The New Mrs Kumuyi

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The Press, Deeper Life and the New Mrs. Kumuyi

It’s no news by now that the general superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor W.F Kumuyi has remarried. But the variegated subjective perceptions and interpretations of members of the public that have trailed the matter remain an issue. While some have expressed shock, surprise and disappointment at the “suddenness” and “secrecy” of the marriage, some have maintained curious silence and indifference while others have decided to “let the will of God be done” It took visual evidence for sceptical others to believe. Whichever category you belong, the indisputable fact is that Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi of Deeper Life has remarried. There are however few things to ponder on.

The early reporters of the development had sensationalised the story to besmirch the image and personality of the man of God. First was the age which was falsified to be 71, instead of 69 (He was born on June, 1941). Second, it was said that the marriage was secretly conducted, shielded from cameras and the press which was not correct. Deeper Life leaders have since watched the video of the marriage. However, to expect that the wedding will be publicised and celebrated with mundane pomp and pageantry is to strike at the very foundation of the church’s convictions. Such ostentatious display will not even honour the memory of the departed.

As an academician and student journalist, when the story was reported I decided to monitor public opinion on it so I visited such sites as nairaland.com, among others. I saw terrible and disgusting reactions and comments, a reflection of the resentments for the pastor. But the one that struck me most was the one that purported that the cleric’s remarriage was to satisfy his starved libido and produce more children. How on earth could anyone reason that the ever busy generalissimo would have time to care for such things? While not denying the fact that he is human, the unconscionable emphasis of such a triviality is too demeaning.

Besides, more reactions have been generated by the ‘suddenness’ and ‘earliness’ of the marriage. Sincerely, the Bible did not prescribe the time frame for the remarriage of a bereaved widower or widow. So, the argument is baseless. But we have a culture that prides itself in lies and deceptions. We are made to believe that a man’s length of years before remarriage or his celibacy after the demise of his spouse quantifies the love for his late wife. So, a man could painfully and lonely wait for years before remarrying. During those years of harrowing pain of ‘mourning’, he could get emaciated and probably die in solitary confinement; who cares? I think we need to begin to change our orientation. But pastor Kumuyi has not premised his decision to remarry ‘early or suddenly’ on loneliness. In fact, he stated in a conference with leaders of the Church that he is not suffering from such a complex. Instead, it appears the burden of leadership of the women ministry, and the constraint of missionary exploration made the development inevitable.

I am not Deeper Life public relations officer to explain all of pastor Kumuyi’s motives, intentions and decisions. But as a Christian and student journalist, I felt obligated to correct some of these erroneous impressions which could spoil the minds of credulous young believers and admirers of the church and the pastor. At such a critical time of transition in the life and ministry of pastor Kumuyi, I think the Christendom is indebted to him.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) need to rally round him. They need to assure him that he is not alone by offering words of encouragement and advice. Their respect for him must not diminish. The members of the church also have to support him in prayers and show more understanding. There should be a strong bond of unity and solidarity that will help to dispel the unfounded accusations and perverted arguments of opposers and enemies of the faith.

I also have a word for the new Mummy Kumuyi, Mrs. Esther Folashade Kumuyi. She is here at this time because God wants it so. With all due respect, I wish to say that she should try to heal the wound caused by the home call of Mrs Abiodun Kumuyi. She has a dual role to play. She is not just the wife of the GS, she is also the pastor of the women wing of the church and both duties must be well discharged. But there is a caveat. She must not succumb to the pressure to imitate the late Mrs Abiodun Kumuyi. Originality and distinction should be the watch word. The church must also understand that there will be a lot of differences since people are physically, genetically, biologically and psychologically different. In fact, spiritual levels also differ. Mrs Esther Kumuyi can never be MrsBiodun Kumuyi and the church must come to terms with that. They should therefore show love, cooperation, respect and submission to her leadership. Carnal comparison, gossiping and backbiting should be avoided. The case of Miriam should be a sufficient deterrent.

To the pastor, I have this admonition in the word of James Taylor who said: ‘Let no cross be considered too heavy to be borne in following Christ, no loss too great to be sustained for Christ, and no path too holy in going after Christ’ Sir, do not be distracted by sarcastic comments and press lies. You are a challenge to the youths and preachers of your generation. This new experience of your life will make you higher, deeper and richer in the knowledge of Christ. O, lest I forget, I was not in UK to say Happy Married Life to my mentor.

By Folarin Samson,
A final year student of Mass communication, University of Lagos .
08030572852, childofdkingdom@yahoo.com