T.B. Joshua
Encyclopedia
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. SCOAN has attracted controversy for claiming to heal incurable illnesses such as HIV/AIDs and cancer
. 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.
between 1971 and 1977, but failed to complete one year of secondary school education. 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. He organised Bible studies for local children and attended evening school during this period. 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.
Following this, Joshua founded the ministry organisation The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) initially with only a handful of members. According to the organisation, more than 15,000 members now attend its weekly Sunday service; visitors from outside Nigeria are accommodated in the church facilities.
SCOAN remains controversial both in Nigeria and abroad, claiming regular occurrences of divine miracles. It has published numerous videos claiming to document the healing of incurable illnesses such as HIV/AIDs and cancer
, showing conditions allegedly before, during, and after "healing". 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 antiviral medications.
Spiritual healing at The SCOAN has been mentioned by Time magazine.
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.
The church has branches in Ghana
, the United Kingdom
, South Africa
, and Greece
.
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, prostitutes and militants from Nigeria’s volatile Niger Delta
region. He is also well known in Nigeria for reconciling broken families and marriages.
SCOAN has established various NGOs in other countries, including the Passion For Needy in Ghana.
In 2009 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, 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
.
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.
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'.
In recognition of his humanitarian activities, he was awarded a National Honour by the Nigerian government in 2008.
A Forbes
blogger estimated Joshua has spent $20m on humanitarian activities in the last three years.
's death and the outcome of various football matches.
and The Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu
. Edward Lowasa Former Prime Minister of United Republic of Tanzania.
is the television station of SCOAN and broadcasts 24/7. Their Sunday and Monday services 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.
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
), commonly referred to as T. B. Joshua, is a Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
, minister, televangelist
Televangelism
Televangelism is the use of television to communicate the Christian faith. The word is a portmanteau of television and evangelism and was coined by Time magazine. A “televangelist” is a Christian minister who devotes a large portion of his ministry to television broadcasting...
and faith healer
Faith Healer
Faith Healer is a play by Brian Friel about the life of faith healer Francis Hardy as monologued through the shifting memories of Hardy, his wife, Grace, and stage manager, Teddy.-Synopsis:...
. 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
Emmanuel TV
Emmanuel TV is one of Africa's largest Christian television networks with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, founded by T.B. Joshua, Pastor of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations .-History:...
, available on satellite and on the Internet via the Streaming Faith broadcast portal. SCOAN has attracted controversy for claiming to heal incurable illnesses such as HIV/AIDs and cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
. 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.
Biography
Joshua attended St. Stephen's Anglican Primary School in Arigidi-Akoko, NigeriaNigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
between 1971 and 1977, but failed to complete one year of secondary school education. 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. He organised Bible studies for local children and attended evening school during this period. 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.
The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN)
In 1989, T. B. Joshua allegedly fasted and prayed for 40 days and 40 nights. He wrote that in a heavenly vision, he had received divine anointing and a covenant from God to start his ministry.Following this, Joshua founded the ministry organisation The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) initially with only a handful of members. According to the organisation, more than 15,000 members now attend its weekly Sunday service; visitors from outside Nigeria are accommodated in the church facilities.
SCOAN remains controversial both in Nigeria and abroad, claiming regular occurrences of divine miracles. It has published numerous videos claiming to document the healing of incurable illnesses such as HIV/AIDs and cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
, showing conditions allegedly before, during, and after "healing". 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 antiviral medications.
Spiritual healing at The SCOAN has been mentioned by Time magazine.
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.
The church has branches in Ghana
Ghana
Ghana , officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south...
, the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, and Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
.
Humanitarian Work
Another Ministry is the humanitarian arm of SCOAN, with the stated aim of undertaking projects catering to the needs of widows, dwarfs, the elderly, physically challenged, orphans and the destitute.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, prostitutes and militants from Nigeria’s volatile Niger Delta
Niger Delta
The Niger Delta, the delta of the Niger River in Nigeria, is a densely populated region sometimes called the Oil Rivers because it was once a major producer of palm oil...
region. He is also well known in Nigeria for reconciling broken families and marriages.
SCOAN has established various NGOs in other countries, including the Passion For Needy in Ghana.
In 2009 Joshua started a football club, My People FC
My People FC
My People FC is a Nigerian football club based in Lagos. Founded by Prophet T.B. Joshua of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations, the team was established for the purpose of helping talented young footballers.- History :...
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
2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup
The 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup was the thirteenth tournament of the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Nigeria from October 24 to November 15, 2009.The tournament was won by Switzerland, beating 1-0 the host team, Nigeria...
. Sani Emmanuel
Sani Emmanuel
Sani Shehu Emmanuel , commonly known as Sani Emmanuel, is a Nigerian footballer, who currently plays for S.S. Lazio as a striker, as well as having a stint with Swedish outfit Bodens BK...
, who apparently lived in The SCOAN for several years, was Nigeria's top-scorer and the tournament's MVP. Emmanuel and his colleague Ogenyi Onazi
Ogenyi Onazi
Ogenyi Eddy Onazi , known as Ogenyi Onazi, is a Nigerian footballer, who currently plays for Lazio as an attacking midfielder, as well as briefly playing for the Swedish team Bodens BK...
have now signed professional contracts with SS Lazio and are representing Nigeria in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup
2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup
The 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup was the eighteenth edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup since its inception in 1977 as the FIFA World Youth Championship. Colombia hosted the tournament between 29 July and 20 August 2011, with matches being played in eight cities...
.
Following the 2010 Commonwealth Games
2010 Commonwealth Games
The 2010 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XIX Commonwealth Games, were held in Delhi, India, from 3 to 14 October 2010. A total of 6,081 athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and dependencies competed in 21 sports and 272 events, making it the largest Commonwealth Games till date...
in Delhi, India, T.B. Joshua rewarded the efforts of the Nigerian Team, presenting the physically challenged medallists with cash gifts and cars.
After the 2010 Haiti earthquake
2010 Haiti earthquake
The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake, with an epicentre near the town of Léogâne, approximately west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital. The earthquake occurred at 16:53 local time on Tuesday, 12 January 2010.By 24 January, at least 52 aftershocks...
, Joshua sent a team of medical personnel and humanitarian workers to the affected area, establishing a field hospital called 'Clinique Emmanuel'.
In recognition of his humanitarian activities, he was awarded a National Honour by the Nigerian government in 2008.
A Forbes
Forbes
Forbes is an American publishing and media company. Its flagship publication, the Forbes magazine, is published biweekly. Its primary competitors in the national business magazine category are Fortune, which is also published biweekly, and Business Week...
blogger estimated Joshua has spent $20m on humanitarian activities in the last three years.
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 JacksonMichael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
's death and the outcome of various football matches.
Notable visitors
Notable visitors, especially within the African political sphere, have visited SCOAN. These include Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangarai, Ghanaian President John Evans Atta Mills (who testified that T.B. Joshua prophesied his ascent to presidency), South Africa’s Winnie Mandela, Malawian Vice President Joyce BandaJoyce Banda
Joyce Hilda Banda is a Malawian educator, grassroots gender rights activist turned politician who has been Vice-President of Malawi since May 2009. She is Malawi's first female vice president. She had previous posts as a Member of Parliament, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for...
and The Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu
Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu
Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu is the reigning king of the Zulu nation under the Traditional Leadership clause of South Africa's republican constitution....
. Edward Lowasa Former Prime Minister of United Republic of Tanzania.
Emmanuel TV
Emmanuel TVEmmanuel TV
Emmanuel TV is one of Africa's largest Christian television networks with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, founded by T.B. Joshua, Pastor of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations .-History:...
is the television station of SCOAN and broadcasts 24/7. Their Sunday and Monday services 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.
Books authored by Joshua
- The Mirror ISBN 0-620-37453-5
- The Step Between You And The Cure ISBN 0-620-33247-6
- Daily Time With God ISBN 0-620-375752
- What The Future Holds ISBN 0-620-42843-9