Opinion / Columnist
T.B. Joshua: Intensely Hated and Crazily Loved
08 Apr 2012 at 04:43hrs | Views
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 â€" 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 (
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 (NewsDay).
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 (Zimeye).
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 (Video).
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 (
