David Ibiyeomie, founder and pastor of Salvation Ministries in Rivers State, has cautioned Christians against spending money on Christmas clothing and other personal needs before paying their tithes.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a recent sermon, the cleric urged members of his congregation to prioritise tithing as the year draws to a close, warning that neglecting the religious obligation could expose believers to problems.
“The year is ending; don’t buy a Christmas cloth when you have not paid tithe. It’s dangerous. It’s very dangerous,” Ibiyeomie said.
To reinforce his message, the pastor recounted incidents involving vehicle tyre bursts, which he attributed to drivers who, according to him, had failed to pay their tithes.
“Within a time, I have noticed, for instance, if a ‘non-tither’ drives me, two tyres would burst. For unbelievers, it would not burst, but once you are born again, and you drive me, and you’re not a ‘tither’… it has happened in three cases with three tithers who did not pay tithe,” he said.
Ibiyeomie also recalled an alleged incident in Ibadan, where he said two tyres burst while he was travelling with a pastor’s driver.
“It happened to us even in Ibadan, I stopped and said to the driver of the pastor and said: you don’t pay tithe. He kept quiet, I said that’s why these two tyres burst,” he recounted.
The cleric warned his congregation against neglecting tithes during the festive period, suggesting that failure to fulfil the obligation could expose families to difficulties.
“All these attacks; it is not December. I am telling you this December, don’t tamper with your tithe. Otherwise, they may rush your children,” he said.
He further criticised Christians who, according to him, failed to pay the full amount of their tithes.
“Many of you are Christians; don’t pay the correct tithe. You pay as you like,” Ibiyeomie said.
His remarks came as Christians prepare for the Christmas season, when many households increase spending on clothing, food, travel and other festive activities.
