Archbishop Benson Idahosa was a Nigerian charismatic evangelist and pioneer of African Christianity. He was born on September 11, 1938, in Benin City, Nigeria, and died on March 12, 1998, in Benin City. Idahosa played a significant role in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ across Africa and beyond. He was not just a preacher but also a teacher, an author, and a businessman. He founded the Church of God Mission International, which grew to become one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Africa.
Idahosa's Early Life and Conversion
Benson Idahosa was born into a poor family of eight children, with a father who was a polygamist. His parents were nominal Christians, and they struggled to make ends meet. Benson was not able to attend school regularly because his parents could not afford to pay his school fees. He had to sell firewood, coconut, and bananas to support his family. Despite the odds, Benson was determined to succeed and worked hard to achieve his goals.
At the age of 17, Benson Idahosa had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ, which transformed his life. He became a born-again Christian and began to witness to his family and friends. His zeal for evangelism led him to start a house fellowship, which grew rapidly. Benson Idahosa's passion for spreading the Gospel continued to grow, and he became a full-time evangelist, traveling across Nigeria to preach the Gospel.
Ministry and Legacy
Benson Idahosa's ministry spanned over three decades and impacted millions of lives across Africa and beyond. He founded the Church of God Mission International, which grew to become one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Africa. The church has many branches across Nigeria and has spread to other countries such as Ghana, Togo, and Liberia.
Apart from his pastoral work, Idahosa was also a renowned teacher and author. He founded the Benson Idahosa University, which is one of the leading Christian universities in Nigeria. He wrote several books, including "Faith for Prosperity," "Count Your Blessings," and "Breaking the Spirit of Poverty."
Idahosa's legacy is not just limited to his ministry and education but also to his humanitarian work. He was a strong advocate for social justice, and he fought against poverty and oppression. He established several outreach programs, including a school for the deaf, a rehabilitation center for drug addicts, and a center for the physically challenged.
Idahosa's Impact on African Christianity
Benson Idahosa was a trailblazer and a pioneer of African Christianity. He challenged the traditional African beliefs and practices that were contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was instrumental in the growth of Pentecostalism in Africa and played a significant role in breaking down the barriers of colonialism and racism.
Idahosa's message of faith, prosperity, and social justice resonated with many Africans, who saw him as a beacon of hope. He inspired many young African pastors and evangelists, who have continued to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ across the continent. His legacy lives on, and his impact on African Christianity continues to be felt.
Conclusion
Archbishop Benson Idahosa was a man of great faith and vision. He believed that Africans could be saved, prosperous, and free from poverty and oppression. He devoted his life to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and fighting for social justice. Idahosa's legacy is not just limited to his ministry but also to his humanitarian work, education, and advocacy for social justice. He remains an inspiration to many Christians across the world and a pioneer of African Christianity.
No comments:
Post a Comment