Founder of Akwa Ibom-based Power City International Church, Dr. Abel Damina has explained how Bishop Mike Okonkwo became his father in faith while also disclosing why he parted ways with Pastor Ayo Orisejafor about 10 years ago.
He made the explanation in an interview sighted online by Church Times.
In the interview, Damina who has caused some stirs because of some of his teachings in the last couple of years was answering a question on who his spiritual father is.
Responding he debunked insinuations that he is not accountable to anybody. He then stated that Bishop Mike Okonkwo who founded The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) is his spiritual father.
While explaining that he is still in a good relationship with Bishop Fred Addo who ordained him into ministry, he said, he had to part ways with Pastor Orisejafor, former President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria about 10 years ago because of what he called, the “teachings of Jesus”.
He said, “Pastor Ayo was my spiritual father when I was still preaching the prosperity gospel. And we related from 1994 till about 10 years ago.”
Damina who was a bit hesitant talking about the matter said the parting of ways between him and the former PFN president happened because of his emphasis on Jesus in his messages.
Damina said, “What happened was when my emphasis on the teachings of Jesus became much, he called me and said, well he discovered that all my teachings are about Jesus, Jesus, and I said yes. And he said, “Well he may not preach for me again and he would not invite me to preach in his church again.”
He said that was the end of his relationship with Oritsejafor. He however added that Bishop Mike Okonkwo has since taken him in as a son and that he submits to him. “I have someone who holds me accountable, who checks me. Bishop Mike Okonkwo is the person I look up to as my spiritual father.
“Many people report me to him. And he tells me that he tells them that they should not just listen to what they see on social media but that they should go and listen to my message. And when they go, they don’t come back again.”