The story of our journey of togetherness begins like this: On a Sunday morning in July 1967, I had decided to worship for the first time at the head of The Apostolic Church, Nigeria, then at 42 Cemetery state, Ebute Metta, Lagos. Thus, on entering the worship hall, I knelt and prayed about 8:45 am at my seat in one of the pews of the male rows. Then, I raised my head, open my eyes to set them on “you” seated in the front row among the female choristers with a large colorful hat. Then, I was momentarily struck with an inner voice that said, “that is your wife!” I struggled for a while with that thought and considering it as lustful thoughts, I quickly rebuked and cast it out in the name of Jesus Christ.

I had been born again for about six years prior to that time and had learnt how to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit but was still struggling with the other sensual attractions. I had also been praying that God would show/reveal the person I would marry to me and me to “her.” After that morning service, a friend invited me to accompany him to one of the Deacons of that church. The house was located at 35 Ondo Street, Ebute-Metta, not too far from 42 Cemetery Street. My friend and I sat down in the living room of the Deacon’s apartment. While waiting, I was amazed to see “you” the same girl I had encountered at the Church service had changed into a common house dress. But I could still shockingly identify you were the same person I saw in the Church. I, therefore, took note of your separate appearances to me and pondered on them over the years.

Thus, when I settled after several years of meeting you. I came to realize that it was truly the voice of the Holy Spirit, speaking to me at the Church that day in answer to my prayers. I still remember that night vigil which I observed in a friend’s house in Jos, solely to ask God to reveal to me whom I will marry since I was then 25 years old, and you were still in JS II.  That night I listed on a paper the names of about 7 ladies that I had met and could propose marriage to any of them. You were on this list but not on the top of it. But before I went too far

in the vigil, the voice of the Holy Spirit told me, “Why do you doubt and worry? I have told you that Abiodun Olude is your wife.” My reaction: I quickly started praising God and ended the vigil in just one hour, instead of a planned 4-hour prayer vigil. Then, in the morning I wrote you. “Dear wife, God has revealed to me that you are my wife. What do you say to this?” You did not reply to the letter until several weeks; you simply said, “Let us continue to pray about it.” Although you said you were not too surprised about my letter because a year earlier I had invited you on a date where I asked if you were born again and also if you had a boyfriend. You said you had been suspecting my moves and love towards you. You eventually replied yes to that letter and added again, let us continue to pray. However, the tone of your correspondences changed from that time on.

Though I had to wait another 6 years for you to complete schooling, but like Jacob waiting for Rachel, it was like a few days, because of my love for you. Gen 29:20 — “And Jacob served seven years for Racheal; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had for her.” We often shared these kinds of memories after we were married, to refresh our love for one another.

Our journey of togetherness has taken us to several places, and I cherished every moment with you. We worshipped and praised God together, until I sadly watched your lips when you could no longer say “Amen” aloud and took your last breath! The Lord gave you as a gift to me for 54 years from the time He first told me ‘that is your wife,’ though we were married for 46 years. At your dying hours, I told God, I loved you, but he told me he loved you more than I do!

You were meek, gentle, very polite, kind, and respectful to me and all people. I miss your voice messages checking on me anywhere go. “Hope you’re all right Daddy or Darling.” “When are you coming home?” “What do I prepare for you?” “What will you eat?Solid or liquid?” Now I can say I don’t know when I’m coming home, but I trust Him to whom we owe our soul and Spirit, that sooner or later I will reunite with you.


Adieu, my darling wife!
Michael Olorunmaiye Aguda ~ Husband

Miss Ruth was one of the most humble servants of the Lord I have ever encountered.  She worked for me at Zion Christina Preschool and Childcare for a few years.  Her heart was so reverent to the Lord and her willingness to serve the children was incomparable.  She was always an uplifting person to talk to, never having a bad word to say about anyone.  Her life brought glory to God in all she did and said.  She is most assuredly enjoying herself worshipping and bowing downbefore the King of Kings now and forever. She will be forever missed.  Lauren Kitchen

Tribute To An Eagle Mother &Grandmother
Let me join others to thank God for a life well spent as a wife, mother, grandmother and importantly as a born again, child of God. Mama lived her life for Christ and I strongly believe that it is a home call for her to rest with the Lord. Adieu to the mother in Istreal. Till we meet to part no more.