Cape Town - Two women who belonged to Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso's Jesus Dominion International church are sharing details of the influence he exerted on their lives on Twitter.
Awande and Sammy started posting about their respective ordeals as another former JDI member Cheryl Zondi faced a third day on the witness stand in Omotoso's rape and human trafficking trial. Their tweets paint a picture of psychological control, intimidation and estrangement from their families.
Both voiced their support for Zondi and then shared their own experiences in Twitter threads that at times read like a particularly sick psychological thriller.
Read some of Awande's tweets here:
We all loved and feared that man, I even chose him over my parents. He used to quote Psalms 27:10 “Even if my father and mother should desert me, you will take care of me” I remember I said that to my parents too. #OmotosoTrial
— Awande (@Awand_amaQwabe1) October 17, 2018
I have been quiet since last year when I heard that he was arrested for raping these girls, I personally believe her. We all followed his instructions and we feared him #OmotosoTrial
— Awande (@Awand_amaQwabe1) October 17, 2018
I remember this one time my parents complained said I was spending most of my time in church and not with my what I came to Durban to do which was to study. He asked me how old I was, I was 18 and said I could also stay at UMhlanga #OmotosoTrail
— Awande (@Awand_amaQwabe1) October 17, 2018
He said because I was 18 my parents have no right to tell me what to do and that I could come stay there, I was almost a victim so I understand everything Cheryl is going through. WE ALL FEARED THAT MAN #OmotosoTrail
— Awande (@Awand_amaQwabe1) October 17, 2018
He would also call me, even on holidays I didn’t want to go home, the only thing I wanted to do with my time was go to church. I hated going home #OmotosoTrail
— Awande (@Awand_amaQwabe1) October 17, 2018
The way we feared him, even when he called me, I would kneel down, we praised him😭 #OmotosoTrial
— Awande (@Awand_amaQwabe1) October 17, 2018
Even when he had drank water and not finished it, people would be fighting over that bottle, after the service they will run to his car just so he would speak upon their lives or touch them, he said even his touch or breath is enough to change our lives forever #OmotosoTrial
— Awande (@Awand_amaQwabe1) October 17, 2018
We were under some spell, no one in their right mind would do half the things people did, some would even kiss his shoes, he wouldn’t pray for you, he would sometimes say “Kiss my shoes and go prosper” #OmotosoTrial
— Awande (@Awand_amaQwabe1) October 17, 2018
I had his calender in my room, both at home at Res, I used to kneel before it and pray every morning, I cried when my mother burnt it #OmotosoTrial
— Awande (@Awand_amaQwabe1) October 17, 2018
Now read some of Sammy's tweets:
I have never met you sis, you probably joined after I'd left but this sounds very familiar. I believe it all. I wish more people came out because even before I left, there had been many shady stories from people who had left the church. #OmotosoTrial #OmotosoTrail https://t.co/CE5YZ3mDmG
— S A M M Y 🍭 J O N A (@sammy_jona) October 17, 2018
This case is so complex. It is bigger the the courts. If you have never been to JDI, you cannot even begin to comprehend what goes down there. Even those who know, still turn a blind eye, ngoba they are scared. The fear is so real, it's paralysing. #OmotosoTrial #OmotosoTrail
— S A M M Y 🍭 J O N A (@sammy_jona) October 17, 2018
And if you speak up, you get attacked... They hunt you down. Who you ask? Your very own friends, and some cases , family members - who are also part of the ministry. I completely understand why Cheryl would be scared to talk plus she was a kid.
— S A M M Y 🍭 J O N A (@sammy_jona) October 17, 2018
When I left JDI I had to change my numbers ( numerous times) I deactivated all my social media accounts ( permanently) I shut out all the friends I had made. I couldn't take the calls from any of them, asking why I left or that I should come back so he would pray for me
— S A M M Y 🍭 J O N A (@sammy_jona) October 17, 2018
" Sam, please come back, people are dying. Please come back so the man of God can pray for you. " Sam, so and so passed away, please come back to church " " Sam , the man of God was asking about you, please come back" 🙄
— S A M M Y 🍭 J O N A (@sammy_jona) October 17, 2018
Leaving doesn't make things easy. You are nolonger there but you're still scared, you don't feel safe whenever you leave the house. You constantly pray against accidents and anything that could claim your life .... A constant struggle.
— S A M M Y 🍭 J O N A (@sammy_jona) October 17, 2018
* Read more on the #OmotosoTrial here