A senior pastor of the Labourers Assembly, in Singorwet ward, Bomet County, Kenya, pastor Nwanga Gwranja has been rescued after unsuccessful attempted to fly to Jerusalem using artificial wings.

The controversial pastor fell off a tree and break his legs in the process.

Gwranja, known for predicting the second coming of Jesus on several occasions, something which has never come to pass, is said to have gone round the village announcing his departure to Jerusalem.

According to Standard News, the pastor said he was following an invitation by God himself in a dream.

Residents said the pastor, who had tied improvised wings made of polythene bags and rags to his shoulders, had also spoken during his sermon early Sunday, of his imminent trip to Jerusalem.

A member of the church told the newspaper, “We thought he was joking until he appeared dressed in his flying gear, bidding people farewell.”

He was said to have asked curious members of his church, who had gathered to see him off, to escort him to a tall Eucalyptus tree, which he claimed was a suitable take off point, as revealed to him by God.

As the pastor climbed atop the tree nervous parishioners, who thought he was on a suicide mission, alerted the chief who in turn called the police and ambulances for an emergency rescue.

Word had gone round and within a short time, the scene was jammed with thousands of locals, eager to see the man of God flying to Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, authorities were frantically trying to get him to climb down.

Attempts by the choir master, a very close friend to the pastor, to convince him to abandon his flight to Jerusalem fell on deaf years as the pastor stood his ground, insisting, “I must fly to Jerusalem”.

“You cannot stop an idea whose time has come more so when it has the blessings of the most high! Just let me go”, insisted the pastor atop the tall tree.

Elders were soon summoned to come and convince the adamant pastor against attempting to take off without their blessings.

But the elders were met with utter shock when the man of God rebuked them, saying God was showing him the elders burning in hell for trying to stop him.

“You can command humans to stop going against worldly cultures but commanding against God’s commandment is impossible.

“You should rather repent because these are the last days, Jesus is coming back,” the pastor retorted.

Cries and mourning of women and children who feared for the pastor’s life, did not deter the man of God.

When he discovered that a young man who had climbed the tree to get him was almost catching up with him, he spread his wings and took a plunge.

The pastor came tumbling down with a thud, and immediately began wailing, asking for help.

Gwranja’s legs were broken, his nose bleeding as he later passed out.

He was rushed to a local hospital.