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American evangelist, Benny Hinn leaves Nigeria in annoyance, saying $4million went down the drain in 3-day crusade
HOLY ANGER: •American evangelist, Benny Hinn leaves Nigeria in annoyance, saying $4million went down the drain in 3-day crusade
When the charismatic American evangelist, Dr. Benny Hinn arrived Nigeria on April 28, he was looking forward to a quintessential crusade that would be attended by about six million people.
His expectations were high because he had allegedly sunk $4 million dollars (about N600 million) into the 3-day crusade that is now being trailed by controversy.
Dr. Hinn could not hide his disappointment on the third day of the crusade when he said with regret that the money he pumped into the project could have been put to better use.
"Four million dollars down the drain!" he reportedly shouted during the crusade, with his voice cracking with emotion.
Giving a breakdown of the money spent after the crusade, Jon Wilson, Vice President of the Benny Hinn Ministries said $3 million was spent on hotel accommodation, transportation, technical infrastructure and other items, while the remaining money running into about N140 million was expended by members of the local organising committee.
Hypes and great expectations had heralded the coming of the world renowned healing evangelist to Africa's most populous nation, but the organisers were reportedly scored very low by Hinn, who insinuated monkey business and told the organisers that they got many things wrong.
More was his anger when he learnt that the organisers collected N1,000 each from pastors who turned out to attend the Ministers Conference, which was part of the three-day programme.
This and many other discoveries allegedly led the preacher to pronounce publicly that no further funds will be provided by his organisation after the programme, to settle outstanding bills. He asked that the offering collected on two of the three days be used for that purpose.
He also frowned at the crusade being referred to as ‘Benny Hinn Healing Crusade.' He said the right thing was to call it ‘Holy Spirit Crusade.'
Reacting to Dr Hinn's utterances, a leading Pentecostal preacher who preferred anonymity, told Daily Sun: "No one can blame the organizers for the turnout. Regular monthly programmes of the Redeemed Christian Church of God usually draw millions of people. But this is without the kind of crisis experienced during the crusade.
"No one was expecting that petrol tanker drivers would go on strike. The strike paralysed everything and almost brought Lagos to a standstill. Without fuel what can you do? Where can you go?"
The minister said only the central working committee could clarify the issue of money and publicity materials, adding that most of those who worked on the project did voluntary service. The clarification was eventually provided by Bishop Olanrewaju Obembe of El-Shaddai Bible Church, who was the co-ordinator of the programme. He said the controversy over the crusade is the handiwork of some leading Pentecostal preachers, who were envious of him (see interview).
Not bothered by the raging criticism, Obembe gave thumbs up for his committee which he believes did a good job.
The bishop, who was also accused of not carrying the whole Christian body in Nigeria along said the local organising committee followed due process and had all its accounts audited for the first time in the history of crusades in Nigeria.
Putting the disappointments behind him as he returned to his base in USA, Dr Hinn posted some cheerful news on his Ministry's website.
He said: "I have just concluded three amazing days of ministry at our miracle crusade in Lagos, Nigeria. The Holy Spirit's fire penetrated the hearts of millions as God's presence descended upon the massive crowds. Precious saints who had travelled great distances praised the Lord with unbridled enthusiasm as miracles of salvation and healing took place all around."
Dr. Hinn also spoke about the good things he saw in Nigeria. He said: "How I love the African people; their beautiful smiles, their colorful clothing, their love of music - but it is their abandonment to the leading of the Holy Spirit that moves me the most."
But did $4 million dollars go down the drain through the crusade? The answer blows in the wind.