Encomium
The name Joshua Iginla is no longer strange to Christian worshippers in Abuja (Federal Capital Territory). Acclaimed as one of the most precise prophetic voices in Nigeria today, Iginla’s church, Champions Royal Assembly has suddenly turned a Mecca of sort.
More than five thousand worshippers throng through the tiny paths leading to the church, jostling for space as early as 4 a.m every Sunday to secure the most convenient spot for viewing the diverse manifestations in the church or attract the attention of the pastor popularly referred to as Brother Joshua for a word of prophecy.
During his birthday celebrations in Abuja few days back, he dazed worshippers with various gift items worth several millions which included eight brand new vehicles, gifts to widows and full academic scholarships to their wards. One of the beneficiaries of Iginla’s gesture was Larry Kold Sweat, a Nollywood actor turned pastor. Visibly amazed as he received keys to a brand new Lincoln Navigator jeep, the Nollywood star could not hide his excitement.
When asked, Bro. Iginla noted that pastors must learn the act of giving as exemplified in the Scriptures. While admonishing the congregation, he observed that the church will be a better place when it recognizes the spiritual as well as physical needs of people around them.
“We are too quick to criticize the government when we on our own can do little things around us that can change lives. This is why I chose to celebrate my birthday with widows, abandoned children at the orphanages and with underprivileged.”
Iginla said, “We cannot claim to represent God on earth if we do not show love. Proof of love is giving to people who do not have the capacity to pay you back. That is the giving that God is calling us to demonstrate. The car gifts is not for showmanship. I gave the recipients of the cars just to show appreciation to God Almighty. Once, I couldn’t afford an okada. I never believed I could drive a car not to talk of owning one. I am glad I could help them interprete their dreams.”
A Nollywood star who attended the church service described Iginla as a blessing to Africa and the world. In his words, “This congregation must learn how to draw grace that is upon the man of God. He is a gift to the body of Christ, we salute his courage and the grace of God in his life”.
Iginla, a Muslim turned Christian, is becoming a strong prophetic voice in Nigeria with direct and accurate predictions all year round. He has hardly failed in his predictions. His church in Kubwa, a suburb of Abuja is acclaimed to be one of the fastest growing in Abuja with flocks of politicians and celebrities visiting the wonder church both secretly and openly.
Recently, he hinted that June shall be a month of judgment for the dreaded terrorist group, Boko Haram. According to his declaration, the Chibok girls will be released but not all will be let go by their captors. He, however, warned that the girls who will remain in the camp of the terrorists would be brainwashed into believing in the ideologies of the terrorists.
“But the good news is that there will be an end to Boko Haram very soon. The leader of the group will be captured by the Nigerian military and the sponsors of the group will be unveiled.”
ENCOMIUM Weekly had exclusive chats with some of the lucky beneficiaries of the car gifts and they shared their joy on how he has changed their lives…
‘The reality has not dawned on me’ – JOSHUA MICHAEL
My name is Joshua Adakole Michael. I got to know the man of God during his first anniversary, but was later employed fully about two years ago. It’s been very awesome working for him, and the gift of this car was shockingly overwhelming for me. I know I will have a car someday but not any sooner. Even till now, honestly, the reality has not dawned on me. But the truth is I now own a Toyota Camry. Thank you Papa, more grace and greater impact.
‘It was like a dream’ – RASAK AKINLAWON
My names are Rasak Akinlawon. I got to know Papa precisely 11months now. I felt like am dreaming. In fact, I wasn’t the Akinlawon I used to be that very day. It was the second (Monday) day I realized that I’m a owner of a Toyota 4 runner jeep. Seriously I’m very, very grateful because this is above my expectation from Papa.
‘I went mad with joy’ – JOSEPH
My name is Joseph Chikezie. I have known Papa since I was employed as an editor and camera man over two years and five months now. I totally went mad for some time for such a wonderful gift that God used the man I call my father, Brother Joshua Iginla to make my dream come true… Thank you, my father.
‘I shed tears of joy’ – VIVIAN EMODI
I am Vivian Emodi. I have known the man of God for seven years plus. I joined the commission few months after it was established. I was very happy and greatly surprised when the man of God gave me a car key. I wasn’t expecting it and tears of joy flowed down my face. It was wonderful and amazing. I give God the glory.
I pray that Almighty God will preserve his life and give him very long life and also increase his anointing in Jesus name. Amen.
‘I felt it was a mistake of name’ – FRANCIS NJOR
John Francis Njor. I have known the man of God for over seven years now. When he called my name to collect a Passat car, I felt it was a mistake until he repeated my name. To be sincere, I wasn’t expecting it not to talk of this class of car. He is a father and the grace upon him will overflow. Thank you, Papa.
