Exit Of An Icon: A Tribute To Chief Ezeogo Uma Nchege Nwoke

By Emeka Chiaghanam

Marriage is a sacred covenant between two people, rooted in love, commitment, and faith. It is a journey of growing together in unity and grace, reflecting God’s unconditional love. In marriage, we honour each other, support one another, and build a life grounded in trust, joy, and shared purpose.

The Resident Pastor, Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Umuonaga, Awka, Pastor Emmanuel Obasuyi declared this in sermon titled ‘Ideal Marriage’ during the wedding of  Chinomso Rex Uwakwe and Blessing Ogige at the Church auditorium on Saturday.

The sermon, drawing on biblical teachings, outlined five essential principles for a strong and enduring marriage.

Pastor Obasuyi began with the theme of love and submission, referencing I Peter 3:6, which speaks to the importance of mutual respect and understanding within a marriage. He emphasized that a loving partnership requires both spouses to honour and submit to one another, fostering a harmonious relationship.

Unity and oneness were also key points, with the pastor urging the couple to live as one in all aspects of their lives. He highlighted the importance of commitment and covenant, reminding the newlyweds of their sacred vows and the seriousness of the marriage covenant before God. 

The sermon also touched on communication and humour, suggesting that joy and laughter are vital to maintaining a healthy and happy marriage. Pastor Obasuyi referenced Isaiah 66:11 to illustrate the concept of fruitfulness and royalty, encouraging the couple to build a fruitful life together.

Pastor Emeka Ezenwa of Living Faith Church Mbaukwu, urged the couple to build their marriage on the word of God, as preached on the altar about an "Ideal Marriage." He emphasized that every couple should strive to live out the principles of an ideal marriage, ensuring a strong, loving, and God-centered family that reflects the true purpose and blessings of their union.

He also encouraged the couple to hold firmly to the word of God, emphasizing that it is their essential source of strength and guidance. By adhering to these divine principles, they can sustain their marriage in the beautiful way God intended, ensuring that their union remains strong, fulfilling, and blessed throughout their lives.

Pastor Ezenwa urged the couple to always prioritize God in their relationship, involving Him in every decision and aspect of their lives. He emphasized the importance of effective communication, the power of love, and the need for mutual respect, which are vital to nurturing a strong and lasting marriage.

Pastor Miracle Nwankeze of Living Faith Church Worldwide encouraged the couple to love one another deeply, emphasizing that the wife should be submissive while the husband loves her unconditionally. He noted that understanding and wisdom are crucial for a successful marriage. He prayed for their union to be fruitful, saying, "You will succeed in marriage. Next month, I will celebrate 11 years of marriage without any issues with my wife, and I pray your marriage will be even better. When you are united, with one mind, God continually blesses you. I pray that you will enjoy God's favor and fruitfulness in your marriage," he said.

Assistant Resident Pastor Living Faith Church, Umuonaga, Awka, Pastor Miracle Okoye, prayed for the couple to have a marriage filled with peace, love, and unity. He emphasized the importance of putting God first, stating, "When you make God the foundation of your marriage, everything else will fall into place," he stated.

Chinomso expressed his gratitude to God for the success of his wedding, noting that what they had long awaited had finally come to pass. Reflecting with a heart filled with joy and gratitude for God’s goodness and provision, he said the journey began with God and would continue with Him.

               

He expressed deep appreciation for everyone who contributed to the success of their wedding, acknowledging the roles played by his family, pastors, unit leaders at the church, and all others involved in the occasion. Both he and his wife were truly grateful for their support.

“I am overjoyed by the incredible wife God has blessed me with. I pray that young women in our generation would emulate her qualities. She is not materialistic in nature; instead, she looks to the future with faith, trusting that it will be brighter than what we see now. Although money and material concerns have deterred many from marriage, and nearly discouraged me as well, I took the leap with the encouragement I received. Here we are today, and I give all the glory to God.”

He praised his wife for her support, sacrifices, and unwavering faith, which led them to their vows. He encouraged men who might fear the financial burden of marriage to take a leap of faith and marry their chosen partners rather than living in sin.

Chinomso concluded by affirming that the joy they found on Saturday August 31, 2024, would accompany them throughout their lives and prayed that God, who instituted marriage, would continue to guide them on their journey.

The bride, now Mrs Blessing Uwakwe stated that their wedding was a significant day of her life and that her heart overflows with gratitude. She expressed thanks to God for the incredible gift of her husband, describing him as the best husband she could ever ask for, which filled her with immense joy and gratitude.

“I deeply appreciate my family, friends, and well-wishers for their roles in making this day so special. I recognize that their love, support, and contributions were invaluable and I thank everyone for helping to make the occasion beautiful,” she said.

The bride also offered advice to young women, urging them to take their time, be patient, and trust in God’s timing. She emphasized that finding a good man, someone ordained by God, is worth every moment of waiting. She encouraged them not to rush and to trust that God has the perfect partner for them, just as He did for her. She described the joy of being with someone who is both a partner and a blessing from God as indescribable.