Founder, Leader and Archbishop of Living Christ Mission Inc, His Grace, Most Rev. Professor Daddy Hezekiah has explained reasons behind his decision to establish the church.
He said he originally did not have the intention to establish a church, but simply wanted to be preaching and praying for people while they worshipped at their respective mother churches; a nonpartisan attitude.
Speaking on Sunday in Onitsha Anambra State during the 40 years anniversary thanksgiving service of his church, the Prelate however said he was compelled to open his own church after he was cunningly dribbled out from a popular orthodox church, where he was initially accepted.
He added that persisted pressures from his followers to open a church and in consideration of the fact that his followers were being punished and denied of due benefits by their parent churches left him with no other option than to establish a church.
He said, “Hence, the birth of Living Christ Mission in February 1983 at the Inland Girls’ Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra state, according to the will of God.
“Later, two plots of land were acquired at Owelle-Ebo layout, Onitsha, which used to be a dreaded habitation for criminals, ritualists and witches.
“Gradually, the church acquired more plots of land on which today, sits this great temple of God and so many imposing architectural wonders. In 1985, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registered the church as Living Christ Mission Inc.
“To the glory of God, the church, which started in a half a classroom as Hezekiah Prayer Ministry and later, Living Christ Mission in 1983, is 40 years today. We thank God for His faithfulness to us as a Church.
“The mustard seed sown in half a classroom now has a 75,000 seating capacity Temple in Onitsha, Anambra state, serving as her Administrative Headquarters, 55,000 seating capacity Temple in Nkwerre, Imo State, serving as her Spiritual Headquarters and so many other great temples at various locations harbouring the branches of the church.”
Daddy Hezekiah who doubles as Proprietor and Chancellor, Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State, recalled how he received God’s call in 1967, saying he was playing football with his peer group in front of his father’s compound when he was called by God.
While reeling out different forms of persecutions his Church suffered, the Prelate said both him and his church tasted the hot edge of persecutions and trails.
He added, “While at Inland Girls’ Secondary School, Onitsha, some students locked up their seats as a way of frustrating the fellowship. In addition, the popularity and spiritual prowess of Teacher Onukogu (Daddy Hezekiah), led some leaders of churches and the then trending Pentecostal missions into jealousy and envy.
“They individually and later collectively criticised and persecuted me and my followers. Series of baseless petitions were written against me to the state and federal governments of Nigeria.
“They alleged that I engaged in ritual killings, training secret soldiers to overthrow the then government of Late Gen. Sani Abacha, laying the foundation stone of this great Temple with over 2000 human heads amongst many others.
“In their petitions, they prayed the federal government of Nigeria to demolish this great Temple and convert the premises to a market square.
“Following these allegations, the federal government, through the Nigerian Police, conducted a discrete investigation for about six (6) months after which they declared me and the church innocent through an official letter from the Police headquarters, Abuja.
“Trials also came from within the church as some agents of darkness disguised as children of God, exposed their true characters and missions when they tried to wreak havoc in the church. To the glory of God, I and the church triumphed in all as ever.
“The church, which began in Onitsha and Nkwerre, now has branches and fellowship centres in many States of the country and across the globe.”
