In a bombshell announcement that shocked congregants and viewers of Emmanuel TV alike, Nigerian Prophet T.B. Joshua declared his intentions to leave Nigeria and relocate his ministry to the nation of Israel.
Speaking to a rapt multi-national audience at his church service on Sunday 30th April 2017, Joshua 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.
“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 further clarified.
Joshua said his decision to leave was not connected to the “persecution” he endured during his ministry.
However, he hoped 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.”
The cleric then 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.”
The shock announcement will come as a blow to Nigeria’s religious tourism industry.
Statistics from the Nigerian Immigration Services revealed that six out of every ten travelers to Nigeria go to The SCOAN, with countless local businesses and hotels in the area relying on the church activities for their sustenance.
And According to a report in Nigeria’s Nation Newspaper, Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has entreated controversial Prophet T.B. Joshua to rescind his decision to leave Nigeria.
“That will be very unfortunate in the sense that if he does move out, it will affect our tourism in Nigeria,” Mohammed told journalists at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), held in the Renaissance Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
“Pastor Joshua is an important person; he must bear with us,” the outspoken Minister admitted to newsmen at the event which hosted top dignitaries within the tourism sector. “This is his country. If he moves out and goes to South Africa (for example), the revenue will go to South Africa.”
Mohammed said he would be reaching out to the cleric to voice his concerns, adding that the Nigerian government was ready to dialogue with Joshua to address the challenges faced by The SCOAN.
“It is better that Pastor Joshua sits down with the relevant authorities and resolves whatever problems he has,” the Minister concluded.
Mohammed’s statements are the first public acknowledgement by the Nigerian government of Joshua’s economic and social impact on the country in terms of religious tourism.
The Synagogue founder said during a church service on March 30 that he had been invited by three prominent Israeli mayors to hold meetings with international pilgrims close to the Biblical site of the Sea of Galilee.
Story by Ihechukwu Njoku – freelance Nigerian journalist
Pictures taken from T.B. Joshua Ministries Facebook Page
Persecution? Perhaps Nigeria simply wants to hold someone responsible for killing over 100 people due to shoddy construction.
This man talks a lot of nonsense
Thanks
BB2014,2016
For once I agree with Clueless Mushota.
Rubbish just rubbish go to isreal and you will learn the hard way
THis is a con artist.
Please find the nearest cliff! You have collected enough tithes from poor people. You fake prophet!
Hello Nubian Princess, I missed you.
Mushota has not changed.
You can run to which ever country you choose O false prophet, but the blood of the hundreds of innocent people who you sent to the grave from the collapse of an uncertified building will follow you.
I am not suprised!
I’ve been there…..Israel is a paradise for conmen , prostitutes and drug addicts.
@Mushota for once, has spitted some sense
Meant spat, yaba!!
Don’t leave Nigeria sir. Persecution is not new to you. A prophet is not honoured in his ………. Leaving might leave a very big gap in the lives of Nigerians. If it is God’s will who are we sir. Let the will of God be respected.
When is Joshua Banda leaving Zambia?
Jesus didn’t run when the Jews were persecuting him, but prayed to God to forgive those that were percuting him. He never demanded to be recognized, but Jesus set an example by dying for our sins which more than the economical benefit that Mr. Joshua is bringing to Nigeria. If T.B Joshua is all about preaching the word of God, then it does not matter what the devil is doing through those that are perceived as T.B Joshua’s persicutors. Infact, God would want T.B Joshua to fight the devil in the Land of Nigeria and all other parts of Africa than run to Israel where he will be “Appreciated” as he wants to be. Again, if his intentions are to save people through the word of God, then he need to stay in Nigeria and reach out to those who are headed for Hell. God will be more happy and that…
run for comfort and make more money in whatever way it is for that Israeli community.
..than run for comfort….
Useless man. Face your problems head on liken the great son of Zambia hh is doing. You only run away when you got something to hide. You are a useless man who has taken advantage of the majority of illeterates in Africa like ndanje and friends. You have cleverly used that evil imperial book called the bible to amass wealth from the poor. We hope ka lungu follows you to Israel and u both die together there
@nez can you tell us what is so evil about the bible? The Bible teaches people to be honest, to be hardworking, to love their neighbor and enemy as well and so on. Can you tell me what is evil about this?
However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you. You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land. You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance. You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way. (Leviticus 25:44-46 NLT)
NEZ, I wouldn’t want to be supported by your kind. You are a wrong character. May God forgive you because you know nothing about GOD!
Comment:withdrawn this words evil old imperial book called the bible,don’t be useless in using the holy book.u fox
NEZ is a staunch follower of HH, a freemason. U cant expect much from him. Father forgive him, for he knows not what he is doing.
Sir please we love you,stay in Africa, don’t go to Israel, I don’t trust the Israelites , their forefathers criticised and persecuted Jesus Christ by the Jewish laws , remember that a prophet is not honoured in his country, please Africa needs you, we love you sir, some of us that we Haven’t been to the synagogue yet and are preparing surely to be there just to see you. The lord Jesus will make a way possible amen.
Let the sly business man go to the so called “holy land” lets see if they will watch whilst a black man fleece their people!!
The Pharisees, the chief priests and the scribes persecuted Jesus Christ because they were all demons possessed, so who so ever that criticises t b Joshua is demons possessed
Today I engaged with the leadership of the newly formed party they struck me as persons who if they play their cards right will become the alternative solution to what has hitherto been mediocre politicians. I was impressed with their sound knowledge of issues their plausible solutions and above all their desire to unit the country once more. The new HH led party looks a better mix and I urge all who have concerns such as mine to begin to pay them an ear….
The connect between the flesh and the star is that the later guides the former. a time shall come for the flesh to depart but the star shall forever glow, timelessly. if we are of faith there is no need to worry about the whereabouts of the star as we are granted to access it any time ,anywhere
Have you read NEZ’s evil comment above?NEZ called the “Holy Bible as an evil book”,hey this guy and HH are cursed.this confirms that indeed HH is a satan1st who is simply hiding in SDA,a church full of tongas!!!
KEEP ON INSULTING THE ALMIGHTY GOD NEZ BUT RECALL THAT YOUR END WILL BE TERRIBLE!!
To Prophet T.B Joshua,i would encourage him to remain in Africa.Sir you can relocate to Zambia or South Africa where we need you more man of God!!!Nigeria is a wrong place for you because its full of Moslems.Come and live in a Christian Nation Zambia man of God!May God ever bless you!!
However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you. You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land. You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance. You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way. (Leviticus 25:44-46 NLT) that is what the bible preached and here you are supporting things you don’t know you dull chap. Learn to read widely before believing things just because your toothless grandfather asked you to follow the bible
Be realistic in your views. How does HH come in when he is in Prison. Concentrate your argument on the author of comments. Let me tell you that one out of ten give their real names when commenting on these webs. You might be the worst satanist yourself than NEZ. Leave him with his views they will not burn your house or deny you food.
Ka Nez ifyabupuba uleke, continue with your stupid comments. Once God is done with you, you shall truely save him. Mark my words. The day hh will come out of jail he will know who truly Jesus is watch the space.
Why have all of you failed to comment on that passage from your so called holy book bible. In other words your bible promotes slavery. Are you telling me that you as an African tolerates slavery? Answer that question. The Bible has been used to brain wash dull chaps like you
“Whoever kidnaps someone, either to sell him or to keep him as a slave is to be put to death.” – Exodus 21:16
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female – for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. –Galatians 3:28
Do these two verses sound like condoning slavery?
Israel was prohibited from territorial gains beyond what Yahweh had promised to Abraham (Deuteronomy 2:1-23). Moreover, Israel was prohibited the practice of “forced slavery” as seen in Exodus 21:16, “Whoever kidnaps someone, either to sell him or to keep him as a slave, is to be put to death.”
God’s will be done .Amen
Hopeless cretin the TB Joshua chap is, how anyone can follow such a lowlife false profit/ prophet who bears responsibility for the deaths of those poor victims numbering in the 100 range is beyond comprehension. How he is even allowed to continue preaching is something I fail to understand. Do the Israeli’s know what they are dealing with here????? Anyway soon another Nigerian con artist in the name of TB Joshua will show them.
A man who shows love is a man who knows God.
I respect this man.
Why not just going to heaven.
Isaiah 8 vs 20 .All these so called prophets are not in line with this verse the they are false.Isreal was a holy nation not anymore because it is a nation of satanist and moreover Isreal has very few christians who believe in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.To me whether this false prophet lives Nigeria or not an not moved he is just one of the many con men.My question to his blind followers why should a man of God have body guards?
There is nothing wrong to have body guards because of the times we are living in. T.B.Joshua is human with flesh and blood. When you become the servant of God doesn’t mean you become an angel.I tell people that the reason God gave us the brains is to thick despite the holy spirit being with us. So if the situation demands body guards, so be it but that does not make them less servants of God.
Has Joshua got a conscience? He has a case before him and he is not worried about Justice prevailing in that case. 100 people dead because of him should be of great concern. Instead he is talking of running to Israel! Christian?
the man of Gold is sick, HIV is finishing him. and he would want to be seen by Nigerian how is health is deteriorating.
just repent and come back to God before you die in your sins
Mushota I am commending you for the very first time over your accurate comment on TB Joshua. Very precise comment. Do you know the meaning of Ulubunda Mushota?
I dont appreciate our respected Prophet’s reasons he is giving for leaving Nigeria in particular and Africa in general because the bible states categorically that M’t:5:11: Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
M’t:5:12: Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
If God has told him to move I have no qualms with that but if persecution is the reason, then what has happened to my beloved Prophet. However, I still hold him in very high esteem.
Coward and Blind Guide, how can you run away from your flock? What will happen to your sheep? Are you going to carry them with you? Those Israel mayors must know that hundreds of people were killed by this man’s carelessness and that they are inviting a false prophet to go and mislead many. Any way who says that Israel is still a Holy City or favoured Nation? Has this so called Prophet read the following scriptures? 1 Kings 9:7, 8: Matthew 23:27, 38; Acts 13:46.
Been there…..Israel is a paradise for conmen , prostitutes and gay people
Who is TB Joshua, wrestler?
ndeloleshafye
IF THATS WHERE GOD WHATS YOU TO BE NO CAN SAY NO ONE , GOD BLESS YOU MY PROPHET!!!
It is so sad to hear you hypocrates speaking against a spiritual father like you carry the same gift/anointing. Africans are just full of hatred yet they die and perish without glory to reveal. If you were pastor TB Joshua, would you have stayed as much as he had persevered persecution. He’s a great dignitary in the world though he’s not loved in his own continent. But I’m quite convinced enough that the Lord God is increasing him spiritually the more you hypocrates are persecuting him. The bible says by the their fruits ye shall know them” what kinds of fruit do you want to see that you never found in TB Joshua?? Is it; Love, Forgiveness, kindness, meekness etc you never found in him??? Or tell me; how many of you have the humility or price to obtain devine grace?? Don’t be deceived…