When global tabloids banner SARS on front pages and hyper-blow news out of proportion, when WHO (world, Health Organization) imposed travel embargo on Toronto, when leaders consult scientists for clues; God opens a vent of spiritual opportunity for His representatives, the prophets, pastors and worshippers to show forth His Omnipotence. In His nature as God, He allows, such as SARS, as long as He wills for His Divine purpose and the moment we accept His will, fear dissipates into oblivion.

For this obvious occurrences, He has given the church the power to root out, pull down, destroy and throw down every controlling forces of the enemy SARS, a pestilence inclusive. We have the spiritual mandate to launch a powerful offensive against the power of evil. (II Cor. 10:4-5, Lk. 10:19)

Ironical as the drama unfolded in some circles, an influential man of God,a prophet like Elisha Salifu Amoako, ordained under divine auspices, vested in the WORD, over whom members depend on for divine intervention would allow the rock on which he stands give way under him. A bewilderment, which will hold in suspense unanswered questions among Christians in this millennium without the Holy Spirit’s intervention.

I have not been made a judge over Prophet Amoako but any average Christian would believe that the vertical communication with God gives us direction and what to do in life’s cross-roads when the state of sort of incommunicado sets in the life of a believer as a result of complacency, fellowship and relationship with God ceases. He then creeps into the boast of the devil. This strains relationship w ith God and we dare find solace in the words, “it is His will”. Such are the times God would look from Heaven to see the two worlds proof what they stand for. In matters of principle, stand like a rock but in matters of tastes, swim with the current.

I regretfully sympathize with Rev. Pastor Musa Langboung of Redeemer’s Victory Church International who would have had a crusade preached from the 4th-9th of May by Prophet Elisha Salifu Amoako, Pastor Langboung had all arrangements from Ghana tailored to befit a prophet’s coming. This man of godly vision did the groundwork. There was excellent coordination between the two buddies as far as planning was concerned, but Pastor Langboung had his hopes dashed when the brother-in-Christ looked through the film darkly as the world would.

God, in His traveling mercies had landed the ‘Prophet’ in London en route to Toronto for the crusade, having pretty gone ahead of time at least 2 weeks. There was no doubt that preparation for this event shifted into high gear and little did Pastor Langboung know that an untimely “bombshell” was just at its verge of detonation. The secretary to Prophet Salifu Amoako, left a “while you were away” telephone message for Pastor Langboung. The message read, ”our prophet, too young to die in Canada as a result of SARS”. I decline from further telephone conversation. In effect Pastor Langboung had the crusade cancelled.

I re-iterate, I have not been made judge over Prophet Amoako, but in times like this, lots of questions arise both from the secular and the world of faith that we profess.

Believers, help me to realize the fact that the true battleground is the human heart. It is over this territory that the forces of good and evil draw their swords, then as pressure mounts, the real self displays.

Being in God’s perfect will does not necessarily or completely exempt one from storms. Storms test our faith. For how long will we continue to live between two opinions, Prophet Elijah, not ELIJAH declared,” If the Lord be God, follow Him if Baal then follow him. (I Kings 18:21). We are a free-moral agent. We look tired of half-baked Christianity (Rom 2:21-24).

Now then, enough with him, you don’t want to imagine Pastor Langboung’s reaction. I tested his pulse; he had every reason to react. Do not forget, he could also have committed some gaffes that could question his integrity. On the contrary he heaved a powerful sigh of relief. Listen, this is where spiritual maturity is measured, he prayed for Prophet Elisha, God’s speed and protection in his apostolic pursuit. This is relationship, not religion.