Raising godly children are part of the purposes of marriage – Rev. Kristilere

…Celebrates 29 years of blissful marriage

Israel Kristilere, lead pastor, Shepherdhill Baptist Church, says raising godly children are part of the primary purposes of marriage.

He made this known during the recent thanksgiving service to celebrate his 29th wedding anniversary, held in the church auditorium in Lagos.

“One of the books I wrote then was called Marriage, a Mystery and a Ministry. And one of the things that was said is that God expects us to raise for Him godly offspring.

“And that will not just happen because you impregnated a woman and then you are… It’s going to be intentional,” Kristilere said.

According to him, godly offspring will be raised with intentionality, with prices to pay, commitment, and sacrifices.

The service was marked by heartfelt testimonies and exhortations, highlighting the couple’s journey in marriage, which started on Saturday March 1, 1997, and described as divinely ordained.

Reflecting on the date, Kristilere said that March 1, remains a special day in their lives. According to him, the date was not chosen randomly.

“It was chosen by divine leading. We were so sure that was the day God wanted us to get married,” he said.

The cleric also disclosed that the couple have faced their own share of marital challenges over the years, but have remained together through divine directions.

“And even though there were challenges along the path, we stood our ground and we trusted our God and He made it happen. Now, 29 years down the line, it’s been a season filled with joy, peace, progress,” he said.

According to him, the early years of their marriage was characterised by challenges that are now part of their testimony as a family.

“Just like my wife shared in her testimony, the beginning years were not that smooth. You are trying to understand the other person,” he said.

However, he disclosed that couples will have to make adjustments to be one in alignment with God’s command.

“But through it all, God has been faithful. God has raised us. God has inspired us. God has used us to help others.

“So, we can give all the glory back to Him who has been faithful through the past 29 years,” he said.

Mary Kristilere, author and wife, said parents have to lead by examples to show their children the right path to follow.

“As couples, as parents, you also have to lead by example. You don’t just say, don’t do this, while you do the same thing,” she said.

According to her, parents must lead a life that makes sense for the children to follow after their footsteps.

“Whatever you want to see in the life of your children; you have to live it out. You want your children to be prayerful children, you be prayerful.

“You want your children to have character and morals. You have character and morals. You are the first teacher that they would see before any other teachings.”

She added that the launch of her books on their wedding anniversary was just coincidental “I was just looking at which special occasion is coming that I’d like to launch this book. And it just happened to be our forthcoming wedding anniversary,” she said.