The General Secretary of the South West Zone of the Pentecostal fellowship, Pastor Toyin Kehinde on Monday, February 20 took many by surprise when he and his wife, Shade, renewed their 30-year-old marriage by reenacting their wedding ceremony.
The time of the event was 2 pm. Guests were already seated. The surprise came for many when Pastor Kehinde appeared in an attire reminiscent of a groom while his wife, Shade, adorned an exquisitely designed wedding attire.
It became more interesting when the compere, Pastor Dele Ajayi announced to the bewildered audience that it was time to welcome the bride.
The son of the couple acted as the “father’ of the bride ushering his mother into the waiting hands of his father, Pastor Kehinde who was already grinning at the altar.
God’s own day
It was God’s own day. Pastor Emmanuel Ajose who joined them together in holy matrimony 30 years ago was on ground.
Ajose whose marriage is 41 years was beaming while thanking God for the privilege of seeing the couple God used him to bring together still waxing. Prayers poured effortlessly.
Earlier, Bishop Abraham Olaleye, a close acquaintance of the couple led them to reaffirm their marital vows.
Apart from the venue of the event which was evidently different from that of 30 years ago and a number of other things, the event was a careful replay of their wedding day.
Rev Toyin and Pastor Shade Toyin-Kehinde whose demeanour betrayed their youthfulness would have easily passed for newly wedded.
John Airee, 49 years of marriage
The glow and glamour of the day were not lost on the guest preacher, Pastor John Airee who is itching towards his 50th wedding anniversary.
Already in his 80s, Pastor Airee who spoke for about 30 minutes said the couple made a lasting impact on his life and ministry.
He said they were the ones who helped him when he was about to go into the ministry after traversing the corporate world.
Quoting Genesis 1v28, Airee said there is no man that has not been blessed by God adding that the celebrants have been fruitful in various ways.
Value for marriage
“Both Rev Kehinde and his wife, Shade are successful professionals. Rev Shade is a perfectionist, she is particular about details. Many have been blessed by their ministry. They have been mightily fruitful.
While declaring that God expects us to honour him in all that we do, he said, “I can say of this couple that they love God. Rev Kehinde is always smiling. Even in difficult moments, he maintains his calm. You’re a good example to the world.”
He said the ceremony has only shown how they value the institution of marriage. “We are celebrating the marriage institution because it is God’s creation. A successful marriage is a product of commitment. The marriage we are celebrating today is successful because the two of them were committed to it from day one. And that is the message to all.” he said.
Lover of missions
Known for their love for missions, Rev and Dr Mrs Toyin Kehinde were variously praised for their sacrifice and commitment to the kingdom.
Celebrated music minister, Gbemi Olaleye rendered some soulful lyrics to celebrate God’s mercy on them while also praying that the Lord will keep them going and keep them strong.
It was indeed an evening of fun; friendship and fellowship, The couple took to the dancing floor to celebrate God’s grace as the event came to a close.
Guests at the event
The event was graced by an array of church leaders in the Pentecostal circle. Archbishop John Osa Oni, Rev Janet Onaolapo, Mrs Florence Sola Ore, Bishop Abraham Olaleye, his wife Gbemi, Pastor Bode Orekoya, and a host of other PFN leaders were around to cheer the couple. Some missionaries and members of the Agape Generation International Church were all present to celebrate with the couple.
