T. B. Joshua

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T. B. Joshua
Born Temitope Balogun
June 12, 1963 (1963-06-12) (age 48)
Arigidi, Nigeria
Residence Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos
Nationality  Nigeria
Occupation Prophet, Minister, televangelist
Spouse Evelyn Joshua
Website
The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations, Emmanuel TV

Temitope Balogun Joshua (born June 12, 1963 in Arigidi, Nigeria), commonly referred to as T. B. Joshua, is a Christian, minister, televangelist and faith healer. He is leader and founder of the ministry organisation The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) which runs a Christian television station called Emmanuel TV, available on satellite and on the Internet via the Streaming Faith broadcast portal. He is also a notable humanitarian, providing aid to minorities and the underprivileged on national and international scales via Another Ministry. For his consistent humanitarian work he has been awarded various accolades, notably receiving the National Honour of OFR by the Nigerian government in 2008.[1]

SCOAN has attracted controversy for claiming to heal incurable illnesses such as HIV/AIDs[2][3][4] and cancer.[5] In November 2011, Pastors from the church were caught on camera claiming to have healed people with HIV/AIDS and recommending that they stop taking potentially life-saving antiviral medications.[6] Following the publication of this report, T.B. Joshua stated shortly thereafter that he fully supports medical science and the standard treatment of HIV/AIDS.[citation needed]

Contents

[edit] Biography

Joshua attended St. Stephen's Anglican Primary School in Arigidi-Akoko, Nigeria between 1971 and 1977,[7] but failed to complete one year of secondary school education.[7] In school, he was known as 'small pastor' because of his love for the Bible. He worked in various casual employments after his schooling had ended, including carrying chicken waste at a poultry farm.[8] He organised Bible studies for local children and attended evening school during this period.[9] Joshua attempted to join the Nigerian military but was thwarted due to a train breakdown that left him stranded en route to the military academy.[10]

[edit] The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN)

In 1989, T. B. Joshua allegedly fasted and prayed for 40 days and 40 nights.[11] He wrote that in a heavenly vision, he had received divine anointing and a covenant from God to start his ministry.[12] Following this, Joshua founded the ministry organisation The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) initially with only a handful of members.[13][self-published source] According to the organisation, more than 15,000 members now attend its weekly Sunday service; visitors from outside Nigeria are accommodated free of cost in the accommodation blocks constructed at the church.[14][15][16]

[edit] Controversy over claims of miracles and healing

SCOAN remains controversial both in Nigeria and abroad, claiming regular occurrences of divine miracles. Several hundred Nigerians and international visitors come to the SCOAN each week to register for the prayer lines where the visitors are prayed over by T.B. Joshua and the "Wise Men". SCOAN has published numerous videos claiming to document the healing of incurable disabilities and illnesses such as spinal cord injuries, HIV/AIDs[2][3][4] and cancer.[5] Notable sportspersons who claim to have been healed of sporting injuries at the SCOAN include South African rugby players Jaco van der Westhuizen[17] and Jaco du Preeze, and Nigerian footballer Joseph Yobo.[18] In November 2011, Pastors from the church were caught on camera claiming to have healed people with HIV/AIDS and recommending that they stop taking potentially life-saving antiviral medications.[6] Following the publication of this report, T.B. Joshua stated shortly thereafter that he fully supports medical science and the standard treatment of HIV/AIDS.[citation needed]

Spiritual healing at The SCOAN has been mentioned by Time magazine.[19] Since June 2010, five "Wise Men" have joined in ministering to people at The SCOAN, purportedly able to prophesy, heal and deliver in the same vein as T.B. Joshua.[20] The church has branches in Ghana,[21][22][23] the United Kingdom,[24] South Africa,[25][self-published source] and Greece.[26]

[edit] Humanitarian Work

Another Ministry is the humanitarian arm of SCOAN, with the stated aim of undertaking projects catering to the needs of widows,[27][28] dwarfs,[29] the elderly,[30] physically challenged,[31] orphans and the destitute.[32] The church provides scholarships to orphans and children of the underprivileged, with educational support given from primary to tertiary levels. There is also a rehabilitation programme for armed robbers,[33][34] prostitutes and militants from Nigeria’s volatile Niger Delta region.[35] He is also well known in Nigeria for reconciling broken families and marriages.[36][37][38] SCOAN has established various NGOs in other countries, including the Passion For Needy in Ghana.[39] After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Joshua sent a team of medical personnel and humanitarian workers to the affected area, establishing a field hospital called 'Clinique Emmanuel'.[40] A Forbes blogger estimated Joshua has spent $20m on humanitarian activities in the last three years.[35] In recognition of his humanitarian activities, he was awarded a National Honour by the Nigerian government in 2008.[1]

In 2009 T.B. Joshua started a football club, My People FC as part of efforts to help the youth. Two members of the team played for Nigeria's Golden Eaglets in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Sani Emmanuel, who apparently lived in The SCOAN for several years,[41] was Nigeria's top-scorer and the tournament's MVP. Emmanuel and his colleague Ogenyi Onazi have now signed professional contracts with SS Lazio and are representing Nigeria in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup.[42] Following the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, T.B. Joshua rewarded the efforts of the Nigerian Team, presenting the physically challenged medallists with cash gifts and cars.[43]

[edit] Claims of prophecy

SCOAN claims that Joshua has successfully predicted events in the lives of individuals who attend his church services as well as worldwide events, including a prophecy of Michael Jackson's death[44] and the outcome of various football matches, including the recent African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final match, which was won by the Zambia national football team.[45]

[edit] Notable visitors

Notable visitors, especially within the African political sphere, have visited SCOAN. These include Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangarai,[46] Ghanaian President John Evans Atta Mills (who testified that T.B. Joshua prophesied his ascent to presidency),[47] South Africa’s Winnie Mandela, Malawian Vice President Joyce Banda[48] and the Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.[49]

[edit] Emmanuel TV

Emmanuel TV is the television station of the SCOAN and broadcasts 24/7. Their Sunday and Monday services, which include the prayer lines, are broadcast live. T. B. Joshua's programmes also air 5 days a week on TBN Africa, as well as weekly on a number of local television stations across Africa. T.B. Joshua has donated televisions to prisons and hospitals so that they will be able to watch the Emmanuel TV broadcasts.[50][51]

[edit] Books authored by T.B. Joshua

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Umem, James (2008-12-23). "Adeboye, TB Joshua Absent At National Awards". Vanguard. http://allafrica.com/stories/200812230193.html. 
  2. ^ a b Idam, Jossy (2010-05-16). "Healed of HIV, man turns pastor, preaches abstinence". The Sun (Nigeria). http://64.182.81.172/webpages/features/undersun/may/16/undersun-16-05-2010-001.htm. 
  3. ^ a b "The Prophet". Carte Blanche. 2000-09-03. http://www.mnet.co.za/Mnet/Shows/carteblanche/story.asp?Id=1561. 
  4. ^ a b "Church HIV prayer cure claims 'cause three deaths'". BBC. 2011-10-17. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14406818. 
  5. ^ a b Onwuka, Azuka (2002-09-07). "Era Of Religious Marketing". This Day. http://www.thisdayonline.com/archive/2002/09/07/20020907cam01.html. 
  6. ^ a b "Church Tells HIV Patients To Stop Treatment". Sky News. November 24, 2011. http://www.lbc.co.uk/churches-told-dying-patients-they-were-cured-47816. 
  7. ^ a b "Critique on TB Joshua by Bill Subritsky". http://www.doveministries.com/aus/frame.htm?URL=http://www.doveministries.com/aus/tb-bill.htm. 
  8. ^ Emmanuel, Tito (2010-08-12). "TB Joshua – 47 Happy Cheers". All Africa. http://allafrica.com/stories/201006090681.html. 
  9. ^ Correspondent, Codewit (2009-04-07). "Untold Story Of A Mystery T.B. Joshua". Codewit. http://www.codewit.com/letters-a-opinions/opinion/582-untold-story-of-a-mystery-prophet-tb-joshua. 
  10. ^ Olanipekun, Akinwale (2011-06-12). "TB Joshua: Saving The Face Of The World". Sunshine Memo, Ondo. http://www.sunshinememo.net/personalty.html. 
  11. ^ Phiri, Sam (2010-06-25). "Evangelist Fasts Himself To Death". All Africa. http://allafrica.com/stories/201006250386.html. 
  12. ^ "About Prophet T.B. Joshua". http://www.scoan.org/aboutprophet.htm. 
  13. ^ "The History of the SCOAN". Scoan.org. http://www.scoan.org/about/history/. Retrieved 2012-03-06. 
  14. ^ "Deliverance in Jesus' Name, Holland". http://www.vergadering.nu/mijnlagosreis/index-eng.html. 
  15. ^ "Report on TB Joshua, South Africa". http://bennier.tripod.com/nigeria/report.htm. 
  16. ^ "My Visit To Nigeria, USA". http://revivalinpower.com/archive/thekenyacrusade.html. 
  17. ^ "Triumph And Despair". The Observer. February 8, 2004. http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,,1140742,00.html. 
  18. ^ "Miracle For Yobo". MTN Football. January 27, 2010. http://www.mtnfootball.com/news/2010/jan/100127-miracle-could-help-yobo-play.html. 
  19. ^ Kluger, Jeffrey (2009-02-12). "Spiritual Healing Around The World". Time Magazine. http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1878443_1842216,00.html. 
  20. ^ "Jesus Christ Is My Mentor". The News Magazine. 2011-04-19. http://thenewsafrica.com/2011/04/19/jesus-christ-is-my-mentor/. 
  21. ^ Azu, Vance. "HIV Patient Gets Divine Healing". The Tabloids. http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/gossip/artikel.php?ID=14803. 
  22. ^ Azu, Vance (2003-01-20). "Run-away Husband Stages Come-back". The Mirror. http://www.modernghana.com/newsp/30201/1/pageNum1/run-away-husband-stages-come-back.html. 
  23. ^ Umoren, Comfort (2010-09-21). "3 Jailed For Robbing T.B. Joshua’s Church In London". This Day. http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/3-jailed-for-robbing-tb-joshua-s-church-in-ghana/78374/. 
  24. ^ "Delivered From A King Of Demons AT T.B. Joshua’s Church In London". Ghana Web. 2011-06-06. http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/religion/artikel.php?ID=210465. 
  25. ^ "SCOAN Church, Church Branches International". scoan.org. http://www.scoan.org/branches.htm. 
  26. ^ "30 Members Of Synagogue Welcome Sani Emmanuel To Greece". All Nigeria Soccer. 2010-09-24. http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=2936. 
  27. ^ Ajayi, Segun (2008-07-02). "Pastor’s Day With The Downtrodden". The Sun. http://64.182.81.172/webpages/features/citysun/2008/jul/02/citysun-02-07-2008-003.htm. 
  28. ^ Okafor, Chiji (2009-10-18). "Widow, 9 Kids Eat From Refuse Dump". National Life. http://www.modernghana.com/news/244340/1/widow-9-kids-eat-from-refuse-dump.html. 
  29. ^ Idam, Jossy (2007-09-29). "T.B. Joshua Adopts 60 Dwarfs". The Sun. http://64.182.81.172/webpages/features/living/2007/sept/29/living-29-09-2007-002.htm. 
  30. ^ "Agbako Clocks 84". Nigerian Tribune. 2011-03-19. http://www.tribune.com.ng/sat/index.php/entertainment-extra/3595-agbako-clocks-84.html. 
  31. ^ Ajaero, Chris (2008-10-27). "Cry No More". Newswatch. http://www.newswatchngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=174&Itemid=47. 
  32. ^ Okonkwo, Innocent (2010-06-15). "TB Joshua Makes Case For The Needy". All Africa. http://allafrica.com/stories/201006150385.html. 
  33. ^ Ajaero, Chris (2008-02-24). "Their Way In And Out Of Robbery". Newswatch. http://www.newswatchngr.com/editorial/allaccess/nigeria/10224122645.htm. 
  34. ^ Idam, Jossy (2009-11-29). "Confession Of Robbery Kingpins". The Sun. http://64.182.81.172/webpages/news/national/2009/nov/29/national-29-11-2009-00-003.htm. 
  35. ^ a b Nsehe, Mfonobong (2011-06-07). "The Five Richest Pastors In Nigeria". Forbes Blog. http://blogs.forbes.com/mfonobongnsehe/2011/06/07/the-five-richest-pastors-in-nigeria/. 
  36. ^ "Son Forgives Man Who Butchered President Doe". IOL. 2000-11-22. http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=86&art_id=qw97489038074B252. 
  37. ^ Ajaero, Chris (2008-08-24). "She Made Her Husband Mad". Newswatch. http://www.newswatchngr.com/editorial/allaccess/nigeria/10824170400.htm. 
  38. ^ Okonkwo, Innocent (2009-10-07). "80-Year-Old Widow Lives With Corpse for 14 Months". All Africa. http://allafrica.com/stories/200910070134.html. 
  39. ^ Ametepe, Isaac (2011-04-29). "Passion for Needy registers 120 less privileged persons under NHIS". The Ghanaian Rector. http://www.ghanaianreactoronline.com/news_details.php?newsid=2570. 
  40. ^ "Emmanuel TV Haiti Earthquake Relief". Read Us. 2010-08-27. http://www.modernghana.com/news/293685/1/emmanuel-tv-haiti-earthquake-relief.html. 
  41. ^ Ajah, Uchenna (2009-11-09). "TB Joshua's Altar Boy is Eaglets' Joker". All Africa. http://allafrica.com/stories/200911091116.html. 
  42. ^ Akpayen, George (2011-07-06). "Emmanuel Happy To Join U20s". Super Sport. http://supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/110706/Emmanuel_happy_to_join_U20s. 
  43. ^ "TB Joshua Spoils Team Nigeria With Naira, Cars". Sports Day. 2010-11-15. http://www.sportsdayonline.com/nigeria/news/2010-11-15/tb-joshua-spoils-team-nigeria-with-naira-cars.html. 
  44. ^ Njoku, Ihechukwu (2009-06-29). "Prophet TB Joshua Predicted The Death Of Michael Jackson". Nigeria World. http://nigeriaworld.com/articles/2009/jun/291.html. 
  45. ^ Ofei, Alex (2009-10-20). "TB Joshua Engineered Our Victory – Sellas Tetteh". Peace FM. http://sports.peacefmonline.com/news/200910/29529.php. 
  46. ^ Gagare, Owen (2010-09-03). "Tsvangirai Visits TB Joshua". News Day. http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2010-09-03-tsvangirai-visits-t-b-joshua. 
  47. ^ Ogunmade, Omololu (2009-01-13). "Atta Mills Visits Spiritual Head In Nigeria". The Ghanaian Journal. http://www.theghanaianjournal.com/2009/01/13/atta-mills-visits-spiritual-head-in-nigeria/. 
  48. ^ Kufa, Charles (2011-07-03). "Joyce Banda Visits Renowned Prophet TB Joshua". Nyasa Times. http://www.nyasatimes.com/national/joyce-banda-visits-renowned-prophet-tb-joshua.html. 
  49. ^ Achi, Louis (2003-11-17). "Seeking Healing, South African Monarch Visits Synagogue". This Day. http://allafrica.com/stories/200311170750.html. 
  50. ^ "T.B. Joshua Donates TV Sets To Khami Maximum Security Prison". NewsDay. June 12, 2011. http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2011-06-12-tb-joshua-donates-tv-sets. 
  51. ^ "Prophet T.B. Joshua Makes Donation To Accra Psychiatric Hospital". Ghana News Agency. December 11, 2011. http://www.ghananewsagency.org/details/Social/Prophet-Joshua-donates-to-Accra-Psychiatric-hospital/?ci=4&ai=36689. 

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