Prophet Bushiri rebuts Sowetan report of charging for prayers

Malawian famous prophet based in South Africa, ‘Major 1’ Shepherd Bushiri is rebutting a report in The Sowetan newspaper that he charges congregants R5 000 (about K200,00) to have one on one sessions with him.

Major 1 Prophet Bushiri in his ECG
Major 1 Prophet Bushiri in his ECG

The South African newspaper reported that Bushiri’s church, Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church is under investigation for charging such amount to its congregation to have sessions with the Malawian prophet and is used to enrich him

But the church issued a statement made available to Nyasa Times that rejects the newspaper report as not a true reflection of the truth on the ground, but rather “uninformed and misleading” report.

Bushiri’s church said it has grown at an “alarming rate”, attracting thousands of people that come to the Republic of South Africa, every two weeks on the “International Visitors” ticket.

“These are the people who agree and confirm to come under the care and supervision of the church. They are required to pay a fee of R5, 000 that caters for their accommodation, meals and transportation, to and from the hotel and church respectively, for the period of 3 days.

“The prophet has nothing to do with this arrangement as he is only concerned with preaching the gospel to them and making his anointing work in their lives. All pre-arrangements of the international visitors are done by an independent body chosen by the church,” reads the statement issued by Kelvin Sulugwe, Public Relations Officer for Prophet Shepherd Bushiri Ministries.

“History has taught us of unfortunate events that have at times led to the loss of lives of innocent people seeking God’s intervention in their lives. Having the mentioned thought in mind, it is part of the church’s policy and safety strategy to put the international visitors together, on one place, a case that helps the church to closely monitor their affairs and also observe punctuality of all the services conducted at ECG within their visitation period.

“We urge our friends in the media to refrain from reporting stories with inadequate facts, but rather strive to give well informed and accurate information to avoid misleading the general public.”

The Church said its Pretoria branch has a membership of over 30,000 people that come to attend weekly services.

“No one has ever been asked to pay a fee to meet the prophet during all our weekly services. International visitors receive special treatment because most of them are people who visit South Africa for the first time and they become a responsibility of the church the moment they come in the country for prayers,” the statement reads.

ECG stressed that Prophet Bushiri meets every person, irrespective of their colour, age, gender and nationality.

“He is a father that has helped, and continues to help people who come to attend church services without any fee attached.”

The church said the Prophet personally urges its members to restrain from engaging in verbal wars with “people who do not believe in his leadership and anointing.”

“On November 9, 2015 during the Diplomatic Service, our prophet, Major 1 prophesied of moments like these when he hosted the teaching Life and Battles in which he said: ‘The devil has a way of attacking your time. He brings wrong battles into your life. You spend time fighting your friends, relatives, bosses at work and so many other unnecessary battles and your focus is taken away from fighting the real battles of your life to make you succeed, battles to make you have a stable home, battles to make you get educated and battles to uplift your spiritual life.

“In the bible, David heard of Goliath and the reward that awaited anyone who would kill the giant. He went to the battle field and challenged the king to let him fight Goliath. His brothers and other soldiers belittled him and tried to discourage him. The devil was playing with David’s time. David had a discerning spirit. He knew his battle was against Goliath and not his brothers hence he let them talk while he prepared for the real battle ahead. Stop fighting battles that have no rewards. Avoid battles that divert you from the important battles of your life and God. Fight for a prize, not pride.”

The church said the reports are “simply tactics used by the devil” to take their focus away from the main battle, which is to lead more souls to Christ.

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92 replies on “Prophet Bushiri rebuts Sowetan report of charging for prayers”

  1. I love man of God, Major One. He is the man of God who loves people. I will always follow him as he preach the word of God without compromised. He is really bleasedme and am not ashamed to talk about as am receiving my blessing daily. Make a booking at Protea Hotel for three nights on weekend. Is gonna be more than R5000.

  2. In our country we don’t see the people who called by god to minister to us.south africa arise and see the glory of god through the pastors,prophet,evangelist ect.our country will live in peace and jesus will bless our country.let stop speakin bad things about our man of god because the god they serve is a consuming fire.let stop to be against gospel.I didn’t ever see a pastor searching someone and take money.WHY PEOPLE THEY ARE CONCERN WHEN A MAN OF GOD PROSPERING???

  3. Jelousy will kill u ppl,Prophet Bushiri is a man of God whether you like it or not,even if we pay for seeing him so WHAT?mind ur own business and leave us who believe alone.Those who comes from Malawi and talk nonsense about my Proohet I know why,He grew up there and u r jelous of him he was born a prophet and he will die a prophet MAJOR ONE IYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.
    I LOVE HIM SO MUCH

  4. People wake up please why do you even call this man MAN OF GOD is he the only man of GOD are you not man of GOD yourself thi guy started his preaching in Mzuzu and its where am coming from and every time I wonder why has he left Mzuzu and now he is here in RSA I left my country because I was looking for green pastures what about him did he left because of those girls he impregnated or is because the people of Mzuzu now are all righousness wake up people Jesus himself he did everything these people are doing yet he did not want the area to know that he has heal someone am talking about the area yet these bushiris they want the world to know because if you don’t advertise your bussiness you will never get rich and indeed for every one who knew him he was a poor guy but now he must be in top ten of Malawi richest people but the day will come he will the first to be whipped he is a fake ask JESUS CHRIST he will tell you don’t ever trust anyone on this world we are all sinners that’s why JESUS himself died for us so he is the only one who loves us with his whole HEART yet people are thes nonses of bushiris am not even sure if its BUSHIRI or BULLSHIT GOD BLESS YOU ALL

  5. I attended ECG church on one Friday. The prophet prayed for me but I did not pay anything for it. He does not charge for prayers or prophesies. He is a true man of God and loves people dearly. God blessed us in South Africa by bringing such a great prophet.

  6. Kkkkkkkk so what ?Major this Major that what r u profiting ma brothers & sisters can someone make me understand these pipo.oky if what his doing is wrong then u go in the field & correct thing u see r bad so that we can see what type of manman of God u can b .Remember u can’t seat on something which is alive, if Major 1 is having Jesus am telling u u well never stop him if the opposite is true u can stop him. Let us wait & see ur ending!!Go deeper papa oh!!!!!!

  7. Can some one help me pls??? Hotel details and contact numbers.I want to come to RSA ECG Church from Europe. Left a mgs out there and no seem to take notice. Brothers and sisters in christ, ned your help!!!

  8. I have been a special guest of prophet Bushiri’s ministry last week and i have been so blessed to attend the ministry as i was looking for my own miracles and blessings from the Man of God , Major 1. I paid the amount of R 5000 that included my accommodation in 5 stars hotel , foods , transports and gifts from the Man of God, I stayed for 3 days in Pretoria. Why people are so frustrated about it ? Do not touch the anointed Man of God…..Be careful as you will bring curses upon your life if you continue to gossip and spread rumours about any Men of God. Remain blessed.

  9. blah blah bla. Worship prophet bushiri and his water in a bottle. for get jesus. after all jesus didnt walk in the air assisted by a man. did jesus prophecy on an ipad but yeah bushiri is the one. true prophet of god in fact he knows when you will die how and why and he will be there to resurrect you. so then leave him to charge the prayers for his lining of his crusty ass and dumb followers. his time will come

  10. The problem is not money nor the prophet, the issue is people are fighting what is insede Major 1, darkness and light work untigonistically.

  11. Our Major 1 keep on doing your job, you are GOD send, don’t be discourage with people who does’ nt know GOD. Weare Blessed to have you here in South Africa. May the Almighty keep on blessing you as you blessed us !!!! Praise the LORD !!!!

  12. This money is for bookings and transportation. If you are not happy please keep quite and go and pay cows to your witchdoctors.
    Deliver us Major 1 we love you…. Eyeeeeeee

  13. hi prophet , i must say that ever since i watch prophetic channel on tv im bless and my wife was the as Internationa visites, we still need you to pray for us, for a ”’ brakethrue you my mager one the thrue prophet.

    thank you .

  14. Fight the good fight of faith.Dont intertain any negative attitude.Keep focused .Jesus should be the subject today.Ndapita ine.

  15. I hope your Papa has his house (church) in order with regards to “submission of returns to South African Revenue Services”. If you start flashing cars, houses & planes remember here in South Africa you are inviting SARs to have attention on you. And that’s what you (so called Major 1) have just done. Good luck, akumvetsa kutentha anyamata a SARs!

  16. There are alot of prophets in this world,as for us we have chosen Shepherd Bushiri and you are free to chose your own amoung them whom you think is a true prophet.If you cant then keep quite

  17. This money is used to do booking at the hotels for 3days including food and hospitality. I guess you guys must go do your research and stop posting nonesense in public. That money is even little…. #handsoff_from_my_father….. Major 1 forever we love him so dearly

  18. Please, people of God Can some one help me with some information. I would like to come and visit the ECG Church this month or early next month. I need the names and phone numbers or email address to the hotels where international visitors stay.I have never been to RSA Pretoria so Iam kind of lost. Do I need to get a invitation letter from ECG Pretoria before I travel and which airport do I fly in to? Some one from international visitor who have been there already please set some light on this. Airport pick ups and drop offs,which hotels plus their contacts.. I would really appreciate any help. Do we pay this R5000.00 up front at the hotel where we will lodge or do we pay through any bank account before we travel?.. I will in from Europe.. With Kind Regards and looking fwd to have fellowship together with everyone there who want their life’s to be change for ever…SM

  19. In our family we relax……when good things are happening journalists don’t go around spreading de good news…its true dat Major one said bad news travel faster than good news!!

  20. Major1 is already a multi billionaire in USD from his oil wells and gold mines, and does not need paltry R5000. Considering that international visitors are accommodated in most posh hotels in South Africa, some charging close to R3500 for 3 days, transportation to and fro church, first class food, insurance contigencies then R5000 charged is even a loss to the church. Major1’s overriding interest is to spiritually help win souls among international visitors who flock into SA to see him to tap into his anointing. SA appreciates the boost in the tourism industry owing to these visits because of Major1. The GOD OF MAJOR1 IS IN CONTROL! Long live Major1.

  21. I love and support Major 1 100% but let him find other ways of generating income.Doesn’t he know that the R5000 is barring the poor masses from getting spritual healing from him.? Did Jesus charge people?

  22. I don’t care who says what about prophet Bushiri God send him to save us…i love him so much…his doing miracles go deeper papa…major1 people always have something to say.

  23. We dont follow what the world is saying because some people need deliverence.I believe that Major one is the man of God.People of the world no one is forcing you to go to ECG if u dont believe is up to you maybe u are serving the spirit of darkness who knows coz if not so i dont see the good reason u a aftr the man of God.,Jesus said dat if u follow my way ull do more dan what i did..iyeee major 1 is de real prophet dats why the devil is complaining.

  24. Sowetan, why don’t you go and get correct information from the hotels that are accommodating papa’s visitors every second week. Burgers Park hotel, Protea, Manhattan and Holiday Inn, quantify the amount of business you are getting from ECG visitors. You cannot be mum in the face of such accusations against your major customer.

  25. Sometime like this don’t shake my family . My father have done alot in my life . When I came to ECG last year , he showed me the light and am free . In our family we relax and sleep in the storm because God is in control . Major shepherds Bushuri was called by God so the battle is with the Lord . No body will bring major sherpend Bushuri down . Trust me have seen many thing in my church that have shown me that God can do anything.

  26. In our family we don’t stress God of major is powerful God will deal with this God of wonders we love u papa

  27. Even Jesus was prosecuted for being the child of God. In our family we are not phased by such we belong to the greater…..God lives here… receive your miracle!

  28. I have attend a prayer service from 2/10 / 2015 -4 /10 / 2015 i’m from England I was sitting in ViP seat, the money I pay it was for accommodation, transport and foods for 3 days.the prophet bushiri Shepherd major 1 never force anyone to pay anything so people must stop that nosense. Prophet major 1 the devil is a liar I specially will keep on pray for you, your family and the ministry because God broght you in South Africa to deliver his children who satan captivite in his hands but he fail already. Be bless we love you may the Lord take you in another level of his power to confuse them amen.

  29. Nyasa times why worry if you are corncened can you Nyasa times pay for everyone who want to go alover the world to go and see the man of God of their choice?,Stop attaching our Prophet we know that Malawians many of you don’t believe in Major 1 but we believe so stop yuor nonsence they are many stories taking place around the world focus on that and give my Prophet some space.

  30. Kaya zanu izo. I found my salvation abd got reconciled with God, through no any other name but the name of Jesus Christ. Name above all names! !

  31. Papa we Love you and thank God you are strong spiritually may God hold you and give you wisdom in these trying times and we are praying for you.Peace be with you which surpasses all human understanding

  32. A prophet is a messenger with a specific message from God to specific groups or races usually alerting them of what will happen in the future if present behavior does not change. I don’t think it matters to God if New Zealand or Australia wins rugby. Come on Nyasas stop acting like stupidity was a virtue in itself!

  33. Papa u go ,can i prophesy? we say prophesy, go deeper,google, we love u major1. continue with the wek of the LORD IYEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

  34. Whether it is true or not,just wait for the outcome of the probe.Another important issue is that you Bushiri followers are turning a blind eye and a dead ear to Bushiri’s prophesy on 2015 Rugby world cup final winners.Tell us now!You are just too pathetic and shameful!

  35. i have been there, and if you can go there yourself you will see that 5000 is peanuts, its only for the accommodation and breakfast, not transport and food, hei man that is too little, man when I was there Papa maid me to sleep in a 5 star hotel for the first time in my life…..#chill#

  36. Biblical models such as Elisha the prophet, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, Peter the apostle whose shadow healed the sick and Paul the apostle whose handkerships had miraculous healing and deliverance of God’ anointing by the Holy Spirit stayed clear of money. Only Gehazi who became leprous, Judas Iscariot who hanged himself and Simon the sorcerer had the gall of bitterness and bound in iniquity had appetite for money. In the kingdom of God the anointing takes priority whereas in the kingdom of the devil money (possessions) is priority. That is why the models never preached for material (money) gains but for the Glory of the Lord that souls must be saved. Healings and miracles were evidence of God’s presence and there were monetary transactions. In Matthew 10 verse 8 Jesus said freely we have received and freely we give. Noone was charged for meeting a man of God or for he miracles.Only Jesus paid by his crucifictioon. Hopefully the 30,000 souls were a result of evangelism and they are being discipled to make it to heaven.

  37. We will pay even if its million its our money we will do what ever we want to do, we are the one who need help from God so stop talking nonsense.

  38. People always pay a lot of money when they go to witchdoctors Bt if the money is going to a house of God they complain and speaks bad about men of God.The devil is using people to destroy those who are weak spiritual. In are family we don’t stress coz we know that God is in control iyeeeee

  39. We love you papa no matter what you since you came to South Africa my spiritual life has grown I thank God for you

  40. What are they refuting? they say we dont charge but we demand 5000rand from international visitors? koba uku in the name of the mignty Jesus amd Almighty God

  41. ECG charges R5000.00 right per person to meet papa Shepard Bushiri one on one.
    If I have to ask you do you know what is it catered for in this R5000.00 let’s look at it before we go all crazy about it. It look a lot yes. But take your calculator let’s do some maths.

    1 you get airport transfer from OR Tambo to Pretoria on the day of arrival (calculate that in your cheapest private hired transport)
    2 Takes you back in time so you don’t get late. Of the day of your departure.(calculate that in your cheapest private hired transport)
    3 You live in 5 Star hotel for the next 3 days.(calculate that in your cheapest in your 5 star hotel in the central cit)
    6 You get 3 bufair meals a day including snacks and drinks in between meals. (calculate )
    7 after you have calculated all that please post it so that every one can also see on your comments.
    As of my calculations R5000.00 I really do see it as to enrich Papa shepherd Bushiri but for them to pay for they own and get spiritual enriched for they lives.
    8 I have never seen Papa shepherd Bushiri asking people to pay him or asking for money from the congregations for the work he does.
    Most of the time he does not even take tith, offering, nor seed. And I remember congratulations have to shout out for offering to be given and he’s said no.

    The media have nothing write or to say. This is ECG Enlightened Christian Gathering
    We are in enlightened we are Christians and we are gathering more and more.
    Stay blessed God Loves papa shepard Bushiri God Loves you. But God Loves me more. Iyeee Power

  42. Its a pity because major one is the one who is giving people money lyk nobody’s business. Eyeeeeee in our family we relax

  43. Most of the people who are complaining about this R5000 they don’t have money and you can’t expect Man of God to pay for Ur accommodation and transport. Is not a problem not to have money U can still come to church just like any other person, or watch prophetic channel, Man of God will locate U wherever U are. God touches everybody who opens his/her heart no matter where that person is.

  44. In our family we relax and stretch our boundaries. This battle is for the Lord Jesus. Daniel 12:10 all those who are against our Father Major 1 may God Almighty open your eyes and see where your prosperity lies. Iyeeeeeee!

  45. Not my prophet, my granpa major 1. To all major 1z haters, let the man of God be, if God didn’t give u that gift, you can never have it, do u know how many people’s lives he has changed, restored, healed, miracles he has performed?
    Prophecy major 1, more power, annoiting and grace. Major 1, do something. Power

  46. You may say wat u want but know this touch not my Anointed….do the congregates stay on the grass , who pays electric bills, people jst need to sometimes worry about the things that concerns them

    You worry about our Papa cos u love him u so obsessed

  47. I just want to say that i have been in a one on one season with the man of God major 1 and i must say that the money we payed it is not for him if u eat and drink there and the five star hotel you stay in who do u think pays for that the man of God do not need our money we need the man of God do for the media i just want to say in our family we do t stress we relax the man of God does not have to fight u God shall fight his battles for him papa i pray for u and i bless u

  48. No one has been held at gunpoint to go and attend Bushiri’s sermons. Everyone is at liberty to or not to go to ECG. No one is forced. Charge or no charge, why the fuss? People have chosen to go there at their own volition. Haven’t the majority of you paid hefty sums at hospitals and clinics for medical treatment but remained unhealed or incurred? ….and have remained silent? I mean no fuss about it.

  49. Major1 is here to win souls,who ever came up with this news reports.is just used by the devil how can you say such things of a choosen Servant in our family We leave our battles unto the father and Angels to fight for us stay blessed while God built a him biggie and bigger love my papa so much and thank you Lord for major1 🙂

  50. people are paying for their own accommodation and transport. is there anything wrong with that? do u really expect papa to pay for their safety. people stop chasing a shadow. we love our spiritual father and if dont like what he is doing keep your thoughts.

  51. We know you Pap and the heavenly Father,things like this we don’t stress about it,Surely the Lord said in the book of Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord does nothing but reveals his secrests to his Servants the Prophets. You are the choosen one My Papa the more they talk the more God will lift you up we still love you and more.

  52. I’m a member of Enlightened Christian Gathering Church and not once have I ever been asked to pay R5000 to see the man of GOD. Actually that R5000 is paid by international visitors and it caters for their transportation,accommodation and meals. It has got nothing to do with seeing the man of GOD. If we had to pay to see him then I’m sure everyone in church would be broke by now.

  53. Prophet Bushiri, I am not in a position to judge you because I am a sinner and I am not God. The message about focusing on relevant battles, if you really gave it, has touched my heart. I admire your ability to make people feel good about themselves. I have seen people without hope, in a lot of pain and who are in a lot of pain being made to feel hopeful and beginning to look forward to their life with happiness. What baffles me is, you are not hurting anyone but bringing this good in people’s lives, why are people constantly saying bad things about you? Please Prophet, continue doing good. And please pray for me so that to find a good wife.

  54. let those who know nothing about this annointing blubber what they know not…..What is R5000?? really??? in our family we dont speak of change but money;” wealth.”….. let them waste their time trying to analyse and cook up lies about our Father…. one thing i know about him; he is not moved!!!!! why ?,because he is a busy man of God…Arguing and defending himself over R5000; NAH not my father…..

    PS: YOU PEOPLE WRITING FAULSE ARTICLES: COME TO ECG AND YOUR LIVES WILL NEVER BE THE SAME….. SHALOM….

  55. Iv been an international visitor several times there and one thing that I can tell you is that we sleep at very expensive hotels and eat proper food,not to mention our transportation. All in all I still think we pay a small amount of money based on the treatment we get,the food we eat and the expensive hotels we sleep at. There’s no way the man of GOD can be making money out of that.it’s impossible.

  56. In our family we relax we don’t stress, we don’t have time to fight battles without a reward. Papa we really Love U and we appreciate what you are doing. There’s a great revival in Africa through U. May God continue using U.

  57. We don’t fight fake battles, we are focused on winning souls, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of Earth. And does it really concern you because we are using our own money?. By visiting the prophet as an international visitor my life has changed. Thank you Major One

  58. I am an occasional church goer (not to Bushiri’s church though) as I believe there is a higher power who is always in control of my life. I also believe a person has the right to choose what or who they want to follow as their spiritual, financial or life coach or guru or any other guru for different areas in their lives.

    Now if someone finds it worthwhile paying the R5,000.00 for a one-on-one session with Prophet Bushiri it is THEIR CHOICE, THEIR MONEY. I doubt if they least care what you or I do with our money. Everyone spends their money on what they deem valuable.

    Churches are ‘non-profit’ organizations in most countries, which means they do not have to pay tax. So, I will not agree with one of the comments where the person says it’s tax evasion and money laundering. How do you evade taxes when you are not even meant to pay tax?

    Anyway, the brother (Bushiri) gotta eat right? So, what’s the fuss all about? We all gotta eat right? We all, at the end of the day, do what we gotta do!!!

  59. all this allegations are true, those who are commenting in favour of Bushiri are extremely wicked creatures indeed, my landlord who happened to introduce me to this ministry is crying everyday just have this 5000 to meet the prophet one on one, every1 here in South Africa who has wanted to meet this so called man of God is a witness to this, a warning to you who always want to perfect bushiri even in his errors watch out your time will be up soon, everything will be @ the open!

  60. Muyamba bwanji kusesa panja musanasese mnyumba? Skeffa Ameneyotu. Nanga church ku South Africa ( TEBA ya church)? Nanga tindalamatu tiripo kumeneko!

  61. No wonder Africa is the least developed continent. It’s people are so superstitious that they hardly discover empirical ways of making life better. Just look at the front row of the faithfuls. They look very captivated.

  62. We the ones who knw u papa we r not shaken be relax coz God is in control!!!!!!!!! Go deeper man of God eeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!

  63. You are quoting David fighting Goliath.
    Did anyone paid K200,000 to David to fight Golisth?
    Mbava iyi, I smell money laundering apa, Tax evasion and what are view.

  64. when people are desperate, they can do anything to find a solution to their problems. I strongly believe that each one of us has a personal connection to God.

    God loves us all equally so. I just think that there is no short cuts to life. If there was a short cut to life then almost everybody would have been leading a comfortable life.

    Sometimes we tend to lose our properly socialised and civilised nature. we fail to demonstrate our obvious common sense of reality and start believing in things that don’t exist. We need to gain an understanding of mankind’s natural character. we sometimes tend to lose our insightful brilliance and start believing that some people have spiritual super powers.

    We just have to have an understanding that we are all exposed to temptations to commit sins. However, it only requires a constant resistance through out intellect, mysticism and spiritualism. Obey and ask God yourself – He gives.

  65. But Bushiri prophesied that Australia is going to win the Rugby World Cup. However Newzealand won. This is what the prophet should explain

  66. I am not surprised at all, there must be some truth in the accusation. Remember pipo were told to pay for a face to face meeting with him at BICC one time, and that was before he migrated to RSA. This shouldn’t come as a shock.

  67. Saying more sht each n’ every day
    Mama need a house
    Bae need some shoes
    Guess wat ama do
    Hussle
    Hussle
    Hussle
    HARD….In the house of the Lord!

  68. I go to ECG on friday night, monday night and sundays but have never heard or seen anything of this sort. Indeed everything close to Jesus receives attack. Major 1, will never be shaken in Jesus Name.

  69. Indeed we have to fight for prize not pride. Devil is a liar and hates light. We are with you Major 1, come rain or sunshine! Let the devil speak thru these newspapers BUT none of our hairs will be lost.

    Amen

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