It is not in doubt that the Christian community in Nigeria would have diminished a little by the death of one of its prominent pastor, TB Joshua, the leader of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) who passed on at the weekend. The man of God was reported to have broken off midway into a church service where he stressed to the congregation to watch and pray but never returned to complete the service.
The popular pastor, televangelist and philanthropist of note died just seven days to his 58th birth date. While he lived he has cut some controversies over genuineness of his power while some attribute all the criticisms against him to envy due to the huge successes recorded by him in the service of God.
Christianity is one of the imported religions from the West. Joshua was one of the few Nigerians who practiced the faith to the extent that the number of white men who thronged his church to receive healing would make you think that it was the other way. There are numerous testimonies seen and unseen of the huge blessings he brought upon people through prophecies, healing, deliverance and philanthropy.
Even when he was demonized and treated as a pariah, yet the huge inflows of adherents from outside the country impacted on the economy of the nation. It is unfortunate that while some country’s leaders visited him our own people distanced themselves from him, not withstanding that he was foreseeing many of the calamities bedeviling the nation ahead of time.
Irrespective of the many things said against him the popular televangelist remained admirable to many and stood out in many respects from the issues that attracted controversies to the Christian faith. He showed examples in many ways worthy of emulation.
As super rich as he was, he was not known to be intoxicated by material acquisitions as is the case with many of his kinds who flaunt their wealth through use of private jets and other provocative luxurious lifestyle. While he prophesied on the challenges bedeviling the nation he did not hobnob with those in power.
Joshua was not one of those pastors who exploited their followers through such business outfits as educational institutions; he was humble, shunned ostentatious living and always opened his hands to others when such opportunities called for it.
Of particular note and very impressive is that he never ventured into throwing back mud thrown at him. He ignored his numerous critics and was focused in the activities that engaged his attention. He touched lives in numerous ways that he will never be forgotten.
News Echo joins the million others in mourning the death of this illustrious Nigerian who has distinguished himself in his calling. There are many other pastors like him with such prophetic talents who forewarn on issues before they actually come to occur. We do not think that it is a bad idea if the authorities could find a way to exploit the huge benefits which their prophesies can avail in governance.
