This archive report was first published on 18 November 2019.
Joseph Hellon's Finger of God Church: A Look into the Ministry ¶
When Kenyans first heard of Joseph Hellon's Finger of God Church in 2010, reactions were mixed. Some thought it was perverse, while others were excited due to the scandal that led to its moment in the limelight.
Former KTN news anchor Esther Arunga, a cousin of Hellon's, had resigned from her job to focus her energies on the church and pursue a career in politics as Hellon's presidential running mate under the Placenta Party.
However, in February 2010, Hellon was arrested on charges of operating an illegal society, only to be released a week later, after the case was thrown out for lack of evidence.
According to an interview with Jeff Koinange on K24 shortly after his release, Hellon dismissed claims that Finger of God was a cult.
"A cult means that it is an esoteric organisation, or a hidden or secret organisation. Finger of God has been holding meetings publicly," he said.
He also stated that the church was registered in 2007, after rigorous vetting by the Criminal Investigations Department over the course of five years.
However, following the scandal around Finger of God, Hellon changed the name of the church to Kingdom Embassy International in March 2019.
Today, the church is part of a larger group called Christlove Ministries International, led by a US-based Nigerian preacher, Apostle Dr Charles Ndifon, a self-proclaimed "pastor of pastors".
The church congregates at the Kenya School of Law, Gate C, from 9am on Sundays, with a service that includes personal prayer, praise and worship, and a sermon.
During the service, Hellon asked the congregants to bring their dead during an event to be held from December 12-15, which will be presided by Apostle Ndifon, assuring them that they will be resurrected.
"If you know somebody in your family who has sickness — diabetes, cancer, cataracts, the lame, blind, even the dead — bring them. Okay?" he said.
He then narrated the story of a resurrection he claims he witnessed while ministering in Uganda last year.
He also emphasized the importance of praying in tongues, stating that it is a way to become a successful person and to receive the anointing of the power of the Holy Spirit.
He informed the congregation that he had "pruned" some members of the church leadership for not showing up for two services without apologizing, adding that those left behind were "faithful, available, teachable and obedient to the church".
He also warned against "apostolic tourists" who jump from church to church.
The sermon is sprinkled with biblical stories and verses, and Hellon's vast biblical knowledge and personal flair during his sermons make him a special leader to his flock.
