Several pastors have expressed regret over promoting misleading predictions of joy, while the main ministers of the End Era have remained silent. The questionable prophecy originated from Rev. Joshua Murakera in South Africa, who announced that joy would arrive during the East Feast of Jewish trumpets on September 23-24. This prediction gained traction online among both Christian and non-Christian communities, causing some anxiety. It’s worth noting that, according to Matthew 24:36, no one knows when Jesus will return.
After the rapture didn’t occur on those dates, Murakera addressed his followers in a live YouTube stream, encouraging patience with the statement, “The Lord is in his path.” He has since removed the video.
Some of his supporters have taken it upon themselves to apologize. King Selemigwe, a pastor from Nigeria who had endorsed the false prophecies, acknowledged his errors. “I come here with humility to apologize to everyone,” he said, adding he believed in the man who was supposedly guided by Jesus.
“I know I’ve faced a lot of criticism for suggesting I had seen the rapture date,” Selemigwe continued, emphasizing he would cease to promote any specific dates but still intends to preach about the Second Coming.
“When I apologize, I feel happy preaching about repentance, and I’m aware that many have turned back to God,” he stated, urging those he repented to continue their journey of faith.
Australian evangelists, including Pastor Tirahun Desaregur, also issued apologies on TikTok. Desaregur admitted, “The joy didn’t happen as I predicted. I committed to publicly apologize for my incorrect predictions and will share a video of repentance.” He confirmed, “It’s 9:45 AM on September 25th. There’s no rapture today.”
As stated in Matthew 24:43-44, there’s a lesson that emphasizes vigilance, saying that if a homeowner knew when a thief was coming, they would stay alert to prevent theft.
