Category Archives: Uncategorized

GOD’S WORK ON DISPLAY

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
Jesus said “…he was born blind in order that the workings of God should be manifested (displayed and illustrated) in him.”
(Jn 9: 3 AMP)
 
God permits trials to come. Trials can be sickness, bareness, loneliness, poverty or misunderstanding… He allows these to come for a season, so that we can pray. Pain is a friend that brings us closer to God. In His presence, we find a new wonderful solution to the challenge, something so new and creative that the human mind cannot imagine it. God’s work is so unique and so wonderful that everybody declares ‘The Lord is God!’ The enemy has his chance to perform fake works only before the fire falls. The work of God is never in secret. God may be silent but He is never ‘shy.’ Pray not that your pain will disappear! That is too simple! Pray that your pain will welcome the work of God and surely, the testimony of healing will follow, and God will have His glory!
 
In Christ I declare:
I am a child of God! This trial I am passing through is temporary! God’s love for me is eternal! Nothing in all creation is able to separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord! God’s love never fails! God’s love overpowers and destroys any sickness or pain; I believe! I now have peace! Today is a good day for me!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen!

MY TESTIMONY AS A MOTHER

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths…” (Lk 2:7)

We are in the Christmas season. We celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Mary, His young mother, ‘brought forth her first born Son’. Surely, she experienced mixed feelings. She was told that her Son will be a King but there was no room in the inn for them. She had to deliver Him in a stable and lay Him in a manger, the place where animals feed. King Herod wanted her baby dead. But shepherds and wise men bowed before the Baby. Mary had to learn fast, how to take care and protect this baby, God’s gift to humanity. It was not easy… But God was with her, with them…”Oh, come let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!”

The Nativity story brought back memories to me… This is my story, as a young mother in Romania… As a doctor I delivered many pregnant women. As a pastor, I prayed for women to become mothers. I rejoiced with them when their children were born. They all look so happy… But my case, was different… I still remember the feeling I had when my first child, my dear son was born. I was a student in the medical school. I was a young wife. My husband was from Nigeria, my colleague in the medical school. At that time, I was an unbeliever. I never prayed. I did not see a Bible with my eyes. In the past, I prepared myself mentally and emotionally to be a wife and a doctor. I had great dreams and a clear vision about my future marriage and chosen profession. I read many books about successful marriages and how to practice humanitarian medicine. But I did not prepare myself enough to be a parent. I thought that I should be a mother when I will be older… I thought that I still have time to study ‘the subject’. My husband and I planned to have children after graduation. But God had another plan. Motherhood was bestowed upon me by a God I did not know at the time.

Our first baby was born as a medical emergency before the expected date of delivery. They were complications… I started bleeding heavily… The doctor said that they will first save my life. But the chance for the baby boy to live was 50-50. But the baby made it!!!! Oh, the relief… I looked at him… So beautiful… but fragile too… My first night as a mother, in that hospital bed, I just could not sleep. I suddenly became afraid that I will not be able to be a good mother to this baby. I also knew that our relationship will last for a life time. For better or for worst, that is a long time… I felt the mantle of responsibility falling on my young shoulders. Years passed by… Often, this mantle was light and easy but so heavy other times…

Our baby is a man now. He is a husband and a father. But the mantle of motherhood placed on me by God on the day he was born is still on me. I feel it. Motherhood thought me many lessons of life I could not have learned otherwise.. The truth is that at the beginning I struggled with it. As a single woman I felt free. But now, married and with a baby, I felt the restrictions. For example, I could not go to visit my friends any time I wanted. This responsibility of being a mother, like a covering blanket, stayed on… Knowing what I know now, I say: ‘Thank God’! It was only after I became saved that I truly accepted it without complaining, especially when hard days came by. In a way, I grew up together with my children… This gift of motherhood (and even grand-motherhood), I now enjoy it. Finally! I now walk with it, in the assurance that God, who gave me these children, He is in charge of their lives and mine… We shall walk together, from beginning to the end. Motherhood brought me closer to God! This knowledge makes me so happy! It even gets better day by day!

May this testimony encourage young (and not so young) parents today! Fear not! You are not alone! God loves you and God loves your baby! From the beginning to the end of the journey of life, God is with you! Glory to God!!!

 

 

 

THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies” (PV 31:10)
As a woman of God, as a wife, each time I need refreshing from the Word of God, I read Proverbs 31. This passage never fails to attract me, to strengthen me, to stir me up and to bless me with fresh revelations. I am reminded that God has a particular woman in mind to be the Bride of Christ. It is not easy to be a godly woman. No good thing happens by accident. There is a price to pay to become God’s best; ‘a virtuous woman’ in the eyes of your husband, children and community. To be virtuous it means to be morally excellent, righteous and upright before God and man. It means to be honest, noble, principled, faithful, praiseworthy, un-bribable, spotless and guiltless. It also means to be above suspicion, a good and perfect example to others. The opposite of ‘virtuous’ is to be sinful, wicked, a liar and a deceiver. In Hebrew, the word ‘virtuous’ it means to be a strong soldier, the captain of an army. It means to be rich and generous. The word describes a woman in labor. She is in pain, waiting patiently, with hope and courage, for her baby to be born. She is looking forward to the joyful satisfying rest of fruitfulness. Her worth is ‘above rubies’. Her ‘bride price’ is priceless. Only the Blood of Jesus is able to purchase the soul of His bride. She is not foolish. She knows the value God has set on her. She is not ready to compromise her destiny or the future of her descendants. This high standard of character and behavior is possible only to a child of God, who is filled with the Holy Spirit.

The world has its own description of what it means to be a successful woman. The world loves to see women with superficial beauty, slim and without pimples, having professional make up, with expensive jewelry, beautiful clothes and natural charm. But what is God’s idea of a perfect woman? The first thing I see here is that this woman ‘fears God’ (PV 31:30). God is at the center of her life, the reason for her testimony and the source of her success. The second thing I see is that this woman loves her God given family. She does not live independent from people. She has invested her life, effort, prayers and time in the lives of her husband and her children (natural and spiritual). She takes care of her household, even of her servants. She invested in people and she now enjoys a great harvest of love. In her old age she enjoys the fruit of her labor.

This woman is a good wife. She submits to her husband and helps him fulfill his destiny. From the beginning of her marriage and until old age, she is not a liability to him, but a blessing. “The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life” (PV 31:11, 12). Her husband trusts her with his heart. This is total trust. He trusts her with his body and his soul, with his spiritual life, with their children and their finances. Trust is rare to find. Trust must be earned. It does not come automatically. Over the years, her husband has studied and tested his wife, during good times and bad times. She prayed and she stood with him. Together, they overcame problems and trials. They wept together and rejoiced together. She proved to him that she is faithful, wise, strong, stable and spiritual. This husband trusts his wife. They have become friends and true partners in life.

“Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land” (PV 31:23). The virtuous woman prays for, helps and encourages her husband to be a man of God. She does not compete with him. She complements him. Her husband fulfills God’s will for his life. This is a great achievement and true success. Behind the scenes, his wife rejoices and praises God for her husband’s success. He praises her saying: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” (PV 31:29). The husband’s open public praise and recognition of his wife’s love and faithfulness over the years is a sign of a true, mature, godly and happy marriage. This woman is a good mother and her children appreciate her.

The third thing I see is that this godly woman works very hard. She works at home and outside the home. The reason why she works is to glorify God and to benefit of her family. Her work does not hinder her responsibilities in the home. Her work is hard. She wakes early in the morning and she sleeps late at night. She travels far away to buy things to sell. But she does not grumble; she truly enjoys her labor. She “willingly works with her hands” (PV 31:13). In Hebrew, the word ‘willingly’ means to work with pleasure and purpose. Her work is valuable to her. Each day she plans her work. There is no confusion and no stress. Even when she has to do humble work in the house (for example, washing dishes or clothes), she feels blessed and happy.

Dear sister, is that your experience? Do you fear God? Do you really enjoy your life, your marriage, your motherhood and your work? As you are getting older, do you become happier and more fulfilled? Can I ask your husband, your children, your servants of your neighbors, what kind of woman are you? Do you want to be ‘a Proverbs 31’ woman of God? You single sisters… do you desire to be this type of wife and mother? You older woman of God, are you ready to mentor and teach the younger women how to be good wives and mothers? Then pray for the strength to become a living proof that God’s Word is true. Pray that you may fulfill destiny and become a blessing to many. This is God’s will for you! For the glory of God and for the good of many people! In Jesus name, amen!

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(In the picture, you see some beautiful, expensive rubies)

O, LORD OF HOSTS, REMEMBER ME!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“O, Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” (1Sam 1:11)
 
The word ‘Sabaoth’ in Hebrew means an army, soldiers, hosts, an assembly of trained men (or angels), prepared to wait and move at the command of their captain to perform exploits for His name. It is the ‘military’ name of God. This revelation is not given to ‘baby’ Christians or civilians (worldly Christians). It is only given to the mature believers, the soldiers in God’s army.
 
Hannah is in agony because she is barren. (This story applies to every barren situation in your life.) She worships Jehovah Sabaoth every year but still, there is no answer. This time she leaves all human help behind and moves on to pray alone. She makes a vow to Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of hosts), that if He gives her what no man can give (a son) then she will give back to Him what she has received. In other words, she makes a vow to the Lord of Hosts that if He gives her a boy, he will be a soldier in His army. God answers and this is how Prophet Samuel was born. It is with this anointing as God’s soldier that Samuel later kills Amalek to pieces in the presence of God (1Sam 15:33).
 
To be a soldier (for Christ) you need four things:
• To make a personal DECISION to enroll in the army of the only Living God. From this moment there is no going back!
• To be filled daily with genuine COURAGE to live for God!
• To ENDURE all things as discipline. From now on, no complains are allowed. The result of discipline for a soldier is that he will fear his Commander (Jesus) more than he fears his enemy (the devil) (2Tim 1:7; 2:3, 4).
• To have 100 percent HOPE that his victory is sure (2 Cor 2:14).
 
God has many names. Each name revels an angle of His character. Jehovah Sabaoth is the battle name of God. He does not answer any (fancy, ‘civilian’) prayer. Like in Hannah’s case, He surely answers the desperate prayers of the oppressed! To be desperate means to be in extreme need, anxious to live, to lose all hope to live if help is not given. Because Jehovah Sabaoth lives, there is no reason why a believer should ever know defeat!
 
In Christ I declare: I am a child of God! I fear nothing and nobody except my God! I gave my life to Christ, unconditionally! Whatever He wants to do with it, is good enough for me! I receive the Resurrection power of the Holy Spirit of Life! I will not even consider backsliding, betrayal or suicide! I will never complain about any situation I find myself in! I no longer live, but Christ lives and does His work in me! I have the hope of glory sealed in my heart! No matter the trials, I will always believe that my future is better than my past! The Lord of Hosts has remembered me! My shameful bareness is gone! I am pregnant with life and fruitful with the Spirit! To the glory of God! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
(In the picture, a sister in Christ, during the Sunday service in our church)
Pregnant woman

THE FLAME OF LOVE IN MARRIAGE

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“Many waters cannot quench the flame of love, neither can the floods drown it. If a man tried to buy it with everything he owned, he couldn’t do it” (SS 8:7).

OUR TESTIMONY AS A HAPPILY MARRIED COUPLE
My husband and I are happily married for almost 45 years. We are parents to three adult children and have six grandchildren. I see marriage as a gift from God. Because I fear God, I fear to damage my marriage. I cannot be a happy wife without the help of the Holy Spirit. I daily read the Bible. I grow in wisdom and knowledge. Therefore my marriage becomes better, sweeter.

I pray daily for my husband, for our children, grandchildren, our health, our ministries and wisdom to handle our finances. I pray to see Christ in my husband (in his words and deeds). I love peace to reign in my home. I hate quarrels and divisions.

I respect my husband not only in my words and deeds, but even in my heart. I pray to be able to see him not just as my husband, not as the father or our children, but as my pastor, as a holy man of God. My prayer has been answered. I have ‘a kitchen ministry’. I like to cook for him and serve his food. I like it when he is hungry and he sits at the table waiting for me to bring the food. we always pray before each meal. I like it when we eat together and we gist about the daily activities, the plans for the day, prayer points. I like to wake up in the morning knowing that he is my husband. I like to ask him ‘what do you want to eat for breakfast?’ His answer makes me happy! Sometimes he likes Nigerian breakfast, and other times the ‘oyibo’ style. Anyone is good with me. I may fail a catering exam, but he likes the food I cook for him. That is all that matters for me!

Christ has simplified my life. I love Jesus first and my husband secondly. I do not even dream about another god or any other man. Even after all these years, I appreciate my husband’s love for me. I appreciate the fact that out of millions of women he chose me to be his wife. At the table, he has his own favorite chair. If a visitor comes and by mistake he sits there, I will not allow it. I will gently tell the visitor to use another seat. My husband has his own favorite plate. It is old but he likes it. I do not use his plate for other people. These may not be ‘big things’ but to me, these are symbols of respect.

Long ago I knew that he will be a man of God. I started studying the Bible with great passion. The knowledge of the Word of God is for my own soul and to help my husband. I love it when we discuss the doctrines and new revelations from the Bible. I love it when I have something good to add to the discussion. We are friends and lovers. We rejoice with one another. Time has not reduced this joy. In fact, it has made it better. The water has now become sweet wine. We drink it and have no apologies for our intoxicating love. The passion to love God and one another is the holy fire that burns in our home. No man or devil can quench it. It is to the glory of God that we are not religious hypocrites. There is genuine salvation, peace and joy of the Holy Ghost in our souls and in our home! We my head bowed down I write: “Thank You Father, Son and Holy Ghost!”

Dear children of God, may God bless you with the blessings of Christ and with the gift of a wonderful marriage! In Jesus’ name!

RSL and SLL 1

 

THIS GRANDMA’ S PRAYER!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

 

A dear faithful loving family in our church, after waiting for many years, praying with tears for the fruit of the womb, was blessed with these beautiful twins (a boy and a girl)! See me-ooo!!! I am a blessed spiritual grandma! I was in my office when their mother came to ‘present the babies’ to me. I also remember that in my head, Psalm 126 was ringing like a melody. I use myself as a point of contact to pray and join faith with other soon-to-be-mothers!
 
“May God bless you with the blessings of Christ! May God bless the fruit of your wombs! May God favor me by increasing my ministry as a grandmother in Christ! This is my wish! This is my prayer! In Jesus’ name this grandma has prayed! Amen!”
 
“When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
 
Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return carrying the harvest”
(Psalm 126)
Twins Michael and Michaia Ojigho

UN-INVITED, YET I LIVE

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

 

“All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days” (Est 4:11)
 
Mordecai tells Esther that in the absence of God’s miracle, their people will die. The wicked Haman has convinced the king to sign a law by which all the Jews in Persia should be killed. Queen Esther is the only one who can do something to save God’s people. But there are many difficulties. Esther tells Mordecai that no man or woman can go to see the king uninvited. She can die for such an act. But if the king holds the golden scepter of mercy towards her, then she will live. There is also another problem: the king has not called her to his private chambers for thirty days. Esther, like any wife, is not sure if the king’s love towards her has ‘cooled down’. Haman must have tried his best to make the king forget the love he had for his beloved queen. There is also a possibility that the king is too busy with the affairs of the state or planning a war. A busy man easily forgets his wife…
 
The window of successful intercession is very small. Esther has to decide fast. This is an emergency. She decides to fast and pray with her maids. She asks that all the Jews do the same. It is a critical moment in the destiny of the people of God! It is a matter of life and death. Overcoming her fears, moved by faith in Jehovah alone, Esther decides that she will be a living sacrifice! She will go and see the king; uninvited by man but led and accompanied by the Spirit of God… You know the end of the story. By the grace of God, Esther succeeds in her mission. The evil man Haman is killed and the Jews are saved, to the glory of God.
 
OUR TESTIMONY
My husband and I are married for almost 45 years. We got married as unbelievers. Then we became saved. We left our medical profession to start a church. We are now in full time ministry. Over the years, as a wife, I had to learn the spiritual protocol of marriage. There was a time my husband was very involved in national politics in Nigeria. It was a lonely difficult time for us, especially for me. We give God all the glory for sustaining us and our marriage during all those lonely years.
 
Personally, I have learned many great lessons from Queen Esther. For example, there were times when I had to go and see my husband for urgent matters. I learned never to go in ‘flesh’ to meet with him. He hates to see me agitated, panicking, crying or complaining like an ‘ordinary unbelieving woman’. He wanst to see me composed, wise and strong. In the past, as an unbeliever, I failed this test many times. But after I became born again and filled with God’s Spirit, I learned to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. No matter the situation, before I go to meet with him, I remember to stop everything, breath in and out, take a minute of silence and pray to God. God is my first Helper, Savior, Counselor and Friend! God is the Stabilizer of my heart! Especially in moments of crisis, God is my Everything!
 
For me, in times like these, English or Romanian is a wasting of time. I usually pray in tongues. I pray that the Holy Spirit goes before me to touch my husband’s heart and open a way for me. I never take it for granted that I can burst into his office just because I am his wife. I need the grace of God always! I pray that when he sees me, he will not see just a foolish, confused woman, but a true woman of God. I pray for a fresh testimony and not just to solve my problems! I pray that I obtain favor with him even as I speak. I pray that the Holy Spirit gives me the right words, spoken in the right way and in the right tone. I pray that my body language shows faith in God and if need be, the courage to fight spiritual warfare. I pray that, no matter the challenge, God will help us maintain the unity of the Spirit between my husband and I. I pray that our marriage survives the attacks and the extra burdens of so many needy people. I usually bind the evil spirits of fear, doubt, confusion, impatience, division, anger, emotional manipulation and foolishness. They shall not speak. They shall have no room to manifest between the two of us.
 
I pray for the unity of the Spirit; that both of us see things in the same way! I pray that the peace of God reigns in both of our hearts and in the marriage. I pray that Christ is glorified in the midst of this problem. I pray that the test will become a new testimony. All these requests are ‘translated’ in tongues. I pray in the Spirit as I walk towards my husband. Then I knock at his door. I open it. I enter… The Holy Spirit does His work… We speak calmly. We pray aloud. We agree on the strategy. We are one with God and with one another! The enemy is clearly defeated. The matter is solved in minutes. What seems impossible, after talking and praying together, it now seems so easy, so simple… God is always faithful. Jesus is Lord! We rejoice together! We smile… We laugh… The marriage is becoming stronger. The worship continues…
 
Dear Child of God, I hope that the Holy Spirit reveals to you my heart. I love God and I love my husband. I pray that the singles will marry; that they will not be discouraged seeing so many broken relationships around. I pray that your marriages are fruitful and they will increase in love, wisdom and faith. I pray that you do not draw back in case of difficulties. I pray that after you have done all, you stand in the glory of the Son! Come back with testimonies! I wish you well!
(In the picture, my husband, Pastor Richmond Leigh and I, dressed in Nigerian clothes)
RSL and SLL 3

OUR GRANDSON!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN!
UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN!
Our youngest grandson (Emory David Oakes) is 4 weeks! Praise the Lord!
Nepotelul nostru e 4 saptamani! Slava lui! (Romanian)

Emory David Oakes 3

DUMNEZEU SA BINECUVANTEZE TARA UNDE M-AM NASCUT: ROMANIA!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

GOD BLESS MY BIRTH COUNTRY ROMANIA!
DUMNEZEU SA BINECUVANTEZE TARA UNDE M-AM NASCUT: ROMANIA!
M-am nascut in Romania in anii ’50. Astăzi, 1 decembrie, România sărbătorește 100 de ani de când a devenit o țară. Rugăciunea mea pentru România este că oamenii vor cunoaște pe Isus Hristos și ei vor fi mântuiți. Mă rog ca credincioșii să fie reînviți. Mă rog ca Duhul Sfânt să acopere România, cum apele acoperă marea! Dumnezeu să binecuvânteze toți românii cu binecuvântările lui Hristos!

I was born in Romania in the fifties. Today, 1st of December, Romania celebrates 100 years since it became a country. My prayer for Romania is that people will know Jesus Christ and they become saved. I pray that the believers will be revived. I pray that the Holy Spirit covers Romania as the waters cover the sea! God bless all the Romanians with the blessings of Christ!

Romania flag

MY CONVERSION TESTIMONY

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

My name is Silvia Lia Leigh. I was born in Romania more than sixty years ago. At that time Romania was a communist country. Religion was forbidden. We were thought in school that God does not exist; that religion is for the poor illiterate people. I believed that! I grew up in a loving family of four. My parents were teachers in the school which I attended with my younger sister; Adica. My father was also the principal of the school. My parents thought us by example to be kind, respectful, humble and hard working. We did not believe in God and did not attend church.

 
In 1973 I got admission into the Medical School in Timisoara. In my first year I met my husband Richmond, a Nigerian. We were class mates. We fell in love and against all odds we got married. After graduation, in 1980, we moved to Nigeria. We became very successful as medical practitioners. We started a private hospital in Warri Nigeria called “Lily Clinic”. We were very happy. We had three children. We had money and fame. What else could one possibly want? Nothing! Or so I thought…
In 1986 I had a crisis conversion. I met the Lord Jesus Christ. This was purely the grace of God in action because we did not attend any church. This is how it happened…. Before coming to Nigeria I did not see a Bible. In January of the same year, I became very depressed. I saw nothing good in my achievements. I even lost my desire to live. This was very strange because I was always an optimistic person. The mysterious depression started after ‘accidentally’ I read a scripture on a pamphlet: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). I did not know who Jeremiah was. The scripture was not explained. But after I read it once, I just could not forget it. It seems like the words got stamped in my mind. I tried to forget it but I could not. After reading it I started thinking of God. I fought the thought but I failed. It was like He was calling me. I panicked… I have never prayed in my life. Can I start now? A voice said: ‘It is too late for you. Don’t pray!’ Another voice said the opposite: ‘It is never too late to pray. God loves you!’ These voices made me crazy. What voice I am supposed to believe?
 
Finally, I made my choice. For the very first time in my life, I prayed. It was 14th of March 1986. I said: “God, if You exist, then come down from heaven and change my heart. I am tired of doubting You. I am tired of fighting you. But please God, I can’t wait forever for the answer to this prayer. I give You ‘a month’s notice’ to come down from heaven and change my heart. If You come, I promise to be Your friend forever. If You chose not to come, then let me die in peace. In Jesus name I pray, amen!” I did not know the meaning of the name ‘Jesus’ but I heard people pray like that so I guessed it was the appropriate end to a prayer. Immediately I knew that something ‘good’ had happened to me. Not certain of what, I felt a sense of destiny coming down enveloping my soul.
On the 12th of April, 28 days after this ‘a month’s notice’ prayer, the Holy Spirit came and filled my hungry heart. Like an invisible blood transfusion, I felt LIFE entering my veins. I was alone in the sitting room when this event happened. It was much later that I knew it was called ‘the baptism of the Holy Spirit’. I became a child of God, never to be the same again. I started reading the Bible like a mad woman. This hunger for the Word for God and for prayer continues without interruptions until now. After some time, my husband became saved also. We sold our private clinic and together, we are now in full time ministry. We are the founders and the senior pastors of Father’s House Bible Church in Warri, Nigeria. To God alone be all the glory!
 
May this testimony ignite in you the desire to be truly saved or to experience revival! In Jesus name, amen!
 
Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh
SLL 67

ACCORDING TO 

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19)

Many years ago someone pointed out to me that this verse does not say that God will bless us ‘out of’ His riches of glory in Christ Jesus. It says that He will bless us ‘according to’ the riches of His glory in Christ. This is the meaning of the words ‘according to’: as stated, reported, or recorded by (someone or something); in a way that is based on (something); In proportion or relation to something! The words ‘in proportion’ mean this: According to a particular relationship in size, amount, or degree; In the correct or appropriate relation to the size, shape, or position of other things!

In other words, God will bless us in proportion to the riches of His glory and grace. Can you measure those riches? Heaven knows no lack! There is no unemployment in heaven! All angels and saints over there worship God ‘day and night’. They eat from Tree of Life and drink from the River of Life. In the presence of God there is total freedom and unspeakable joy! Your imagination is too small to dream about God’s riches of His glory!

In other words, God will answer your prayers in a way that will embarrass you. Grace is like a holy ‘tsunami’! God will provide for you in a way fit for a King! He will bestow His goodness upon you and meet all (not some) of your needs (present and future) in a way that will shock you! Jehovah Jireh is the God of more than enough! Do not limit God by your doubts, fears and your ‘poverty mentality’! God knows His job! Trust God! Take the good risk to trust God! Men may mock you for your faith in an invisible Almighty Caring God! But He will never allow you to be put to shame for your trust in Him! The more your enemies laugh at you, the more God will bless you! His overflow of grace and supply is your holy vindication! Child of God, give your Father a chance! This is the Word of God and not of man: God “will meet ALL your needs ACCORDING to the riches of his GLORY IN CHRIST JESUS!!! Shout Hallelujah!

Joy

MORE LESSONS FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord” (Eph 5:22)
More on the difficult matter of submission… As a pastor, I counsel many wives who have problems with submitting to their husbands. Some become foolish and ‘over-submit’. Others become rebellious and they ‘under-submit’. Remember this: Christianity is the best wisdom of life! Christianity is the most balanced holy life! Christianity is the most joyful life! Christianity is the most successful life there is! Never forget that!
The scripture above is not a suggestion. It is God’s command! All God’s commands are meant to be obeyed; for His glory and for our own good. The command looks simple but it is not simplistic. It is true that there are not many practical details given on how a wife should submit to her husband. But don’t forget! Verse 22 in chapter 5 is part of the whole letter to the Ephesians. Read it, from beginning to the end. You include this verse in the rest of the letter. The wife must be born again and Spirit filled to be able to submit to her husband ‘as unto the Lord’. This is the most important thing!
Let me be more practical… For example, the letter says that bitterness grieves the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30, 31). It means that a bitter wife grieves (makes sad) the Holy Spirit, who is her only true Helper. Therefore, she becomes a spiritually helpless wife. She becomes weak, depressed, lonely and confused. Even if she wants to do it, she will not be able to properly submit to her husband. Because she is bitter and angry she will be provoked by his words and actions, even if they are nice and loving. The grief of the Holy Spirit will manifest as a blanket of suffocating sadness over a once happy home… Jesus!!! This is a very serious matter. This is a dying marriage. It is an emergency!!!
Dear wife, you need to repent of bitterness and re-dedicate your life to Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to forgive you for grieving Him. He is a Person. He is not ‘a church thing’, an influence or some religious chemistry. Think of Him as a Person who sees you, who loves you and wants to help you. He is your best Friend! Most of all, He is God! He is the God who witnessed your marriage vows! He is the God who hates divorce! He is the God that loves you more than any man (including your husband) will ever love you. Don’t waste time! Repent! ‘Settle’ with the Holy Spirit before you are able settle with your husband! Like my husband preaches: ‘First things must come first!” Oya! Do it! Pray!
OUR TESTIMONY
As you know, my husband and I are married for 44 years. We made many mistakes but learn from them. Let me be more practical to explain submission… This is the Word of God: Wives submit to your own husbands and children obey your own parents! These commands look similar but are not the same! For example: my husband tells me that for this week we have ten thousand Naira to spend on food (for us and for unexpected visitors). He does not tell me the type of food to cook. He gives me the freedom to use that money the way I think is best. He gives me the liberty to buy what I want knowing the food we both like to eat (he generally prefers Nigerian and I still prefer ‘oyibo’ food). I do not have to write my menu on the wall every day. I do not have to tell him that the pepper is now 50 Naira and not 20. Once we agree on a budget, I use my discretion to spend the money as I think is best for the two of us. In the kitchen, I am in charge! It is my ministry! What is important is that we eat good food every day and we are happy with each other. If there is any ‘change’ left from ‘the chop money’ I can spend it how I like. I do not have to tell him that I used 100 naira from the change to buy ‘powder’ for myself. I am not his daughter. I am not his cook or a house servant. I am not a hireling! I am his wife!!! For me, submission is this freedom to be myself within my husband’s boundaries and principles of a happy home. But the child’s obedience is not so. He does not have the same freedom. For example: If I give my daughter 50 naira to buy biscuits she is to tell me how much she has spent and she should give me back all the change. That is how we’ve trained our children. They need to be accountable to us, the parents! Once they became adults it was easy for them to function as married people and parents to their own children. You can ask them… They will testify!
(By the way, this is my testimony: my husband trusts me in all areas, including finances. This trust was not easy to gain. It was not automatic. It is the result of many years of studying each another, of passing many tests. My husband’s trust in the matter of my behavior as his wife, my words, my preaching the right doctrine, in ministry and financial decisions is one of my greatest achievements in life! To God be all the glory!)
Finally, as most of you know, we come from very different backgrounds. We see things differently. We have different strategies of solving problems. That is ok. We are not twins. We do not have to foolishly imitate one another. Each one of us must be who God called us to be. But as a wife I need to know both my husband’s weaknesses and his strengths; his pains and his joys. It is my responsibility! I need to understand what type of wife he wants me to be. I need to pay the price and change to become his ‘dream wife’. I need to yield and accept his idea of ‘a perfect marriage’. This is not easy… I made many mistakes… But I continue to press on… I may not become all that he dreams of me in this life time, but I can try… I am willing to try… In fact, I am trying… He sees that I am trying… For it is my responsibility to contribute to our mutual happiness. I am not a liability to him! I am a blessing to him! It is my honor to help him fulfill his destiny as a man of God, as a husband, father and grandfather. What a privilege! As a wife, I need to know his mind and my boundaries of submission. I need to accept them and submit to them. Then I am free. Sorry, I wanted to say that we both are free!!! Freedom means the power to be happy! We are indeed happy together… Glory to God! May these words help, challenge and encourage you today for with God, all things are possible!
RSL and SLL 5
(In the picture, my husband and I, happy together, in front of the golden statue of King David, during a trip to Jerusalem, some years ago. We both love King David!)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

Today, in the U.S. people celebrate ‘Thanksgiving day’. I have so many reasons to rejoice… This is just one testimony: Six years ago today, our youngest daughter Jemine Leigh Oakes got married to her wonderful husband Matthew Oakes, here in our house in Warri, Nigeria. This is a picture of their traditional marriage called ‘temoshi’. Jesus!!!!! “I go de hail… day be day… all the way”
To God alone be all the glory!

M and J 3

WORD PLANTED IN THE WATERED GARDEN

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“The Lord will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail” (Is 58:11)
 
My sister, Jehovah God is with you. He is personally interested in you. He has been guiding you to a good place, a fruitful and beautiful garden of life. It is a place or rest, singing, joy and satisfaction. Led by God, you have left the sad, barren past and you have moved on to this new place, designed and prepared by Him. The location where you live, the city where you stay may be like a desert. But the visible dry land environment has no power to cut short your blessings. You will bloom in the desert! People will be surprised and will give glory to God for the good work God will manifest in you. You shall have ‘enough’ blessings in all area of your life. You will not desire more because you shall have more than enough. Do you want more children? Yes? Then they will come to complete the number you desire. They will come until you say: It is enough for me! Do you want more material blessings? These will ‘appear’ too at your doorstep. The Lord will give you freedom, daily appetite and joy of life. You will not be tired, depressed or frustrated with your life, because it is designed by God especially for you. God will strengthen you to be a soldier for Christ. You shall improve your skills in doing spiritual warfare. Your territory of influence will be enlarged. You will win and disciple more souls! You will be amazed at the new strength and wisdom you shall have by doing great exploits. You shall only move forward. Never backsliding! No enemy can conquer you. This is because there is a fence of the Holy Ghost’ fire around you and your family. Your husband is a blessing to you as a man, husband and friend. He will not betray you. Your marriage will succeed and become very fruitful! Your testimony as a woman of God, wife and mother is sure! To the glory of God! In Jesus name, amen!

NOTHING DO US!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps 118:24)
 
There are so many reasons to be sad in this world. Just listen to the news and you will weep… The whole world is in pain. In the past, we associate suffering and pain with poverty. But now, even the wealthy are not exempted. So why will I rejoice? Why will I chose rejoicing over sadness? Is that not crazy? I tell you why…
 
I rejoice because I am a child of God; a citizen of the Kingdom of God made of ‘righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost’! I rejoice because my name is written in the Lamb’s book of life! I rejoice because God’s mercy to me endures forever! I rejoice because even when I was in distress, alone and in pain, God answered my prayers! I rejoice because when my enemies surrounded me like the bees, God shielded me and neutralized their stinging poison! I rejoice because when my enemies rejected me and my words, God received me, loved me and listen to my prayers! I rejoice because God has prepared a feast for me in the midst of my enemies! I rejoice because my cup overflows and my head is anointed with the oil of joy above my fellows! In spite of the plans of the haters, stingers, pushers, slanderers and all, God is with me and His mercy towards me and my family endures forever! I rejoice with my Lord Jesus Christ ‘who for the joy ahead endured the cross scoring its shame’! I rejoice because Jesus overcame the world and shared His triumphant joy with me!
 
I rejoice because today is the day God has made for me! God is eternal and does not need ‘days’ to count for Himself. But He is the ‘Ancient of days’! He has prepared, provided and appointed this particular day for me, to remember Him in the morning, to praise Him in the afternoon and to worship Him in the evening! I shall live every moment in His presence where there is fullness of joy! I have no reason to grumble or to be sad. My joy makes me to spin around and dance! I was glad when they said unto me: let us go to the house of the Lord! I arise and shine for my light has come! The glory of the Lord is risen upon me! The Joy of the Lord is my strength! God is in control of my life! Yes, today is good to remember all these blessings! My future is better than my past and my present! Therefore, I must rejoice!
 
My dear children, I want you to know that your mother is happy, blessed and highly favored! This is my testimony! My boast is in the Lord! Listen! The voice of rejoicing and salvation is heard in the tents of the righteous, even in my house! The right hand of the Lord is exalted! The victory is sure! As for me and my family, we shall worship and serve the Lord forever! This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His mercies endure forever!
 
(In the picture, my husband and I, rejoicing… ‘Nothing do us!’ – Nigerian slang meaning that we have no problem and all is well with we)
R and L 2

MY TESTIMONY IS ON THE ROCK

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” (Lk 6:46-49)
 
Many desire to experience miracles of healing or prosperity. I too desire those great blessings. But I know that God is sovereign in the way He blesses people. I know that God is good and faithful to His promises. This morning, I ask myself: as a ‘simple person’, what can I do to experience the supernatural power of God? How can I ‘facilitate’ a miracle? What is the part I must play in my relationship with God? The answer is this: I must dig deeper and draw closer to God! I must remove the religious junk and get to the reality of Christ!
 
Our Lord tells a story about two men. One is foolish and the other one is wise. Each one loves the good things of life. Each one built a house for himself. Both houses look good from the outside. Each one enjoyed his house for a time. But when the storms of life came, one house stood strong and the other fell down and was destroyed. Why? Wisdom means to apply in practice the knowledge that you already have. For example, you know some scriptures. Now obey what you know! This is wisdom and everlasting success! What is the secret of the wise man? He is a true believer obedient to the Word of God! The foolish man was a false believer, a hypocrite. He called Jesus ‘Lord. Lord’ meaning ‘Master, Master” but he did not obey the words of his master.
 
This is the first lesson: Christianity is not just words, even if they are good religious words. Christianly means willing, active faith and obedience to the Word of God! Faith and obedience are twins. A true child of God OBEYS his Lord’s commands! The clear proof of salvation is an obedient generous spirit! To obey it means to comply, to follow the commands, restrictions and wishes of your master. It means to submit to his authority. Obedience is action and not just words.
 
The secret of the wise man is that he went to ‘dig deep’ until he touched the Rock. That is the place he anchored the foundation of his house. Foundation is always very important! That Rock is Christ! He is ‘The Rock that is higher than I’. He is ‘The Rock of Ages, Cleft for me’. Once the invisible foundation is secure, no outside storm can destroy the house. To ‘dig deep’ it means to penetrate down the earth, to advance by pushing aside or removing the soil. It means to go down, to be profound in thinking and to have deep faith. This wise man is not shallow or superficial. He is not interested only in the visible things. He is not a pleaser of men. He wants a deep humble genuine walk with God. He wants to be established in his faith. He wants to have a strong testimony and character. He is not just saved, but he has the assurance of his salvation. This treasure is never found lying on the ground for men to pick it up. There is a price to pay! It is found inside the holy mountains of incense where the gold of His majesty is hidden. You need to be ‘a spiritual miner’ to become prosperous, sure and secure in your faith. Then your life becomes spiritually fruitful. These mysteries are found one by one, as you study the Word, fast, pray and doing ministry in the church. Simple question: when last have you fasted just to have a deeper revelation of the Word of God?
 
This is my attitude to spiritual things: I want to be a wise builder of my home and ministry! I search for the gold of revelation deeper than what is easily available for me. I take the ‘hard’ road. I dig deep. I do not search for things. I search for an encounter with a Person. I search for Christ! Like a woman pushing during labor, I do not stop until ‘virtue goes out of me’. Rivers of living water must leave my belly! Thru the power of the Holy Spirit I work to kill the desires of my flesh. I hate fear, doubt, confusion and empty religion. These are my enemies. I know them well for they live ‘under my skin’. I know the power and the seduction of an easy lazy flesh life! Every day, I carry that selfish desire to the Cross and I kill it! No mercy for the devil! When it comes to sin, I am a hunter and a killer! For as long as these voices of fleshly desires still whisper to me, they are not dead. So the battle goes on.
 
This is the truth: from the bottom of my heart I want to obey God. I want to make my Lord happy. He knows my heart! To please God, this is not just my work. It is my passion! Of course, it is hard labor and the flesh hates it. But the Holy Spirit loves it and He encourages me. I want my life to be an inspiration, beautified with miracles and testimonies. I want my life to remind you of Jesus! So, I remain focused on the Lord and work hard. I do not do it to impress people. I do it to help them!!! They need encouragement to grow and to be fruitful spiritually! In these days of ‘famine of the hearing of the Word of God’ I promised God that I will pay the price to give people true hope! I am a hope giver! The price for this work is high: loneliness, battle with discouragement and persecution. But the reward is so much greater than any of my labors. Anyway, I am willing to pay the price for true Christianity. That settles the matter! I love Jesus Christ my Lord!
 
My prayer today: “Dear Abba Father, please strengthen my body, soul and spirit! Please touch my heart, my mind and my will! Encourage me so that I can encourage others! Help me to remain focused and fruitful! I give You all the glory! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”
SLL13

SO IT WILL BE! SO IT WILL STAND!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD
TESTIMONY
“The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand” (Is 14:24)
 
This is a wonderful testimony from a sister who started attending our church with her husband and children (Father’s House Bible Church) earlier this year. She received a prophetic word 9 years ago (in 2009) to go to a church called Father’s House. This is interesting because at that time we were still in the old building on Deco road. It means that God always wanted us to move to this present house. Of course, God knows the end from the beginning. I edited the testimony to protect the identity of some people and churches. This testimony is to the glory of God and for the encouragement of the brethren!
“Dear ma Leigh!!!!
Greetings to you, to my new father in the Lord (Tali) and to God almighty that love me beyond all measure!!!! For more than 9 years now, I disobeyed God or refuse to bid his will that was directly spoken to me. Not thru a prophet but to me directly in a dream. I have been attending ….. church for as long as I can remember. One day after a wonderful praise service,. Almighty God being my witness told me in a dream, “go to father house where women don’t suffer”. As at then, I was single and have never heard of father’s house. He gave me a picture of a wonderful auditorium with glass windows or walls and fully air conditioned in Enerhen Junction. Or may be enerhen road but I ignored…
 
I never even gave it a second tut until like 7 or more years down the line. I met one of your members that usual come for home service to make my hair. We’ve have been in that business relationship for a year or so before somehow she mentioned Father’s house in one of our conversation and immediately I remembered my dream and I describe the church I saw in my dream to her, she laughed and said that that is exactly the Church. Yet, I did not bulged. But for more than two or three years now the Holy Spirit has been pushing me to leave my church… because I was no longer growing. As if I was stocked. I was like a child that was not growing any more and was really, really frustrated. At first it was great, the church grew my faith and truly liberated me but I am tired of the prosperity and the things I shd and can gain on earth here. I want to make Heaven. I want to sleep even today and arrive home. I no longer care if I make 40, 50 or 100 years on earth. I just want to be sure if I sleep and don’t wake up, I will be home.
 
So three years or so later, which is early this year 2018, I was telling my kids lesson’s teacher that I am thinking of moving to …. church that my soul and spirit crave for more, crave for Holiness. Crave for fellowship. Not using God as a means to meet a need but really want God for God. She laughed and said “why don’t you try Father’s House?”. She said: ‘my church is ok, the bishop is a man of God but.. the politics down at the branches’ level is too much……. hmmmm!!!!. She also said that she too wants to go to Father’s House but she is worker in her church… and it is not easy to resign her position… Wow!!!!! Father’s house again??? This time from someone that is high there in that ….church?
 
The fear of God gripped my heart! So I came!!!! Mama!!!!! I came!!!! I came to my father’s house!!!! I came to just try and see but then the worship!!! The praise!!! For a place I have never being all my life, yet I felt at home. I wept like a baby in the service and have been reading my bible more than I have ever read it all my life. Bought Kenneth E Haggins books and anything to grow me. Revelations start coming. As in God will leave all He is doing. Leave the whole of His majesty and get to be a man on earth to pass messages to me!!!! To me!!!! Who is me????
 
Yes, there were times I had doubts, most especially, when Daddy will be talking about other churches and men of God who preach wrong doctrines. I will be vexed in my spirit bc I feel it is wrong. Not bc what they did or say may not be wrong but bc they are human and men of God and not God of men. They are prone to errors and their errors should not be magnified but we should draw from their strength. We are all body of Christ, different members and with each one of us, there are weaknesses. As I consider the truth, as I read the Word of God, I feel discouraged sometimes that I have wasted too much time with empty religion… But I pressed on, reminding Myself that it is not too late to be saved and praying to God that I am here to fulfill a prophecy.
 
And today, when I watched the script of the Biblical places you and daddy have visited and I begin to relate it with the Bible… for the first time the Bible become an history book of real people that live and died. My eyes are open to see that there is a Real Christ, real Holy Spirit and a real God and Father. The Rhema hits me!!!!. God is real!!! God is alive!!! I thank God!
 
Father’s House is an oasis in the desert for us. I experience revival like never before. The same thing with my husband and children…I am humbled… and grateful… For this I say thank you. I ain’t saying this to please you. Believe me I am not seeking for cheap favor. I am a bank manager, my husband a senior … staff. We have being worshiping with Father’s house since May this year. I have never approached you or daddy. I am well known by the … And other members. I only want to honor you in the presence of God! Spiritual fruit is evident now. I have never be more peaceful, I have never be more prayerful and have never had peace with my husband and my marriage as I have seen this year and I am so! So!! So!!!! Sure of his salvation bc if he keeps hearing what he is hearing, and worshipping and praising as he is now doing in my Father’s House he will be a mature man of God! Thank God the Word came to pass: I have really entered into ‘my Father’s House where women don’t suffer’.
 
Thank you and daddy for answering the call! God richly bless and affect your family just like Father’s House has impacted us in Christ name. Amen!”

I GIVE THANKS FOR MY DAUGHTER YEMI ALINA!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

 

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thess 5:18)
This morning, our senior daughter Alina wrote some good, wise, encouraging words on her wall. I am a proud mother. I share her words with you so that you too are encouraged and blessed!
“Recently I was faced with a disappointment. I was not allowed to board a flight to Nigeria to attend a close friend’s marriage because my passport expires in less than six months. I was upset after making all preparations for this trip. But the truth is that God shuts some doors or prevents somethings in our lives for a reason. I have learned to embrace disappointments, failures and let down because everything works for our good. God intentionally allowed it. Embrace your set backs! Happy Wednesday FB. I am happy and satisfied…💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃“
Alina 2

MY NAME IS JEMINE! I AM A CHILD OF GOD! 

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them–yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me” (1Cor 15:10)

Recently I remembered a 20 years old story about our youngest daughter, Jemine. She is the only one of our children who was born in Nigeria. She grew up in Warri, Nigeria. She loves Nigerian food, Nigerian jokes and Nigerian Pidging English. She now lives with her husband and two sons in Houston, Tx. She was 15 when, as a family, we went to the U.S. We stayed there for a year and a half, not knowing at that time what the future will bring. During that time the Holy Spirit commanded us to go back to Warri and start a church called Father’s House. We obeyed. But God’s call was not easy. We left our daughters (Alina and Jemine) behind and alone… My husband and I wept as we went back to Nigeria. Our church was born with tears but now we rejoice at the great harvest of joy…

Jemine did her last year of high school in Houston, Tx. She had to adjust to a new culture, new class-mates, new teachers and a new English accent. Knowing that her father and I will soon go back to Nigeria, and my time with Jemine was so short (you know, mother feelings…), I cherished every day as her mother… so much more than in the past. Each day as I prepared lunch, I thank God for the privilege to cook for my child… I wanted to go to Nigeria with a free heart… I knew that ministry over there will demand all my energy… So for now, I could be just a wife and a mother…Because my feelings were so sensitive and alert, that is why I remember so clearly these things, little details from that period…

One day Jemine came from school looking sad. She said: ‘Malia, I want to change my name…’ I asked her ‘why?’… She said ‘Malia, in teh whole school, I am the only one with this name, Jemine… I don’t like it…I feel lonely…’ Some girls laughed at me today… many others cannot pronounce it… many forget my name… some others call me ‘Jem’ and they add ‘bread and jam’… She looked so sad… With pain in my heart I asked her: ‘What name do you want to have?’ she said: ‘Maybe Heather or Jessica…’ Why, I asked… she said ‘because there are three Heathers and two Jessicas in my class…’ (If you are reading this letter and your name is Heather or Jessica, I am sorry. These are nice names too…) Jemine said to me that if she has the same name like them, she will not be lonely, she will not be so different… She will feel that she belongs to America…

I quickly prayed in my spirit for the right words to say. Slowly, lovingly and patiently (Oh, mother’s work is not easy…) I tried to explain to my 15 years daughter the beauty and the power of being herself. I told her that God created her unique and special. She does not have to be like anybody. She does not have to join the choir when she can be the soloist… I told her that together we shall pray for her to discover her true identity, not as an American, or as a Nigerian, or as a Romanian, but as a child of God!!! I told her that the grace of God is upon her. The unmerited favor of the Almighty God will reveal to her who she truly is. The Holy Spirit will open her eyes to see how God, her Creator, sees her. She does not have to change anything about her looks, the type of hair she has, the color of her skin or the size of her hips…She does not have to be ‘white, black, mixed or anything…She just have to be herself! I said: ‘Jemine, I love you! Me, your mother for life I say that you are very beautiful, kind, intelligent and wonderful and that I love you!!!! Hide these words in your heart! Never throw them away. I love you, daughter…’

I told her: a new, fancy, more American acceptable name, will not help her find peace with herself and others. Only God is able to give her true confidence and security. I told her that this identity is found in Christ alone. Money cannot buy it, men cannot give it and thieves cannot steal it. I said: ‘Now say: ‘My name is Jemine. I am a child of God!’ Say it daily! Say it often! Say it loudly! Say it when I am in Nigeria and you are here alone! Say it until you believe it!’

To the glory of God, she listened well. She relaxed and accepted the word. The grace of God upon her produced spiritual fruits! She is now a woman of God, a worship leader, a happy wife to Matthew and a wonderful mother to Oliver Sisan Oakes (yes, Sisan is a Nigerian name, my husband’s middle name) and baby Emory David Oakes. She has a good job and she is a blessing to many! Glory to God!!!

Dear Reader, take Jemine’s struggles with identity as a point of contact for yourself. Pray and ask God to reveal to you, who are you? Why are you born in this world? Why are you still alive? What is your identity and destiny as decreed by God? It does not matter what people say, especially if they say negative words! What is important is God’s opinion about you! That is the truth! God created you and knows you the best! God never makes mistakes! God loves you! Accept that! May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you!

jemine-and-me
(in the picture, Jemine and me on her wedding day)