Apostle Johnson Suleman, Senior Pastor of Omega Fire Ministries International, has disclosed that one of the church’s branches in South Africa was destroyed by fire under suspicious circumstances, raising concerns about possible sabotage. The incident occurred overnight, leaving the church building completely gutted, with no evidence of theft or salvage of items. Suleman revealed the news during a recent church service, expressing deep emotional distress over the loss but affirming his faith in divine purpose. He emphasized that the building was purchased after nearly a decade of ministry operations in the country, with approximately 90% of the funds coming from his personal resources.
The church had been actively serving the South African community for 8 to 9 years before deciding to acquire a permanent place of worship. After securing the building, it became the central hub for church activities, including worship, fellowship, and children’s programs. However, the sudden fire destroyed everything inside, including chairs, sound systems, documents, and the dedicated children’s section. According to Suleman, nothing was removed from the premises, suggesting the fire was deliberately set to ensure total destruction.
He pointed out that the surveillance cameras failed to capture any footage of the incident, indicating that the perpetrator likely had insider knowledge of the security system. “They did it overnight. The CCTV camera could not pick the person. It was the job of an insider who knew where the cameras were,” he said during the service. The pastor described the emotional toll, admitting he was “broken” by the loss, but he chose to respond with gratitude, saying, “The Lord said to me, thank me. I went to my knees, and thanked God for everything.”
Despite members’ anger and some young South Africans threatening retaliation, Suleman urged calm and trust in God’s plan. He shared that the church had been actively searching for a rental property just days before the fire, and he had instructed them to secure a new location immediately. “That Saturday morning, they went in search of a building to rent, they called me to say they have seen, and I said pay for three months and move in there,” he recalled. He interpreted the incident as a divine redirection, quoting scripture: “What the enemy meant for evil, I will change it.”
The destruction of the church building has sparked renewed discussions about security and safety for Nigerian-led religious institutions abroad. As Omega Fire Ministries continues to regroup, the incident underscores the challenges faced by transnational churches in foreign territories. Suleman’s response, rooted in faith and resilience, sets a tone for recovery and reestablishment in South Africa.
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