Lai Mohammed urges TB Joshua not to relocate

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has reacted to the decision of the founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Pastor T.B. Joshua to relocate from Nigeria to Israel over what the pastor described as hostile operating environment. The minister described the decision as very unfortunate.
He made the comment in an interview with the travel press during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) held in Ikeja, Lagos. The minister pleaded with Joshua to reconsider the decision as it would not be in the interest of Nigeria. He called for dialogue between the pastor and authorities over whatever challenges that he was facing. Lai declared: “That will be very unfortunate in the sense that if he does move out, it will affect our tourism in Nigeria. Pastor Joshua is an important person, he must bear with us. This is his country. If he moves out and go to South Africa (for example), the revenue will go to South Africa. It is better that Pastor Joshua sits down with the relevant authority and resolve whatever problem he has. If I have access to him this is exactly what I am going to tell him.”
Speaking at his church service on Sunday April 30, 2017 Prophet Joshua disclosed his intention to leave Nigeria and relocate his ministry to the nation of Israel, where he recently held meetings with three prominent Israeli mayors of Jerusalem, Tiberias and the Jordan Valley. Pastor Joshua said Israel offered him both land and facilities in an area around the biblical site of the Sea of Galilee, to organise meetings for international pilgrims. “This is where my Father in Heaven came from – it’s non-negotiable,” Joshua explained.
“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 clarified. Joshua said his decision to leave was not connected to the “persecution” he endured during his ministry in Nigeria. He said 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. That is why I chose to live a lonely life. I don’t go out. It has not been easy – because I don’t know who is a friend or who is an enemy. Anytime you pray, remember Africa in prayer. 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. Where you are not celebrated is the best place to stay, to get strength,’ he added.

SOURCE: http://sunnewsonline.com/lai-mohammed-urges-tb-joshua-not-to-relocate/

som1 shud pls sumariz it 4 me 2 coment...

I dont know where to begin from. I am short of words ,really.

Lets think about it. Was it in the plan of God from the beginning of the synagogue ministry to later relocate it to Israel? If that is the case , he ( Prophet Joshua ) would have said this and it would have been a good reason to move according to the plan of God for the church. But to say "Nigeria is a hostile environment for any church to operate" , is nothing but a big LIE.

If it were a hostile environment the synagogue church wouldn't have grown to what it is today. Nigeria is hostile and you made money in millions of dollars in that same hostile environment. That excuse is not genuine .

Was there any time TB Joshua was beaten , slaped, physically humiliated ,to half of what d disciples and other missionaries that brought christianity to Africa faced? Many Christians are killed in Egypt and other Islamic nations daily . Some cannot hold Bible in their hands publicly for fear of being killed, but here in Nigeria, you move freely and travel as you like. Even through his negligence many people have died within the church environment and nothing have been heard about the case till date. If it were in another country, he would be facing a jail term by now.

If it is the same God that called T.B. Joshua that called other General Overseer , why are they not relocting their churches as he is planning? If other churches in Nigeria move to Israel , what will become of Christianity in Nigeria. Did he not read :
2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 KJV
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: [5] Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

This might be the biginning of deliverance for some of those coming to your church, who knows.

The Minister is doing his duty by asking T.B.Joshua not to go.But I pray that the will of God will come to pass.