Pastor Evelyn Joshua hails 20 years of Emmanuel TV’s global impact

Michael Olumide

For 20 years, Emmanuel TV has carried the message of hope, faith, and compassion across the globe, touching millions of lives and helping the needy, Leader, Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Pastor Evelyn Joshua declared during the network’s milestone celebration in Lagos.

Evelyn Joshua, widow of the SCOAN Founder, Temitope Balogun Joshua, known as TB Joshua, gave the testimony at the 20th anniversary of Emmanuel TV, held at the Church’s headquarters in Ikotun, Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emmanuel TV, a televangelistic subsidiary of the Church, has been instrumental in the Church’s humanitarian work, lifting the needy both spiritually and materially.

Speaking at the event, attended by congregants, partners, and viewers from across the world to commemorate two decades of the Christian broadcast network’s existence and works, the woman in the Synagogue, as the SCOAN leader is fondly called, described Emmanuel TV at 20 as a reflection of resilience and global impact.

“It has been a testament to resilience, spiritual conviction, and unwavering belief in the inevitability of God’s will,” she said.

The event featured reflections, archival footage, prayers, and thanksgiving to mark what could be described as a milestone in global evangelism.

The elated SCOAN leader urged Christians to express love to God and others around them, saying love remains a powerful force that brings peace, hope, and positive change.

Referencing the Epistle of James 1:2–8, she said that salvation is a gift from God and encouraged believers to remain steadfast in faith.

She noted that trials help faith grow and that love for Christ enables people to overcome life’s pressures.

According to her, Emmanuel TV, founded by the late Prophet TB Joshua and based in Lagos, Nigeria, has grown into a major international Christian television network with vast global reach.

“Over the years, it has recorded more than 1 billion views on YouTube and currently ranks among the most subscribed Christian ministry channels on the platform, extending its audience across continents through satellite television, online streaming, and social media platforms,” she said.

Earlier, in a broadcast through Emmanuel TV on Saturday, Joshua revisited a pivotal moment in the ministry’s history — the removal of the late TB Joshua’s program from national television years ago.

According to her, the development created uncertainty about the future of the ministry’s outreach. “For many, it seemed the end had come,” she said.

She recalled the period of doubt and questions over how the Church would sustain its broadcast ministry without access to mainstream television platforms.

“Rather than challenge the decision publicly, TB Joshua responded with prayer and submission to constituted authority, drawing inspiration from biblical teachings. That response ultimately led to the establishment of Emmanuel TV as an independent Christian channel. What began as a response to restriction has since grown into a global platform broadcasting sermons, prayer sessions, and humanitarian activities to millions of viewers worldwide,” she added.

She acknowledged that, over 20 years, Emmanuel TV’s existence has encountered criticism and challenges. She likened the experience to that of the early apostles, referencing Acts 5:38–39, which says: “If this work is of God, you cannot overthrow it.”

She said the scripture reflects the ministry’s belief that divine purpose prevails in spite of opposition.

Archival footage of Prophet TB Joshua and the evolution of Emmanuel TV was shown during the event, drawing applause from attendees as his messages on faith and perseverance were replayed.

She reaffirmed the channel’s mandate and emphasized that Emmanuel TV was founded as an instrument of evangelism rather than entertainment.

She said the mission of the channel remains “Changing Lives, Changing Nations, and Changing the World,” a vision that continues to guide its programming and outreach.

“As part of activities marking the 20th anniversary, the Church and its partners have embarked on a humanitarian outreach to the Oko Baba community area of Lagos to lift people from poverty. The initiative offered 500 bags of rice, wheelchairs, and a cash donation of ₦3 million to residents,” she said.

She quoted the late TB Joshua, saying, “True love expresses itself in giving.” She added that compassion remains central to the ministry’s identity.

The beneficiaries, mostly the needy, received the items with joy and appreciation. She stressed that Emmanuel TV remains dedicated to expanding its global reach while upholding its spiritual mandate.