Pastor Oye Baruwa, also known as Prophet Dr Emmanuel Baruwa (JP) is trending in Nigeria after halting the payment of offerings and Tithe in his church.
This is according to the Punch newspaper which also reports that pastor Oye is the lead pastor of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Talitakumi parish in Ijoko, Ogun State.
In a recent interview with Punch newspaper, he discusses his decision to halt the collection of offerings within his congregation.
Baruwa explains that his decision was prompted by the economic challenges faced by many individuals, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidies and the rising cost of living.
He empathizes with his congregation, recognizing that for some, even basic expenses such as transportation to church are burdensome.
Concerned about the welfare of his members, Baruwa believes that collecting offerings from those who cannot afford it is unjust.
He argues that God’s blessings are not contingent upon monetary contributions to the church and emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding towards those in need.
To support his congregation during these challenging times, Baruwa has initiated several initiatives, including distributing food to members every first Sunday of the month and offering discounted food items to attendees of church programs. He believes in providing practical assistance to alleviate the financial strain faced by many.
Despite facing criticism from some quarters, Baruwa remains steadfast in his decision, asserting that his actions are driven by divine guidance and a genuine desire to help others.
He challenges other pastors to consider the well-being of their congregations and prioritize compassion over financial gain.
Baruwa’s stance on ceasing the collection of offerings is not new; during the COVID-19 pandemic, he suspended offerings temporarily to ease the burden on his members.
He emphasizes that his decision applies to all branches of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church and is not motivated by a desire for attention or personal gain.
In response to concerns about sustaining church operations without offerings, Baruwa expresses confidence that divine provision will ensure the continued functioning of the church. He believes in the power of prayer and the generosity of individuals to support the church’s needs.
Ultimately, Baruwa’s decision to halt the collection of offerings is driven by a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to helping those in need. He believes that by prioritizing compassion over financial gain, pastors can truly fulfill their calling to serve their communities..…….See More