{
  "id": 4466204,
  "title": "Preaching hell won’t convert Nigerians, they are already suffering enough — Ibiyeomie",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/preaching-hell-wont-convert-nigerians-they-are-already-suffering",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-30T17:03:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/30/preaching-hell-wont-convert-nigerians-they-are-already-suffering-enough-ibiyeomie/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pastor David Ibiyeomie, the founder of Salvation Ministries, has expressed his belief that preaching about hell and condemnation is unlikely to attract Nigerians to Christianity. This is because many Nigerians are already struggling with severe economic hardships. During a sermon on compassion, Ibiyeomie emphasized that evangelism should concentrate on God's love, mercy, and power to change lives rather than warning of eternal punishment. He suggested that individuals living with hunger, hardship, and other challenges may struggle to connect with messages that highlight suffering in the afterlife. \"You can imagine preaching hell to Nigerians; they are already in hell,\" he stated. Ibiyeomie called on Christians to reassure people that God loves them and is capable of transforming their circumstances, emphasizing that compassion is one of the most effective ways to win souls. He recalled that compassion involves recognizing people's struggles, caring about them, and taking practical steps to assist them. Ibiyeomie also highlighted that compassion goes beyond sympathy, encompassing kindness, forgiveness, and genuine concern for others.",
  "summary": "The founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has said messages centred on hell and condemnation are unlikely to attract Nigerians to Christianity because many are already grappling with harsh economic realities. Speaking during a sermon on compassion, the cleric said evangelism should focus more on God’s love, mercy and power to transform lives than […] Preaching hell won’t…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "VIDEO: Nigerians are already in hell, Ibiyeomie urges compassionate evangelism",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/video-nigerians-are-already-in-hell-ibiyeomie-urges-compassionate",
        "published": "2026-08-30T17:40:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}