While there are always reasons to celebrate in life, some are often more worthy of celebration than others. In that regard when Senior Pastor Nosa Onaiwu and members of Arise & Shine International Ministries of Dallas put together a surprise 50th birthday celebration for his Wife and mother of the church, it was by all standards an event worthy of celebration, worship, praise and thanksgiving.
The surprised celebrant; a former practicing lawyer, Dr. Pastor Adesuwa Onaiwu was ushered into the sanctuary in which streams of festivities were lined in her honor. Besides her 50th birthday, the mother of the house had the pleasure of renewing her wedding vows to the love of her life, Senior Pastor Nosa Onaiwu, (a former Banknote Engraver, with Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company), celebrated their 23rd Wedding anniversary, and conferment of a Doctorate degree in Christian counseling from Friends International Christian University (FICU), California.
Pastor Nosa Onaiwu, the husband of the celebrant, an inspirational preacher and senior Pastor of Arise & Shine International Ministries was very uplifted about their renewal of vows and the entire celebration; by expressing himself to his faithful congregation who did not “spill the beans” before the commencement of the event.
Like any prearranged surprise occasion, the mother of the house was brought to the church expecting to pick up an important package only to be surprised by the presence of so many family members and friends, from as far as Nigeria and across various states of the U.S. The celebrant was visibly ecstatic as she was later joined by her husband and five children.
Highly notable among the guests during the occasion was the officiating minister at the renewal of vows Archbishop Margaret Benson Idahosa (the presiding Bishop of Church of God Mission Int’l) who traveled from Nigeria to grace the occasion; the Colorado based Pastor Dave Duell, founder and senior pastor of Faith Ministries Church International. Other guests included Pastor & Mrs. Dele Salewon of RCCG Oklahoma, Pastor Felicia Ewansiha and Mr. Tony Aguebor.
Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa, wife of the late Archbishop of Church of God Mission Int’l., Most Rev Prof. Benson Idahosa, is currently the Presiding Bishop of the ministry with numerous branches and thousands of members worldwide with its headquarters in Benin City, Nigeria. Mama as she is affectionately referred to is also the proprietress of Word of Faith Group of Schools.
Dr. Melinda Thomas, the president of FICU and Archbishop Margaret Idahosa who is an alumnus of the school during the memorable occasion conferred the doctorate degree on Dr. Ade Onaiwu.
The event was indeed memorable, well-coordinated, well organized and well attended and was a reflection of a true characterization of a loving mother and a faithful servant of God whose support for her husband and the ministry embodies the successes she celebrated.
Arise & Shine Int’l Ministries (ASIM) is a multinational ministry and interdenominational worship center. We cordially invite everyone searching for a personal experience with God to visit us. ASIM is Located at 1001 Airport Freeway, Bedford, TX 76021. Tel: 817-28-ARISE (27473).
Reported by: Raliat Akinlolu, Tosan Aduaji, Pastors Rotimi Akhigbe & Joseph Kamugisha
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