The founder and general evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church, Agbala Itura, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara, has said it is wrong to say that Pentecostal pastors hated Prophet T.B Joshua because according to the cleric, the Christian body in Nigeria loved Prophet T.B. Joshua who he affirmed was passionate in giving and a humble man.
Abiara said this at the thanksgiving service ceremony that marks the week long funeral rites of the late televangelist, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Prophet Abiara who had earlier visited the widow of the late T.B Joshua said “the reason why I came here (for the thanksgiving service) is because I love this my minister of God and that mummy said I must come here and pray; and by the grace of God I am here to pray for mummy and for those who came from all over the world…. Because mummy needs prayer.” He continued, “and also to give a word of advice to all the members of the church, which according to the cleric is “very very important.”
Abiara who is being quoted to have said “no division in the Christian body” added that leaders of the body of Christ are one and “as far as I am concern, we did not have hatred for late T.B. Joshua and that “pastors were devastated when the news (filtered) that T.B Joshua has died.”
Sources however, have it that, Abiara, who pleaded with the family for a late condolence visit, also said “it’s not too late to offer condolence to the family and the church” and that “who are we to query God? (concerning T.B Joshua’s death), If we don’t understand, God understands.”
Prophet S.K Abiara therefore, enjoined the widow of the late T.B Joshua to be encouraged while assuring her of his unflinching supports and prayer both for the family and for the entire SCOAN church members.
The Erinmo-Ijesha born Prophet Abiara, together with his wife, encouraged members of SCOAN to remain steadfast in their commitment to the church. In his words, “I want to advice all the members of the Synagogue to stick to this church, not to leave this church because of the dead of the man of God, because he’s alive; and I want you to support the mummy and his family. So after this ceremony, don’t leave the church and continue to pray for the people.” May God Almighty bless every one of you. Christ Jesus is the Lord, he added.
The thanksgiving ceremony also witnessed the launch of a book titled, T.B. Joshua, The Servant of God; the book that was said to have been endorsed by the late prophet shortly before his death even after years of pleading with him for the publication.
The event witnessed many notable personalities and renowned gospel singers from all over the world.