Faith Oyedepo, wife of founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, has recounted how God saved her from a near-death experience.
On Tuesday, Mrs Oyedepo shared a picture of herself on Instagram alongside a reflection on how she almost died years ago.
“Some years ago, I passed through the valley of death, but God rescued me from destruction. It was a season when everything around me seemed dark. Yet, in His mercy, God reached out, lifted me from the pit, and restored my soul.
“I am living proof that He is still the Deliverer who saves from danger and preserves life against all odds.
“Whatever valley you may be walking through right now, know this: God is able to bring you out stronger, healthier, and full of His peace. Will you let Him write your rescue story too?” she wrote.
Oyedepo’s post echoes her near-death ordeal in 2004 during a mission trip to Northern Nigeria. She fell mysteriously ill with symptoms including hair loss, skin peeling and paralysis in her limbs. Medical consultations, even abroad, did not provide answers and doctors feared she might never recover.
According to her, the sickness defied medicine and pointed to spiritual roots. She turned to prayers, communion, anointing oil and sacrificial giving. Ministers like T.L. Osborn also interceded on her behalf.
In December of that year, a snake was killed in her room while a black bird fell dead near her home. She said the strange happenings marked the beginning of her recovery after nine months of suffering.
Her husband has also spoken publicly about the episode, saying “death came to seize her, but Jesus stepped in.” Faith later chronicled the story in her book Rescued from Destruction.
The preacher has also testified about other divine interventions in her life, including a miscarriage scare during her first pregnancy which her husband countered with the words, “You can’t have a miscarriage.”
Today, Faith Oyedepo continues to run women, singles and family ministries, drawing from her experiences to encourage others in faith.
