Followers stand behind ‘prophet’

Published Sep 17, 2014

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Cape Town - Support for the popular preacher at the helm of the Synagogue Church of All Nations TB Joshua has not wavered in the aftermath of the collapse of the church’s multi-storey guest house in Lagos, Nigeria, killing at least 67 South Africans.

On his Facebook page, self-styled prophet Joshua wrote: “Hard times may test me, they cannot destroy me.”

In response, followers of the page, which has over 1.3 million “likes”, not only consoled the preacher but even celebrated what had happened.

“Better to die in (this church) than any other place in the world,” wrote Louis Musendeka. Even if another building collapses to kill one billion people, I will still follow Christ through Prophet Joshua. My faith is never shaken.

“God bless the man of God and all those who follow him,” added Ebenezer Donkor.

“It is great to die in the presence of God rather than of the world.

“May God strengthen you my prophet,” wrote Rraago Mhaladi.

The church’s large congregation believes Joshua has healing powers and can predict the future.

“Amen, thank you God of Joshua. Nothing shall separate us from the love of God, neither a collapsed building nor human insults,” wrote Uyu Withu.

Linah Khumalo told the preacher’s critics to “grow up” and realise Joshua was just a human being. “Any one who has questions about what happened should also ask him or herself about the things happening in your life and you don’t see them coming.”

In media reports, the preacher has linked the collapse of the building to a suspicious aircraft but rescue workers ruled out foul play.

One of Joshua’s followers, among the thousands who commented, questioned the structural integrity of the building.

Others said it was a “planned and controlled demolition”.

Outside of the Facebook page there was little sympathy for the pastor.

On Twitter, @allentttrading wrote: “So the famous Prophet TB Joshua could not foresee the tragedy.”

“TB Joshua must be held responsible to the death of 67 south Africans in his church in Nigeria. That’s a pure assassination. He is not of God,” added @sir_melgsa.

Although the preacher’s followers were focused on their “prophet’s struggle”, many users sent their condolences to the friends and families of the South Africans crushed when the building collapsed.

Others were looking for answers:

“My friend’s aunt (in law) went to that church in Nigeria and they can’t get hold of her… sh*t,” wrote @BusiD.

* The figures for dead and injured people in this disaster are still being collated. IOL will use the latest figures available to us, but be aware the numbers will fluctuate as the story is updated.

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