My dearest Adeolu (Paul)See the rest after the cut...
It has taken some time for me to distill my thoughts and pen my tribute to Pastor Paul Adefarasin - the man I know. Though words are insufficient to capture the breadth of my thoughts, I'll try to give you the essence as I write about someone who is many things to me; as my best friend, my big brother, my boyfriend, my lover, my mentor, my coach, my greatest encourager, my husband, my pastor, my boss, my everything...after my Saviour Jesus Christ.
Where do I begin? I can barely recall my life without you, as for a greater part of my adult life, you have been such a strong and positive influence, instructing, directing, moulding and shaping me into the woman I am evolving into.
From our very first encounter, your passion for the things of God endeared you to me. In today's parlance, 'what's not to like?' - listening to a tall and handsome, cultured and eloquent, courteous, six foot three inches hunk of a man with an inimitable baritone, small wonder I am married to you today.
Over the years, I've watched you evolve from a husband to a father, from a pastor to an apostle, from giving pastoral care to parishioners to counseling kings, from penning sermon notes to becoming an author, from gathering a handful for fellowship, to erecting a worthy cathedral for thousands to worship and commune with the Lord. You are really a multifaceted man.
Your commitment to the family and the sacrifices you make to ensure that you spend time with the children and I, regardless of cost or personal inconvenience challenges me to do the same. The perception with which you correct and direct us all inspires me, while the patience with which you bring understanding to difficult matters is worthy of emulation. During the course of 18 years together, not once have I had cause to fault your leadership and direction over the family as a prophet, priest, and provider. Again and again, I have learnt from your actions that being there when it really matters is not an option, it's essential. The ways in which you express love to us all, elicits our love to you.
You are indeed a terrific husband. I thank God for the desire you had almost two decades ago to spend your life with me. I recall with a warm heart, you writing in the sand, 'will you marry me?' as we walked the Lighthouse Beach. I pray our marriage will be engraved in the indelible 'sands of time' as we together fulfill purpose.
Thank you for being the loving, caring person you are. Thank you for being the selfless person you are. Thank you for being the trail blazer you are. Thank you for how you relate with the youths, including our 'first generation' children. Thank you for being the great husband and father you are.
As you celebrate this milestone birthday, I pray God's very best for you as you embark on yet another season of fulfilling God's mandate to the nation.
I love you deeply
Love you forever
Ifeanyi Adeife
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