I‘m very impressed with parenting in Nigeria —Revd (Mrs) Jinadu

Reverend (Mrs) Kate Jinadu, wife of Reverend (Dr) Paul Jinadu, founder of Streatham and General Overseer of New Covenant Church Worldwide is also the International President of Covenant Women and founder of Liberty, a charity organisation registered under the New Covenant Church. She is the author of “Foundations for Christian Marriage,” among other books. She speaks with OLAIDE SOKOYA on what it takes to be a pastor’s wife.

Tell us about your husband

My husband, Reverend (Dr) Paul Jinadu, was born a Muslim in Lagos, Nigeria. He became a Christian after Jesus appeared to him and abandoned his pursuit of a medical education in the United Kingdom. He went to the Bible College of Wales, Swansea, in 1962, and later also studied theology at the London Bible College, where he graduated in 1972. At the age of 14, his mother sent him to London to school, and to join his brothers and sister who were already abroad studying. From a very young age, he had a deep fear of God, and tried to pray regularly. About four years in England, he met the Lord at a gospel crusade, and his life changed. Six months later, God called him into full-time ministry. In 1985, he established  the New Covenant Church in Nigeria and a year later in the UK. He now oversees over 600 branches of the church in 24 countries.

Was meeting your husband love at first sight?

It could have been. We met at the Bible College of Wales, Swansea. I never ever thought about marrying him because he is black. He came straight to me to ask my hand in marriage. As a Briton, I knew my parents would not allow me to get married to a black man. When I told my parents about him, they said no way. I cried unto the Lord. On my wedding day, only I and my chief bridesmaid were present; my parents and family members were not there. I almost cried my eyes out but the Holy Spirit gave me some scriptures which later comforted my soul. I got married to my husband in April 1966 and immediately left for Nigeria. After some time, we went back to Britain and to my surprise, my parents were at the door step welcoming and asking for our forgiveness. I thank God for today for the life of my husband and my children.

How would you compare parental discipline in Nigeria with that of England?

There is more respect here and I need to say that Nigerian children in the United Kingdom are very well behaved than the English children. I am very impressed with parenting in Nigeria They monitor their children on who to marry, what career they should follow, and so on. Sometimes, I think Nigerian parents need to remember that they should allow their children to do what will make them happy; it really should be what God has gifted the child.

What is your assessment of Nigerian women?

I have a huge admiration for Nigerian women. I think they are amazing; they are very disciplined when it comes to training children.  It really amazes me that in Nigerian culture, you can find a woman of 40 years of age still studying with children. They are very hardworking and diligent; I love working with Nigerian women.

You are a mother, wife and also  pastor. How do you combine all this without clash?

Well, I think you have to get your priorities right. I am a mother, wife and also a pastor’s wife, so I know that my first priority is my husband. Then my children and grandchildren and after that, everybody else. I set boundaries. My husband and I have a nice time together every week and we take time for our children, even the grownups; we go on holidays twice a year.

What is your advice for  women?

They should love the Lord with their mind, soul, strength. They should also love their neighbours and serve Jesus wholeheartedly. I think Nigerian women are very overworked, so they should take time for themselves, God and their families.

Who do you think should be the next of kin to a man – his wife, mother or children?

It is definitely the wife. This is something that is in law in Britain and even the Bible supports this. One of the things my husband always impresses on our people is that the man should make a will in favour of the wife and also the wife should make a will  and make it in favour of him.

Tell us about your background

I was born in 1938. I was the first and the only child for five years of my life. I was very much loved and petted. I had a wonderful childhood and I met Jesus as my Saviour at the age of 21 and I have never looked back since meeting him.