Police officers stormed a live church service to arrest a pastor after receiving a report from his ex-wife, causing a minor drama at a US church.
Officers off-camera could be heard asking to talk with Prophet EJ Newton, the head of the 433 Church in Miami, as he was preaching.
After telling his congregation to continue praying, the startled “man of God” departed the altar to meet the police outside.
The caption of the social media video that went viral said that EJ Newton was facing charges of kidnapping.
“Police stop church service in an attempt to arrest Prophet EJ Newton on kidnapping charges,” read one IG post.
The man of God allegedly forgot to return his children after a visit, prompting his ex-wife to notify authorities.
The pastor then explained that his attempted arrest was due to a child custody struggle with his ex-wife, who informed authorities that he was attempting to flee the country during a parenting schedule case.
He wrote: “This happened during service… I’ve been secluded by the police, not allowed to leave.
“The moment I stepped off stage, our online service was flooded with false accusations. THEY – the same people who recruited my ex-wife – are now working together. They have my ex wife claiming that I’m trying to flee the country in the middle of a parenting schedule case. A judge granted an emergency extraction.
“They had people come also into the service which we spotted. This whole thing has been so weird but…
“Let me be clear – I am not fleeing. I never planned to go anywhere.
“Now, they’re searching members’ cars and preventing them from leaving church grounds.
“But God will prevail. I will not stop speaking truth and exposing darkness.
“If this is the cost of repentance and speaking up against occultism and witchcraft in the church, then use me, Lord. Purify me.
“Strengthen me. Make me more like You. I love my children, and this breaks my heart. My babies do not deserve this
“I am a great father. A great husband.
“Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.” – Psalm 25:1
“Hear my cry, O Lord, attend to my prayer.
“THIS is what victory looks like!
THIS is what victory looks like!
“My message today was ‘He saved me, Yes He did.’
“Jesus is in my boat. WE HAVE VICTORY.”