Apostle Hilary Ngwa, the pastor of City of Refuge Church in Bakoko, Bonaberi, recently spoke to MMI to explain his Easter Sunday actions. He had appeared at the church service dressed in female attire, an act he stated was intended as a test of the congregation’s faith and their ability to recognise him.
According to Apostle Ngwa, this demonstration aimed to illustrate the unexpected nature of Jesus Christ’s return.
“Christ Jesus will appear in any form,” he told MMI, emphasising that “the people you see today, God can take just a minute or second to change their lives; not from men to women or women to men. Jesus will appear in any form just as he says in his word.”
He further connected his actions to scripture, stating, “He will come like a thief, so we should always be ready.”
Not the First Time
Apostle Ngwa also shared with MMI that this was not an isolated incident.
“Two years ago, I appeared as a madman in front of the church. I was begging for food and water as Christians were entering the church; many were unable to give, and some refused.” He indicated that these demonstrations are deliberate attempts to engage his congregation on a deeper level.
Reflecting on the Easter Sunday event, Apostle Ngwa highlighted the element of surprise even for his own family.
“When I left the house, my family did not know I planned something like this. When they left, the Holy Spirit told me to dress like this; even my own children did not recognise me,” he said.
He drew a parallel to biblical narratives.
“Just as when Jesus was walking with his disciples, two of them did not recognise him; the same thing happened with my own sons in the house,” he told MMI. “In church, I was telling my son to give me a shot with his phone, but he did not recognise me, so it is a strong message.”
All Humans Are God’s Image
In his conversation with MMI, Apostle Ngwa also emphasised the inherent value of all individuals.
“Every human being is created in the image of God and is a child of God, so if you allow your spirit to be open to the spirit of God, you will be able to discern who is true or who is false, and you will be able to know who is in the image of God and who is in darkness before you.”
He concluded his explanation to MMI with a direct message for his community: “So sometimes it doesn’t matter how people look; they can be shattered, dirty or mad, but they are sent by the Holy Spirit, God. My last message is, do not reject anyone on account of their physical appearance. Whether the person is dirty, shattered or what, embrace them all, as Christ loved us all.”
Examining Faith, Recognition, and Human Value
Apostle Ngwa’s explanation to MMI provides further context for his unconventional actions. His intent, as articulated, centres on making the concept of Christ’s unexpected return more tangible for his congregation. By personally embodying an unexpected appearance, he aimed to create a direct experience that mirrors the biblical descriptions of the Parousia.
His reference to his previous demonstration as a beggar, shared with MMI, indicates a consistent pedagogical approach focused on challenging perceptions and fostering empathy within his community. The Easter Sunday event, as explained to MMI, reinforces this approach, using personal experience to highlight themes of recognition and the potential for the divine to manifest in unexpected ways.
Apostle Ngwa’s emphasis on the failure of recognition, even by his own family, as relayed to MMI, directly parallels biblical accounts where even close followers of Jesus did not immediately recognise him after his resurrection. This connection to scripture, as shared with MMI, strengthens his intended message.
Furthermore, his concluding remarks to MMI highlight the Christian principle of inherent human dignity and the importance of extending compassion regardless of outward presentation. His explanation to MMI connects his actions to broader ethical teachings within Christianity.
Biblical Reflections
Apostle Ngwa’s explanation to MMI aligns with the New Testament theme of Christ’s unexpected return, as seen in Matthew 24:42-44. His experience of not being recognised echoes the disciples’ initial failure to recognise the risen Christ, as in Luke 24:13-35 and John 20:11-18.
Also, his emphasis on the inherent worth of every individual created in God’s image, as conveyed to MMI, aligns with Genesis 1:27. His call to embrace all, regardless of appearance, as explained to MMI, reflects Jesus’ teachings on love and compassion, such as in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and his interactions with marginalised individuals.
A Pastor’s Explanation Illuminates Unconventional Methods
Apostle Ngwa’s explanation sheds light on the motivations and intended message behind his unconventional Easter Sunday appearance. His actions, as articulated, serve as a practical illustration of key theological concepts and ethical principles within Christianity. By creating a direct, unexpected experience for his congregation and by drawing parallels to biblical narratives and emphasising the inherent worth of all individuals, Apostle Ngwa’s approach offers a notable example of how religious leaders can employ unconventional methods to engage their communities and convey core beliefs.
Kim Feh contributed to this report
