If there is one name in Africa that sparks more controversy, heightens
emotion both of ardour and anger or breaks up a conversation more than
TB Joshua, then tell me. Some express intense hatred towards him, so
much so, that you would think he had personally inflicted all their
woes and sorrows. On the contrary, others talk with such rapture about
him that you would think they couldn’t live without him.
Who is this man that is constantly causing a stir, a rift in the
breach, rippling the still waters? Who is this man who has become a
topic of conversation from the mouths of the most impoverished to
societies finest and elites? Who is this man who keeps ardent bloggers
happily awake throughout the night (either attacking or defending
him), knowing they have to get up in the morning and monotonously
trudge to their respective places of work? Who is this man who can
utter a few words of “God says” and within seconds set the global
computer village abuzz, some scoffing and misinterpreting, others
gaping in admiration.
One thing is clear, if there was no higher force or spirit behind his
words, he would never reach the headlines, let alone become a
household name. If what he said had never come to pass, he would have
been dismissed long ago by all and sundry, his ministry severely
diminishing, only retained by the foolish who know not the right from
wrong. Only a lunatic would announce to the world what would happen,
knowing that it was all a trick, a fraud, a deception. Looking at the
antecedents of this man, it is evident that a higher hand is with him,
in him, speaking and working through him.
The question now is whether the force is of good or evil, whether
inspired by God Almighty, the Creator of the whole earth, or satan,
the destroyer. The answer to this question cannot be thrust down your
throat like parents trying to feed a stubborn child. Neither can it be
subtly implied to you, like a conniver cunningly worming his way to
your minds. No, it is by direct revelation, conviction and a word from
God. If you have the opportunity to ask those who can categorically
stand on the rooftops to defend this man, they will tell you that they
received a revelation. They will probably also tell you of an initial
battle of doubts raging before coming to the conviction that he is
sent of God.
President Mills of Ghana acknowledged the authenticity of this prophet
– that was why he humbled himself and visited him severally for prayer
before his election to the highest seat in 2008. Because he saw TB
Joshua as a man of God, he simply listened to advice and instruction
and emerged victorious (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzR1poV0r04).
Tsvangarai of Zimbabwe had got to a point of desperation where he
realised that he needed divine intervention and guidance for the
arduous task ahead. He has visited TB Joshua severally for prayer and
advice (http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2010-09-03-tsvangirai-visits-t-b-joshua).
Cuthbert Dube, the president of ZIFA found himself on a wheel-chair
before he realised that he needed prayer from a God-sent to his life.
After praying he decided to come to The SCOAN and visit TB Joshua for
a healing prayer. Sure enough, he came back, walking, his wheelchair
condemned to a state of disuse (http://www.zimeye.org/?p=17701).
The newly sworn in Malawian President Joyce Banda recognised all too
clearly that the huge demands of such a political office are beyond
her physical and mental strength to handle. Long before she was
resumed presidency, she visited The SCOAN, eager for prayers for God’s
guidance and protection. Her husband, weakened to a state where he
could not function normally also visited TB Joshua for prayer and he
came back striding confidently as if all the world was supporting him
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCd5g-IaDuA).
This is to name but a few of those who have visited TB Joshua.
The latest online frenzy with this man prompted fierce debate among
his friends and foes. He is said to have predicted the sudden death of
an African Head of State in April, President Bingu Wa Mutharika of
Malawi, passing away on the 5th of April. This is the video
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctk9ep1Pokc).
Each of T.B. Joshua’s international prophecies are uploaded onto the
church’s website, with the confirmation of their fulfilment
(http://www.zimeye.org/?p=50807). Astounding healings and shocking
deliverances from evil spirits are also found on his website. Watching
T.B. Joshua and the wise men, 5 trainee prophets under him, is the
last thing from being boring. If you are the traditional type, be
warned that it might ruffle your feathers. And if you are the lukewarm
type, be warned that it might force you to repentance. If you are the
doubting type, get ready for your doubts to meet their match. If you
are the light hearted type, get ready, you may laugh tirelessly.
A final advice: watch T.B. Joshua’s TV channel and if possible, go
visit him at his church in Nigeria. Come to your own conclusions;
don’t succumb to the pressure of those around you. If he is God-sent,
then he could be God-sent to you or to your nation. Consider this
before you open your mouth. Words are too cheap.