REMEMBERING TB JOSHUA
A dark cloud swept over Nigeria and indeed the world this weekend when the news broke of Temitope Balogun Joshua’s sudden passing.
The charismatic pastor-cumprophet, who died a week shy of his 58th birthday from as yet unconfirmed causes, gained global fame through his satellite station, Emmanuel TV. His sermons were broadcast to millions, earning him millions in the process.
The leader and founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations, despite his huge popularity, TB Joshua remained divisive until the very end, with critics dismissing him as a fake while his followers labelled him a true man of God.
In light of his untimely demise, The Voice’s CHRISTINAH MOTLHABANE caught up with local pastors to get a religious perspective on TB Joshua’s passing.
TELEVANGELIST NDIWENYU TJIBI
The moment I saw the post announcing his passing I nearly got shocked but something immediately told me, no, as a Christian our purpose is to die in Christ. I told myself that the man of God did not die but had won the race.
He has done more than enough for me looking at his achievements. I can liken his journey to the journey of Apostle Paul: he came, he preached, he prophesied, he healed and indeed he fought a good fight.
I admired him very much even though I have never visited him. I liked his bravery to take on the assignment of God the day he was called. Just like any other person, he had both his doubters and his lovers but he conquered the world. The most important thing is that he has left his mark. To me, life is not measured by age but by one’s achievements; the legacy that you leave behind will speak for you. Be comforted, the man has not died, he has rested.
ARCHBISHOP SONY ADAM CHILIWA
His death was a shock to many but what can we do or say; a verse in the bible under Samuel sates that everyone is going to die. Even Jesus Christ died! His time had arrived, as in Jacob it reads ‘thus everyone has certain years or days that were kept for him’ - so TB Joshua was given 57 years to live. The world lost a lot as many were looking upon him. He was not only a pastor but also a giver as he helped those who were suffering, be it food, shelter or education. He was the world’s man of God as his church was always full with people from different counties.
DEACON MATANTA SMITH
I am not a member of TB Joshua’s church but to be honest his death was a shock to me. I could not believe it was true until I Googled to confirm.
Joshua was a steward of God, he saved the poor and he healed the sick. He taught people the Word of God.
As his death was sudden, I do not know if I he set the leadership accordingly so that the church does not collapse after his departure. Joshua to me was a true man of God who taught his people to look up to God. I was not Joshua’s follower but I respected him.
PASTOR CHRISTOPHER BABA MUNNYI
Joshua’s death hurt me to the core. I asked myself how can a man of God die during these hard times when the people need him the most. As pastors, we are taking care of people so when we die we have lost the nation.
Myself I could not believe that he was dead when I first learnt about it on the social media, until I saw it mentioned again on the television.
The thing I liked about him is that he had a good heart towards people. He did not want to see another person suffering. Even though he died, we will always remember the good things he did for the people. All the negativity that people say about him I am not into that because he transformed the lives of many, be it spiritually or financially. He had wisdom towards people. His soul will rest in peace.
PREACHER TEBATSO MFO MAKUO
I did not believe it was true until I saw it on the church’s Facebook page and the big international online media houses like Al Jazeera and of course our own local newspaper, The Voice.
As a Christian, I have been following his Bible teachings and prophecies. I thought as he was a powerful prophet and healer, he could have seen it coming but until now we do not know the cause of his death. The Synagogue should remain the same if at all the followers follow the Bible teachings. Romans 8:31-39 says nothing will separate us from God’s love, neither death nor hunger. We have lost a prophet, healer and mentor, may his soul rest in eternal peace.