apostasy will be upheld, and they will be tried on these charges in an upcoming court session, FCNN said.
Iranian officials have not commented. However, under Iran's strict Islamic law, the charge of "apostasy", or converting from Islam to another religion, attracts the penalty of death by hanging if found guilty by the Islamic court. In 1990, Reverend Soodmand was executed by the same district court.
In a recent ranking of countries in which Christians are most persecuted, Iran ranked second only to North Korea, according to advocacy group Open Doors."
Now, how about that?! Dear reader, do you think you can do something about this situation? As for me and my household, we are praying to God to extend to the Iran Three and many more like them accross the globe, the deliverance that He wrought for the Hebrew Trio. Will you please join your faith with ours? It is my birthday today (Friday, September 17); please make this your birthday gift to me. Together we can shame the devil again. Thank you - so very much.
Sunday 12 September 2010
CLIMAXING NOW AT ASO VILLA THEATRE...
As you read this, another of the theatres of the absurd which Aso Villa has had the unfortunate distinction of hosting, would be about climaxing in the public declaration of the presidential aspiration of its star actor.
The total lack of originality of Nigeria's political class makes the piece you are about to read so, so appropriate even though it was first published in April. All you have to do, dear reader, is change "Weeping Generals" to "Five Leprous Fingers" and "Presidential Prisoner" to the its current parody, "Run, Lucky Boy, Run!"
Story, story? Story!!! Not so far away and not so long ago, there was a king. His name was Sain Batcha. He loved dark glasses. Many say, he used the glasses to shield away an even darker heart, though all appearances tended to indicate otherwise. Behind those glasses, those who know said, was a handsome face with a boyish grin. He loved life, you know, the wine, women
and song variety. He was democratic in his own peculiar way. He, some analysts recall democratized corruption, in that he embraced what is known in his part of the world as “you chop I chop.” He also liberalized the use of violence, such that those who styled themselves as activists or refuse to do the will of the king and/or any of his courtiers risked being bumped off
at anytime, whether they be pretty a billionaire’s wife seeking to actualize their husband’s electoral mandate or a rich old man meddling in politics.
But, one of the least remembered of his achievements was his highly successful foray into movie making! Till today, I cannot understand why the flick he scripted, directed and produced with a lot of help from his chief of security, failed to make it to Cannes or get nominated for an Oscar. Yet “Weeping Generals” also known as “Phantom Coup” was watched by the crème de
la crème of Nigerian society, crowned bedecked monarchs in oversized “babanriga” not exempted. And not one of them failed to testify how convincing the production was; how true to life; how the actors were geniuses in projecting the characters they acted and therefore how mercy must triumph over justice if the actors were not to be punished for their excellent interpretation of their roles! Perhaps it’s not yet too late to give the late great producer/director a post-humors award. And we better do quickly, before his legacy is dwarfed and forever forgotten.
If you are wondering what can possibly dwarf such a prodigious work of art, you probably haven’t heard about another production currently running at the same Aso Villa Theatre. It is of course slightly different. The medium is neither celluloid nor video, it is stage! And to make it the most convincing stage production since Professor Dapo Adelugba’s “Langbodo” wowed the world at FESTAC ’77, the play starring none other than President Yar’Adua as “Yar’I-do-or-die” (apologies to Professor Soyinka), the main scene is staged in one of the living rooms of the Presidential wing of the Villa.
Like “Weeping Generals”, “Presidential Prisoner” is showing to a select audience in a series of premieres. First to view the spectacular show is a group of mullahs, one of whom was generous enough to tell the story line to the international media. This, according to media reports ws followed by a team of Christian clerics, who, unlike the mullahs, have not been as generous in their reportage. I understand that leaders of the ruling party, The Peoples Democratic Party, led by chairman Ogbulafor have also taken their turn. As I write this, it wasn’t clear which group is next, but I understand that advance bookings for this special show are rolling in very
fast from across the nation and perhaps internationally. Of the groups, only Soyinka has gone public on behalf of traditional religionists. He might put in a booking for the Association of Seadogs, Nobel Laureates Group and many more. So, I might as well stand up for my own constituency too - the Council of Men’s Ministries of Nigeria. We promise to be as generous or not as we might be debriefed to do at the viewing!
If I know anything about this wonderful nation, peopled by the happiest people in the world, the clamour will reach a crescendo soon! The Association of Witches and Wizards, the Association of Prostitutes and Sex Workers, Ex-Prisoners Fraternity, Kidnappers’ Guild, Militants Forever Club (MFC) will all soon join the fray. God help those vetting the bookings, if they fail to ok those of the last two immediately!
I am laughing at all this theatre of the absurd playing out in this nation, so richly endowed, so fantastically blessed, but so famished of values, morality and good old fear of God!... I am laughing at the antics of people who, having tasted power, have decided that they’ll rather die than part with it! I am laughing at the stupidity of those who mouth godly rhetoric, pray several times daily and thereafter proceed to deny His existence by their every action and
omission.
And I am just following in the steps of my Father. For, He laughs and heartily too, says the Bible: *“In heaven the Lord laughs as he sits on his throne, making fun of the nations”** * (Psalm 2:4 CEV). But let’s get that verse in context and see how so very prophetic of the current scenario in our nation. The first six verses of Psalm 2 read: “*Why do the nations plot, and why do their people make useless plans? The kings of this earth have all joined together to turn against the Lord and his chosen one. They say, "Let's cut the ropes and set ourselves free!" In heaven the Lord laughs as he sits on his throne, making fun of the nations. The Lord becomes furious and threatens them. His anger terrifies them as he says, "I've put my king on Zion, my sacred hill*."
They gather, they make useless plans, plans they are incapable of actualising, they do not seek the will of God and where they do, they ignore it unless it tallies with their own plans! God laughs first and then acts. When He does, I wonder who of this motley crowd of power-mongers would be standing. Until then, let the nightly drama continue! Can I have my group’s ticket please? Thank you.
The total lack of originality of Nigeria's political class makes the piece you are about to read so, so appropriate even though it was first published in April. All you have to do, dear reader, is change "Weeping Generals" to "Five Leprous Fingers" and "Presidential Prisoner" to the its current parody, "Run, Lucky Boy, Run!"
Story, story? Story!!! Not so far away and not so long ago, there was a king. His name was Sain Batcha. He loved dark glasses. Many say, he used the glasses to shield away an even darker heart, though all appearances tended to indicate otherwise. Behind those glasses, those who know said, was a handsome face with a boyish grin. He loved life, you know, the wine, women
and song variety. He was democratic in his own peculiar way. He, some analysts recall democratized corruption, in that he embraced what is known in his part of the world as “you chop I chop.” He also liberalized the use of violence, such that those who styled themselves as activists or refuse to do the will of the king and/or any of his courtiers risked being bumped off
at anytime, whether they be pretty a billionaire’s wife seeking to actualize their husband’s electoral mandate or a rich old man meddling in politics.
But, one of the least remembered of his achievements was his highly successful foray into movie making! Till today, I cannot understand why the flick he scripted, directed and produced with a lot of help from his chief of security, failed to make it to Cannes or get nominated for an Oscar. Yet “Weeping Generals” also known as “Phantom Coup” was watched by the crème de
la crème of Nigerian society, crowned bedecked monarchs in oversized “babanriga” not exempted. And not one of them failed to testify how convincing the production was; how true to life; how the actors were geniuses in projecting the characters they acted and therefore how mercy must triumph over justice if the actors were not to be punished for their excellent interpretation of their roles! Perhaps it’s not yet too late to give the late great producer/director a post-humors award. And we better do quickly, before his legacy is dwarfed and forever forgotten.
If you are wondering what can possibly dwarf such a prodigious work of art, you probably haven’t heard about another production currently running at the same Aso Villa Theatre. It is of course slightly different. The medium is neither celluloid nor video, it is stage! And to make it the most convincing stage production since Professor Dapo Adelugba’s “Langbodo” wowed the world at FESTAC ’77, the play starring none other than President Yar’Adua as “Yar’I-do-or-die” (apologies to Professor Soyinka), the main scene is staged in one of the living rooms of the Presidential wing of the Villa.
Like “Weeping Generals”, “Presidential Prisoner” is showing to a select audience in a series of premieres. First to view the spectacular show is a group of mullahs, one of whom was generous enough to tell the story line to the international media. This, according to media reports ws followed by a team of Christian clerics, who, unlike the mullahs, have not been as generous in their reportage. I understand that leaders of the ruling party, The Peoples Democratic Party, led by chairman Ogbulafor have also taken their turn. As I write this, it wasn’t clear which group is next, but I understand that advance bookings for this special show are rolling in very
fast from across the nation and perhaps internationally. Of the groups, only Soyinka has gone public on behalf of traditional religionists. He might put in a booking for the Association of Seadogs, Nobel Laureates Group and many more. So, I might as well stand up for my own constituency too - the Council of Men’s Ministries of Nigeria. We promise to be as generous or not as we might be debriefed to do at the viewing!
If I know anything about this wonderful nation, peopled by the happiest people in the world, the clamour will reach a crescendo soon! The Association of Witches and Wizards, the Association of Prostitutes and Sex Workers, Ex-Prisoners Fraternity, Kidnappers’ Guild, Militants Forever Club (MFC) will all soon join the fray. God help those vetting the bookings, if they fail to ok those of the last two immediately!
I am laughing at all this theatre of the absurd playing out in this nation, so richly endowed, so fantastically blessed, but so famished of values, morality and good old fear of God!... I am laughing at the antics of people who, having tasted power, have decided that they’ll rather die than part with it! I am laughing at the stupidity of those who mouth godly rhetoric, pray several times daily and thereafter proceed to deny His existence by their every action and
omission.
And I am just following in the steps of my Father. For, He laughs and heartily too, says the Bible: *“In heaven the Lord laughs as he sits on his throne, making fun of the nations”** * (Psalm 2:4 CEV). But let’s get that verse in context and see how so very prophetic of the current scenario in our nation. The first six verses of Psalm 2 read: “*Why do the nations plot, and why do their people make useless plans? The kings of this earth have all joined together to turn against the Lord and his chosen one. They say, "Let's cut the ropes and set ourselves free!" In heaven the Lord laughs as he sits on his throne, making fun of the nations. The Lord becomes furious and threatens them. His anger terrifies them as he says, "I've put my king on Zion, my sacred hill*."
They gather, they make useless plans, plans they are incapable of actualising, they do not seek the will of God and where they do, they ignore it unless it tallies with their own plans! God laughs first and then acts. When He does, I wonder who of this motley crowd of power-mongers would be standing. Until then, let the nightly drama continue! Can I have my group’s ticket please? Thank you.
Sunday 5 September 2010
BENNY HINN’S TRAVAIL AND THE REST OF US
As you read this, my wife and I are prayerfully marking the 29th anniversary of our marriage. We have indeed come a long way! I wish I could tell you that I have contributed a lot to the success of the marriage. But, no! I haven’t always been faithful or responsible or romantic. All the glory must go to God and substantial credit to Olufunmilayo Yinyinola - “Treasure,” to me and; “The Mummy,” to our children.
Yes, in the decade-plus since God has led me into ministry to men, He has tenderly revealed my weaknesses to me and enabled me to access his grace to get better as husband and father. And I can tell you how much content, depth and bliss that has added to our marriage and family life. But I am still very much work-in-progress. That’s why I take my assignment as a minister to men seriously; the objective being to encourage men not to lose as much time as I did before experiencing the bliss that God embedded into marriage and true kingdom family life at creation.
I am sure there are some among those reading me today, who have chalked up more milestones than I have; some less; some without the mercifully now disappeared pockmarks of unfaithfulness in mine; some with a bit more. No matter where you are in the journey, please note that it can be better.
This is, however, not a crash course on “How to Achieve Marital Bliss”. It is a warning to those who, as the Bible puts it, “think they stand to take heed lest they fall” (1Corinthians 10:12). And this is so crucial when you go beyond the scandal-mongering aspect of recent media reports on the marriage of world-renowned minister of the gospel, Benny Hinn.
Thanks to the voracious appetite of the media for that kind of news, it is no longer a secret that Evangelist Benedictus Hinn’s wife, Suzanne, filled for a divorce in February. They would have been married for 31 years on August 4. When the news broke, the esteemed, widely travelled man of God expressed shock that his wife took that exceptional step, because, according to him, they both still loved each other, though they no longer lived together. He also emphasised that in spite of everything there had been no case of infidelity on either side.
As has also become common knowledge, one of North America’s well-known tabloids, National Enquirer, in July published a photograph of the evangelist holding hands on one of the streets of Rome with Paula White, senior pastor of Tampa, Florida-based Without Walls International Church on July 13. In classic scandal sheet-style, the paper added salt and pepper to the story, published in its July 23 edition, with inset pictures of a bed and the interior of a typical suite in the hotel they were supposed to have stayed the night.
Both servants of God promptly denied any suggestion of unbiblical conduct. A statement on Benny Hinn Ministries website addressed to his partners said he” forcefully, categorically and absolutely renounce(s) the lies that have been spread about me and want to set the record straight with you. There is nothing inappropriate or morally improper about my friendship with Paula White. There has been no immorality whatsoever!"
In her own statement, Paula White said in part: “I publicly profess and forcefully renounce assertions that the recent trip to Italy to meet with Vatican officials suggests that the friendship is in any way improper or morally impure…I value my friendship with Pastor Benny and remain supportive with a deep respect of him, his family and his ministry. My relationship with Pastor Benny is genuine and pure and should not be taken out of context”
But Pastor Benny didn’t stop at the website statement. He opened up on his family life and hurts at a crusade in Oakland , California on July 30 and subsequently had clips aired on television networks such as Trinity Broadcast Network and Christian Broadcasting Network. And some of what he had to say should serve as eye-openers or at least reminders to all in pursuit of the abundant life that God promised to all his children. It is especially important to men, whether in ministry or some other calling.
Speaking straight from the heart, this man who has been used of God to heal many, physically, emotionally and spiritually, admitted to not having been as successful in his marriage as he is generally accepted to have been in ministry.
He told his audience: "We had troubles for a long time…we could no longer exist in the same house…And I would ask her often... 'Would you ever divorce me?’ and she would say, never because I fear God too much. She said, 'My covenant is with God, not you.' And I guess she could no longer handle it. One day she did it to my shock…We've had to be very quiet to protect the ministry, the work of the Lord…But sadly when you are a public person, everything you do becomes public."
Back-grounding the challenges, Hinn said in an emotion-laden voice: “I was so busy in the ministry, I was so caught up with the ministry, I forgot about my family…That's probably what broke the whole thing up…I often preached that ministry comes first, but I knew that teaching hurt my children…You know what? It's wrong…I'm here to admit I was wrong because the call of God first should touch the family. If you have no family, you can't go on anyways…I don't care how strong you are…I don't care if the anointing of God is mighty on you. Nobody wants to be alone. I don't care who you are…"
As Pastor Hinn spoke, I remembered the late Oral Roberts. At his home-going event, his daughter, Roberta said of their father: "He left his family behind, knowing they would be hurt. He chose to go where God's light is dim, then he chose to build that university that God called him to build. ... There may be some of you whose fathers or grandfathers made a similar choice. It hurts…” Mercifully Oral’s marriage thrived, but one his sons reportedly committed suicide as a result of morphine addiction.
Are there lessons for us in these? I certainly think so and I plan to learn them. Please join me.
Yes, in the decade-plus since God has led me into ministry to men, He has tenderly revealed my weaknesses to me and enabled me to access his grace to get better as husband and father. And I can tell you how much content, depth and bliss that has added to our marriage and family life. But I am still very much work-in-progress. That’s why I take my assignment as a minister to men seriously; the objective being to encourage men not to lose as much time as I did before experiencing the bliss that God embedded into marriage and true kingdom family life at creation.
I am sure there are some among those reading me today, who have chalked up more milestones than I have; some less; some without the mercifully now disappeared pockmarks of unfaithfulness in mine; some with a bit more. No matter where you are in the journey, please note that it can be better.
This is, however, not a crash course on “How to Achieve Marital Bliss”. It is a warning to those who, as the Bible puts it, “think they stand to take heed lest they fall” (1Corinthians 10:12). And this is so crucial when you go beyond the scandal-mongering aspect of recent media reports on the marriage of world-renowned minister of the gospel, Benny Hinn.
Thanks to the voracious appetite of the media for that kind of news, it is no longer a secret that Evangelist Benedictus Hinn’s wife, Suzanne, filled for a divorce in February. They would have been married for 31 years on August 4. When the news broke, the esteemed, widely travelled man of God expressed shock that his wife took that exceptional step, because, according to him, they both still loved each other, though they no longer lived together. He also emphasised that in spite of everything there had been no case of infidelity on either side.
As has also become common knowledge, one of North America’s well-known tabloids, National Enquirer, in July published a photograph of the evangelist holding hands on one of the streets of Rome with Paula White, senior pastor of Tampa, Florida-based Without Walls International Church on July 13. In classic scandal sheet-style, the paper added salt and pepper to the story, published in its July 23 edition, with inset pictures of a bed and the interior of a typical suite in the hotel they were supposed to have stayed the night.
Both servants of God promptly denied any suggestion of unbiblical conduct. A statement on Benny Hinn Ministries website addressed to his partners said he” forcefully, categorically and absolutely renounce(s) the lies that have been spread about me and want to set the record straight with you. There is nothing inappropriate or morally improper about my friendship with Paula White. There has been no immorality whatsoever!"
In her own statement, Paula White said in part: “I publicly profess and forcefully renounce assertions that the recent trip to Italy to meet with Vatican officials suggests that the friendship is in any way improper or morally impure…I value my friendship with Pastor Benny and remain supportive with a deep respect of him, his family and his ministry. My relationship with Pastor Benny is genuine and pure and should not be taken out of context”
But Pastor Benny didn’t stop at the website statement. He opened up on his family life and hurts at a crusade in Oakland , California on July 30 and subsequently had clips aired on television networks such as Trinity Broadcast Network and Christian Broadcasting Network. And some of what he had to say should serve as eye-openers or at least reminders to all in pursuit of the abundant life that God promised to all his children. It is especially important to men, whether in ministry or some other calling.
Speaking straight from the heart, this man who has been used of God to heal many, physically, emotionally and spiritually, admitted to not having been as successful in his marriage as he is generally accepted to have been in ministry.
He told his audience: "We had troubles for a long time…we could no longer exist in the same house…And I would ask her often... 'Would you ever divorce me?’ and she would say, never because I fear God too much. She said, 'My covenant is with God, not you.' And I guess she could no longer handle it. One day she did it to my shock…We've had to be very quiet to protect the ministry, the work of the Lord…But sadly when you are a public person, everything you do becomes public."
Back-grounding the challenges, Hinn said in an emotion-laden voice: “I was so busy in the ministry, I was so caught up with the ministry, I forgot about my family…That's probably what broke the whole thing up…I often preached that ministry comes first, but I knew that teaching hurt my children…You know what? It's wrong…I'm here to admit I was wrong because the call of God first should touch the family. If you have no family, you can't go on anyways…I don't care how strong you are…I don't care if the anointing of God is mighty on you. Nobody wants to be alone. I don't care who you are…"
As Pastor Hinn spoke, I remembered the late Oral Roberts. At his home-going event, his daughter, Roberta said of their father: "He left his family behind, knowing they would be hurt. He chose to go where God's light is dim, then he chose to build that university that God called him to build. ... There may be some of you whose fathers or grandfathers made a similar choice. It hurts…” Mercifully Oral’s marriage thrived, but one his sons reportedly committed suicide as a result of morphine addiction.
Are there lessons for us in these? I certainly think so and I plan to learn them. Please join me.
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