Evangelist Helen Ukpabio, founder and head of Liberty Foundation Gospel Ministries based in Calabar, Cross River State, has sparked controversy by claiming that birthday pleasantries are "devil's language" and urging her followers to stop wishing her "happy birthday."
In a church service that was captured in a viral video, Ukpabio explained that instead of celebrating with traditional birthday wishes, she refers to her milestone as "thanking God at 60."
Rejecting 'Modern Day Idolatry'
"I am not somebody that does birthday every year like Zombie," Ukpabio declared to her congregation. "I don't sell out my soul to devil like that, don't use the language of the devil. You won't see birthday there. You will only see 'thanking God at 60.'"
The evangelist questioned the spiritual origins of common birthday greetings, asking, "You see people saying happy birthday! Happy birthday!! Who is giving you happy and birthday? Those are pleasantries that people exchange in this modern day idolatry."
She further criticized Christians who incorporate birthday celebrations in religious settings: "You can even see a Christian singing happy birthday to you on pulpit. Then after that you say it doesn't mean. It means. Energy you don't vest spiritually, don't say it."
Ukpabio concluded her message with a biblical warning: "All these things are idolatry, Satan giving us a language and the Bible says we should not speak their language."
Background on Helen Ukpabio
Helen Ukpabio is no stranger to controversy. Her Liberty Foundation Gospel Ministries, an African Evangelical franchise, has gained significant following in Cross River State and beyond. In the past, she has faced criticism for her teachings about witchcraft, particularly those involving children.
This latest statement adds to a series of contentious proclamations that have defined her ministry over the years.
The video of Ukpabio's sermon has generated mixed reactions across social media platforms, with some supporters defending her theological stance while critics question the biblical basis for such claims.
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