The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) is well known for its claims of healing and divine miracles. If you want to visit SCOAN, you need to schedule the visit well in advance.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Schedule a Visit
Step 1. Be prepared to answer questions about your health
Many people visit SCOAN because they want to recover from an illness or disability. As a result, you will need to answer questions about your health when applying for a visit.
- Most health conditions will not negatively affect visitation requests, but if you have a medical problem that causes mobility difficulties, you will not be eligible for onsite accommodation, as SCOAN accommodation is located on the top floor.
- If you are not eligible for SCOAN accommodation, you can have someone else make a visit for you as a representative, or arrange a one-day visit to a prayer service. In the second case, you will need to arrange separate accommodation.
Step 2. Complete the online questionnaire
This questionnaire is a visit request, and can be accessed via the SCOAN website. Fill honestly and completely before sending it.
- You can access the form at:
- Provide basic information (name, age, gender, nationality) as well as contact information (phone number, email address). You should also provide the name and contact information of a relative.
- Write down whether you are sick or not. If sick, describe the condition, symptoms, duration, and other information related to your illness.
- It is also necessary to write down whether you are HIV positive or have a physical disability that prevents you from moving freely.
- Note that if planning to be accompanied by someone, each person must complete a separate questionnaire. Write who will accompany you in the “Comments” section at the end of the form.
Step 3. Wait for confirmation
After reviewing your questionnaire, a SCOAN officer will contact you to let you know if and when you can visit.
Do not prepare travel arrangements until you receive confirmation
Step 4. Keep in touch with SCOAN
If you need to contact the church before or after receiving confirmation, send an email to: [email protected]
Part 2 of 3: Setting Up Travel Arrangements
Step 1. Get a passport
SCOAN is overseas. So if you don't have a passport, you will need to apply and get a passport before you can go there.
- Provide proof of citizenship and identity when applying for a passport. Passport photo is also required.
- Fill in the appropriate form (Form DS-11) and submit it directly to the passport agency or receiving facility. You will also need to pay a $135 fee when you apply.
- Wait until you get your passport before applying for a visa.
Step 2. Get a visa to enter Nigeria
Anyone who does not live in West Africa will need a visa to enter the country of Nigeria, where SCOAN is located.
- Apply for a visa through the Nigerian Embassy.
- When the visit is accepted, you will receive a formal invitation letter. Include the letter along with the visa application form.
- Apply for a Nigerian tourist visa. Applications and fees are submitted to the Nigerian Immigration Service website:
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Complete the online application form, print it out, and send it to the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D. C.
- Embassy of Nigeria (Embassy of Nigeria)
- Consular Section
- 3519 International Court, NW
- Washington, DC 20008
- In addition to the application form, include proof of online prepayment, an additional $30, current passport, two passport-sized photos, an invitation letter, and proof of ownership of sufficient financing for the duration of the visit. If you do not live in a SCOAN location, you will also need to provide hotel booking confirmation.
Step 3. Schedule a flight
Schedule a flight on the airline of your choice. The flight arrival time needs to be scheduled on the first day of your scheduled visit.
After booking your flight, please inform SCOAN of your arrival time. A church representative will meet you at the airport
Step 4. Make accommodation arrangements with the church
Unless you have a disability that the SCOAN location cannot accommodate, you can and should make arrangements with the church to stay in one of the guest rooms in the church.
- There are dormitories, family rooms and private rooms.
- Each room has hot water, a bidet and a climate control.
- The church also has a dining room which serves three meals a day.
- If you need extra drinks, snacks, or toiletries, you can buy them at the church shop.
- If SCOAN cannot accommodate you, you can contact your church representative and ask for a recommendation for the nearest hotel. However, you must book and pay for the hotel room yourself.
Part 3 of 3: Traveling
Step 1. Plan a one- or seven-day visit
Most international visitors stay for one week, but it is also possible to schedule a one-day visit if you only want to visit the church's prayer service.
- A one-day visit is usually chosen only when a physical disability or serious illness prevents the visitor from staying for a full week. Otherwise, most visitors are encouraged to stay for an entire week.
- The actual prayer service at SCOAN is usually held every Sunday. If planning to visit only for one day to get some form of healing, Sunday is a good day.
- During your seven-day visit, you can attend various church services, watch faith-building videos, and listen to various testimonies and sermons of T. B. Joshua (founder of SCOAN).
- You can also visit the Faith Resort Ground, where you can visit prayer lodges and other prayer places, and meet various prayer partners.
Step 2. Wear appropriate clothing
When preparing clothes for your visit, keep in mind that SCOAN is located in a hot humid climate.
- Temperatures in Lagos, Nigeria, regularly range between 26-35 degrees Celsius. This temperature persists throughout the year.
- Wear loose, cool, and comfortable clothing to keep your body temperature from getting too hot.
- Also remember that clothing should be modest. Do not wear mini/tight clothes during the visit.
Step 3. Bring cash
Many basic necessities will be provided for you during your visit, but if you wish to use the additional services provided by SCOAN, you will need to pay in cash.
- Internet and telephone facilities on site need to be paid in cash.
- Everything purchased at the church shop must also be paid for in cash.
- SCOAN accepts cash payments in US dollars, pounds sterling and euros.
Step 4. Rely on an official church representative during the visit
From arrival to departure, you can count on a SCOAN representative to guide and assist you, rather than traveling alone.
- Once you have provided SCOAN with your flight information, a church representative will meet you at the airport and drive you to church. When it's time to go home, a church representative will also take you to the airport.
- If you live in a church location, you don't need to go anywhere else. The only time you leave the church premises is if you want to visit the prayer retreat center outside the church premises. However, even in those situations, you will be guided there by a church official.
Tips
Note that smoking and alcohol are prohibited while on church premises
Warning
- Be a little careful when planning a visit to SCOAN. Certain parts of Nigeria are rated as dangerous by the United States Department of State, and kidnappings, robberies, and other armed attacks are common in these areas. As of mid-2014, Lagos was not on the list of dangerous areas, but you should still be careful, and don't leave the SCOAN site, unless absolutely necessary.
- Note that in September 2014, part of the church guest house collapsed, killing about 80 visitors and injuring many others. Currently, there may or may not be a risk to visitors who choose to visit and stay at the church premises.
