It has always been a cause of great debate when staunch fellow-shippers are convinced by church leaders to do things that society deems rather outrageous.
People have given money they don’t have, sold their homes, and some even put themselves in situations that can never be undone.
Recently, a mammoth congregation of South African believers rushed outside into the church compound. They settled for a mouthful of grass… yes, you heard right! GRASS! This is a prime example of when a pastor makes congregation eat unconventional things.
The issue sparked a major debate. In response, the pastor named Daniel Lesego, who was responsible for the grass-eating, said that he was proving that the spirit of 'God' can control humans. He believes they can eat anything to feed their bodies.
An eye witness shared on Twitter. The tweet added that the pastor also steps on people during his ministering sessions. A fact he backed up with evidence. Instances of congregation members partaking in odd activities, such as when Pastor makes congregation eat grass, further illustrate these unusual practices.
@AH_QU_UH YOU WITNESSED THE GRASS EATING? TELL US MORE. HOW AND WHY?
— CLAYSON MONYELA (@CLAYSONMONYELA) JANUARY 8, 2014
Still don’t believe it? Well, check out the photos below of the church members happily munching away on the grass…
vibeweekly.com
Pastor Lesego Daniel, leader of Rabboni Centre Ministries in Garankuwa (near Pretoria), is reported to have instructed his congregants to eat grass. The rationale given was that doing so would bring them “closer to God.” Another instance occurred when this pastor makes congregation eat other unusual items.
The congregation allegedly laid on the grass and ate chunks of it. Some reports say some followers vomited afterward. The notion that the pastor makes congregation eat such items is astounding to many.
Other odd practices associated with him include making people drink petrol (fuel). He claims it tasted like something benign (e.g., pineapple juice) and asserts miraculous healing from these acts.
Some followers claimed benefits: one person said she regained strength in her legs after a stroke; another claimed relief of a sore throat.
Controversies, Criticism, and Skepticism
Ethical and medical concerns: Health experts and government officials criticized these practices as potentially harmful. Eating grass and ingesting substances like petrol pose risks (toxicity, digestive issues, breathing problems, etc.). Critics often wonder why a pastor makes congregation eat such hazardous materials.
People accused him of abusing religious authority and power, coercion, and misleading followers. Many said this behavior was exploitative when he makes the congregation consume odd items.
Some watchdog and regulatory bodies in South Africa (including the government’s reports) have flagged such practices as examples of “harmful religious practices.”
