By Chioma Okoye

With a focus on building strong, faith-based relationships, the “Saying I Do” conference recently brought together singles, married couples, and engaged individuals at Solution Arena in Onipanu, Lagos.

Themed “The Rise of Purposeful Partners,” the 10th edition of the event, featured speakers who shared insights on prioritizing spiritual growth, communication, and purpose-driven partnerships.

The convener of the conference and marriage coach, Jacqueline Oludimu, shared insights to be a purpose driven partner in marriage.  She asserted that God uses marriage as a refining ground to make us more like Him, removing imperfections and making us holy.

“If you say I want to rise from today to be a purpose partner with the Lord, number one is that you would allow the Lord to use your marriage as a refining ground.  He wants to make sure that you are more like Jesus.”

Oludimu highlighted several purposes of marriage, including that it serves as a refining ground where God shapes and molds spouses into better versions of themselves, a rearing ground for raising godly children, a platform for showcasing God’s exponential power, and a terror to the kingdom of darkness.

In a message delivered by Life Coach and wife of General overseer, Kingdom of Glory International,  Pastor Tosin Olayinka Ajibs, she gave a pictorial demonstration that showcased the beauty of unity in marriage, highlighting the divine position of couples as one entity with a shared purpose. She also emphasized that their union should reflect, one purpose, one vision and one spirit through two vessels.

She further explained  how it is important for couples’ ambitions to align with each other’s to fulfill the purpose of marriage, saying that they must both agree to enforce unity in marriage.

Founder and Lead at IMMERSE Coaching Company, Debola Deji Kurunmi, popularly known as DDK, added valuable insights while speaking on the consequences of sexual impurity and the importance of honoring covenants in marriage.

In a fireside chat anchored by Oludimu, two couples,  the Ibes (Anthony and Just), and the Ibuoyes (Gaise and Funto) shared their experiences building strong marriages, and how they have been able to navigate God’s purpose in marriage.

While the Ibuoyes shared how they have learned to accept their separate assignments from God, acknowledging the pattern he designed for their lives to fulfill His assignments, the Ibes stressed that their individual spiritual growth played a crucial role in their marriage. “It was only if I experienced the love of God that I could truly give it.” They also highlighted the importance of encountering God’s love in building a strong and lasting relationship.