God has never excluded women from His agenda —Mrs Joseph

Mrs Olusola Ayodele Joseph is the wife of the founder of Glorious chapel Gospel Church, Bonny Island, Rivers State, Pastor Paul Ayo Joseph. In this interview by OLAIDE SOKOYA, she shares her thoughts on Christian women joining politics, among other issues. Excerpts:

How would you describe your husband?

My husband is a God-fearing, caring and understanding man. He is a preacher, teacher and Bible scholar. He is very supportive and that has made the journey of my calling easier. In fact, I can say he is the master to emulate. My husband supports me and my ministry.

What attracted you to him that culminated into marriage?

He is so caring and ready to go to any length whenever his attention is needed. He also fears and loves God.

What is your take on Christian women going into politics?

Actually, there is nothing wrong with women going into politics, as long as you are sure that God is with you, because when you join politics, you have to know why you are there. This is not the time women should be classified as second-hand citizens. We are special people, as we complement and complete the men. When you promote a woman, you promote a nation. God has a divine purpose for every woman and my advice is that they seek that purpose for their lives. No woman is useless; we are all important before God. He has never excluded women from His agenda. Right from the onset, women have been involved in God’s agenda.

In what ways do you support your husband in the ministry?

An adage says that behind very successful man, there must be a successful woman. Ministerial work is not an easy task. By the grace of God, with the strength given to me, I’m supporting my husband through prayer, fasting and giving advice.

What do you like most about your husband?

I love his passion for the work of God,  his  humility, his caring nature and his willingness to help others.

What would you wish to change about him?

I don’t wish to change anything about him. I only pray God blesses him to serve Him more.

What is your view on ladies wearing provocative dresses?

This is the end-time according to 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Many have forgotten God. Some pastors are not helping matters; they fail to preach the truth of the word of God. Also, parents are not helping matters, as they seem to encourage such practice. I appeal to clerics all over the world to preach against provocative dressing and also urge parents to discourage their children from dressing provocatively.

How do you strike a balance being a pastor’s wife, a mother and a career woman?

It is God that has been helping me. The Bible says ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Even though I’m also the headmistress of a school, I always create time for my husband and children.

What should be the major role of a pastor’s wife?

The role of a pastor’s wife is to support her husband in everything. A pastor’s wife should be a good example of what the husband preaches. She is a mirror for other women in the church. Her dressing must be moderate; she must put on the garment of humility and permit the Holy Spirit to radiate all over her life. She should also train her children in the fear of God.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up with my grandmother at Ila Orangun, Osun State. I attended Igbonibi High School, Ila Orangun, Osun State and proceeded to the Osun State College of Education, Ila Orangun. I went through some challenges that God used to build me up today. I return all the glory to His name.

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 husband like Abigail in 1 Sam: 25, who protected her husband from destruction. A diligent woman uses her wisdom and resources to protect her family. Let’s train our children in the ways of the Lord like Eunice, the mother of Timothy and Lois, the grandmother.