By JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

In her determination to help raise God-fearing and dynamic women leaders, Rev.(Mrs.)Anuli Ausbeth-Ajagu, has in the last five years convened an annual congress tagged ‘High Impact Women’s Congress’ under the aegis of Divine Heritage Gospel Ministry, a faith-based non-profit organization which she founded many years back.

Recently, the fifth edition of the congress was held in Lagos with the theme, ‘Winning on all Fronts’. Vista Woman cornered her at the event and she bared her mind on the Bible’s perspective on gender equality. Enjoy.

Called to be joint heirs
The Bible says that in the beginning He made them male and female, and said, “Go! Have dominion..”. After the sin in the Garden of Eden, there was a curse. The curse of the woman was that she would bring forth children with much sorrow and that the man will rule over her. After that curse in the Old Testament, Christ came to deliver us from the law, removing oppression and bondage from every human being who submits to him.

So, we could see that God is very concerned about gender equality! That is why the Bible says that in Christ Jesus, there is neither male nor female. That means that we have all been called to be joint heirs with Christ- whether male or female. Therefore, even in leading others, we should lead with godly wisdom because Christ has called us to be servant leaders. He was and is the greatest, but He came to the earth to die!

In the home, God says the husband is the head of the wife, but being the head does not mean that the woman is inferior! As the head, the man is supposed to lead the woman and love her while the woman is supposed to respect him. Between love and respect, which is more superior? Love is! Then if he truly loves his wife like Christ loves the church, he will be the chief servant!

The Bible also states that husbands should honour their wives so that their prayers will not be hindered. The word honour was also used for children to honour their parents. But what does honour means? Respect! So, you can see that everything is intertwined.

The man is ‘honouring’ the woman, the woman is ‘respecting’ him. The woman is ‘respecting’ the husband, the husband is ‘honouring’ her! It is mutually beneficial and nobody is inferior, but of course, the man as a leader must have vision so that he can direct his family the right way.

Anuli Ausbeth-Ajagu

Attitude and gender equality
Really, there are people that take things out of context. I believe very much in gender equality, empowerment and sensitivity but I do not believe in anything that is perverse and unruly. There are women who will tell you that because they’re gender activists they should hate all men and love only women, but those are anomalies.

When we talk about the need for women empowerment, we should remember women like Deborah. Deborah in the Bible was a woman who rose up to the position of leadership in a time when it wasn’t popular for women to lead in Israel. She was a voice and God used her to deliver the nation of Isreal, and she had a happy marriage with her husband as well! The Bible says she was the wife of Lappidoth!

She was a prophetess (a woman of God), a judge (a professional) and she was a wife! Deborah was winning on all fronts because she was wise! Deborah understood her position and was also a woman of character! Therefore, the fact that a woman wants to ensure gender empowerment and equality does not mean she should become unruly and rude in her marriage.

Frankly, it will be unwise for us to become man-haters, undisciplined, lawless, and think that men are our enemies because of our quest! We are supposed to be partners in progress. Ideally, no woman should lose her home because of her quest for gender equity because from Deborah’s story, we can see that we ought to win on all fronts; even in marriage.

High Impact Women’s Congress
I believe the word of God has been sown over and over again in the lives of women who have attended the congress. When it falls on fertile ground, the word of God germinates and produces results. God is not a magician. Therefore, He requires us to remain consistent to be able to reap the reward of faithfulness. I am glad to say that from many who have been consistent, multi-dimensional testimonies have been coming forth!

Also, many women have been receiving insights on how to handle the various areas of their lives.  Apart from organizing our women’s congress, we also have an out-reach ministry. Presently, we’re reaching-out to widows and youths at Makoko in Lagos.

Aiding survival
We know that survival is a major issue in Nigeria. Therefore, last year, we gave some of the women an interest-free loan facility to support their business to be able to sustain their families.  Quarterly, we also engage in community outreaches by providing supplies like food items, clothing, and toiletries for the women, children and youths.

I’m proud to say that even the youth leader at Makoko confessed to me about how God has changed his life through our work. That’s why I say God is no magician! When we stay consistent, He works with us through a period of time because He believes in process.  Now, that young man is involved in community work, mobilizing young people to have a purpose even though he is not totally literate. He is presently aspiring to further his education!

Our work with youths is actually under Youth & Gender Network-YGN, an NGO I also founded a long time ago. It’s basically into social reformation. Many other testimonies abound!

I believe very much in the process because many people want quick fixes; “Oh, just say a word and let me get my miracle!”. No! God doesn’t work like that all the time! Miracles happen, but God is more interested in you living the abundant life because you understand his ways and are committed to righteousness.

Character is something that evolves, so, you need to be determined to do what is right in a society where cutting corners and doing evil and wrong are the norm! So, for you to stay on the right track and win in life, doing things legitimately, you need to be patient; and that is what many people in Nigeria don’t have.

We want the shortcut and many are getting cut short because they’re following the shortcut. That is why Divine Heritage Gospel Ministry-DHGM is determined to preach the full gospel of Jesus Christ based on godly principles, good character and integrity. We are committed to sowing good seeds, and good seeds do not germinate overnight. They have to be watered consistently.’