“Prosperity gospel” attracts many African Christians

Lagos, Nigeria (ENInews)–Segun Ilori spent much of his time cleaning a local Foursquare Gospel Church in 2005 when he won an immigration lottery enabling him to move to the United States. Today, he drives a 2010 Toyota Camry and has been able to share his comfortable life in the U.S. by sending six cars back home. He attributes his good fortune to the grace of God. Tedius Makwari heard promises of faith leading to health and wealth while attending the United Family International Church in Zimbabwe. But he said he never realized any benefit of going to the church besides being stripped of his hard-earned money in the name of offerings. In a continent where many churches are growing by emphasizing both the material and spiritual benefits of faith, Ilori and Makwari represent different faces of a religious movement that can evoke both spiritual revival and disillusionment. [718 words, ENI-12-0473]