Author:
Publication: www.christreview.org
Date: December 2, 2004
URL: http://www.kentaxrecords.com/iaca/php/item_display.php?id=1102018019&type=news
The Benny Hinn Ministeries, headed
by controversial evangelist Benny Hinn, announced that they are expecting
over 10 million to attend a miracle show in Bangalore, India slated for
January 21-23, 2005. Known as "The Festival of Blessings", Hinn supposedly
performs miracles such as talking to the dead and curing audience members
of ailments. Following the show, Hinn attempts to convince audience members
to convert to Christianity.
Many Christian groups have denounced
Hinn's "miracles" as hoaxes. Recently, the Watchman Fellowship dismissed
his tactics as a display of "exaggeration and extremism". In 2002, Dateline
NBC ran an expose of the evangelist, revealing that Hinn has pocketed millions
of donation money and uncovering his fraudulent miracles.
Despite the severe criticism, many
gullible citizens of poorer countries such as India have fallen for Hinn's
antics. In February 2004, Benny Hinn Ministries held a miracle show in
Mumbai. Approximately 4.8 million people attended the event on a colossal
complex encompassing 1.2 million square meters (nearly 13 million square
feet). Organizers brought in nearly 200,000 chairs. Technicians erected
32 giant video screens throughout the grounds. Parking for 100,000 cars
was provided. Bus services came from Bandra, Sion, Kurla, and Santacruz
railway stations.
Due to the large number of people
converting to Christianity following the Mumbai show, the organization
is planning a larger event in 2005 at the Jakkur Airport Grounds near Bangalore,
India. Planners are currently preparing for an estimated 10 million people
to attend the 2005 Festival of Blessings.
Besides gaining thousands of converts,
funds raised from such shows have paid for missionary hospitals such as
the Mission of Mercy Hospital in Calcutta, India. Each year, over 200,000
patients are treated and are also coaxed into becoming Christians.
Gul Kripalani, one of Hinn's organizers
for the Bangalore event, helped put together a meeting during September
2004 in New Delhi between Hinn and many of the India's top leaders. Held
at the Taj Palace Hotel in the diplomatic section of the city, it was well
attended by members of Parliament, cabinet-level officials, Supreme Court
justices, and state government leaders. At the meeting, Hinn preached to
the audience which was 85% non-Christian. By the end of the meeting, it
was reported that several attendees including government officials and
prominent businessmen had converted to Christianity.
