Outspoken
Lagos-based Nigerian preacher, Prophet T.B. Joshua, has declared his
intention to leave Nigeria and relocate his Synagogue Church of All
Nations to the nation of Israel.
When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)
T.B Joshua
While speaking to a multi-national audience at his church service
on Sunday, 30th April 2017, popular Nigerian cleric, Prophet T.B.
Joshua, declared his intentions to leave Nigeria and relocate his
ministry to the nation of Israel.
In a bombshell announcement that shocked congregants and viewers of
Emmanuel TV alike, the Prothet disclosed that he had just returned from
the ‘Holy Land’ after holding meetings with three prominent Israeli
mayors of Jerusalem, Tiberias and the Jordan Valley.
According to the cleric, they offered both land and facilities in
an area around the biblical site of the Sea of Galilee for the Nigerian
Pastor to organise meetings for international pilgrims.
He said; “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 added.
The outspoken Lagos-based preacher said his decision to leave was
not connected to the “persecution” he endured during his ministry, added
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,” Joshua bluntly stated, adding that this ‘treatment’ had led him into a life of virtual isolation.
“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,” the cleric
solemnly continued to an audience which included over 3,000 foreign
nationals who flew into Nigeria to attend the church service.
“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.”
He 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.”
According to the cleric, the invitation to Israel came due to the
growing popularity of Joshua’s television channel Emmanuel TV, which is
especially known on YouTube.
“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.
No timeframe for the move was specified in the service and it was
not clear whether activities in The SCOAN's Ikotun-Egbe base would cease
entirely.
Joshua concluded by counselling people: “Don’t destroy your relationships beyond repair because the person who fights you today can be your saviour tomorrow.”
When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)
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