The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has paid a glowing tribute to deceased founder and pastor of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Temitope Balogun Joshua, popularly called TB Joshua.
Many people believe CAN ought to have mourned him earlier than it did but it has eventually done so in superlative terms.
According to the association with whom TB Joshua was not in intimate terms, he was one of Nigeria’s foremost charismatic pastors.
This, again, contrasts with the impression given by another popular pastor, Christ Okotie, who in a statement seemed to be referring to him as a ‘wizard of Endor’, in reference to the ignoble witches of Endor in the Bible.
In a statement by CAN’s President, Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, titled: “Letter of condolence on the demise of Prophet T.B. Joshua”, it said: “The news of the demise of your darling husband, Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, who was until his transition at the age of Fifty-Seven (57) was the leader and founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations came to us amidst great shock and sorrow.
“We are particularly sad because the deceased showed no trace of illness prior to his demise after an Evening Church Service on Saturday 5th June 2021. We commiserate with you, the children and the entire members of SCOAN on this irreparable loss.
“Prophet T.B Joshua was one of the foremost Nigerian charismatic pastor, televangelist, and philanthropist who devoted his entire lifetime to the propagation of the gospel and ministering to the needs of the downtrodden. He was renowned for his philosophical simplicity and humility. His death is not only a loss to the family and the church, but to Nigeria and the world at large.
“There are indeed no exact words of comfort at a moment like this, but we humbly enjoin you to take solace in the Will of the Almighty God, who works in us both to do and work according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13).
“We know that Our Lord Jesus Christ in whom there is all-sufficiency, and whom you have been serving wholeheartedly will make all grace abound unto you at this trying moment (2 Corinthians 9:8).
“On behalf of all members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), we commiserate with you, and the entire family on this loss. It is our prayer that the Almighty God grant Prophet TB Joshua an eternal rest in his creator, and may God’s perpetual light continue to shine on his path (Amen). Once again, please accept our heartfelt condolence.”
