Clement Ibe Facebook ad: “THOSE WHO HAVE TROUBLED THE CHURCH AND THE…”

About this ad

Meta Ad Library ID

2328314127709300

Platforms

Facebook and Instagram

Relaunches

0

Niche

Coaching & Personal Growth

How we count

Ad text

THOSE WHO HAVE TROUBLED THE CHURCH AND THE NATION Dear South Africa and Members of Bethesda Christian Centre, I wish to remind you of these spiritually blind individuals and others at large whose covert acts of spiritual insubordination, deliberate deception, and carefully orchestrated fabrications have brought untold suffering upon countless innocent souls. I firmly believe their actions were premeditated and deliberately calculated to harm my wife and l, with the ultimate objective of disrupting and destabilizing one of South Africa’s finest teaching ministries—a ministry whose profound spiritual influence, transformative teachings, and enduring impact they have evidently been unable to replicate, let alone replace. The consequences of their actions have extended far beyond Bethesda Christian Centre, bringing distress, chaos, and confusion not only to the Body of Christ but also to the nation. For those with spiritual discernment, the unfolding events reveal the magnitude of the devastation inflicted upon thousands within Bethesda Christian Centre and countless others across Africa and beyond, where our ministry exercised a profound and transformative influence. It has been over five years since these ungrateful individuals, seemingly afflicted by spiritual amnesia, turned against the very ministry whose powerful teachings helped shape them into who they are today. Rather than acknowledging the undeniable impact of the Word that transformed their lives, they rewarded my wife and l, with a litany of vicious and malicious accusations. Yet, to this day, they have failed to substantiate any allegations of financial impropriety, abuse of authority, or misuse of church resources. Indeed, their own court affidavits contain no such accusations. Instead, what emerges is a demand to expropriate properties whose acquisition, development, and the extraordinary sacrifices that made them possible they appear to know little or nothing about—all while portraying themselves as champions of good governance and accountability. What makes their conduct particularly troubling is their apparent inability to discern the work of God unfolding in their midst. Having, in my judgment, no legitimate grounds upon which to accuse us, they resorted to allegations concerning finances—ironically, the very area in which we had exercised exceptional discipline, prudence, and accountability. It was precisely this financial discipline, coupled with years of sacrifice, vision, and responsible stewardship, that enabled my wife and l, to conceive and pursue the construction of a 7,000-seat, ultramodern, multipurpose facility. Such an accomplishment remains relatively rare among black South Africans and foreign-born residents alike. It is therefore particularly disturbing that naturalized citizens who have chosen to invest their lives, resources, and ingenuity in developing their adopted nation should, in our experience, be subjected to such unwarranted reputational attacks by individuals whose conduct raises serious questions about their integrity. To sabotage such a prestigious undertaking, with consequences that deprived almost 40 South Africans of permanent employment, disrupted the livelihoods of numerous temporary contractors, and threatened the sustenance of their dependents, is a tremendous blow to the nation and to every public official genuinely committed to nation-building. Consider this: If our teachings had already produced a remarkable generation of transformed individuals, capable leaders, and entrepreneurs, what more could we have accomplished had this ministry been allowed to continue unhindered? What further contributions might we have made to South Africa’s spiritual, social, and economic development? Yet those entrusted with public authority have maintained what appears to be a deafening silence, seemingly indifferent to an injustice that has become increasingly difficult to ignore, even after these matters were brought directly to their attention. Such indifference sends a deeply troubling message: that contributing to nation-building, as my wife, Prophetess Fortuna, and I have endeavored to do, may expose one to persecution rather than protection. Many have called us fools for investing so much of our lives and resources in a vision for nation-building. But I refuse to believe that South Africa is a nation where one can labor for decades to build something of enduring value, only for an alleged syndicate to hijack what ingenuity, sacrifice, time, sweat, and blood have produced. I speak without fear or favor. Those in authority must understand that what has happened to Bethesda Christian Centre, in my judgment, sets a dangerous precedent. Many have taken note of the grave harm inflicted upon my wife and me without any justification that has been established to our satisfaction. They are watching. They are whispering behind closed doors. And the message increasingly being repeated is: “It is not worth the sacrifice.” Is this truly the slippery slope upon which our nation has chosen to descend? Why do we sabotage those whom God sends to liberate His people from spiritual blindness, only to turn around and blame, accuse, and gaslight the very people who sacrificed to serve? I have written to the President of the Republic of South Africa and reached out to the Minister of Social Development, the Director-General, and numerous other stakeholders. Yet their responses, or lack thereof, have left me deeply concerned that we are living in a time when truth can no longer be freely spoken, courageously defended, or justly upheld. These individuals dragged us into litigation, including Sam Maseko, who advanced a litany of allegations against me in his court affidavit. Yet, it worthy of note that the high court have ruled against their challenges on four occasions, with 3 punitive costs orders on the highest scale whose cumulative financial implications could run into hundreds of thousands of rand. Despite these setbacks, they have persisted in what I regard as a rebellion extending beyond ordinary human disagreement into a confrontation with both legal and spiritual authority. They have accused the judge of failing to perform her duties and threatened to appeal to the Supreme Court if the judgment is not decided in their favor. In a rare condemnation of their abuse of the courts, the judge, following their third consecutive defeat, issued a Scale C punitive costs order (attached). These are the same individuals who present themselves as champions of good governance and transparency, yet threaten a qualified and experienced judge, Judge Chabedi, while challenging the spiritual authority and divine purpose underlying the work they sought to destroy. They appear determined to wage a battle against what they cannot see or comprehend—the invisible realities of the Kingdom of God. I am reminded of the apostle Paul’s declaration concerning the exercise of spiritual judgment and responsibility within the Church: “For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed.” — 1 Corinthians 5:3 (KJV) This is a sobering reminder that spiritual responsibility does not disappear merely because those involved refuse to acknowledge the seriousness of their conduct. Concerning Sam Maseko, his application and affidavit were dismissed by the court. In my assessment, when he realized that those he had mobilized lacked a sustainable case, he sought to distance himself from the very affairs of a church in which he had participated for more than two decades. After months of proceedings, and following the filing of the relevant affidavits, he sought to introduce further testimony against us, which I regarded as an attempt to complete what he had begun by shifting responsibility and placing the blame upon my wife and l. He professed a lack of knowledge concerning the affairs of the church, notwithstanding the access he had enjoyed to its financial information whenever he wished. I regard this conduct as a grave spiritual breach of trust. Rather than acknowledging the years of spiritual investment, opportunities, and personal development he had received, he participated, in my assessment, in mobilizing members of his indigenous community against my wife and l, portraying us as the so-called foreigners who came to enslave him. The implications are deeply troubling. These individuals appear not to comprehend the magnitude of the damage they have caused. I have also raised serious allegations concerning their apparent collaboration with certain officials within the Non-Profit Organisations Directorate, whose conduct in relation to Bethesda Christian Centre, I believe, warrants thorough and independent investigation. For those with discerning eyes, the spiritual characteristics of this rebellion bear disturbing similarities to the biblical accounts of Achan, Aaron and Miriam, Korah and his company, and Ananias and Sapphira. Their conduct, as I perceive it, reflects the destructive patterns of rebellion, deception, spiritual blindness, and disregard for divine order against which Scripture repeatedly warns us. These parallels are not merely historical curiosities. They are solemn warnings to our generation. THE TROUBLE THAT ONE MAN BROUGHT UPON A NATION Consider Achan. When Israel suffered defeat at Ai, Joshua fell before the Lord, seeking to understand why a nation that had experienced extraordinary victories was suddenly suffering defeat. The Lord revealed that there was sin in the camp. When Achan’s transgression was uncovered, Joshua confronted him with these solemn words: “Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day.” — Joshua 7:25 (KJV) Notice carefully that the actions of one man brought trouble upon an entire nation. This is the spiritual parallel I see in what has happened to Bethesda Christian Centre. In my conviction, these individuals have not merely troubled a church or its founders; they have troubled the nation by participating in the destruction of a work that contributed significantly to its spiritual, social, and economic well-being. Until the underlying injustice is confronted and genuine restitution pursued, I believe its consequences will continue to cast a shadow over the land. I have addressed these matters in previous broadcasts, and I repeat my warning today: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” — 1 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV) Let no one mistake the passage of time for divine approval. WHEN REBELLION DISGUISES ITSELF AS RIGHTEOUSNESS Consider Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Their rebellion against Moses and Aaron was presented as a righteous challenge to leadership. They claimed that the entire congregation was holy and questioned why Moses and Aaron had elevated themselves above God’s people. Yet beneath their religious arguments lay rebellion against the authority God had established. — Numbers 16:1–35 Consider Miriam and Aaron, who spoke against Moses and questioned his unique calling and authority. Their objections appeared to concern legitimate matters, but Scripture reveals that God Himself intervened to address their conduct. — Numbers 12:1–15 And consider Ananias and Sapphira, who conspired to deceive the apostles while maintaining an outward appearance of devotion and generosity. Their religious participation could not conceal the dishonesty of their hearts. — Acts 5:1–11 These accounts were not recorded merely to entertain us with the failures of previous generations. The apostle Paul declared: “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” — 1 Corinthians 10:11 (KJV) These are enduring spiritual warnings, and we disregard them at our peril. THE INJUSTICE THAT OUTLIVED A KING There is another account in Scripture that the Lord has particularly impressed upon my heart concerning what has transpired at Bethesda Christian Centre and its broader implications for South Africa. In the days of King David, the Bible records that Israel experienced a famine for three consecutive years. Year after year, the nation suffered. The land endured famine, the people experienced hardship, and the underlying cause of their calamity remained unidentified. Eventually, David sought the face of the Lord. The answer he received was extraordinary: “Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.” — 2 Samuel 21:1 (KJV) Think about that for a moment. Saul was already dead. His administration had ended. A new king occupied the throne. Yet the nation was suffering the consequences of an injustice committed during a previous administration. Until David sought the Lord, the underlying cause remained unresolved. This account reveals three profound spiritual principles that the Church and the nation must never ignore. 1. UNRESOLVED INJUSTICE CAN OUTLIVE ITS PERPETRATORS Saul was dead, but the consequences of his actions had not disappeared. His reign had ended, but the injustice committed against the Gibeonites remained unresolved. A change of leadership did not erase the wrongdoing. The passage of time did not extinguish its consequences. And the departure of those responsible from their positions did not mean justice had been satisfied. There are injustices that do not disappear simply because those responsible have moved on with their lives. This is precisely why I refuse to accept the suggestion that the rebellion against Bethesda Christian Centre and the devastation that followed should simply be forgotten. Thousands of worshippers were scattered. Families were destabilized. Employees lost their livelihoods. A thriving spiritual community, built through decades of sacrifice, was subjected to extraordinary destruction. Yet some of those whom I hold responsible continue to conduct themselves as though nothing has happened. They have carried on with their religious activities, apparently without remorse, genuine repentance, or meaningful acknowledgment of the devastation left behind. But moving on is not the same as making things right. And silence does not transform injustice into righteousness. 2. RELIGIOUS OR NATIONAL ZEAL DOES NOT JUSTIFY WRONGDOING There is something particularly revealing about Saul’s actions against the Gibeonites. Scripture tells us that Saul sought to destroy them: “In his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.” — 2 Samuel 21:2 (KJV) In other words, Saul acted under the pretext of protecting the interests of his people. He believed, or at least presented himself as believing, that he was acting for Israel’s good. Yet his zeal violated the covenant Israel had previously made with the Gibeonites. His zeal did not sanctify his wrongdoing. His apparent patriotism did not justify his injustice. And his position as king did not place him above the moral obligations of the covenant. The apostle Paul spoke of those who possess: “A zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.” — Romans 10:2 (KJV) This is precisely the danger confronting the contemporary Church. Individuals can become so consumed by religious convictions, personal ambitions, grievances, and misguided zeal that they justify conduct fundamentally contrary to the character of Christ. They may persuade themselves that they are defending the Church while participating in its destruction. They may claim to protect God’s people while scattering those they profess to serve. They may even invoke God’s name to justify actions that violate righteousness, justice, mercy, and truth. But no amount of religious zeal can turn rebellion into obedience or injustice into righteousness. The Lord Jesus warned: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” — Matthew 7:15 (KJV) It is my firm conviction that the conduct of those responsible for the devastation visited upon Bethesda Christian Centre reflects this danger. What makes the situation even more troubling is that some continue to present themselves as ministers of righteousness while refusing to confront the consequences of their actions. The appearance of ministry is not evidence of divine approval. 3. RESTORATION REQUIRES CONFRONTING THE UNDERLYING WRONG When David discovered that the famine was connected to Saul’s treatment of the Gibeonites, he did not simply organize another prayer meeting and ask God to send rain. He did not dismiss the famine as an unfortunate occurrence. Neither did he pretend that the nation could move forward without addressing the injustice. David investigated the matter. He sought to understand what had happened. He summoned the Gibeonites, the people who had suffered the injustice, and asked what could be done to make amends. “Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?” — 2 Samuel 21:3 (KJV) What an extraordinary demonstration of responsible leadership! David understood that national restoration required more than religious ceremonies, declarations, and expressions of goodwill. The underlying injustice had to be confronted. Those who had been wronged had to be acknowledged. And the matter had to be addressed rather than concealed beneath the passage of time. My wife and I have been gravely harmed. I therefore state unequivocally that, in my conviction, there can be no genuine peace or righteous resolution without a public acknowledgment and retraction of the falsehoods I believe were deliberately fabricated against us. The historical account proceeds to describe severe retribution within its ancient covenantal setting. The enduring principle I draw from David’s inquiry is the necessity of truth, accountability, and the pursuit of just restoration. This is the very point I am making concerning Bethesda Christian Centre. There can be no meaningful restoration where those responsible refuse to acknowledge the destruction they have caused. There can be no genuine reconciliation where truth is deliberately suppressed. And there can be no righteous resolution where wrongdoing is normalized and those who have suffered are expected simply to accept the consequences. Restoration without truth is merely the concealment of injustice beneath the appearance of peace. A SOLEMN WARNING TO THOSE RESPONSIBLE Let me therefore speak plainly. These are the individuals whom I hold responsible for troubling the Church and the nation. Like Achan, whose actions brought trouble upon Israel, their conduct has, in my judgment, brought untold suffering upon innocent people who had nothing to do with their rebellion. Like Korah and his company, they have pursued what I regard as rebellion while clothing their actions in religious justification. And like Ananias and Sapphira, their conduct illustrates the grave danger of maintaining an appearance of godliness while refusing to confront the truth. What is particularly disturbing is the apparent absence of remorse despite the devastation that has followed. These individuals continue their religious activities, presenting themselves as servants of God, while the consequences of what I believe to be their actions remain painfully evident in the lives of those who have suffered. I regard such conduct as bearing the characteristics of the ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing against whom our Lord Jesus Christ warned. And I will not remain silent. By the apostolic authority and responsibility that I believe God has entrusted to me, I boldly call these matters into the light and continue to seek the righteous judgment of God concerning all that has transpired. My call is not for personal vengeance. It is a call for truth, repentance, accountability, justice, restitution, and restoration. For Scripture declares: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.” — 1 Peter 4:17 (KJV) And again: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” — Galatians 6:7 (KJV) Let those who imagine that time has erased their responsibility remember Saul. Let those who believe religious zeal justifies their actions remember the Gibeonites. Let those who believe spiritual leadership places them beyond accountability remember Korah, Miriam, Aaron, and Achan. Let those who conceal deception beneath an appearance of godliness remember Ananias and Sapphira. And let those who believe the Church can be restored without confronting injustice remember David. For the passage of time does not resolve an injustice that has never been confronted. South Africa must learn this lesson. The Church must learn this lesson. And those who participated in the devastation of Bethesda Christian Centre must seriously consider what these Scriptures reveal about the enduring consequences of human actions. I am reminded of Moses’ solemn declaration: “And be sure your sin will find you out.” — Numbers 32:23 (KJV) A DIRECT APPEAL TO THE GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA To the elected government of the Republic of South Africa, I say: Take heed, and do justice without delay. The allegations surrounding the devastation of Bethesda Christian Centre, including the conduct of those within public institutions whose actions or omissions have been called into question, deserve serious, transparent, and independent examination. A nation cannot genuinely promote development, entrepreneurship, social cohesion, and the rule of law while appearing indifferent to the destruction of institutions that have contributed meaningfully to those objectives. Those entrusted with public office must understand that their responsibility extends beyond administering government. They are custodians of justice, and their decisions, actions, and omissions communicate powerful messages to the nation. When those who build are left unprotected while those accused of destroying are seemingly left unaccountable, public confidence in the institutions of the state is inevitably undermined. I refuse to believe that this is the South Africa for which so many have sacrificed. And I refuse to accept that the silence of those in authority should become the final word concerning what happened to Bethesda Christian Centre. TO THE MEMBERS OF BETHESDA CHRISTIAN CENTRE Do not forget what has happened. Do not allow the passage of time to erase the memory of what God accomplished among us—the lives transformed, families restored, leaders raised, entrepreneurs developed, and sacrifices made over decades of faithful service. Remember the Word that shaped your lives. Remember the vision that brought us together. Remember the spiritual inheritance entrusted to us. Above all, continue to stand for truth and righteousness. Let no bitterness consume your hearts, but neither should the pursuit of peace become an excuse for abandoning justice. The God who calls us to forgive is the same God who commands us to walk in truth. TO THOSE RESPONSIBLE The opportunity for genuine repentance and restitution should never be despised. It is not too late to acknowledge wrongdoing. It is not too late to retract false accusations. It is not too late to confront the consequences of your actions. And it is not too late to pursue the restoration of what has been damaged. The God of justice is also the God of mercy. But mercy must never become an excuse for perpetuating injustice. Neither should forgiveness become an instrument for silencing those who have been wronged. The prophet Amos declared: “But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” — Amos 5:24 (KJV) Let righteousness prevail. Let truth be established. Let justice be done. And let those who have troubled the Church and the nation understand that the consequences of human actions cannot simply be dismissed because time has passed. GOD IS NOT MOCKED. THE PASSAGE OF TIME DOES NOT TURN UNRESOLVED INJUSTICE INTO RIGHTEOUSNESS. AND THERE CAN BE NO GENUINE RESTORATION WHERE TRUTH IS SUPPRESSED, WRONGDOING IS CONCEALED, AND THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED ARE DENIED JUSTICE. Ps Clement & Fortuna Ibe Founders, Bethesda Christian Centre