Founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet T.B. Joshua has declared his intentions to depart Nigeria and relocate his ministry to
Founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet T.B. Joshua has declared his intentions to depart Nigeria and relocate his ministry to the nation of Israel. He disclosed that he just returned from the ‘Holy Land after holding conferences with three outstanding Israeli mayors of Jerusalem, Tiberias and the Jordan Valley. According to him, each of the mayors have provided land and amenities in a space across the biblical site of the Sea of Galilee for him to organise conferences for pilgrims.
“This is where my Father in Heaven came from – it’s non-negotiable,” Joshua explained, adding it was not a decision he undertook lightly.
“It’s the best place for you to meet Prophet T.B. Joshua. After your healing, blessing and deliverance, you can move around all the spiritual monuments which will establish your faith,” he clarified.
Joshua said his decision to leave was not connected to the persecution he endured during his ministry. He said the move would help people to appreciate what his ministry had been contributing to both the local economy and Nigeria’s international image.
“This is the most persecuted ministry in the world. Who are the people persecuting the ministry? My people, Africa.
“That is why I choose to live a lonely life. If you want to see me, come to this church. I don’t go out. It has not been easy because I don’t know who is a friend or who is an enemy.
“If you learn T.B. Joshua is not around, I am in a revival. I live in the church here. I don’t have a house outside. Anytime you pray, remember Africa in prayer. Many heroes and great people have been chased out of Africa. There are many geniuses in the Western world who are originally from Africa.”
The cleric pointed to the example of heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua who was allegedly turned down by Nigerian sporting authorities when he wanted to represent the country.
“What happened to me from the beginning of my ministry is enough to chase me out of this country but I am still in your midst. Upon the persecution and hatred. I decided to follow the path of love.
“You show hatred; I show love. When I go for a revival, you will see the stadium full but I am not carried away by that. I leave where I’m celebrated to live where I’m persecuted.” The cleric then advised congregants: “Where you are not celebrated is the best place to stay, to get strength. When you are in the midst of a battle, you are building yourself.
“That is why I decided to stay where I am not celebrated here in Nigeria. When the grace of God is amid challenges, it gets stronger. Your life can preach a better sermon than your mouth,” he exhorted the congregation, stating that the Israeli officials had observed his ministry from afar before inviting him.
Meanwhile, the federal government has pleaded with the prophet to reconsider his decision to relocate from Nigeria. The government, through the minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said such move will not be in the best of the country. He called for dialogue between the prophet and the authorities over whatever challenges he was facing.
“That will be very unfortunate in the sense that if he does move out, it will affect our tourism in Nigeria. Pastor Joshua is an important person, he must bear with us. If he moves out and go to South Africa (for example), the revenue will go to South Africa. It is better that Pastor Joshua sits down with the relevant authority and resolve whatever problem he has. If I have access to him this is exactly what I am going to tell him,” Mohammed said.
