The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, recently shared a deeply personal and moving testimony of a life-threatening experience he had seven years ago, attributing his survival to God’s grace. The 83-year-old cleric spoke about his near-death experience during the ongoing annual Special Holy Ghost Service, an event held in celebration of the church’s growth and to bring believers closer to God.
This year’s program, themed “Joy Unspeakable,” is a key event in the RCCG calendar, drawing thousands of worshippers from around the world. The service is a time of reflection, prayer, and powerful teachings, but for Pastor Adeboye, this particular event holds even more meaning as he recalls a painful chapter in his life.
A Close Call with Death
Pastor Adeboye began by narrating how, seven years ago, he nearly lost his life during the church’s annual “Let’s-Go-A-Fishing” evangelism program. This event, which usually sees members of the church go out in large numbers to preach and spread the gospel, turned into a life-or-death situation for the pastor.
According to Adeboye, the dangerous road conditions during that year’s program led to a serious health crisis. He explained that his body broke down completely because of the grueling journey, and for the first time in his life, he was forced to spend Christmas Day in bed, unable to get up.
“I collapsed in Ilesha,” he recalled. “And to bring me back to the camp, we had to charter a helicopter because I was too weak to travel by road. If I had attempted to travel by road, I wouldn’t have made it.”
The story took an even more dramatic turn as Adeboye described how local miscreants, often referred to as area boys, tried to prevent the helicopter from taking off. “They clung to the helicopter, and during the struggle, one of the windows got torn,” he said. Despite this chaos, Adeboye was airlifted to the church camp, where he was confident that his recovery would be assured.
“I had an assurance that if only I could get to the camp, I would recover. Seven years later, I am still here!” Adeboye said with deep emotion, thanking God for sparing his life. “I want you to thank God for sparing my life. Please, praise Him for me—give Him glory, honor, and adoration!”
A Call to Faith
Rather than delivering a traditional sermon during the event, Pastor Adeboye took the opportunity to issue powerful divine decrees, calling on the congregation to renew their faith and remain steadfast in their belief in God. His words resonated deeply with the many in attendance, especially considering his own miraculous survival.
“I want to give you some advice, and I urge you to take it seriously: do not sell your salvation. Stay in God’s presence. Stop living a double life—being one person in church and another outside. Some of you dress one way for church and another way in public, blending in with the world,” Adeboye warned.
The pastor’s message was clear: believers must stay true to their faith, even in the face of challenges. He also spoke about the importance of soul-winning, prayer, and living consistently according to Christian principles.
According to Adeboye, these actions are key to experiencing the “joy unspeakable” that the theme of the service refers to. He called on the congregation to focus on spreading the word of God and remaining prayerful, so they could feel God’s presence continually in their lives.
The Special Holy Ghost Service: 39 Years of Impact
The ongoing four-day event marks the 39th anniversary of the Special Holy Ghost Service, a program that has had a profound impact on millions of people over the years. Pastor Adeboye expressed gratitude to God for the success of the program, which he described as an important milestone for both the RCCG and the Christian faith in Nigeria.
Since its inception, the service has drawn crowds from all over the world and has become one of the most influential Christian events in Nigeria. Pastor Adeboye, who has led the RCCG for over four decades, acknowledged the program’s role in spreading the gospel globally and its impact on transforming the lives of many individuals.
This year’s event is especially meaningful for the pastor, given the personal journey he has been through. His survival seven years ago serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of relying on divine intervention in times of trouble.
Pastor Adeboye’s Remarkable Life Journey
Born on March 2, 1942, in Ifewara, near Ife in Osun State, Pastor Adeboye’s life story is one of determination, faith, and divine calling. He joined the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 1973 as an interpreter for the church’s founder, Pa. Josiah Akindayomi. When Pa. Akindayomi passed away in 1981, Adeboye was chosen as the General Overseer, marking the beginning of a new era for the church.
Under his leadership, RCCG has experienced remarkable growth, with millions of members across Nigeria and in several countries around the world. Adeboye is widely respected for his humble approach to leadership, as well as his deep faith in God. Despite his global success, he remains grounded and committed to serving his congregation.
Pastor Adeboye’s personal story is also one of overcoming adversity. He has often spoken about the difficult times he faced growing up, including extreme poverty. In his youth, he went on a hunger strike to protest his father’s inability to pay his school fees. Despite these challenges, he pursued education and eventually became a renowned scholar before fully dedicating his life to the ministry.
Today, Pastor Adeboye is recognized not only for his leadership in the RCCG but also for his work in various charitable and social initiatives. His life is a testament to the power of faith, hard work, and divine grace.
