Pastor Ezekiel Odero, founder of New Life Prayer Center and Church, opened up about his challenging past during a sermon, admonishing individuals who rely on handouts and entitlement mentality.

The televangelist, counted among Kenya's affluent personalities, recounted his humble beginnings to his congregation, revealing the hardships he endured before attaining success.

During the service at New Life Church in Mavueni, Kilifi, Pastor Ezekiel addressed a congregant's request for financial assistance, using it as an opportunity to share his personal journey.

He disclosed how both he and his wife, Pastor Sarah, struggled in their early days, engaging in menial jobs to make ends meet. Pastor Ezekiel recounted a distressing incident where another man attempted to woo his wife away with promises of a better life while she was selling boiled maize.

"Pastor Sarah used to sell boiled maize and groundnuts at a construction site... A man approached her, saying, 'Why are you alone? Don't you have a loving husband? Who left you to sell maize? Come with me, I'll marry you and show you love and money.' That day she stopped selling. I told her not to sell anymore to avoid being taken away," Ezekiel narrated.

He further revealed their joint efforts, with his wife selling sun-dried fish while he operated a separate stall in the same market.

Recalling their financial struggles, Pastor Ezekiel mentioned how he invested Ksh. 500 in his business, only to face losses, leaving them unable to replenish their stock.

"I also sold goods at Kongowea market, starting with five hundred shillings. On the last day, I made Ksh. 16 in sales. My wife also made Ksh. 16 and went to sleep," he shared.

Encouraging self-sufficiency, Pastor Ezekiel urged his congregation to refrain from seeking handouts and instead focus on creating their own opportunities. He emphasized that his advice stemmed from personal experience, not arrogance.

"When I tell you to go and work, it's not out of hatred. I'm giving you the path I followed while relying on Jesus," he concluded.