He said they normally get involved in the planning for such crusades from the start after they know the calibre of the person being invited. He said they wanted to be involved with something they were well informed about. The two-day Botswana For Christ Crusade by the controversial Nigerian is being hosted by Phakalane Community Church (PCC). It started yesterday in Gaborone. Mtetwa said that EFB has suggested to (PCC) to invite churches on individual basis. “It is not like we are fighting anyone, as a matter of principle and procedure we cannot commit the organisation.” He said that EFB will not be a part of the crusade because it cannot answer for whatever transpires at the event. He said there is a lot they still do not know about Joshua. He added that normally, churches in agreement with EFB invite preachers from outside after determining their credentials. He explained that PCC is in the process of registering and still falls under Jesus Light House Ministries, which is a member of EFB. However the status is not a problem for the non-participation EFB.
Meanwhile John Phillip of Botswana Bible Training Institute said that he suspected the motive behind Joshua’s coming to Botswana was more about money. He said he was informed that Joshua intends to set up a church in Botswana. He said that the sister organisation of EFB, Evangelist Fellowship of Nigeria have distanced themselves from Joshua as they say his works are a circus mixed with magic. He asserted that Joshua went to South Africa in the past and failed to heal sick people.
Phillip said some of Joshua’s videos are distasteful as they contain bizarre pictures. He said that they do not discourage people to go and seek Joshua’s help. However the people should go to the ‘Prophet’ at their own risk. He added that Joshua was trying to resuscitate the African religion which features witchcraft.
Pastor Paul Okarigbo who has been conducting services at the Gaborone National Stadium said on Monday, that thousands of people have registered to seek Joshua’s help. He said that some of them are from Europe, America, Switzerland and South Africa. Although he said that he is not Joshua’s spokesman, Akarigbo said that the ‘Prophet’ was not after money because he helps people free of charge.
When Mmegi inquired how Joshua manages to pay his travelling, accommodation and other expenses when he does not charge people for his services he answered: “He is a man of God and he has friends all over the world and God is able to provide for him”. He said that Joshua’s next trip would be to China.
