Pastor Evelyn Joshua, the Leader of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), on Sunday, recalled the challenges that pushed her late husband TB Joshua to found the Emmanuel TV.
Evelyn travelled the memory lane at the 20th anniversary of the Emmanuel TV, held at the Church’s headquarters in Ikotun, Lagos State.
The event was attended by congregants, partners and viewers from across the world to commemorate two decades of the Christian broadcast network’s existence and works.
The Emmanuel TV, a televangelism subsidiary of the Church, has been instrumental in the Church’s humanitarian works that has lifted the needy in the society spiritually and materially.
Evelyn Joshua, “The woman in the Synagogue” as the SCOAN leader is fondly called, described “Emmanuel TV at 20” as a reflection on resilience and global impact.
“It has been a testament to resilience, spiritual conviction and unwavering belief in the inevitability of God’s will,” she said.
The event featured reflections, archival footage and prayers, thanksgiving to mark what could be described as a milestone in global evangelism.
The elated SCOAN leader urged Christians to express love to God and others around them, saying, “love remains a powerful force that brings peace, hope and positive change”.
Referencing the Epistle of James 1:2–8, she said that salvation was a gift from God and encouraged believers to remain steadfast in faith, she noted that trials helped faith grow and that love for Christ enabled people to overcome life’s pressures.
According to her, the Emmanuel TV, founded by the late Prophet TB Joshua and based in Lagos, Nigeria, has grown into a major international Christian television network with a vast global reach.
“Over the years, it has recorded more than 1 billion views on YouTube and currently ranks among the most subscribed Christian ministry channels on the platform, extending its audience across continents through satellite television, online streaming and social media platforms,” she said.
Earlier in a broadcast through Emmanuel TV on Saturday, Joshua revisited a pivotal moment in the ministry’s history — the removal of the late TB Joshua’s programme from national television years ago.
According to her, the development created uncertainty about the future of the ministry’s outreach.
“For many, it seemed the end had come,” she said,
She recalled the period of doubt and questions over how the church would sustain its broadcast ministry without access to mainstream television platforms.
“Rather than challenge the decision publicly, TB Joshua responded with prayer and submission to constituted authority, drawing inspiration from biblical teachings.”
“That response, ultimately led to the establishment of Emmanuel TV as an independent Christian channel.
“What began as a response to restriction has since grown into a global platform broadcasting sermons, prayer sessions and humanitarian activities to millions of viewers worldwide”.
She acknowledged that in 20 years of existence, Emmanuel TV had encountered criticism and challenges.
She likened the experience to that of the early apostles, referencing Acts 5:38–39 – “If this work is of God, you cannot overthrow it.”
She said that the scripture reflected the ministry’s belief that divine purpose prevailed in spite of opposition.
An archival footage of Prophet TB Joshua and the evolution of Emmanuel TV was shown at the event, drawing applause from attendees as his messages on faith and perseverance were replayed.
She reaffirmed the channel’s mandate, emphasising that the Emmanuel TV was founded as an instrument of evangelism rather than entertainment.
She said that the mission of the channel remained “Changing Lives, Changing Nations and Changing the World”, a vision she said continued to guide its programming and outreach.
“As part of activities marking the 20th anniversary, the Church and its partners of Emmanuel TV has embarked on a humanitarian outreach to the Oko Baba community area of Lagos to lift people from poverty.
“The initiative offered 500 bags of rice, wheelchairs and a cash donation of ₦3 million to residents”.
She quoted the late TB Joshua, saying “True love expresses itself in giving”.
She said that compassion remained central to the ministry’s identity.
The beneficiaries, mostly the needy, received the items with joy and appreciation.
She stressed that the Emmanuel TV remained dedicated to expanding its global reach while upholding its spiritual mandate.
