The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Samson Supo Ayokunle, is the latest to add his voice to the growing call for Prophet T.B. Joshua to remain in Nigeria.
In a birthday message to Joshua published in Nigerian newspaper The Daily Sun, the CAN President advised him to reconsider the decision, adding that anyone speaking the truth and following the Scripture would always face persecution.
Likening Joshua’s persecution to what Jesus Christ also faced, he said, “Jesus Himself was also persecuted in Israel, so if his decision to relocate is due to this, I will enjoin him to reconsider. In 2 Timothy 3:10, Paul said those who live in Christ would face persecution. He should therefore not leave Nigeria for Israel. There is no nation that he would go that there would not be persecution, especially if he is saying the truth and following the Gospel.”
He equally congratulated Joshua on his birthday and advised him to continue with the good works he has been doing both locally and abroad, especially in the area of humanitarian services.
“At 54, I wish T.B. Joshua well. I want to enjoin him to look back and do a self-appraisal. All the things he has done well, he should concentrate and continue with them. As men of God, we have been called to serve humanity, to serve our generation. He should not lose focus on this. He is serving humanity and his generation. That’s why God called him.”
Ayokunle joins the likes of Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Dr Frederick Fasehun, Lai Mohammed, Dele Momodu and Femi Fani-Kayode, who have all called on Joshua to stay in his homeland.