By Chinyere Abiaziem / Reporter, Lagos
Normalcy seems to be returning to Segun Irefin Street, Ikotun, Egbe, in Lagos, where The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCAN) is located.
Sunday Independent’s visit to the church last Sunday showed that normal activities were resuming in the vicinity and worship centres.
Worshippers were seen wearing unperturbed look, while some armed security men kept watch.
A female uninformed security official, was however, not ready to respond to greetings.
She ordered: “Open your bag. Go and put the black nylon in the waste bin. We do not allow it.”
At the time of the reporter’s arrival, the auditorium was already filled to capacity.
Having managed to get a seat, the reporter sat with enthusiasm to get full view of all segments of the auditorium.
The worship session lasted about three hours. The worship team, led by the lead vocalist, amazingly kept reeling out song after song, without any break.
Following a signal to announce Pastor Temitope B, Joshua’s presence, the worship session came to an end as the cleric made for the altar.
Pastor Joshua, the General Overseer, led a prayer of supplication and thanksgiving after which he announced his readiness to visit the relatives of the victims of the collapsed guest house.
He said: “I can’t wait to visit the relatives of the victims. I can’t wait to visit them. I salute the martyrs of faith.
“Give thanks to God for He has being doing so much; we need to know a thousand victories all the way. If you know this, you will walk on your knees.”
He urged his followers to warn their family members and friends to be mindful of what they say at a time like this.
“This issue is a delicate one; so, please warn your family members and friends to mind what they say. I have even warned my wife.
“I have been in this journey for over 25 years; you think God can close His eyes?
“They are asking God for more evidence, whether He is the one that called me.”
Joshua, who stated that the victims’ relatives called him to ask that he should not relent in prophesying to souls, also told his members not to look worried, disturbed or change their words.
In a chat with some members, they said the callapsed building was a test of Pastor Joshua’s faith, likewise theirs. They also believe that God would fight for them.
“We do not need to be bothered because we, the members, know that it was not an ordinary occurrence. This is my 15th year of worshipping in this church.
“I came to this church as nobody; but today, to the glory of God, I am somebody. I work with the Ports. I also have my own company,” a member, who identified himself simply as Amar, stated.
On his own, Emeka Anayo said that Pastor Joshua’s recent preaching had been pointing towards temptations, which he said, explained the situation on ground.
“If you listen to pastor’s message since three to four Sundays ago, you will notice something pointing towards temptation.
“I think this (building) collapse is a test of pastor’s faith. Remember, Job was tempted; likewise Father Abraham.”
“If God did not permit it, it would not have happened and I believe there is a purpose for this,” Anayo said.
Another member, Biola Oriyomi, was quick to reject the allegation that the building collapse was a form of ritual.
She said: “How can people allege that pastor used the people that died for sacrifice? Sacrifice for what?
“I believe it is a cross that pastor has to bear. People should be mindful of what they say to avoid attracting God’s judgment.
“You know, people in this part of the world do not like light, and so, want to stop the light from shinning,” he added.
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