PASTOR KUMUYI’S COMING TO AMERICA

By Akin Ojumu

Giddy does not even begin to describe how members of the Deeper Life Church feel right now. The vanguards of holiness in Nigeria are unnaturally ecstatic. These, otherwise, laconic individuals are in an atypical state of euphoria.

And what exactly is the cause of their excitement? Oh well, they believe their Daddy in the Lord came to Washington to attend President Donald John Trump’s inauguration to win souls for Christ.

As much as I hate it to burst their inflated bubble of elation, I have no choice but to rain on this boisterous parade to set the record straight.

Just so it’s clear, Pastor Kumuyi was not invited to and neither did he attend Donald Trump’s inauguration. What the elderly clergy participated in was one out of hundreds of satellite events that individuals and entities organized in the days leading up to the actual inauguration of the new president. 

Those who are conversant with American politics know that organizing satellite inauguration events is a Washington tradition. Groups looking for access to and influence with an incoming administration arrange these inauguration events as a publicity and marketing stunt. These satellite events are not organized by or connected to the main inauguration of the new president.

Pastor Kumuyi attended the “Inauguration Praise & Prayer Convocation” event at the invitation of his friend, Jim Garlow. This particular event was organized by an organization called Well Versed, which is run by Garlow. The event itself, which ran for a little over 2 hours, was held a day prior to the actual inauguration. At the event, Pastor Kumuyi featured once, when he was invited to pray for one and a half minutes. He did not preach any sermon, nor did he win a single soul for Christ. 

And if you must know, the organization, Well Versed, is nothing more than a far-right political lobbying group masquerading as a Christian organization fighting for Christian values. At its core, Well Versed is a white supremacy group driven by hatred of others. Their chief aim is to Make America White European Again.

For my Deeper Life friends to think that what is going to save Donald Trump and bring righteousness to America is Pastor Kumuyi coming to Washington to pray for less than 2 minutes at a more than 2-hour event organized by hateful people, is nothing short of naivety. 

Moreover, it’s quite unwise for anyone to offer an opinion on issues in which they do not fully understand. If you don’t live in America, it’s impossible for you to appreciate the ramifications of the devastation of Trump’s presidency. 

Right now, millions of people are fearful for their lives and livelihoods. There are thousands of ordinary people who are already victims of the cruelty of this new administration’s inhumane policies. People have lost their jobs. The immigration statuses of many have been revoked.  And there are hundreds of thousands of hardworking honest people facing the threat of deportation as we speak.

So, before we start waxing spiritual about Kumuyi’s attendance at an inconsequential event in Washington, we may want to think about the lives that are now being upended because of the soullessness of a man Pastor Kumuyi thinks is a friend of Christians who will speak truth to power. 

In Revelations 13, we read about two beasts that will rise up at the end times. The first beast is the Antichrist. Initially, this beast will pretend to love God. He will present himself as a fighter for Christians and their values. As a result, the people of God will be in awe of him saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against him?” 

Taken in by his deception, many Christians will adore the Antichrist, believing he is the instrument God will use to end all the evil and depravity in the world. But midway into his rule, however, he’ll bare his teeth to reveal his true colors as an arch enemy of the Almighty God as he begins his abomination of desolation. 

There’s also a second beast mentioned in Revelations 13. It’s generally believed this beast will be a well-respected and revered spiritual leader (or spiritual organization) trusted by the Christian community and much of the world. This second beast will put his stamp of spiritual approval and authority on the first beast i.e., the Antichrist. He’ll make the world believe that the Antichrist is chosen and anointed by God to carry out His divine will and purpose in the world. And he will encourage Believers and all peoples to bow down and worship the “glorious” first beast.

Now, when I look at the ease with which even well-respected preachers like Pastor Kumuyi have fallen for the satanic deception that’s going on right now – with the Trump is God’s chosen and anointed rubbish – I’m reminded of Revelations 13. What is unfolding before our eyes is a prelude to what’s coming when the Antichrist rises. The event of our time is the template for the rule of the Antichrist. 

On a last note, let me say a word about cult membership. Whenever a Christian finds it difficult to see anything wrong in their pastor’s words or actions, that Christian is exhibiting a cult mentality. If in your eyes, your pastor can do no wrong, you are most definitely a card-carrying member of a cult.