Benny Hinn's latest crusade a flop
• Faith is Profitable
Evangelist Benny Hinn comments on his recent Nigerian crusade:
"Four million dollars down the drain," he shouted into the microphone from the huge rostrum.
What a fine testimony of his faith in God.
Pentecostalism is a source of ready riches for Nigerian pastors and Hinn felt sure he'd grab a healthly slice.
In an economic environment in which the majority of Nigeria's estimated 130 million population has been impoverished by unemployment, lack of basic social infrastructure and rising inflation, the church has become the last refuge for many people.
The favoured churches are the new-generation Pentecostal assemblies, that are owned and managed solely by fast-talking American-style pastors.
Rich and powerful Nigerians run after the pastors for "spiritual protection" from imaginary 'enemies' who, they are convinced, are lurking around the corner to pull them down.