1st December, 2023
By Paul Dada
A Port-Harcourt based church, the Shekinah Arena Ministry International, has scheduled next Sunday to give each university student that makes it to its service N2,000.
However, some Nigerians have dismissed it as a ploy to get new members and a mockery of the gospel while others see it as a genuine evangelism strategy.
In a message by the General Overseer, Evang Dr Gospel Agochukwu, shared on the Facebook page of Church Gist, it was emphasised that the gesture was only limited to university students.
The message read: “Dear students what can 2k do for you? I am led by God to start a new vision called STUDENTS URGENT 2K SUNDAY.
“Solely for university students.Bus will bring you coming and going and you will still go with 2k and other goodies as we are led. I was once a student and i know every kobo is important.
“See you on Sunday. Call your school coordinators for pick up. We will add more schools”.
On the flyer announcing the programme, the church stated that the participants would be screened with their school identity cards.
The announcement generated mixed reactions in the comment section of the Facebook post. A Facebook user, Greatmarvel Precious Samuel said: “This is not the gospel. How did we miss it? Lord Jesus Christ! This is more entertainment and showbiz”. Emma Solo in his reaction, said: “Church strategy to get members”. Nnenna Favour stated: “This one na cruz”. Omakoji Isaiah simply stated: “Lol. The gospel of Christ don suffer”.
But some believed it was a good way to reach people with the gospel. This position was held by Epeters Peter. He said: “Some persons followed Jesus because he gave food. At that point they heard the gospel. Stop criticising what you don’t know”.