Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder of Salvation Ministries has drawn public attention after stating that he can afford a private jet, using the claim to emphasise his teachings on giving.
He made the remarks during a sermon in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he addressed the link between generosity and financial wellbeing as reported by PM News.
Giving and Financial Growth
According to the cleric, giving does not lead to poverty. He argued that unwillingness to give is often the real reason behind financial struggles.
“Please don’t tie down your destiny with stinginess. Giving does not make people poor, never. If giving makes people poor, then I would have been poor but I can’t be poor,” he said.
He further explained that his giving is not based on having excess wealth but on his commitment to God. He added that some church members may have more cash but give less.
“We don’t give because we have more than others, we give because we love God. There are people who have physical cash in this church more than me, but they don’t give what I give,” he stated.
Preference for Church Projects
Ibiyeomie also spoke about his financial capacity, saying he could easily acquire luxury items but has chosen to focus on church development instead.
“If I want to buy a jet today in this church, I can buy a jet. All I need to do is to stop the Cathedral and I will buy jets. That Cathedral can buy jets, not a jet. I can buy jets of any kind, but I said no because the kingdom of God is the first,” he said.
He concluded by stressing his vision for a grand place of worship. He said the church should reflect excellence and even surpass what is seen in other institutions.
“Of recent I saw a traditional ruler with gold in his palace. I said nothing will make the church not to do it with gold. In this Cathedral, everywhere you turn will be gold,” he added.
