A clergy at Assemblies of God Church (AGC) and former aide of Governor Hope Uzodimma on Religious Affairs, Rev. CNN Nwanebu has narrated how he made his first $1m after his landlord ejected him as a young evangelist because he could not pay his rent.
The clergy shared the experience while admonishing a congregation at the AGC International Worship Centre in Gwarimpa, Abuja.
Nwanebu who spoke on the theme, ‘Grace for Speed’ explained the need for Nigerians to be focused and never give up particularly when they face difficulties.
The clergy cited instances of why it is wrong for anyone to give up adding he was once ejected by his landlord, an action that left him, his wife and three-month-old child stranded in Nekede, Imo State.
The preacher who recalled a Biblical account in John Chapter 5 regarding the ‘man at the pool of Bethesda’ also harped on humility, hard work and faith as recipe for success.
Narrating his experience, Nwanebu said, “Those of you who want to be poor forever, it is your business. Every human being must be rich in order to enjoy this life. You may not understand or agree. I have tried poverty and I have tried riches, none of them stopped me from worshiping God.
“When I was poor, I was even struggling to worship God But when I was rich, I was happier. Nobody will give you any trophy for dying a poor man. About 23 years ago when I married my wife, Vivian newly, we were in one room at No. 8 Bus Stop Nekede Old Road Opposite Rokana Industries.”
He narrated that his landlord, “Threw away our things 23 years ago and in 2007. I travelled to Canada, while in Vancouver, I was blessed. I got my first $1m and changed it to roughly N100m.”
Nwanebu said he bought a 43-room hostel at Assemblies of God Bethel Seminary in Nekede and put it for rent through his wife.
He said, “After I rented it out through my wife, the last room was reserved for that last son of the landlord who threw away our things because we could not pay rent. When he saw my wife, he told her that her face looked familiar. But so many years back, he threw our things when our only child was three-month-old.”
The preacher said they gave his former landlord’s son the house with a 50 per cent discount.
Narrating how he made his first million in Canada, the preacher said, “The day you will meet man, you will know ‘men dey’. Since 2008 when I met Elizabeth Colgate and her husband, I have not met another one.
Nwanebu said, “I prayed for her in Vancouver and she was healed of cancer and she asked me ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The question of the multi-billionaire in dollars got my head swollen and my boldness disappeared. I didn’t know that a little question could throw me off despite my boldness.
“I called my wife, Vivian to advise me because I didn’t want to make a mistake and she told me to ask Elizabeth ‘What do you have so that I can choose?’ It was that advice that has helped me in life. You need a man that God will use to help your destiny.”