Pastor E.A. Adeboye Recounts Near-Death Experience, Urges Faithfulness

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has shared a harrowing experience from seven years ago when he nearly lost his life.

Speaking at the Special Holy Ghost Service themed Joy Unspeakable, Pastor Adeboye, who turned 83 on March 2, reflected on the incident to express gratitude for God’s grace and protection.

A Life-Threatening Ordeal

According to the revered pastor, the near-fatal incident occurred during the RCCG’s Let’s-Go-A-Fishing evangelism program. He recalled that due to the poor road conditions, he fell critically ill, marking the first time in his life he was bedridden on Christmas Day.

“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,” he revealed.

As his condition worsened, an emergency helicopter was arranged to transport him to the RCCG camp, as he was too weak to endure a road journey. However, just as the helicopter was about to take off, local miscreants attempted to block the rescue mission, damaging one of the helicopter’s windows in the process.

“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,” Pastor Adeboye recounted.

A Call for Gratitude and Consistency in Faith

Despite the ordeal, Pastor Adeboye fully recovered and remains active in ministry. Encouraging the congregation to give thanks, he declared:

“Seven years later, I am still here! Please, praise God for me—give Him glory, honor, and adoration!”

He also used the occasion to caution believers against living a double life, urging them to maintain unwavering faith both inside and outside the church.

“This is my advice to you: do not sell your salvation. Stop living a double life—one way in church and another way outside. Be consistent in your faith.”

A Legacy of Faith and Growth

The Special Holy Ghost Service marks its 39th anniversary this year, impacting millions worldwide.

Born on March 2, 1942, in Ifewara, Osun State, Pastor Adeboye joined RCCG in 1973 as an interpreter for the church’s founder, Pa Josiah Akindayomi. After Akindayomi’s passing in 1981, Adeboye succeeded him as General Overseer, leading the church to unprecedented global expansion.