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Prophet T.B Joshua, Prof Mills remembered
In life, every one aspires to live long, serve his Maker and to enjoy the beautiful things that make life pleasant, joyful and or agreeable.
One of the very popular and versatile politicians in Ghana, in his days of serious advocation to confront the political leaders of the time on human right abuses, furiously declared one day, in the Nigeria English jargon: at a mammoth rally: “All die be die” to pursue his political ambition to ensuring that democracy gets upper hand, over dictatorship in Ghana.
The “All die be die” statement implies that death comes to humans in different ways such as either by peaceful or accidental means.
People may die in terrible vehicle or plane crash, shipwreck, in sleep, meditation or in several other ways as one would think of.
In the 1960s and 1970s, at the Somanya Presbyterian Experimental School, there was a particular marching song of the school which the pupils were enthused about. It rans as follows; “Oh, I often sit and ponder, when the sun is sinking low; where so ever the future leads me, only my Father in heaven knows; shall I be among the living; shall I be among the dead ones, where so ever the future leads me, Saviour keep my heart with thee!!
Ideally, it is the expectation of every human to live long enough to enjoy life to the fullest. But the school children’s song as mentioned above tells it all that our lives are determined by the Almighty Heavenly Father. who says; His ways and thoughts are different from ours.
Without trying to hurt Ghanaians in an old scar, about the death of the former President of Ghana, late President John Evans Atta Mills, suffice it to say that b oth Prophet T.B. Joshua and President Atta Mills were spiritual bed fellows. On Sunday, 11th January, 2009. President Atta Mills was at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Lagos, Nigeria, to express appreciation to God after winning the 2008 Presidential Election in Ghana.
President Mills interacted with Journalists for celebrating his birth day on Saturday, 21st July 2012 and told them his miracle was soon to come for surprise of Ghanaians and perhaps the world at large.
Lo! and behold!! on Tuesday, 24th July, 2012 afternoon: not very long when his sister who had visited him and found nothing wrong with him, was only to hear on her way back to Cape Coast, the bad news of her brother’s sudden death. It was certainly a black and most terrible day for Ghanaians and the world at large.
Prophet T.B Joshua preached the Gospel at SCOAN in Lagos, on Friday, 4th June, 2021 and then asked the teeming congregation that since he was not sure he would be able to celebrate his birth day anniversary which was to be held in 12 days time, being 17th June, 2021, whoever intended to present him with any kind of gift, should send it to orphanage homes or needy people in their places of residence.
On Saturday, 5th June, 2021, the whole world was put into a state of grief and trauma as bad news spread like wild bush fire of Prophet T.B Joshua having died peacefully whilst sitting in a chair in a state of meditation.
Prophet T.B Joshua had his call to the Gospel in his youth days. After his fifth form secondary school education, he was on his way one day for an interview or examination to enable him further his education in the sixth form: Around 9. 00am whilst on the road the vehicle he boarded had a problem after a long wait for repairing of the vehicle, time for the examination had elapsed and his mission became abortive.
Since then God used him as his vessel for propagation of the Gospel and used him to set people free from demonic attacks and healing people of terrible diseases or afflictions.
Prophet T.B. Joshua travelled far and wide globally to preach the Gospel and rescued millions of people of various religious groups from their spiritual and physical afflictions, Prophet T.B. Joshua was loved by millions of people globally.
Hear Prophet T.B. Joshua preaching: “The more you read the Bible, the more you understand yourself and about God. If you do not understand anything, ask God and live by God’s way. God will give you directions.”
Here is Prophet T.B. Joshua’s gospel song which inspires his followers. “God’s intervention, God’s intervention, God’s intervention needed in our homes, God’s intervention, God’s intervention needed everywhere in the world.” Etc.
Some years ago, Prophet T.B. Joshua was interviewed on one of the television stations in Ghana. He was confronted by his host with this question. It is alleged that you use human sacrifice secretly to perform your miracles Answer provided by him was that: “Even when tiny insects as mosquitoes stand on my body, I do not kill them but brush them aside because they also deserve to live and so how can I go to the extent of killing fellow human beings or even animals as sacrifices to the Almighty God. The allegation is never true.”
President Atta Mills and Prophet T.B. Joshua you were vessels for the Heavenly Father and you lived and inspired Christians for God. May the Good Lord continue to give you eternal peace ful rest till we all meet again on the Resurrection Day, Fare thee well.
…………………………………..
Concerned Citizens
J. K. Tetteh – Kpodjie
Rebecca Nakotey (Miss)
C/O Ebenezer Presby Church,
P. O. Box 10, Somanya. E/R.
PHONE: 0557672086 / 0244566806
OBSESSIVE-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterised by recurring, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that an individual feels compelled to perform.
Affecting approximately 2-3 per cent of the global population, OCD can have a profound impact on marital relationships, causing distress, conflict, and strain on the partnership.
The ripple effect of OCD on Marriage
- Increased Conflict and Tension:
The symptoms of OCD can be a source of frustration, anxiety, and stress for both partners, leading to increased conflict and tension in the relationship. For example, a partner with contamination OCD may insist on excessive cleaning rituals, causing resentment and frustration in the other partner.
A qualitative study published in the Journal of Family Psychotherapy highlighted the emotional toll of OCD on partners, with many reporting feelings of burnout and emotional exhaustion.
- Disrupted Intimacy and Communication:
OCD can disrupt emotional and physical intimacy, as well as communication patterns, making it challenging for couples to connect and maintain a healthy relationship. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that individuals with OCD reported lower levels of marital satisfaction and intimacy compared to those without OCD. - Enabling or accommodating behaviors:
Partners may unintentionally enable or accommodate the individual’s OCD symptoms, reinforcing the disorder and creating an imbalance in the relationship. For instance, a partner may provide reassurance or participate in rituals, inadvertently perpetuating the OCD cycle. - Emotional distress and feelings of guilt or shame:
The partner with OCD may experience feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy, while the other partner may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or resentful. - Feelings of Isolation or Burden:
The partner without OCD may feel isolated or burdened by the other’s symptoms, leading to feelings of burnout and decreased relationship satisfaction.
Factors Contributing to Marital Distress in OCD
- Lack of understanding and Education:
Limited knowledge about OCD and its effects can lead to misconceptions, stigma, and increased stress. - Poor Communication:
Ineffective communication patterns can exacerbate conflicts and reinforce OCD symptoms. - Codependency:
Enabling or accommodating behaviors can create a codependent dynamic, perpetuating the OCD symptoms and relationship distress.
Strategies for Managing OCD in Marriage
- Education and Awareness:
Educate yourself about OCD, its symptoms, and treatment options. - Couples Therapy:
Engage in couple’s therapy with a mental health professional experienced in OCD treatment. - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
CBT, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is an effective treatment for OCD. - Communication Skills Training:
Develop effective communication skills to address conflicts and improve intimacy. - Support Groups:
Join support groups for individuals with OCD and their partners to share experiences and receive support.
Conclusion
OCD can significantly impact marital relationships, causing distress and strain. However, with education, therapy, and support, couples can learn to manage OCD symptoms and strengthen their relationship.
By acknowledging the effects of OCD and seeking help, couples can work together to build a more resilient and fulfilling partnership.
BY ROBERT EKOW GRIMMOND-THOMPSON
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The Necessity, Wisdom, and Rewards of Fasting
FASTING is necessary in Islam because it purifies the soul, restrains base desires, and instills compassion for the less privileged. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah states:
“Every deed of the son of Adam is for him—except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward it.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)
This exclusive attribution of fasting to Allah highlights its unmatched spiritual status.
Who Is Obliged to Fast in Islam?
Fasting Ramadan is obligatory upon every Muslim who is:
- Bāligh (has attained puberty),
- ‘Āqil (mentally sound),
- Mukallaf (legally responsible),
- Physically capable,
- Not exempted by valid Sharī‘ah reasons.
Exemptions and Concessions in Fasting
Islam, being a religion of mercy, provides exemptions for:
- The sick, whose condition may worsen by fasting,
- Travellers undertaking permissible journeys,
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women if fasting poses harm,
- The elderly who are permanently unable to fast.
Allah says:
“And whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” (Qur’an 2:185)
Acts That Nullify the Fast
The fast is invalidated by:
- Intentional eating or drinking,
- Sexual relations during fasting hours,
- Intentional vomiting,
- Menstruation and postnatal bleeding,
- Deliberate apostasy (renouncing Islam).
Laylat al-Qadr: The Pinnacle of Ramadan
Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, occurs within the last ten nights of Ramadan and surpasses a thousand months in virtue. Allah says:
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Qur’an 97:3)
Worship on this night yields immense reward, forgiveness, and divine mercy.
I‘tikāf: Retreat for Spiritual Renewal
I‘tikāf is a Sunnah practice observed in the last ten days of Ramadan, involving seclusion in the mosque for worship, reflection, and supplication. Its essence lies in detaching from worldly distractions and devoting oneself entirely to Allah.
Zakat al-Fitr: Completing the Fast
Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charity paid before the Eid prayer. Ibn ‘Abbas (r.a.) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah prescribed Zakat al-Fitr to purify the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity and to feed the poor.” (Abū Dāwūd)
Conclusion
Ramadan is truly the month of mercy, forgiveness, spiritual elevation, and social responsibility. Welcoming it with knowledge, preparation, sincerity, and discipline enables Muslims to transform not only their individual lives but also their families and communities. May Allah allow us to reach Ramadan, benefit from its blessings, and accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds.
I wish every Muslim “RAMADAN KAREEM, RAMADAN MUBARAK.” Āmīn
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
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