Meet iconic lady of substance, Mrs. Ann Adeoba, a missionary, entrepreneur and wife of Resident Pastor of The Living Faith Church (aka Winners Chapel), Okpanam, Pastor Emmanuel Adeoba.
From overcoming a life-threatening illness as a child to building a thriving decades-long marriage, ministry and family, her story is one of resilience and triumph.
As an author, mother of four and seasoned minister, Mrs. Adeoba reveals her secrets to navigating the complex web of being a pastor’s wife, cultivating a healthy marriage and living a purpose-driven life in this exclusive interview with our workaholic Woman Editor. Rita Oyiboka. Excerpt
Can we know you madam?
I am Mrs. Ann Adeoba. By God’s grace, I am a missionary and entrepreneur.
How long have you been a minister of God and an entrepreneur?
I’ve been in event management business for more than 20 years while I’ve been I the pastoral ministry for 25 years.
Were you born into a home of pastors?
No, but I was born into a notable Christian family.
Can you take us down memory lane? Tell us about your childhood.
I spent my childhood in Kaduna State, where I was surrounded by a godly environment. My experiences during that time inspired and motivated me and I often share them with others who are ready to tap from my experience. There was a difficult period in my life when I was poisoned, but by the grace of God, I pulled through that toxic period .
How this poisoning incident did inspired you?
Well, then we lived in a compound with different people and I remembered a family that was my neighbours; they always picked on us. There was a day the son took a palm kernel and hurled it at me, which spiraled the challenges I encountered then. The place the palm kernel touched became swollen; I could no longer walk and it extended to my knee.
We sought medical help, but there was nothing they could do, no diagnosis. And that was what led me to Christ at age 14. I was privileged to meet one of my neighbors in my street; he ministered Christ to me. I gave my life to Christ; he told me something from the book of Acts that “this type goes not except by prayer and fasting.”
And that was how God divinely intervened and gradually the phase waved. It sounds short saying it; however, it took years.
In primary school, my teacher used to send me out of the class because no one could stand the sight. I used to write from outside the class and that was how I bore it till secondary school when I met this neighbour who led me to Christ. I later found out that the man who poisoned me had ran mad.
How was your education through all of this?
I went on to study Catering and Hotel Management at the University. It was a challenging phase all through because of the health issues. But I refused to give up on God and my vision. To the glory of God; I was able to scale through that hurdle.
What inspired you towards Catering and Hotel Management as a major?
As a person, I love cooking and I’m a very creative individual. Before I was admitted to study this course, I had experimented with diverse culinary styles. I have made chin-chin in creative ways and some of my creations went viral, piquing the curiosity of many.
So how did you meet your husband?
I met my husband in Kaduna, 26 years ago. We met at a cell fellowship. I believe it was all part of God’s plan because at that time, even though I was a dedicated Christian, I didn’t usually attend cell fellowship. On that particular day, I only went because my family persuaded me to go. It turned out to be a fateful decision because I met my husband on that very first day. He was in Bible school then.
I was opportune to read your book, “Navigating Towards I Do” where you wrote about a past relationship, dating your husband, and the concept of a godly relationship. Can you share your experiences and compare your courtship then with that of modern days?
Before meeting my husband, I was in a relationship that ultimately failed, but it had a profound impact on me. I gained valuable insights that helped me to avoid repeating the same mistakes. In that relationship, we refrained from immoral activities due to my fear of God but I enjoyed showing my hospitality by cooking for him whenever he visited my family home. This action I felt was like a preview of married life so when I met my husband, I intentionally didn’t cook for him during our courtship.
Our relationship was remarkably smooth and we took the time to discuss various aspects of our lives, planning how we wanted our future to unfold. God guided us and our plans became a reality, including our desires for children. Unlike many people in this generation, we didn’t view courtship as a time for sexual experimentation, which can lead to hurt and damage. When the foundation of a relationship is faulty, it can cause long-term problems. As the Bible says, marriage is honourable, and I’m a living example of that. My husband and I kept ourselves pure before marriage and now we respect and honour each other. Defiling the marriage bed before commitment can lead to distrust and a faulty foundation.
What inspired your book?
I am inspired by my passion for people. I want to motivate and encourage them, letting them know that doing the right thing definitely yields positive results. I want people to know that a happy and lifelong marriage is achievable. My husband and I are still going strong, thanks to our faith in Jesus as our foundation. My books, “Navigating Towards I Do” and “Life After I Do,” was all about how to build and maintain a successful marriage.
What does it take to wear the shoes you are putting on today?
It takes God to do that. Because I can’t do anything except through the help of God. The Bible says many are called, few are chosen as pastors’ wives.
Talking about doctrines, certain churches believe that women should not hold certain positions in church. What do you think about that?
I believe that every person has a vision given to him or her by God, along with a specific pattern or rule to follow. I also believe in the Biblical instruction to spread the gospel wherever we are and to not neglect the work that God has called us to do. All of us need to go into the world and lead others to God and you do not have to be on the pulpit to do that.
This position takes you all around the country. How do you balance being a mother, a career woman, and pastor’s wife?
God has been the one helping me. I can’t rule out the place of God. Secondly, a structure is necessary for everything in life. Planning is necessary. I plan my time before the said day to avoid clashes. I start planning months before any transfer. We see this as a privilege, not a burden, so it makes it alot easier.
25 years in marriage is a long time, no doubt. What is the secret that has kept your marriage?
I would say that the key factors are commitment, love, willingness to learn, the spirit of friendship and the joy of the Lord. There are days I tell my husband, I feel this should be done this way and he will listen and take to correction and he does the same to me too. These are just a few of the things that have helped us this far.
In Nigeria, the proliferation of churches has raised concerns about the commodification of faith, exploitation of vulnerable populations, and the blurring of lines between spirituality and materialism. What are your thoughts on these?
We are in the end times and these are some of the signs. It is written in the Bible that there will be false prophets. This didn’t just begin now. People need to understand that the church is not a business center but a place of service and fellowship with God. Many fall into the trap because of desperation. Salvation is free and there shouldn’t be a price tag on it. Freely we have received, freely we should give. Sacrificial offerings should come from the heart not out of compulsion. People should learn to trust in the Lord. God is capable of controlling it; however, there are signs, as said earlier, for us Christians to know and to be alert that the rapture is at hand. Just understand that wherever there is a fake, there’s an original. Try to look out for the original spirit-filled churches.
What advice would you give to young pastors’ wives?
I would advise young pastors’ wives to know God for themselves first. Secondly, be committed to God and their families.
Also, they should be committed to themselves by building self in the place of prayer and seek the wisdom of God through the word.
As a pastor’s wife, know that it is a call to sacrifice. That you will not only meet your family’s needs but the needs of others in the church and outside the church. Reach out to people. My family and I do lots of philanthropic deeds that we don’t shout about. We do not do them to gain validation from men, but because Jesus is love.
“As young pastors’ wives, don’t be the one who will be fighting your husband or the one to prevent him from fulfilling his purpose. A pastor’s wife can make or break their husband’s ministry. You have lots of responsibilities and you should embody them with pride rather than preventing him from doing the work of God. Be his peace. And this advice is to every woman out there. You are a helper; help your husband”.
