By Solomon Babawale
In a heartwarming celebration of love, faith, and decades of togetherness, Pastor Mrs. Mayowa Ikuforiji and her husband, Right Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji, marked her 60th birthday and celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary last Sunday, October 8, 2023.
Pastor Mrs. Ikuforiji, deeply grateful for God’s goodness throughout their journey, shared her touching story at Gospel Ministry International, her cherished church.
With hearts brimming with gratitude, she joined the church’s choristers to render songs of appreciation to the Almighty.
Following this soul-stirring musical tribute, Pastor Mrs. Ikuforiji took the congregation on a journey through her life, where she credited God for His unwavering kindness and faithfulness.
In her own words, “I want to appreciate God for His kindness and faithfulness throughout my life journey. To reach 60 years on earth and celebrate 38 years of marriage is a remarkable feat.
“People say I don’t look 60, and it’s all by God’s grace. When you serve God faithfully, He aligns everything in your favor. It’s not about money. On this very day, 60 years ago, I was born.
“I remember how God used my grandfather to prevent my mother from aborting me. If that hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t be here today. I battled measles for years, which left me blind for two years. I went to my grandfather, and upon his guidance, my sight was miraculously restored.”
The challenges didn’t end there. She shared her struggle with barrenness for years, saying she held onto the promise that there shall be no barrenness in the house of Jacob. Today, she stands not only as a mother but as a grandmother, a testament to God’s faithfulness.
Pastor Mrs. Ikuforiji then passionately encouraged the congregation to find their own ways to serve God in His house, emphasising that even as the church grew, she continued to sweep it every week.
She highlighted the importance of active involvement and urged those who hadn’t yet given their lives to Christ to do so without delay.
Expressing her heartfelt gratitude to those who had supported her journey, she said, “I want to thank my husband, the man of my youth, who married me when I was just 22 years old. We are still growing stronger together.
“He is aare musulumi (a Muslim leader), but you can see him dancing in the church. I want to appreciate my children, the ones the devil tried to prevent me from having. Please stand up for recognition, as well as my grandchildren, for children are the heritage of the Lord.”
She extended her gratitude to Reverend Onoja, her pastor, whom she affectionately described as someone she “disturbs” for prayers throughout the day, emphasizing his unwavering support.
The celebrant also acknowledged the reverend’s wife and other church members, as well as the guests who had come to celebrate with her. Pastor Mrs. Ikuforiji closed her address with a soul-stirring rendition of songs of praise to the Most High God.
Minister Gbenga Ileri further electrified the church with praises to God during the service.
Speaking to Eko Hot Blog after the service, Pastor Mrs. Ikuforiji reiterated her deep sense of happiness and gratitude.
She shared, “I feel immensely joyful to have witnessed this special day of mine—60 years on Earth and 38 years of marriage. It can only be attributed to God. Despite the challenges, God has always kept me strong.
“Despite our religious differences, with my husband being a Muslim and me a pastor, we have learned to tolerate each other without any issues. Our sons follow their father’s religion, while our daughters are Christians. It’s all by God’s grace and blessings, and I am genuinely happy and thankful to God Almighty.”
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