Many receive deliverance at Pastor Irene's crusade

MARANYANE NGWANAAMOTHO
Staff Writer | Tuesday August 3, 2010 00:00

It all started on Friday afternoon when popular South African television pastor, Irene Setshifiwa opened the three-day crusade at Tsholofelo Park in Gaborone.

Thousands of people from Gaborone and its environs had gathered to receive their own breakthroughs and witness miracles that took place as the pastor spoke deliverance in to people's lives. 

On Saturday morning, people started streaming into the park in large numbers with hope of having a glimpse of the pastor, who is well known for performing miracles, where people vomit substances that are sometimes unknown, snakes, moved like snakes, makes strange sounds and movements as the spirit of God takes control of their lives. 

Pastor Irene took to the podium where she asked all people who 'know they are possessed by evil spirits, and carry objects of the kingdom of darkness to come to the front'. On several occasions she asked them if they understood what she was saying.  'Did you hear me? I said if you are aware that you have been used by the devil, and are possessed by evil spirits, come forward and receive your deliverance,' she said.  

It was unbelievable that hundreds of people, young and old, moved to the front claiming to have been used by the devil.  In a moment, the pastor started praying, breaking chains of the devil.  'I say in the name of the Lord Jesus be free,' she shouted. That is when 'demons' started manifesting themselves in different ways among those who had moved to the front, even those who had stayed back. 

Among those who had claimed to be used by the demons was a young woman from Ramotswa who claimed to have been the 'queen in the kingdom of darkness.'  The young slim young woman, who looked to be less than 20 years, said that she has been working for the devil and specialised in causing accidents.  'When I want to kill you, I just put my eyes on you and I know that it is your end,' she said.  She claims to have had seven powers before she lost two.  She also has five spirits, which she relies on to do her works. 

There was also a gentleman who had a horn in his hand, which looked like a goat's horn.  He claimed that he got it from a certain pastor from a church he visited, who told him that the horn would protect him and help him prosper in everything he does. 

Another young woman, who hails from Zimbabwe, claimed to have lived a tormented life and therefore wanted to meet Pastor Irene for assistance.  'I was raped by my stepfather and hid three young brothers for a long time.  This happened after my mother passed away.  I ran to Botswana and I have stayed here since 2008.  I now have worms in my stomach, which keep coming out of my anus.  I have never known peace and don't have a place to call home,' she sobbed.

Among others people handed sticks, horns and small containers, which they said they had been using for the devil.  Prayer for deliverance, with the gathering shouting 'fire' for those who had manifestations carried on for hours while they rolled on the ground, shouting and others vomiting.  'This is the fire of God at work in your lives.  God is repossessing your lives and you queen, you are going to lose all your powers today,' said the pastor to the loud laughter of the audience. 

This is not the first time that Pastor Irene has come to Botswana.  Apostle Francis Sakufiwa of New Season Ministries in Gaborone said that Pastor Irene would now be coming to Botswana more often after realising that the event was more than what they had expected.  'We are targeting Ramotswa, Mochudi, Molepolole, Kanye and Maun,' he said.  Again, he said that interviews with Pastor Irene would be aired on Botswana Television (Btv) this week.  'Interviews with the pastor will be on television throughout the week.  Recordings have already been made,' he said.

The event was graced by the queen of gospel Tebogo Sethomo (Tebbie) and gospel star Joel Keitumele.  Meanwhile, Pastor T.B. Joshua of Nigeria, gave a courtesy call on Saturday afternoon to the masses of people who had gathered at Maharaja Conference Centre in Gaborone to bless them. He prayed for them, and 'led the gathering through the service' just over the phone.  Loago Raditedu of Restorer FM in Gaborone had organised the event, in which people who have been to Nigeria to meet the pastor gave testimonies after using the 'anointing water.' People also got anointing from the special water, which Raditedu administered on them.    Again, the old, the young and the sick had gathered with the hope of receiving their miracles.