On New Year’s Eve in 2022, I escorted a friend to crowd-pulling crossover prayers by a West African prophet in Lilongwe.
My friend expected a miracle and he was convinced that an encounter with “man of God” would instantly change everything in my life.
Even locking eyes with the prophet would unlock breakthroughs, he said.
Such claims were not new. I had watched similar scenes on television, including broadcasts by the late TB Joshua of Nigeria. I had also encountered stories of people quitting alcohol after being prayed for.
However compelling these accounts may appear, I have never believed the miracles were real.
I have never abdicated my freedom to question what is presented as fact. If it is real, I will wait for my own experience just like the Biblical transformation of persecutor Saul into Paul, the evangelist.
So, I went—not out of faith, but out of courtesy. What I saw unfolding that night and over the following two weekends, was deeply unsettling.
On all occasions, the prophet announced: “Those who want to go abroad this year must come forward and touch this globe. But drop your offering in the basket over there before touching the globe.”
One by one, people flocked forward, starting with those with K10 000.
Next were cash offerings for job wishes, riches, marriage, healing, recovering lost opportunities… you name them. I watched some people sweep everything from their pockets.
Then there would come another declaration, often towards the end of the service: “I don’t want to keep your anointing. Unlock it before you go home. Pay whatever you have and I will release it—starting with those who are ready to pay more.”
The pattern was unmistakable. Give and receive! Pay and be blessed!
The reality outside the church told a different story. I saw people stranded after the service.
The prophet had taken everything, leaving people with no transport home.
On two occasions, I saved my friend from walking back home.
This was not an isolated scenario. There is a broader pattern. A modern-day prophet or pastor has coined persuasive methods of inducing people to part with their all.
Scripture is selectively interpreted to justify payment while the promised miracles encourage giving thoughtlessly. Just give!
People are told they will secure executive positions if they give generously—even without requisite qualifications. Others surrender their entire salaries as ‘seed’, believing it will return multiplied a hundredfold.
Many more believe they can get rich simply by typing “amen” or “I receive” on a prophet’s social media post. Others trust that expensive products sold by these prophets will transform lives.
But why do the givers not pause and think? Can wealth really be unlocked by typing ‘amen’ on social media, even when the Bible these prophets use teaches of no reward without effort?
Can the so-called seed money genuinely multiply?
If these strategies are so effective, why do the same prophets invest heavily in businesses such as farming?
Why do they rely on practical economic activities rather than the prayers and shortcuts they prescribe for the faithful?
How can they guide others to prosperity through methods they themselves do not use?
Faith is not a problem nor a foe, but what is troubling is the loss of critical thought. Do not mistake blind acceptance that comes at a cost for faith.
Ask yourself basic questions: Who funds prophet’s lavish lifestyles? What gain comes from buying expensive items in the name of spiritual anointing? Does God truly need the offering the prophet asks you to give in His name? Or the prophet needs it for himself and his family?
If prophecy is a divine calling, why do the prophets’ spouses often become prophets only after marriage? These are not questions of disbelief, but of accountability and critical thought.
Do you get the miracles you pay for? Who is really profiting?
