Four Reasons Ayo Babalola Persisted in Using Bell and Water Despite Criticism

One of the major controversies Joseph Ayo Babalola faced during his time was his use of objects like bells and water for healing. During many of his revivals, he was often seen jingling his bell and administering sanctified water to people.

Some people criticized this practice, describing it as unbiblical. Sydney Granville Elton, the white missionary who mentored several notable men of God in Nigeria, including Babalola, disagreed with him.

Ayo Babalola didn’t pay attention to the disagreements and criticisms; he ignored them all and continued using the objects. Here are five reasons Babalola used bell and water during his time:

An Angel of God Gave and Instructed Him to Use Them:
At the age of 24, during his conversion, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him to fast for seven days. At the end of the seven days, the angel appeared again. The angel told Babalola about the mission he was to embark upon and the persecution he would face. The angel assured him of God's protection and victory, and then handed him a prayer bell. He told Babalola that the sound of the bell would always drive away evil spirits. He was also given a bottle of sanctified water to heal all manner of sickness.
The Bell and Water Possessed Power:
When God gave Babalola the bell and holy water through His angel, He filled them with power. These powers were demonstrated on many occasions when Babalola prayed for sick people, jingled his bell, and gave them holy water—resulting in their healing.
Symbol of Purification:
Physically, water is used for cleansing the body. Spiritually, holy water is used for the cleansing of sin and the renewal of the soul. Babalola used holy water because it represented the divine power of God to cleanse and sanctify.
Symbol of Blessing and Protection:
Holy water is often used to bless people. He used holy water to invoke the blessings and protection of God upon the people. The water served as a medium between the power of God and the people around.

Now you know the various reasons Ayo Babalola may have clung to bell and holy water. Do you have other reasons you think Babalola used these objects? You can share them in the comment section.