Bulawayo residents have reacted with anger over the scepticism of the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) towards the upcoming visit to Zimbabwe of Nigerian Prophet TB Joshua.
An Apostolic Faith prophet, operating from Nkulumane, who spoke on condition of anonymity said that TB Joshua was definitely a threat to their trade. He said ever since word of his miraculous prophesies got out, clients were expecting unattainable miracles from them, failure of which resulted in dwindling business. “Now people come here for prayer portions and actually expect them to take effect there and then. When it does not happen, they immediately run away saying we are fake,” said the self-acclaimed prophet.
Some Bulawayans believe the pilgrimage is long overdue. Most people who spoke to RelZim said they could not wait for the prophet to come into the country. “It is obvious that these church leaders feel threatened by this great man of God because of his gift. They are afraid that they might lose their following to him,” said Ruth Moyo from Cowdray Park. “They should be ashamed of themselves. They are trying to block TB Joshua from coming to Zimbabwe so that they can continue milking money from innocent people,” she added.
Paul Banda from Pumula suburb said he was prepared to take leave from work and follow TB Joshua wherever he goes. “I would want just to touch his robe; just like that woman did to Jesus in the Bible. I really hope these pastors’ jealousy does not block the prophet from visiting the country,” said Banda.
Zimbabweans from all walks of life are looking forward to TB Joshua’s visit to Zimbabwe as they hope that their problems ranging from illness, infertility and low finances will be addressed in an effective manner.
RelZim recently dicussed the scepticism of the networked churches in the country regarding the link between TB Joshua and Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. EFZ leaders were concerned that religion is being too intertwined with politics, given the tendency of TB Joshua to make politically realted prophesies. Some of the sceptical church leaders also were not comfortable with the prophets visit that coincides with National Prayer Day, TB Joshua being from outside Zimbabwe.
EFZ and the prophet quoted here all suffer from a sad complex. Who is EFZ and what is its level of mandate from the Zimbabwe churches. The criticism of Prophet TB Joshua interestingly by some unknown false prophet making merchandise of GODs people and EFZ is because of the jealousy they have against the anointing of GOD on his life. Preachers who thought they had the market cornered in the country have come unstuck because just when they thought they were the cream now GOD is using other people. Isnt it an interesting coincidence that the same EFZ whose leaders were boasting of blocking TB Joshuas visit are the same now attacking Prophet Makandiwa and Angel? This has therefore got nothing to do with politics. Besides Zanu PF leaders have also been to the synagogue church as no one is stopped from attending if they want to. TB Joshua doesnt need to come to Zimbabwe, in fact he hardly is honouring invites from around the world. He is visited by heads of state and government ministers at the huge church in Lagos. If one knew the humility of the man you would understand why it takes a minister of GOD real guts to stoop so low as to attack this man.