The founder and Senior Pastor of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet T.B. Joshua recently marked the one year anniversary of the hugely successful Nazareth Meeting with T.B. Joshua by releasing a video. The event was held from the Sunday, June 23 and Monday, 24 of last year. It was an event that showed the followership the tele-evangelist attracts as he preaches Christ. Though Nazareth is a renowned destination because of its religious significance to Christians, the Meeting with T.B. Joshua attracted thousands of tourists for the two-day programme. This led to his being honoured with a Goodwill Tourism Ambassador by Israel.
The tourism minister, Mr Yariv Levin, while honouring Joshua, had said: “TB Joshua, on the occasion of your visit to Israel, I am honoured to recognise you as a true friend of Israel. Thank you for your support and solidarity, which are deeply appreciated. It is my pleasure to name you as a ‘Tourism Goodwill Ambassador for Israel.”
Prophet T.B. Joshua had mobilized thousands of religious tourists from more than 50 countries for the two-day meeting at the historic Mount Precipice, at the entrance of the ancient city of Nazareth. The mountain was where, according to the Bible, an irate mob attempted to throw Jesus Christ down the cliff.
The ancient town of Nazareth with majority Muslim population, for the two days, was agog as people from more than 50 countries of the world toured Nazareth and other parts of Israel. Christian religious programme tagged Nazareth Meeting with popular Nigeria pastor, Prophet T Joshua. The event was held at the historical was held at the newly constructed amphitheatre on Mount Precipice.
More than 50 luxury and sprinter buses were put to use conveying people to and fro the mountain. Tens of police personnel and private security providers were also on hand to ensure there was no breakdown of order. Vehicles were parked kilometres away from Mount Precipice while every visitor assessed the mountain using the bus shuttle. Due to well-organized logistics, there was no breach whatsoever.
The Mount Precipice amphitheatre, built and donated to the town by Prophet TB Joshua and his EmmanuelTV partners have a capacity of 40,000.
Ironically, the event, before it held, was fiercely criticised by local religious figures and nearly faced cancellation due to the intensity of attacks.
A protest was organised with hundreds trouncing through the city in Northern Israel with placards decrying the coming event and people shouting: “Let this witch get away from us.”
Despite the ‘noise’ surrounding the event, it was held successfully with Joshua preaching a message on love and ministering “healing and deliverance in Jesus’ name” to the large crowds that gathered.
The Mayor of Nazareth, Ali Sallam, has touted the economic benefit derived by Joshua’s visit in an interview with local Arabic media, stating the region of Nazareth would accrue up to $1,000,000 as a result of the influx of tourists.
