
By Henry Ojelu
Leader of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Pastor Evelyn Joshua, on Sunday reaffirmed the mission of Emmanuel TV to continue transforming lives and nations as the Christian broadcast network marked its 20th anniversary.
She described the milestone as a reflection of resilience, unwavering faith and confidence in the inevitability of God’s will.
The anniversary celebration, held on March 8, 2026, drew congregants, partners and viewers from across the world who gathered to commemorate two decades of the ministry’s global broadcast outreach.
The service featured moments of reflection, prayers of thanksgiving and archival footage chronicling the growth of the network since its establishment.
In her sermon, Pastor Evelyn Joshua urged Christians to demonstrate love toward God and humanity, describing love as a powerful force capable of bringing peace, hope and positive change.
Preaching from the Epistle of James 1:2–8, she reminded believers that salvation is a gift from God and encouraged them to remain steadfast in faith despite life’s challenges.
According to her, trials help strengthen faith and deepen believers’ commitment to Christ.
“When our love for Christ is genuine, we are able to overcome the pressures and uncertainties of life,” she said.
Emmanuel TV, founded in Lagos by the late Prophet T.B. Joshua, has grown into one of the most widely followed Christian broadcast networks across the world.
Through satellite television, online streaming and social media platforms, the channel reaches millions of viewers across continents.
Over the years, the network has recorded more than one billion views on YouTube and ranks among the most subscribed Christian ministry channels on the platform.
Reflecting on the early days of the ministry’s broadcast outreach, Pastor Evelyn recalled a turning point when Prophet T.B. Joshua’s programme was removed from national television.
Speaking earlier during a pre-anniversary broadcast on March 7, she said the development initially created uncertainty about the future of the ministry’s media outreach.
“For many people, it appeared as if the end had come,” she said, noting that questions arose over how the church would continue to reach its audience without access to mainstream television platforms.
However, rather than publicly challenge the decision, she said the late cleric responded with prayer and submission to constituted authority, drawing inspiration from biblical teachings.
That approach eventually led to the establishment of Emmanuel TV as an independent Christian channel.
What began as a response to restrictions has since evolved into a global platform broadcasting sermons, prayer sessions and humanitarian activities to millions of viewers worldwide.
Pastor Evelyn also acknowledged that the ministry had faced criticism and challenges over the years but insisted that its work remained guided by divine purpose.
Quoting from Acts 5:38–39, she said: “If this work is of God, you cannot overthrow it.”
According to her, the scripture continues to serve as a source of encouragement for the ministry as it carries out its mission.
During the anniversary celebration, archival footage of Prophet T.B. Joshua and the early days of Emmanuel TV was shown to the congregation, drawing applause as some of his sermons and teachings were replayed.
The moment combined remembrance of the late founder with celebration of the network’s continued growth and global reach.
Reaffirming the channel’s mandate, Pastor Evelyn said Emmanuel TV was established primarily as an instrument for evangelism rather than entertainment.
She noted that the network’s guiding vision — “Changing Lives, Changing Nations and Changing the World” — continues to shape its programming and outreach activities.
As part of activities marking the 20th anniversary, Pastor Joshua and partners of Emmanuel TV also carried out a humanitarian outreach to the Oko Baba community in Lagos.
The initiative, described as a “journey of love,” involved the distribution of 500 bags of rice, wheelchairs and a cash donation of N3 million to residents.
Quoting the late T.B. Joshua, she said: “True love expresses itself in giving,” stressing that compassion remains central to the ministry’s identity.
Beneficiaries received the items with gratitude, describing the gesture as timely support.
According to Pastor Evelyn, the journey of Emmanuel TV over the past two decades demonstrates the importance of faith-driven leadership and resilience in the face of challenges.
She noted that the trials encountered over the years did not hinder the ministry’s work but instead strengthened its foundation.
The anniversary service ended with prayers and thanksgiving as international visitors and congregants reaffirmed their commitment to the network’s founding vision.
Two decades after its launch, she said Emmanuel TV remains committed to expanding its global reach while continuing its mission of spreading faith, hope and transformation across the world.
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