For Chibuokem Queen Salvagain and Chukwunwendum Samson Ifeabata, January 5, 2024 would remain indelible in their lives, a day they became husband and wife in the presence of scores of Bishops, other men and women of God who witnessed the holy matrimony and traditional marriage of the two lovers.
The families of the bride, Bishop Dr and Mrs Abraham Christo Udeh of Ebeleogu, Umudim Nnewi and that of the bridegroom, late Mr Daniel and Mrs Christy Obi from Akamili Umudim Nnewi all in Nnewi North Council Area were radiating with joy as the event lasted.
Bishop Dr Tony Okeke one of the oldest Bishops in the congregation was assigned to wed the couple, though he called for assistance along the line.
Bishop Dr Okeke described the bride as wonderful who he said personally appealed to him to wed her.
He advised Ifeabata to see his wife as his first ministry and also told Chibuokem to take care of her husband.
“Husband, love your wife as Christ loves the Church and wife you should do the same, “he advised. He said that the love should continue without ceasing.
Bishop Okeke later blessed the wedding rings as the couples exchanged marital vows.
The father of the bride, Bishop Dr Abraham Christo Udeh who is the General Overseer of Mount Zion Faith Liberation Church of God, a.k.a By Fire By Fire, Ndiojukwu, Uruagu Nnewi where the marriage ceremony took place blessed the couple and prayed that they would be fruitful. He told his in-law that he would never lack as he laid his hands on their heads to consumate his blessings on them.
He warned enemies to steer clear of the young couple. He said he would not hesitate to crush anybody who dared them, holding his battle axe that earned him an axe man when those who know him discuss him.
He lifted up the axe and invoked the power of God to fight for the couple in any situation. He calls Chibuokem his dublicate and incarnate daughter.
The Bishop said he was full of joy to witness the event, adding that God had done it at the appropriate time.
In a sermon to mark the event, the Chairman of Nnewi North Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Godwin Igwilo said it was a thing of joy that the families had started the year with celebration.
He unveiled what he called some of the principles of successful marriage life based on scriptural understanding.
He said people were gathered to consumate the marriage of the couple, noting that marriage was the first institution ordained by God.
The Bishop said it was surprising that there were more divorce cases among the Christians than non-Christians. He prayed that the marriage between Chibuokem and Ifeabata was cealed by God, adding that so shall it be with a thunderous Amen from the wedding guests.
He enumerated some of the principles he considered vital for a successful marriage.
“Always stick together. Don’t be far away from each other. The family that stays together, prays together. Create time to interact. Don’t allow any communication gap.
“Marriage is a duty that the couple must try to perform. Avoid third party to be in your marriage. Try to settle your issues amicably. Be open to each other. Always remember that you can do nothing without God. If you are always in the presence of God, your marriage can’t fail.
“Be contented with what you have. Cultivate the attitude of savings and always forgive each other. Don’t be in a hurry to make it in life, and always seek the face of God in all you do in life.
“Say you are sorry, for peace to reign. If you are the head you must be a teacher. Marriage is not for boys and girls, it’s for men and women. Any marriage without trust, cannot go far.
“There are certain people you should avoid as a married couple.
“Stop hiding your phone from your wife, and you as a wife should stop searching your husband’s phone.
“Be neat and cook good food for him so that he would not eat outside his home. Watch your temperament and be disciplined. Know your responsibilities as a wife and perform them, “he advised.
Bishop Igwilo told the couple that if they could observe the principles, that they would not regret it.
Highlights of the event were joining the couple in holy matrimony while the reception and traditional marriage of the couple continued at Bishop Dr Udeh’s residence at John Ikedi by Akabukwu Bus Stop (New Road), Uruagu.
Some of the Bishops and other men women of God from far and near were Bishop Christian Chukwu of the Holy Ghost Computers Ministry, Uruagu Nnewi; Pastor Patrick Nkemdilim; Rev Basil Okafor; Rev Ifeoma Ejikeme; Apostle Lawrence Emerum; Rev Adobi Chukwujekwu; Rev Chukwukamma Tochukwu; Bishop Ibekwe Simon fro Jos, Pataeu State; Bishop Chidebelu U.; Rev Ugwumba Joe; Bishop Alphonsus Obilo, among many others.
