How I almost left church in USA when this guy “Prophet lovy” showed up to preach!
By Isaac Pomboloka
Whether he is a fake prophet or not isn’t up to me to judge and neither am I endorsing or discrediting him in anyway but sharing my encounter with him!
Growing up in Zambia, my perception of church and its leaders is pretty traditional, shaped significantly by my father’s dignified presence as an elder. He is always dressed in a crisp suit, his voice booming with authority and reverence as he delivers sermons. This image of a pastor was imprinted in my mind—polished, poised, and profoundly spiritual.
When I went to the USA, my experiences expanded in every aspect. I remember vividly the first time I attended a church service, It was a chilly Sunday morning, and I had been invited by a new friend who promised me a service unlike any other.
Walking into the church, nothing seemed out of the ordinary at first. The congregation was a lively mix of races and ages, all mingled together, a stark difference from the more homogeneous gatherings back home.
Then this guy called “Prophet Lovy” stepped onto the stage. This prophet was nothing like I had ever seen. He wore casual streetwear and his arms were adorned with colorful tattoos. Most strikingly, he had long, twisted dreadlocks that fell over his shoulders. For a moment, I froze, taken aback. He looked more like a reggae artist I might come across at a concert rather than the leader of a church.
My first instinct was skepticism. How could someone who presented themselves in such an unconventional way be called to preach? I almost walked out, but then, he began to speak.
His voice was calm yet captivating, his words threaded with profound love and understanding. He spoke about love, acceptance, and the beauty of diversity within the kingdom of God.
He connected the teachings of Jesus to everyday life in ways that were practical and deeply moving. The congregation responded with nods, amens, and the kind of engaged enthusiasm I remembered from services back home.
People here were not bound by appearances but were united by faith and the shared pursuit of spiritual growth. The pastor, with his dreadlocks and tattoos, seemed to be well vested in Scriptures and more real than many well dressed men of “God” I know of!
That Sunday taught me an invaluable lesson about judgments and expectations. The essence of spirituality isn’t found in outward appearances but in the ability to connect, understand, and inspire people towards a higher calling.
There are many pastors who are well dressed in colorful suits and yet so wicked at heart!
I had almost let my preconceptions rob me of this enriching experience. Since that day, I’ve embraced an open, broader and non judgmental view of things, one that celebrates diversity in all its forms.
