Our wedding journey built on grace, not wealth, Mike Bamiloye recounts struggling start

Pastor and Founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, says his wedding journey was a testament to God’s grace.

Bamiloye stated that he and his wife Gloria navigated the early days of their marriage with little to no financial means, relying on the generosity of family, friends, and the faith community to make their special day possible.

This was revealed in a Facebook post on his official account on Monday.

According to the popular drama evangelist, his wedding journey exemplifies the power of faith and community support, demonstrating that love can thrive despite financial hardship.

Reflecting on their wedding day, Bamiloye shared, “When I got married, I didn’t have any money to take my wife on a honeymoon. We stayed in the house that we had just rented.”

With the financial burden of starting their life together resting heavily on their shoulders, the couple relied on the kindness of their loved ones.

His big sister rented their flat to ensure they had a place of their own, while his best man provided his suit, and his sister-in-law gifted him shoes and socks for the occasion.

The challenges didn’t end there. “Gloria and I went searching for a place to rent a wedding gown, and we found one, but we didn’t have the money,” Bamiloye recalled.

It was only through the generosity of a sister in their ministry that they were able to afford the deposit for the gown.

Despite their struggles, the couple remained committed to their faith, believing that love and support from their community would carry them through.

Bamiloye also remembered their attempt to have a court marriage, saying, “We visited the registry to inquire about court marriage. They told us the fee was a mere N170, but we couldn’t afford it, so we collected the forms but never returned with the money.”

This meant they began their marriage without an official government certificate, a situation that lingered until six years later, when an embassy requested it.

“Every naira we received on our wedding day went to settle the debts for the wedding programmes and other expenses,” he reflected.

Just two days after the wedding, they found themselves financially strapped. Yet, even in those trying moments, Bamiloye expresses gratitude: “The following Saturday, we had a drama ministration in Ilesa, and Gloria and I stood by the roadside looking for a ‘lift’ to the venue.”

He noted that his story serves as a powerful reminder that the foundations of a strong marriage are built on love, faith, and the willingness of others to lend a helping hand.

The pastor celebrating his wife added, “I thank God. I didn’t marry a woman who would put me under unnecessary pressure or constraints. Glory be to God for Gloria!”

In 2022, Bamiloye hailed his wife, Gloria, on her 58th birthday as he recounted how she helped his drama ministry.

The cleric revealed that his wife, during her National Youth Service Corps days, used to send him her allowance for him to organise programmes.

Also in October 2021, he hailed her for helping his ministry succeed as they marked their 33rd wedding anniversary.

He emphasised how grateful he was that other sisters rejected his marriage proposals.

The Punch