ONE of the biggest miracles that depict God as one who cannot be limited by human rationalities or expectations is the Almighty’s omniscience and unpredictability. He is gracious, limitless and all-powerful. These attributes he has demonstrated to man over and over again. When the Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) started, little did the world realize that mankind was to experience God in a refreshing dimension. The founder of the ministry, Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, had God’s approval not only to change lives but to extend that transformation to families, nations, and the entire globe. Impeccable records show the arduous and humanly impossible road that the ministry had to travel. Hell’s fury and man’s impertinence would have not the flourishing of this ministry. In the face of the growing opposition, the SCOAN matched on in power, prophetic anointing, and the miraculous, breaking barriers of all shades and proclivities.
Despite the severe opposition from his traducers, Joshua would only say to them, “I didn’t fire one single arrow back from all your arrows against me; otherwise you won’t be here today to talk. One thing we should always know is this: I did not choose myself to do God’s work. He in His wisdom just chose me and I know He is with me. God would never give anybody this kind of power He gave me if the person would use it for selfish purposes or against his perceived enemies. No!” He had a faith in God that could only be similar to the one His Saviour, Jesus, had in his father while on earth. While alive, he had told all those who cared to listen that no man could stop the work of God, no devil from hell could ever venture it. So when this rare man of God passed on to glory, the world would come to realize that his popular saying that ‘the best is yet to come’ carried God’s prophetic unction and would later manifest. After his passage, his ardent followers were sad, hell rejoiced but God was not yet done. Enter Pastor Evelyn Joshua.
Since she took over the reins of leadership in the ministry, she has demonstrated her commitment to the vision of her husband given out by God. With the manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, an undeniable unction from on high, and a growing devotion to evangelism, church growth and love for the needy and downtrodden, Pastor Evelyn Joshua has clearly shown that God’s best is a continuum in the Synagogue, Church of All Nations. As she clocked 55 on Sunday, December 17, Pastor Evelyn Joshua’s life trajectory validates the awesome guidance and leading of God’s omniscience. She’s a woman of integrity. Honesty is a highly valued trait that has to be the core of one’s character. She shows her true self and speaks the truth sincerely even when it’s easier to lie. She lives a life of truthfulness – one that’s free from deceptions. The way she thinks and acts is always in line with her values and morals. No wonder people rely on her as she treats them with respect, and she has gained their respect as well. She’s a woman of gratitude. Appreciating everything she has in life makes her remarkable. She’s grateful for her family, her late husband, her friends, her brethren, and every person she meets along the way. She’s thankful for all that she has learned and experienced throughout her journey. She never fails to express her thankfulness and appreciation to people who did something for her, whether the gesture is small or huge. And it is her sense of gratitude that makes her happier.
She’s forgiving. With her understanding nature, she doesn’t think of striking back when someone has hurt her. She doesn’t criticize when people make mistakes, bring up a hurtful past, or hold a grudge. She forgives sincerely, learns from the situation, and moves forward without hatred in her heart. Instead of keeping a record of wrongs, she chooses to let go of any form of hatred and bitterness. And this is one reason why she can live her day filled with peace and positivity. She’s nurturing. A great woman is filled with selfless love, care, and concern for others. Her presence is comforting, and she can manifest good health to make those she cares about feel better. She nurtures the way a mother cares, protects, and supports her children. Being around her almost feels like home where we feel secure, relaxed, and secure. She considers the needs of others important and sometimes thinks of them ahead of her own. She’s compassionate. Her empathy makes her understand and connect with people. People get to trust her with their feelings and experiences as she listens sincerely. She’s aware of others’ feelings and shares their happiness or pains. She acts with generosity and has this desire to be of help whenever she can. She listens attentively before speaking her mind. She attracts unconditional love for she gives it freely. She values people and relationships more than material things. She brings out the best in others. Having compassion is so powerful that it can create an impact and change one’s life forever.
She radiates kindness. She shares the gift of kindness to the world and practices it in various areas of her life. She doesn’t just act pleasantly to avoid upsetting other people, but she does everything with genuine selfless love. She listens, waits, and stops to lift others through her small acts of kindness. When she feels upset, she practices self-compassion rather than wallowing in self-pity. With just a small, simple act of kindness, you can be the great woman that you are. She’s a great listener. In today’s chaotic world, having someone to listen to what you have to say can be healing. It’s valuable. According to Dr. Jennifer Rhodes, licensed psychologist, relationship alchemist, and founder of Rapport Relationships: “Listening is the way you connect with people.” She listens lovingly and with empathy. She pays attention to emotions and non-verbal cues and exercises silence in key moments. She doesn’t interrupt nor avoid passing judgment. Her full presence and listening ears can already provide comfort.
As the world takes a moment to celebrate this woman in the synagogue, Pastor Evelyn Joshua made a most sobering request, one which shows her deep sense of reliance on God. For her, beyond the fanfare of a new age, prayer is the key. According to her during the Sunday service: “The reason for our celebration here today is what God can do in the lives of people; in a hopeless situation, He gives them hope. What is good needs prayer; I need prayer. When you receive something you can never earn, it is ground for gratitude, not arrogance.” What self-effacement and a sense of hunger for God!
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