Chris Oyakhilome facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rev Chris Oyakhilome
Born	Christian Oyakhilome (1963-12-07) 7 December 1963 (age 61) Edo State, Nigeria
Occupation	Pastor, faith healing minister, television host, author, philanthropist
Known for	Global Evangelical Outreach
Notable work	Founder, LoveWorld Inc
Spouse(s)	Anita Ebhodaghe ​ ​ (m. 1991; div. 2016)​
Children	2

Christian Oyakhilome (born 7 December 1963), often called Pastor Chris, is a well-known Nigerian pastor and author. He is also a televangelist, which means he shares religious messages on television. Pastor Chris leads LoveWorld Incorporated, a Christian organization based in Lagos, Nigeria. He also founded Christ Embassy, a large church with branches in many countries. One of his most famous works is the daily devotional book, Rhapsody of Realities.

Pastor Chris has also organized large gatherings for his ministry. His "Healing School" sessions were held regularly in Nigeria and South Africa. Now, he hosts "Healing Streams Live Healing Services" to reach more people.

Early Life and Education

Chris Oyakhilome was born on 7 December 1963, in Edo State, Nigeria. His parents are Tim and Angelina Oyakhilome. He was the third of seven children in his family.

He went to Edo College for his schooling. Later, he received a scholarship to attend Bendel State University. This university was later renamed Ambrose Ali University in Ekpoma. There, he studied and earned a degree in Architecture.

His Work as a Pastor

Christ Embassy in Luton, England

Chris Oyakhilome's work as a pastor began when he was a student at Ambrose Alli University. During his time there, he started a youth group called Youth For Christ. This group became the biggest student fellowship at Bendel State University.

After finishing university in 1987, he started a church in Benin City. In 1989, he founded Christ Embassy, which is now based in Lagos. By early 2023, Christ Embassy churches and student groups were active in many universities and cities worldwide. His ministry has grown to include the United Kingdom, the United States, Ghana, and South Africa. He also holds "healing school" sessions in South Africa, Lagos, and Canada.

Christ Embassy is a Pentecostal church. It focuses on large worship gatherings and teaches about God's blessings, including success and well-being. Pastor Oyakhilome teaches that true prosperity comes from growing spiritually and following God's principles. He believes that giving to his ministry can also lead to blessings.

Pastor Oyakhilome also started a Christian television network. This network broadcasts his messages around the world from Africa. He hosts "Higher Life" conferences in many countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, the UK, the US, and Canada. He also organized a large event called Night of Bliss in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He also runs an International School of Ministry. In 2016, this school held a conference in Johannesburg. About 5,000 ministers from 145 countries attended. Pastor Chris uses social media for an online prayer network. He also has a smartphone app called KingsChat. In 2015, he received honorary doctorates from Ambrose Alli University and Benson Idahosa University. In 2017, Pastor Oyakhilome worked with Benny Hinn to create a Christian TV channel called LoveWorld USA.

He has hosted several online programs, including five "Global Day of Prayer" events with Benny Hinn. The first of these was on 27 March 2020. His ministry now has a digital currency called Espee. Members can use it for various transactions.

Personal Life

Chris Oyakhilome married Anita Ebhodaghe on 2 February 1991. They met while they were students at university. They had two daughters, Sharon and Charlene.

On 6 October 2018, Pastor Oyakhilome's first daughter, Sharon, married Phillip Frimpong. The wedding ceremony was led by Pastor Benny Hinn.

In 2011, Forbes magazine estimated Pastor Oyakhilome's wealth.

Helping Others

Pastor Oyakhilome runs the Inner City Mission Project. This project helps orphaned and poor children in inner cities in many countries. This organization is part of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International. This foundation works to help people in need and those living in inner cities. The organization sends help to countries when disasters happen. It also works with governments to improve people's lives.

The Chris Oyakhilome Foundation is a main supporter of inner city orphanage homes in Africa. These homes are managed by Pushaboo, an organization that helps mothers and babies worldwide.

Other groups supported by the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) include the Volunteer Medical Corps and the Trauma Care International Foundation. It also supports the Inner City Mission for Children, Future Africa Leaders Foundation, and the Bible for All Mission.

In 2013, the UK Charity Commission looked into the "Christ Embassy" charity. They found some issues in how it was managed. An interim manager was appointed to help improve how the charity was run. A new board of trustees was appointed in 2016. Since then, good progress has been made to improve the charity's management and oversight.

Awards and Recognition

• He received an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity (DD) from Benson Idahosa University.
• He also received an Honorary Doctorate Doctor of Science (DSc) Award from Ambrose Alli University, his former university.
• In December 2023, he was named the Chancellor of Weldios University. This means he is the head of the university's government and chairman.

Books Written

Pastor Oyakhilome is the author of Rhapsody of Realities. This book is shared every month in many countries and through social media. Here are some of the books he has written: