Across social media, a bizarre and unbelievable story has captured worldwide attention — a South African pastor who reportedly sits on congregants’ faces and releases gas as a form of healing. While it sounds like satire, reports from local media, photos shared online, and comments from the pastor himself confirm that the unusual ritual is indeed practiced in his ministry.
Pastor Christ Penelope, founder of SevenFold Holy Spirit Ministries in Siyandani Village, Giyani, has become the center of controversy after images of him placing his body directly over the heads of his church members went viral. In many of these photos, he appears to be sitting on a congregant’s face, leading to claims that he “heals people by farting on them.”
A Ritual That Shocked the Internet
The uproar began when images from the church services began circulating online — photos showing the pastor sitting or squatting over individuals lying on the ground, his weight positioned directly above their heads. According to members of the church and local reports, this position is part of a “spiritual procedure” that allows his healing power to enter the body.
The pastor insists that people are not being humiliated — in fact, he claims the opposite: they are being healed.
Many followers reportedly wait weeks or even months for a chance to receive this unusual healing session. Some go as far as trying to collect the pastor’s gas in containers, believing the “holy wind” carries supernatural benefits.
Pastor Penelope’s Explanation: ‘I Don’t Fart — I Heal’
Despite global backlash and widespread mockery, Pastor Penelope stands firm in his belief that this method is rooted in divine instruction.
In his own words:
- He claims the ritual is a demonstration of God’s power.
- He compares it to biblical stories, saying Jesus performed unusual acts to show spiritual authority.
- He argues that just as Adam was put into deep sleep for God to work on him, congregants also enter a spiritual state where they feel no discomfort.
- He strongly denies that he “farts on people,” insisting that critics misunderstand the spiritual meaning.
According to him, the position of sitting near the person’s face — especially near the nostrils — allows the “power” to pass directly into their system.
Mixed Reactions From the Public
While some church members fiercely defend the pastor — calling the ritual a blessing and a powerful act of faith — many South Africans have expressed shock, disbelief, and anger.
Other religious leaders have condemned the practice, calling it misleading, unbiblical, and dangerous. Critics argue that such acts take advantage of vulnerable people searching for miracles.
A pastor from another ministry stated that no scripture supports sitting on a person’s head to perform healing. Concerned church leaders also warn that such behaviors distort Christianity and can easily exploit the desperate.
Why People Still Believe Him
Despite the criticism, Pastor Penelope continues to have a loyal following. Several reasons might explain this:
- Faith in spiritual authority: Some followers view him as a prophet, able to perform supernatural acts.
- Desperation for miracles: Those facing illness, hardship, or spiritual fear may cling to any hope offered.
- Psychological influence: Strong belief can create a feeling of relief or healing, even without medical evidence.
- Community pressure: In certain congregations, members follow rituals simply because they are part of the culture.
A Wider Problem: Extreme Practices in Modern Churches
This story is not an isolated event. Across different parts of the world, there have been reports of pastors feeding congregants strange substances, instructing them to do dangerous acts, or performing shocking rituals — all in the name of miracles.
The case of Pastor Penelope raises important questions:
- How far should spiritual leaders go in the name of healing?
- When does a religious act become exploitation?
- Who protects vulnerable believers?
0 Comments