By Babatunde Odubanwo

The mammoth gathering at the Amphitheatre of Mount Precipice located in Nazareth last year still holds the same force it held in June 2019. Drawing participation from all parts of the world, the ancient city mountain was greeted by religious enthusiasts and tourists alike who had come to encounter another dimension of the God of Israel. Nazareth, beyond the allure of its glorious past and fascinating present, a promising future glimmered in nearest sight of what can be termed a monumental divine visit.

A two-day event turned a revival of significance was the reason behind the unforgettable June extravaganza. Organized by the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) under the episcopal leadership of the mission’s General Overseer, Prophet T.B. Joshua. No doubt, there were protests in some parts of Northern Israel sponsored by local religious leaders calling for an immediate halt of the religious event.

The protesting horde shouting: “Let this witch get away from us!”. The noisome turbulence did not deter the great miraculous working wrought by the famed Nigerian Prophet. The signs and miracles were unmistakable and his virtues of preaching global peace and offering hand of fellowship to all and sundry, irrespective of their backgrounds has endeared the Ondo-state born clergyman to the High and low, especially beyond the shores of his home country. In more ways than one, Prophet T.B Joshua is imbued with an uncommon grace and kindness.

The Prophet has been censured on countless occasions by some sections of Nigerians who claims him to be a man of ‘’questionable endowments of power’’. Should a man of God whose acts of philanthropy has attracted international recognition, be unjustly abased to such a demeaning pedestal continually? This brings to the fore the words of the Holy Writ: A prophet is not recognized in his hometown. This also asserts the old saying: Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?

Although a panoramic assessment of what some supposed men of God had allegedly done in the name of ‘’acquiring power’’ for ministry’s exploits ‘nearly rubs the title Man of God in ‘’mud’’, Prophet T.B Joshua is clearly one of those who are still ‘’keeping the faith’’. His seasoned preaching of the word of God and undiluted fight for human salvation have sustained his large flocks around many nations of the world. Communicating to the world through the ministry’s Emmanuel TV and other social media platforms, the charismatic preacher is considered to be one of the most respected men of God from Nigeria. Despite the persecutions and hate trailing him in the shadows, he clearly walks in the light of the ‘’word’’.

The June 2019 meeting was one of the various outreaches around the world which were followed by international media reportage. The Pentecostal event was broadcast on Israeli’s local television featuring world-acclaimed media platforms such as The New York Times and Reuters.

In appreciation of the feats achieved by Prophet T.B Joshua by his ministry’s worldwide outreaches, particularly the ‘’Nazareth’s encounter’’, he was honoured with a national award of Tourism Ambassador by the Nation of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism. Presenting the award to Prophet T.B Joshua was the country’s Minister of Tourism, Yariv Levin.
In the words of Levin: “TB Joshua, on the occasion of your visit to Israel, I am honoured to recognise you as a true friend of Israel. Thank you for your support and solidarity, which are deeply appreciated. It is my pleasure to name you as a ‘Tourism Goodwill Ambassador for Israel.”

The duly deserved recognition of Prophet T.B Joshua in faraway Israel as the country’s Tourism Ambassador speaks volume in many ways. Firstly, it is a quick reminder of the fact that Nigeria has a lot of untapped resources, both human and natural. Take for example, if America has a T.B Joshua as one of its citizens, the Land of Lincoln and other great American leaders would do a lot in supporting not just the growth of his ministry but other laudable humanitarian projects that he embarks upon.

In most cases, the achievements of the likes of Prophet T.B Joshua are worthy of multiple national awards. Misplacement of priority is one of the clogs in Nigeria’s wheel of progress. Take for instance, Anthony Joshua (AJ), the UK-born, Nigerian accomplished wrestler whose lofty achievement is hailed in the world of sports. The Nigerian government had to wait for the world to discover him first before they rallied around the Sagamu-born pugilist.

Like the Biblical Joshua, Prophet Joshua is taking up the mantle while many grope around the conversation of lack and lukewarmness in charting a better course for nationhood. He is the first Nigerian and African at that to be honoured in this manner by the Israeli government. Like the Biblical Joshua, he is on a mission of leading the charge of a restive nation to the paradise of its dreams. Like the Biblical Joshua, he will need the cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians in achieving this long sought aspiration.

GODSPEED AMBASSADOR PROPHET T.B JOSHUA!!!