The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has recalled how he narrowly escaped death seven years ago, attributing his survival to God’s grace.
Speaking at the ongoing annual Special Holy Ghost Service, themed Joy Unspeakable, the 83-year-old shared the experience as a testimony of God’s faithfulness to him and the ministry.
Pastor Adeboye recounted how he fell critically ill during one of the church’s Let ’s-Go-A-Fishing evangelism programs, saying his body broke down completely due to terrible road conditions.
“Seven years ago, during this same program, I collapsed in Ilesha. My body gave way, and for the first time in my life, I spent Christmas Day in bed. The devil was certain he had finally got me.
“To bring me back to camp, we had to charter a helicopter because I was too weak to travel by road—if I had, I wouldn’t have made it,” he said.
He added that local miscreants attempted to prevent the helicopter from taking off.
“They clung to the helicopter, and in the process, one of the windows got torn. But by God’s grace, I made it to the camp. I was certain that if I could just get there, I would recover.
“Seven years later, I am still here! Please, praise God for me—give Him glory, honor, and adoration!”
Pastor Adeboye then focused on issuing divine decrees and urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith.
“This is my advice to you: do not sell your salvation. Stop living a double life—one way in church and another way outside. Be consistent in your faith,” he warned.
He also emphasized the importance of soul-winning and prayer as keys to experiencing unspeakable joy and God’s continuous presence.
The four-day event, which began on Thursday, marks the 39th anniversary of the Special Holy Ghost Service.
Pastor Adeboye, born on March 2, 1942, in Ifewara, Osun State, joined RCCG in 1973 as an interpreter for the church’s founder, Pa Josiah Akindayomi.
Following Akindayomi’s death in 1981, he became the General Overseer.
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