MILDRED and KINGSLEY OKONKWO, a dynamic couple positively influencing lives and marriages with their inspirational teachings for years. On this special edition and in celebration of Valentine’s Day today, they share on love, relationship, faith, their journey and more, even as they celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. KEMI AJUMOBI writes.
Mildred Kingsley-Okonkwo
Mildred Kingsley-Okonkwo, affectionately known as PM, is a passionate Christian leader, author, and ministry founder dedicated to empowering women through faith, education, and support. Born Mildred Chijide to a banker and a teacher, her spiritual journey began in her teenage years when she deeply encountered the love of Jesus, an experience that has profoundly shaped her life’s mission.
Alongside her husband Kingsley Okonkwo, whom she considers her best friend, Mildred co-pastors David’s Christian Centre, a vibrant church with multiple centers in Lagos, Nigeria, and international extensions. Together, they have been influential teachers on love, dating, and marriage for over a decade, reaching audiences through live meetings and television broadcasts.
As an accomplished author, Mildred has written several impactful books, including the best-selling WOWMAN Book Series, “Praying for your Husband”, “Chayil- Secrets of the Virtuous Woman”, and “No Dry Season” (co-authored with her husband). Her writing and ministry focus on addressing various aspects of women’s lives across different stages and challenges.
Her ministry, Just Us Girls Global Network, is a comprehensive platform with multiple targeted initiatives, including:
– Project Girl (ages 5-12)
– Project CHIC (teenage girls)
– Project Beautiful (campus outreach)
– Chayil (married women)
– RUTH’s Gift (single mothers)
– Hannah’s Heart (supporting women battling infertility)
The ministry hosts approximately five transformative conferences annually, with the notable “When Women Pray” and “When Women Worship” conferences becoming significant global events. She runs a popular blog and daily instagram live sessions tagged #3PMWithPM, a virtual prayer movement on Instagram aimed at making prayer and Bible study more engaging. This movement has evolved to “tribes” of women all over the world. She also hosts a daily podcast called “Bible Before Breakfast”.
A certified infidelity recovery specialist and relationship coach, Mildred is known for her down-to-earth teaching style and deep biblical knowledge. Her personal journey of overcoming eight years of infertility has fueled her compassion and ministry work.
Beyond her spiritual endeavors, Mildred is actively involved in social causes, partnering with NGOs that support children with Down syndrome and provide meals to underprivileged children. She is also the executive producer of “Just As Girls” series.
Personally, Mildred enjoys cooking, reading, and self-care activities like pedicures and massages. She and Kingsley are parents to three children – Dassah, Davida, and David – and continue to make their home in Lagos, Nigeria.
With her multifaceted approach to ministry and empowerment, Mildred Kingsley-Okonkwo has established herself as a significant voice in Christian women’s ministry, dedicated to spreading love, hope, and spiritual growth. She is widely travelled as she tours the world with her husband spreading the message of the kingdom and correcting issues related with love, dating and marriage.
Childhood memories, influences and impact till date
Growing up was “normal” and I probably didn’t know this till I started pastoral work. I grew up in a home where my parents were married for over 50 years until my father passed. My dad was in banking and retired as a regional manager at Union Bank. My mum was a teacher who retired as a head teacher. They worked in the same job for years. My parents were very generous so I was never afraid to bring friends home. Our home was always full. I never saw my mum cook with a small pot. I grew up as one of six children. I was the fifth and the last for about five years until a surprise baby showed up as my younger sister. We were what they call in Nigeria “awon omo get inside” we lived a very sheltered life. I didn’t know people believed God for money or school fees. My parents paid your fees till your master’s level. Some things were just a given. You read your books, passed exams, got a good job, got married, full stop. I didn’t see a lot of drama. I didn’t struggle for anything. Just normal. We were well taken care of and loved. So, like I said, a very normal household. I think now, looking back, I understand that my parents made a lot of sacrifices for us. We went to the best schools back then, I went to Corona, Command Secondary School and Obafemi Awolowo University because they wanted us to have the best opportunities. Their generosity also taught us to have open hearts. This has also framed my perspectives because I recognise that money is a tool so I’m not materialistic at all. I believe in blessing people and serving people. My parents’ consistency in marriage and their jobs also taught me that you can stick to things. I’m grateful for that because I’m amazed at how easily people walk away from things today. So, like I said, growing up was normal. No sob story there.
How did you come up with the different projects under the ‘Just Us Girls Global Network’ and what do you hope to achieve with each of them?
Interestingly, ‘Just Us Girls Global Network’ started as a column in a newsletter called BLISS and somehow began to evolve. I started out trying to send a blanket message to all women but then I realised that if I was to truly become effective, then it would require some intentionality. My dream is to serve women at all levels. From cradle to grave literally. So, as the need arose, different expressions were birthed. Let me break them down:
Hannah’s Heart: Caters to women either batting with infertility or difficult pregnancies. The goal is to support them till we have a happy and healthy mother and child. I know firsthand the journey of infertility since I struggled with it myself for eight years. Ever since I got my babies, I have made it my life mission to strengthen my sisters and their husbands.
Project Girl: Caters to children 5-12 years. The idea is to help them fall in love with God and bring the Bible to life for them from a tender age. We have conferences for them and teach them to love themselves in their uniqueness. So, whether you are a girly girl or a ‘Tom boy,’ rock your tiara with confidence because you are God’s princess.
Project Boy: Born out of a need not to make the same mistake that the church has made over the years – “Training women then handing them over to untrained men.” So, we have conferences for young boys 5-12 years alongside the girls.
Project C.H.I.C: Caters to our teenage girls and the goal is to raise ‘Consecrated, Healthy, Intelligent and Cultured’ girls. We believe in beauty and brains. We don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. And with all the decadence in the world today, we hope to raise teenagers who are not afraid to stand out.
Project Beautiful: For single girls mostly aimed at campus outreaches.
CHAYIL Global: With the alarming rate of divorces today, Chayil caters to mentoring married women, equipping them with the skills necessary for marriage while ensuring they don’t lose themselves or forfeit their dreams.
Ruth’s Gift: Single mothers need lots of support so we decided to fill that gap.
Naomi’s – Caters to widows and women in the evening of their lives.
The truth is, we really just evolved. I never planned to be engaged in so many projects.
What inspired you to write the WOWMAN book series and other books?
The WOWMAN book series is my latest book. It’s a compilation of six books, an acronym for WOWMAN – Womanhood, Ordination, Wife, Mentoring, Affluence, Nurturing. I believe that as a woman, if you can master these six areas of your life, then you can become a wow version of yourself. Over the years, I have written a lot of books but this one is extra special to me because of how personal it is. I got to share a lot of my personal experiences that I’m doing, so I was amazed to see how much I had grown. So WOWMAN is my heart to women.
Your personal experience with infertility has profoundly impacted your ministry. How has this shaped your work, especially with women facing similar challenges?
You know, the other day I was trying to work and my children (I have three now by the way) were making so much noise. I caught myself screaming: “Can’t you guys be quiet?! Ah!” Then I heard a whisper in my heart saying “Can you remember when you used to cry that your house was too quiet?” Hmmm… sometimes it still feels like a dream. I’m a mother now! Me! Mildred… a mother three times over. It’s this same joy that I want to pass along to other women. One of the biggest challenges of infertility is the feeling of being alone. The lies you battle in your mind – that it’s all your fault, that there’s something wrong with you, that Satan is out to get you, that God doesn’t love you – the battles are endless but the key to winning is to first understand that you are not alone. In fact, 1 in every 8 women battle the same thing. So, support is key. Yes, support and the right information. And that’s what we bring in Hannah’s Heart. Also, when one of us has a baby in the group, we make a big deal about it because that means that you just may be next in line. That’s the hope they need.
What can attendees expect from your ‘When Women Pray’ and ‘When Women Worship’ conferences, and how do they contribute to your overall mission?
‘When Women Pray’ and ‘When Women Worship’ conferences are both very special to me because unlike ‘Just Us Girls Conference,’ it is a time to minister to God. It’s not about us, it’s about God. As the name implies, it’s a time of intense worship and prayer.
How has social media influenced your ministry, especially with initiatives like #3PMWithPM and your podcast?
Social media has been such a huge blessing. I started #3pmwithpm in 2019. So, when Covid happened, people were home and had nothing to do. They were looking for connections. My platform became a place of connection for people all over the world and before long, what we call “the tribes” began. Women all over the world connecting with each other. As we like to say, women who love God and love each other. From that, a lot of other things evolved including my podcast ‘Bible Before Breakfast.’ It started as a conversation on #3pmwithpm where I was saying you have to build the habit of reading your Bible. In fact, tie it to something important like reading your Bible before you have breakfast. And that was it! Even I am shocked by the reach. I travel all over the world and meet people who tell me episodes that have blessed them. I find that truly fascinating because who would think a ten-minute podcast would have such an effect.
As a relationship coach, what common challenges do you see couples facing today, and how can they overcome them?
After doing this for about twenty years, I think the biggest thing would be selfishness and an unwillingness to change. You see that statement, “that’s how I am!” Is one of the most destructive statements in relationships or marriages. Marriage or even being with someone in a relationship requires flexibility. You must be ready to adjust to the person’s needs. The easiest way I can describe this is two people who’ve always slept in their own bed deciding to share a bed. You both have to keep adjusting until you are both very comfortable. Marriage is “move a little bit to your left. No, a little to the right. See? I’m falling off the bed. Oh! You are too far from me. Let’s cuddle.” We keep adjusting till we get it right.
How do you balance your ministry work with family life and self-care?
Lol! I get asked this question all the time. I don’t know about balancing. I just try not to drop the balls. I’ve discovered in life that there are glass balls and rubber balls. Glass balls are things that if you drop, you don’t recover – family, health, your relationship with God, and so on. On the other hand, rubber balls drop but don’t break so you can pick them up at any time. These are the ones that you can sacrifice for the glass balls. I also realise that people are a gift. So, I prioritise what’s important in my life, then I delegate to people I can trust the things that I don’t have to do personally. Self-care, well, everyone who knows me well knows I’m a spa girl. I love massages, facials and pedicures in no particular order. I’m also the kind of person that needs to get away from people to recover, so I’m big on retreats because unlike my husband who is energised by people being around him, people drain me so I need quite a lot of alone time.
What is one key piece of advice you’d give to women who want to grow in their faith and fulfill their purpose?
I think the secret is in what we were taught in Sunday school as children – read your Bible and pray every day, but it’s the truth. You cannot grow in your faith outside God. I also believe in alignment. We have underestimated the power of synergy. I think that in this season, if you want to go far, you can’t go alone. Interestingly, ‘Just Us Girls Conference 2025’ is themed: Girl Power, and the emphasis is on collaborations especially among women. My aim is to show women what we can achieve if we work together. Take for example my latest project-the Just Us Girls Series. I knew that God was putting it in my heart to produce it but I had no idea where to get the money which was running into hundreds of millions. The only way we were able to do it was to get women together who crowd funded the project. Imagine me trying to do it alone. I’m particularly proud of it because all the team leads were women. The producers, writers, director, DOP, set design, costume. Just name it. That’s the collaborative power of women. Another project I do every year is to celebrate pastor’s wives all over the world in the month of March, and because we have a network of women all over the world, it makes it easy. They simply nominate and send out gift boxes in their countries. Imagine trying to do this alone. We need each other if we are truly going to fulfill purpose.
As you travel internationally with your husband, what differences do you observe in women’s ministry across different cultures?
It’s interesting that you would ask me this because I was just thinking about it the other day. That the society plays a major role in influencing women’s ministries all over the world. A cultural society like African countries will be focused on training women to align so they can find a man who will pay all their bills and the emphasis would be on preparing them for marriage. On the other hand, contemporary societies like western countries will be focused on training women to be independent, and I find that a lot of things they do appeal to the woman’s emotions.
Today is Valentine’s Day, what does love mean to you? What misconceptions of love do you want to address?
Love simply put is respect and devotion. That’s the best way I can put it. When you respect someone and you are devoted to them, love finds expression. We really need to get past this whole “feeling” thing and focus on commitment.
When and how did you know that your husband was the one for you?
Hmmm… my story is a bit dramatic o! And I’ve shared it so many times when preaching. However, apart from the God factor which was major in making my choice, I will say this, there were certain qualities that I found very appealing in him. He was my friend. I found a friendship that was refreshing, non-judgmental, a friendship that didn’t expect me to be anything but myself. I also liked that he had very strong leadership skills. He left me in no doubt that he was interested in what was best for me. Now, that’s a leader I will follow to the ends of the earth.
Read also: Kingsley Okonkwo: Mending homes, changing lives through relationship coaching
Your husband (Fondly called PK) recently re-proposed to you. How was the experience?
If we say PK re-proposed, is it really true? Because that thing he did the first time we cannot really call that one proposal. “How does August sound in your spirit?” No, is that one proposal? (Lol) So, let’s say PK recently proposed properly. How was the experience? You know for the first time in my life, he caught me completely off guard. I didn’t even suspect anything at all. We were planning a conference and I was so preoccupied with sorting out the details for the event. I do remember that day he was acting weird like he was nervous. In fact, he was so distracted that morning that he almost ran a red light. When we got to the venue, I went to the front and sat down. Listening to the speakers and how profound everything they were saying was. After a while, he came forward and began to talk about how I had changed his life and the things he’s doing today he wouldn’t have been able to without me in his life. So, I was confused. In fact, I remember saying to him, “Why are you making it about me? Stop” Next thing I hear a song that he’d been playing to me a lot. I look back and Isaac Geralds is singing and I thought that was the surprise, then I hear him saying “I know I didn’t propose the first time, so I’m asking you now, will you marry me again?” Then he dropped down on one knee with a diamond ring from St Tracy. I almost passed out. Funny enough, he had asked me to do another wedding earlier and I had said no because I believe one wedding is enough for a lifetime but obviously, he doesn’t think so. He says he will marry me every 20 years. He actually pulled out all stops to ensure that he would get a yes. So, another wedding celebration is coming up.
For marriages to thrive, is love enough?
You see, this love matter, it can be “problematic.” And I say this because I believe that what people call love is not really love. So, in marriages, what we call love is actually “emotional” love. You know that thing that makes you “feel” warm and fuzzy inside especially when you are near the person? That thing will abandon you in a heartbeat. For marriage to thrive, what you need is to move from “emotional” love to “intentional” love. This one has nothing to do with how you feel. It’s the thing that makes you patient and kind to your partner when you want to break their head. It’s what stops you from keeping records of wrong when you want to so badly tell them “I told you so”. Intentional love will make you control your temper when they are being annoying. It will make you celebrate their wins even when you are having a bad day. Intentional love is what makes you have sex with your partner even when you are not in the mood and make them feel like you want them so badly. Intentional love is what makes marriage work. If it is feelings? Leave that matter first. That one is a “bad market.”
Send PK love messages and what you wish him today
PK will say “What’s all this mushiness now” But seriously though, I’m grateful that every day with you is a valentine. You know I love you and as I always say, God helping me, you no go ever look back make you no see me for your back. I’ve got you babe!
Kingsley Okonkwo
Kingsley Okonkwo is a specialist when it comes to relationships and marriages. With over two decades hands-on experience as a pastor, relationship coach, counsellor and best-selling author, PK, as he is fondly called is a presidential member of the American Association of Christian Counsellors (AACC), a board-certified Master Christian Life Coach with the Board of Christian Life Coaches (BCLC) and a certified relationship counsellor by the Karen E. Wells Academy (KEWA). He is renowned for love and relationships, marriage and family life, domestic violence, divorce and infidelity recovery.
He is the visionary behind the phenomenal Love, Dating and Marriage Ministry, widely known as Ldmwithpk, a highly impactful relationship ministry with a reach of over 500,000 followers across fifty countries. Kingsley Okonkwo is committed to equipping couples around the world with godly principles for building strong relationships and marriages having lived on the same principles himself for close to two decades. He is convinced that godliness is the foundation for quarrel-free marriages and as such hosts the ‘Together Forever’ conference, an annual interdenominational event for married couples aimed at rekindling the passion and love in marriages.
Notably, his ministry records mind blowing testimonies of blissful relationships and marriages to the glory of God as more single people find the right partners, troubled marriages experience total restoration, individuals are delivered from sexual addictions and wrong mindsets redirected. His unique say-it-as-it-is, fun-filled style of teaching God’s principles for dating, courtship and marriage endears him to both the young and old as they are greatly impacted by his relationship masterclasses, one-on-one coaching classes, live broadcasts on social media and numerous ministry resources.
Pastor Kingsley continues to be a blessing across continents through itinerant relationship seminars, conferences and counselling sessions across Canada, United States of America, United Kingdom, the Middle East and numerous African countries. His messages and ministry materials are highly sought-after around the globe. He has authored numerous books on relationships, a few of which he co-authored with his lovely wife and partner in ministry, Pastor Mildred and they are blessed with three adorable children. Their books and programmes are available on their website https://www.ldmwithpk.org/
Childhood memories, influences and impact till date
Growing up, I had a good upbringing, and now I appreciate even more the stability of growing up with both my father and mother. As a practitioner, I see the struggles people face when raised in dysfunctional homes, which makes me even more grateful for my own childhood. I thank God for my parents and the solid foundation they provided. They invested their very best. We weren’t wealthy, but we had strong family values. Our parents gave their best in every way to raise us well, and that has made all the difference.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your life that led you to pursue a career in relationship coaching and counseling?
I always had a strong burden and concern for people in relationships. Whenever I saw a boy and a girl, I found myself wondering if they were doing things right and following the right principles. This concern had always been a burden.
One year, as Valentine’s Day approached, I felt deeply that this was a season when many people make mistakes in their relationships due to pressure and expectations. So, I called my team and suggested we organise a programme titled Love, Dating, and Sex.
At the time, we weren’t sure if we could use the word sex on the flyer because it wasn’t common practice. I reached out to my mentors for advice, and they warned that while some religious people might not approve, the young people we wanted to reach would connect with it. We decided to go ahead, and that’s how the programme began. That was in 1999, and we haven’t stopped since.
How do you believe faith influences the dynamics of relationships and marriages?
I will start by saying that Jesus spoke about love as being four-dimensional. However, most people experience love in just one or two dimensions, which is why it often doesn’t last. The Bible gives us the perfect definition of love, instructing us to love with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength—making it a complete, four-dimensional love.
The heart represents the spirit, emphasising our faith in God and our relationship with Him. This connection teaches us to love as God does. Without this foundation, love often lacks selflessness and longevity. That’s why faith plays a major role in building lasting relationships.
What are some of the most common challenges you observe couples facing today, and how can they overcome them?
These days’ couples face many challenges, but one of the biggest is stress and exhaustion. Life is getting busier, and people are under immense pressure—financially, socially, mentally, and emotionally. There’s nothing more difficult than dealing with a tired spouse. When someone is drained from work, traffic, bills, and financial stress, they have little left to give. Instead, frustration, resentment, and fatigue takes over, often spilling into their relationships.
A healthy relationship requires healthy individuals. That’s why it’s important to minimise stress as much as possible—live within your means, avoid unhealthy comparisons on social media, and develop a strong relationship with God to help carry life’s burdens. These steps can make a significant difference in maintaining a happy and balanced relationship.
Love, Dating, and Marriage Ministry- can you tell us more about the genesis of Ldmwithpk and how it has evolved over the years?
As I mentioned earlier about how we started the first Love, Dating, and Marriage session, we quickly realised that the demand for relationship guidance kept growing. People had more questions, sought more coaching, and wanted ongoing support. The need was unlimited, so we had to create a structured approach to keep up.
Over time, both the programme and our capacity expanded. Today, we have a large team with members across the world, including the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia, and beyond. And it’s still evolving.
What can participants expect from the ‘Together Forever’ conference, and why do you believe it is essential for married couples to attend?
Yes, we have Together Forever, along with various tours around the world. Together Forever is an annual relationship conference for married couples, designed to deepen their love, strengthen their bond, and reinforce their commitment to a lifelong partnership. Over the years, it has brought healing and restoration to countless families on the verge of separation.
We also invite speakers, sometimes from outside the country, to share valuable marriage principles and help couples nurture their relationships. Through these sessions, couples gain the guidance they need to navigate challenges and keep their love strong.
Your teaching style is described as ‘say-it-as-it-is’ and fun-filled. How does this approach enhance the effectiveness of your coaching?
At first, I didn’t even realise it was a style—I was just being myself. I’m a very practical, plain, and fun-loving person, and I wasn’t trying to be anything or anyone else. But over time, I noticed that people connected with it, and it became something unique.
I believe it resonates because marriage is a relatable topic—you can’t teach it in abstract terms. It has impacted many lives, reaching people from different backgrounds, cultures, and parts of the world.
Plus, you can’t watch my teachings without laughing! Life comes with so much pressure, and a little laughter always makes a difference. It has helped people in ways I never expected.
What advice would you give to singles who are striving to find the right partner?
For singles, the first and most important thing is to focus on becoming the right person. It’s also crucial to understand that emotions can’t always be trusted—you shouldn’t build a relationship solely on feelings. Instead, you need to check for important qualities like character, compatibility, and alignment.
Many singles mistakenly see the wedding as the goal, but in reality, marriage is the goal—and marriage is long-term. It’s not just about pleasure, it’s about partnership. I’ve written a book that covers all these principles in detail to help singles navigate relationships wisely.
How has the rise of social media influence relationships, both positively and negatively?
Social media has influenced every aspect of life, including relationships and family dynamics. It provides access to both valuable and harmful information, as well as positive and negative influences—all at the same time.
In the past, people were warned not to let third parties interfere in their relationships. Today, social media has become that third party, inserting itself into marriages and relationships in ways we may not even realise. If not managed properly, it can have a negative impact, but when used wisely, it can be beneficial.
For example, there are many great marriage coaches sharing helpful content on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, which can positively impact relationships. However, there’s also a lot of misleading advice and unrealistic portrayals of marriage that some couples try to apply, only to find that it doesn’t work.
Ultimately, social media can be both a blessing and a risk. The key is to be discerning—filter what you consume, focus on what aligns with healthy principles, and avoid content that could harm your relationship.
Can you share insights into any upcoming books or resources your ministry will be releasing?
Yes, we recently released a set of books called ‘Hope for Your Marriage.’ It’s designed for any couple looking to strengthen their relationship, as well as those going through difficult times, helping them realign and rebuild their union.
We’re also launching a mentoring platform open to everyone—single men, single women, married men, and married women. One great advantage for singles is that it provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are also focused on personal growth and development. It’s a valuable space for learning, connection, and relationship building.
How did you know that your wife was the woman for you?
I knew Pastor M was the one for me because she had all the qualities I was looking for. One of the most important things was that we were on the same spiritual wavelength—we shared the same faith and commitment to our walk with God.
Beyond that, she is incredibly brilliant and intelligent. I’ve always been more mentally stimulated than anything else, and I can’t be with someone who is just pretty but not intellectually engaging. Pastor M is the kind of person who knows something about everything, and even to this day, I’m still amazed at how effortlessly she can answer almost any question.
Another key factor was our friendship. We were very comfortable with each other, could talk about anything, and I genuinely enjoyed her company. She’s also an incredibly sacrificial person, always putting others before herself. She was simply everything I needed.
I actually wrote a book about all the reasons I knew she was the one—it’s called ‘Love Letters to Mildred.’ In it, I highlighted 15 qualities that make her so special. I highly recommend it for both singles and married couples. For singles, it helps identify the right qualities to look for in a spouse, while also encouraging them to develop the right qualities in themselves.
Today is Valentine’s Day, what do you want everyone to know about love?
This is such a powerful topic, and I’ve actually done an entire sermon series on it. But in simple terms, love is best understood through God because God is love. Jesus gave the most complete definition of love, yet most teachings only focus on one aspect of it.
Jesus was the only one who broke love into four dimensions. When asked about the greatest commandment, He said: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. These four components define true love:
1. Heart (Spirit): This represents selfless, unconditional love—the kind only God can help you give. It’s the supernatural aspect of love.
2. Soul (Emotions & Romance): This covers the excitement, chemistry, and romantic gestures—things like dates, surprises, and Valentine’s cards. Love should be enjoyable.
3. Mind (Intellectual Connection): You must know the person you love. Understanding their needs and loving them the way they want to be loved is crucial.
4. Strength (Actions): Love is not just words—it’s action. You can’t say you love someone and then fail to show up for them. Your words and actions must align.
Love can grow, and love can die. When relationships fail, it’s often because they were built on only one or two of these dimensions instead of all four. True love requires balance.
Finally, even if you don’t currently have a romantic partner, you can still practice love—love yourself, love others around you, and remember that love isn’t just about romance. It’s a way of life.
You recently proposed to your wife officially, what was the experience like? What is next?
The experience was truly special. I never imagined I’d be planning something like this again after ten years. Thankfully, I had a great team to support me—helping with the planning, coaching, and logistics. I even reached out to Saint Tracy for the diamond ring, and there was so much to put together. But overall, it was exciting and a beautiful journey.
One of the best parts for me was seeing the surprise and joy on my wife’s face. I love making her happy, and she absolutely deserves all the love and celebration. It was also meaningful to have some of the people who matter most to us present for the moment.
Beyond our own joy, I’m grateful that this gesture inspired others. That’s part of our hope—to see love rekindled in marriages all over the world.
As for what’s next, we have a wedding to plan! We’ll be renewing our vows on September 3rd with a destination wedding. The location will be announced soon, and everyone is invited! That day will officially mark our 20th wedding anniversary, and we can’t wait to celebrate it.
What is the recipe for a long lasting marriage?
To enjoy a long lasting loving marriage, three things you can’t afford to have missing in your marriage are sacrifice, selflessness, and service—these three principles are key.
Sacrifice: Be willing to give up something for the sake of your partner. True love requires effort and compromise.
Selflessness: A successful relationship isn’t about me, myself, and I. It’s about prioritising your partner’s well-being and making life better for them.
Service: You can’t serve someone effectively if you don’t know them well. Take the time to understand what they truly need—both the big and small things—and show up for them.
There will be moments when you don’t feel like doing these things, but love isn’t just about feelings, it’s about commitment and consistent action.
What have been some of the most memorable experiences from your itinerant seminars and conferences in different countries?
I’ve had so many memorable experiences from our conferences and tours. One of the most amazing things is seeing people from different cultures, continents, and races all connecting with the message of love and marriage. No matter where we go, people relate with it, and it resonates deeply with them.
One thing that stands out is how marriages are under pressure everywhere. Every country we visit—whether it’s Canada, the United States, the UK, or Australia—we hear the same concern: “Marriages are struggling here, we have the worst divorce rate.” We’ve done about 10 city tours in Canada, 12 in the U.S., 8 in the UK, and 6 in Australia, and the message is always the same. It just shows that marriage challenges are universal.
I remember arriving at a U.S. airport, and one of the Customs and Border Protection officers asked what I do. When I told him I was a marriage coach, he sighed and said, “About 90% of the guys working here are divorced.” That really struck me. It was a reminder that we still have so much work to do and so many people to reach.
Another unforgettable moment was at the Atlanta Airport. A staff member recognised me and started shouting excitedly. He made such a scene that people around started taking pictures and joining in. It felt like a ‘Coming to America’ movie moment—foreigners, Indians, and so many others were stopping, wondering who I was. It was such an experience!
So, yes, there have been countless memorable moments, and each one reinforces why we do what we do.
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