T.B. Joshua: Intensely Hated & Crazily Loved

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.