New Life Church's founder, Pastor Ezekiel Odero, has amassed a considerable following due to his reputed ability to perform numerous miracles. Many consider him to be a genuine man of God.
Pastor Ezekiel Odero Age
Pastor Ezekiel Odero, is currently in his mid-forties and was born in Homabay County. However, he was raised in Kenya's coastal Kilifi County and this is the place where he established his preaching ministry.
Initially, the preacher started his professional life as a fisherman in Kisumu. Later on, he relocated to Mombasa where he worked as a bricklayer and continued his education simultaneously.
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When Did Pastor Ezekiel Gain Popularity?
Ezekiel gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 when many people were confined to their homes and turned to televangelists for spiritual guidance. His mentor, Pastor Pius Mwiru of the Maximum Miracle Center in Nairobi, has been spotted attending services with him several times.
Initially, Ezekiel used to play the violin and piano for the Repentance and Holiness ministry of Pastor David Owuor. However, he rose to prominence as a preacher himself later on. During one of his services, Pastor Ezekiel openly admitted to engaging in sexual transgressions and was once a fornicator.
Similar to Pastor Owuor, Ezekiel maintains strict dress codes for those attending his church. Furthermore, he is cautious about allowing women into his office, fearing that temptations may lead him to regress into his past behaviour.
Pastor Ezekiel Church
Ezekiel's new church estate includes hotels, international schools, and other amenities. He also offers "Holy water" to people from different denominations and social backgrounds, which is believed to have healing and protective properties. The pastor attributes his lean physique to his regular fasting.
Ezekiel studied at Mombasa Polytechnic which was later renamed the Technical University of Mombasa.
Pastor Ezekiel's Family
Ezekiel's first love passed away a few years ago, leaving him with a son, even though they were not officially married. Despite opposition from some of his family members who questioned his current wife Sarah literacy, Ezekiel went ahead to married her.
Ezekiel and Sarah, who have been married for almost 13 years, have children together and are dedicated to spreading the gospel worldwide and leading people to Christ. However, some of Ezekiel's family members are dissatisfied and irritated by the fact that Sarah dropped out of school in third grade and is therefore unable to speak English.
''I didn't see my wife when I looked at her in English; instead, I saw a lovely woman who can take care of a ministry. A ministry can't be managed in English!'' Ezekiel said. The man of God continued by saying that he ignored the advice of his family and married his true love nonetheless.
In order to accommodate the expanding congregation, Ezekiel moved his church from Majaoni to Mavueni in Kilifi County. There, he could construct a larger church and other facilities.
Ezekiel is one of the wealthiest pastors in Kenya, although he keeps a low profile and has never disclosed his net worth or riches. However, it is evident that he invests a significant portion of his resources in the church and spreading the gospel, as seen in the vast compound and large church he is currently constructing at Mavueni.
There are rumors that Pastor Ezekiel's new church, which is expected to accommodate over 20,000 attendees per service, will become the largest church in Africa. It is also speculated that he plans to build hotels, schools, and other facilities within the same complex