Our wedding journey built on grace, not wealth, Mike Bamiloye recounts struggling start
The Founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Pastor Mike Bamiloye, described his wedding journey as a testament to God’s grace.
He shared that he and his wife, Gloria, navigated the early days of their marriage with limited financial resources, relying on the generosity of family, friends, and their faith community to make their special day a reality.
This was revealed in a Facebook post on his official account on Monday.
According to the renowned drama evangelist, their wedding journey exemplifies the power of faith and community support, showing that love can flourish even in the face of financial challenges.
Reflecting on their wedding day, Bamiloye shared, “When I got married, I didn’t have any money to take my wife on a honeymoon. We stayed in the house that we had just rented.”
With the financial burden of starting their life together weighing heavily on them, the couple relied on the kindness of their loved ones.
His older sister rented their flat to ensure they had a home, while his best man provided his suit, and his sister-in-law gifted him shoes and socks for the occasion.
The challenges didn’t stop there. “Gloria and I searched for a place to rent a wedding gown, and while we found one, we didn’t have the funds,” Bamiloye recalled.
It was only thanks to the generosity of a sister in their ministry that they were able to cover the deposit for the gown.
Despite these struggles, the couple remained steadfast in their faith, believing that love and support from their community would help them persevere.
Bamiloye also remembered their attempt to have a court marriage, saying, “We visited the registry to inquire about court marriage. They told us the fee was a mere N170, but we couldn’t afford it, so we collected the forms but never returned with the money.”
This meant they began their marriage without an official government certificate, a situation that lingered until six years later, when an embassy requested it.
“Every naira we received on our wedding day went to settle the debts for the wedding programmes and other expenses,” he reflected.
Just two days after the wedding, they found themselves financially strapped. Yet, even in those trying moments, Bamiloye expresses gratitude: “The following Saturday, we had a drama ministration in Ilesa, and Gloria and I stood by the roadside looking for a ‘lift’ to the venue.”
He emphasized that his story serves as a powerful reminder that the foundation of a strong marriage is built on love, faith, and the willingness of others to lend a helping hand.
The pastor, celebrating his wife, stated, “I thank God. I didn’t marry a woman who would put me under unnecessary pressure or constraints. Glory be to God for Gloria!”
In 2022, Bamiloye celebrated his wife, Gloria, on her 58th birthday, recalling how she supported his drama ministry.
He revealed that during her National Youth Service Corps days, she used to send him her allowance to help organize programs.
Additionally, in October 2021, he praised her for her contributions to his ministry’s success as they celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary. He expressed gratitude that other sisters had turned down his marriage proposals.