Two Monitor reporters, Maureen Odubeng and Bame Piet managed to locate him and get a one-to-one interview despite the obstacles and the fact that he was busy with ‘clients’. The reporters were ushered into a room, where the Prophet sat in silence with a stack of books, religious CDs and caps inscribed with a variety of holy messages. Sitting besides the man who had performed miracles in front of thousands was a little nerve wrecking. But the humble nature of Joshua easily relaxed the mood, and made it seem like talking to an ordinary man. The man who made a difference to people, who received his healing gift through during the crusade and after is a family man. He is married with two daughters.
In a relaxed tone, he said that he was born in Nigeria to a Christian family of the Anglican Church. He grew up an active member of the church, which he served in a number of capacities. He was chairman of the Children’s Harvest and leader of Student Bible Study Union.
He said the word of God stole his heart when he was still young but the world only discovered him 21 years ago. He stressed that Christ’s mission is his mission. He said the mission is meant to restore the relationship of fellowship between God and man.
“That is what I was born for, that is what I am living for and that is what I will die for,” he said firmly.
Despite what has been said about him even by fellow Christians, Joshua does not bear grudges. When he says that one should be a believer to be healed and choose a living church, he does not imply that anybody should leave their churches and follow his church or one particular church, but just to make the individual choice to follow God. Joshua does not want to be praised because it is Jesus that heals and he is just a servant. He said he is not righteous because no man is perfect.
“Foolish people do not care if they sin but good people want to be forgiven,” he quoted from Proverbs Chapter 14.
He explained that good people refrain when they are about to do or say something that they know God does not want. When they commit a sin, they will know it is wrong and ask for forgiveness. He promised to come back to Botswana because he did not finish his assignment.
He however knows that there are people who are sceptical about him. He said even Jesus was not accepted by all people. He added that there were sceptics during the time of Jesus, with some thinking that he came to deceive people.
He explained that enemies are not meant to make one fail, but to improve them. He said if one stands against evil, poverty hopelessness and disease, they should be ready for prosecution and embarrassment from those who stand against good.
His message to Batswana is they should embrace righteousness because it exalts a nation while sin brings reproach. The prophet’s next crusade is scheduled for South Korea.
