A South African pastor is facing backlash after he charged people to reportedly see God in heaven and other miracles.
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MS Budeli posted his prices on social media, offering various services beginning on December 25. According to Oddity Central, the promotion poster instructs attendees to attend his “Worship Conference” and pay various fees for his special prayer services. If an attendee wants their debt completely erased, they must pay 5,000 rands ($290), or 20,000 rands ($1,160) to see the future in a smartphone.
In addition, the pastor is charging 30,000 rands ($17,400) to beat the popular gambling game, the Aviator Game. However, social media users reacted to his prices by saying they felt sorry for the people who would be duped out of their money due to the special prayer prices.One Facebook user wrote, “People will perish because of the lack of knowledge. This one is desperate for quick riches he should be using cult powers to deceive his congregation.”
Another Facebook user said, “This one is a Charlatan and a fraudster the fear of God is far from him. This are the charlatans that reproach the name of the Lord and there days of reigning are over because God shall judge them in there number soon. Only ignorant people will pay such money.“
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However, this is not the first time that pastors have tried to scam the public into making a quick dollar from churchgoers.
Florida pastor and his son scammed $8 million in covid aid to purchase a $3.7 million Disney mansion.
Evan Edwards and his son, Joshua Edwards were charged with bank fraud and visa fraud for the PPP loan scheme. Prosecutors said the pastor submitted the application to First Home Bank for his company Asian International Ministry, a non-profit organization that provides religious services. After receiving the funds, the father-son duo allegedly used the $8.4 million to purchase the home in a Four Seasons Private Residence community.
The Department of Justice also said in a statement that the remaining funds were split among various bank accounts.
“Once the PPP loan was obtained, members of the Edwards family misused the funds by attempting to purchase a $3.7 million luxury home in the Four Seasons Private Residence community at Walt Disney World Resort. The remaining funds were transferred among multiple bank accounts held by the conspirators in an attempt to hide and conceal their whereabouts. Law enforcement was able to seize all of the fraudulently obtained funds before they were dissipated. A request will be made to the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Section to remit the forfeited funds back to the SBA.“