“I collapsed in Ilesha, miscreants tried to stop my rescue” – Pastor Adeboye on near-death experience
Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has opened up on a life-threatening incident that nearly claimed his life seven years ago.
Speaking during the ongoing Special Holy Ghost Service, themed Joy Unspeakable, Pastor Adeboye, who marked his 83rd birthday on Sunday, shared the harrowing experience to express his gratitude for God’s grace.
The revered pastor revealed that while attending the church’s Let’s-Go-A-Fishing evangelism program, he fell critically ill due to severe road conditions.
His health deteriorated so rapidly that he spent Christmas Day in bed, an experience he described as “the first time in my life.”
As his condition worsened, Pastor Adeboye collapsed in Ilesha, necessitating an emergency airlift to the church camp, as he was too weak to travel by road.
“Seven years ago, during this same program, I collapsed in Ilesha. My body gave way, and for the first time in my life, I spent Christmas Day in bed. The devil was certain he had finally got me.
“To bring me back to camp, we had to charter a helicopter because I was too weak to travel by road—if I had, I wouldn’t have made it,” he said.
However, just as the helicopter was about to take off, some local miscreants attempted to prevent the rescue, even damaging one of the helicopter’s windows in the process.
Despite these challenges, the pastor made it to the camp, where he experienced a miraculous recovery.
“They clung to the helicopter, and in the process, one of the windows got torn. But by God’s grace, I made it to the camp. I was certain that if I could just get there, I would recover.
Reflecting on the event, he urged the congregation to thank God for sparing his life and the continued success of the ministry.
“Seven years later, I am still here! Please, praise God for me—give Him glory, honor, and adoration!”
In his address, Pastor Adeboye also cautioned the congregation against living a double life, urging them to remain consistent in their faith both in church and outside.
“This is my advice to you: do not sell your salvation, he warned. “Stop living a double life—one way in church and another way outside. Be consistent in your faith.”
The four-day event, which marks the 39th anniversary of the Special Holy Ghost Service, has had a lasting impact on millions.
Pastor Adeboye, born on March 2, 1942, in Ifewara, Osun State, joined RCCG in 1973 as an interpreter for the church’s founder, Pa Josiah Akindayomi.
After Akindayomi’s death in 1981, Adeboye succeeded him as General Overseer, leading the church to unprecedented growth and global reach.
