NAIROBI, Kenya - Driving home to the edge of Kibera slum, Rev. Mulandi Jackson points out a couple of impressive-looking structures that tower above the neighbouring rabble.

Bold white letters are splashed across brand-new churches proclaiming HEALINGS! and MIRACLES!

“I have seen in Nairobi whereby churches have become business,” says Jackson.

Despite obvious poverty, churches who preach the good news of “health and wealth” are multiplying in Africa and across the developing world. The message is almost too good to be true: generous giving to the church is a spiritual catalyst to material blessing. “I have seen in Nairobi whereby churches have become business,” says Jackson.

Recently a pastor of a prominent Nairobi church distributed offering envelopes promising prayer and miraculous healing for anyone who contributes a minimum of 500 K/sh (about $7 US). Worse, perhaps, than the skewed theology, these finances are funneled directly to church leaders—blessing the ‘faithful’ with a bigger home or the latest Mercedes. 

Presently Jackson pulls into his driveway, his beat-up Toyota sputtering as if relieved. Though he pastors Ngong Rd. Africa Inland Church (a major Nairobi congregation), he shares a tiny two-bedroom apartment with his sister and eight year-old daughter.

Jackson and his daughter

“I don’t believe in the prosperity gospel,” he says. “I believe the true gospel of repentance whereby people receive Jesus Christ.”

Jackson has good reason to doubt the prosperity gospel. A year and a half ago his wife died suddenly of a brain aneurism; to this day his dresser reveals books on grief.

 “There was a lot of disbelief,” he says slowly. “God you gave me a wife and after six years you just decided to take her home? There came so many questions that I asked God, but I want to assure you that none of the questions got an answer.”

But Jackson has persevered, and today Ngong Rd. is busting at the seams and planting a new church.

“So I don’t complain the way I am,” says Jackson. “But what I’ve always prayed is that God would give me daily bread…that whenever I want to go and serve him I’m able…that I’m able to educate my daughter, able to pay my rent, able to put on clothes, and meet my parents’ needs.”

“I thank God for his grace that has been sufficient for me.”¤

For more on the prosperity gospel, read this article by Rev. John Piper

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