It is biblical for women to be clerics —Revd (Apst) Abdul

Reverend Apostle Marian Abdul is the President and Visioner of Bell Global Outreach Ministries Interdenominational, Ibadan, Oyo State. She speaks with OLAIDE SOKOYA on her growing up experience and gives advice on how women should build their homes. Excerpts:

Growing up

I was born into the loving Christian home of Mr and Mrs Michael Usifo Ojo of Eme-Ora, Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State. I was baptised in February 1985 at the New Apostolic Church of Christ, Oke-Igbala, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, by late Prophet Olawoyin Tenuodara. Though my parents are both from Edo State, I was born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State. I was the third child in the family. I was loved by my parents and siblings. My parents built the family around love, unity and peace, which was manifested among their four children. In fact, it was a very solid foundation which was based on sound education, discipline, dignity and diligence. I am a trained, qualified and certified teacher.

How supportive has your husband been for your ministry?

My husband is Pastor Samuel Oluwarotimi Abdul. He is the resident pastor of Bell Global Ministry. He is from Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State. He is a God-fearing, caring and understanding man. He is a preacher, fisher of men and a Bible scholar. He is very supportive and that has made the journey of my calling and ministry easier and convenient. In fact, I can say he is the master to emulate.

How did you receive your calling?

The message that I would serve the Lord had been revealed since when I was young but, my parents kept the message to themselves. Even when I became old enough and I was told, I laughed it off because all my life, I had wanted to be a professional. I craved such professions as journalism, accounting, banking or nursing. As I got older, I was faced with many challenges. One was a terrible sickness which I got through poisoning while I was asleep. My second child spent more than three years in my womb before I was able to give birth to him. I faced so many challenges until I met a cleric who made me understand that God wanted to use me to preach His word. I was ordained as an evangelist in 2007; since then, I’ve been ringing the bell of Christ’s gospel during revivals, seminars, crusades and workshops for youths and adults, married and single people. Bell Global Outreach Ministry was established on February 27, 2008.

Is it biblical for a woman to run a ministry without her husband?

A woman can run a successful ministry when the husband is not a novice or ignorant of the word of God. Joel 2: 28-32 states: “He will pour His spirit on all people.” God didn’t state men alone. So, if God can pour His spirit on all His children without discriminating against sex, tribe, disability or age, anyone he chooses will serve Him well. In fact, the Lord does not see things the way man does; God looks at the heart, while man may want to focus on external appearances. I am a mother, wife and also into the ministry. By the grace of God and through the spirit of dedication, I create a balance. When the members of the family know their roles and responsibilities, things work out effectively.

What advice do you have for women?

Proverb 14:1 states: “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears down.” Let’s be homemakers, supporters of our husbands like Abigail in the book of Samuel, who protected her husband from destruction; a diligent woman who used her wisdom and resources to save her home from disaster. Let’s train our children in the way of the lord like Eunice, the mother of Timothy and Lois, the grandmother.

Your annual thanksgiving for this year is tagged “Covenant of Peace.” How did you come about the theme?

There is no doubt that what the world needs now is peace. A lot of people are gripped with fear and anxiety, joblessness, sickness, kidnapping, killings, destruction of properties, to mention a few. It is very dangerous to put our trust in the world system and order. We need to put our trust absolutely in the supernatural system that knows no economic recession – God’s Kingdom. God is the only source of peace.