Prophet T.B. Joshua, Impacting The World @ 50

Yesterday, June 12, has become an important and significant day in Nigeria, Africa and the world in recent times. It was on June 12, 1993 that a presidential election was held in Nigeria in which Late Chief Moshood Abiola, was poised to win, but which was annulled by the military junta under military president, General Ibrahim Babangida. It was an annulment that galvanized many Nigerians to say, enough-is-enough, to the tyranny of the military and marked the beginning of the efforts to send the military permanently back to the barracks. To many Nigerians therefore, June 12, should be the authentic Democracy Day in the country. However, the impact of Prophet T.B. Joshua’s ministry around the world has catapulted June 12, to a new level.

June 12, has assumed a far bigger dimension, because it was on this day that one of Nigeria and Africa’s greatest men of God, Prophet T.B. Joshua, was born in 1963. The impact of T.B. Joshua has gone beyond Africa, as his Church, The Synagogue Church of All Nations(SCOAN), has become Mecca of a sort for religious tourists and worshippers. A typical Sunday service at the Synagogue Church has a congregation that comprises of people from several countries of Africa, Europe and the world in attendance, including several millions around the world glued to their television as miracles reminiscent of Christianity of the old are wrought in the name of Jesus and showing that the God we serve is the same yesterday, today and forever. T.B. Joshua has revolutionized televangelism through his Emmanuel TV, which is one of the most watched networks in Africa and the world. This author has always been fascinated by those who were able to overcome serious disadvantages; be it poverty, ill health or other challenges to conquer the world. I am also fascinated by the mental constructs of such individuals. I love the can do spirit of successful men especially those who did it working for God. I am fascinated that T.B. Joshua named his church, Synagogue Church of All Nations, at a time he does not own a telephone line and had never travelled out of Nigeria and there was no television networks like we have it today. It was at a time when Nigerians were forced to watch only Nigeria Television Authority (NTA). But the man had a vision. He had a vision of planting churches around the world. Today his vision has become a reality. The man has not only been used by God to heal the sick in Jesus name, he is also a philanthropist par excellence. In recognition of his contributions to the development of Nigeria and for attracting thousands of foreigners to Nigeria annually, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, of blessed memory, gave him a well deserved award, of the Order of The Federal Republic (OFR).

Like all men who achieved incredible successes in their chosen fields, T.B. Joshua has his own army of critics. Some are questioning the source of his powers. To such critics I leave you with the counsel of Gamaliel in Acts 5:34-37; “But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. Then he said to them, ‘Fellow-Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!” Happy birthday, Prophet T.B. Joshua and keep on impacting the world with your ministry.