Abigail and Olalekan’s Testimony: God’s will all the way!
We judge God faithful
How we met
Abigail’s story
On November 11, 2021, I traveled from Lagos State to Ogun State to attend my sister’s nursing induction ceremony and obtain recommendation letters from my former professor for my graduate studies application. Since my professor couldn’t print the letters in her office, she directed me to “Pastor Olalekan Adediran’s” office for assistance. Upon hearing the title ‘Pastor,’ I expected an elderly man but was surprised to find a young person. I hurriedly requested his help to print my documents as I needed to return to Lagos promptly. After thanking him, I left his office.
While preparing to depart from my professor’s office, I started searching for one of the recommendation letters, which was actually in my bag. Believing I might have left it in Lekan’s office, I returned there. Despite our search, we found nothing. As I was about to leave, Lekan asked, “Please, can you give me your number?” Rushing to meet my parents, who had been calling me to return to Lagos, I indifferently gave him my number and left. Lekan texted me that same day.
Lekan’s story
I met Abigail on November 11, 2021, at Babcock University, where I previously worked, a few days after my birthday. She came for her younger sister’s induction and to get recommendation letters from her former professor. For the latter, she came into my office to request assistance with printing a document. While assisting her, I noticed how she greeted almost all my colleagues. Curious about why everyone seemed to know her while I did not, I later learned that she was a PK (Pastor’s Kid).
During this brief visit to my office, she was wearing a facemask, making it difficult to see her face clearly, but there was something special about her presence. At that time, I was also seeking God’s guidance for a partner, so I whispered a prayer, asking that if she was the “one,” she should return to my office and give me her phone number.
After a few minutes, I became impatient. I told my assistant that I was stepping out and walked to the Babcock Superstore (about a mile away) to look for her, but I couldn’t find her. About an hour later, she returned to my office looking for a document that wasn’t actually missing. Seizing the moment, I asked for her number.
It started with weekly check-ins to daily chats and calls until Lekan asked Abigail to date him in April 2022.
When we decided to get married
For Abigail's conviction after countless inner struggles, Abigail asked the Lord for direction and she was given Job 22 vs. 21- “Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you”. She additionally sought counsel from her parents and mentors before making her decision.
We officially started dating on July 24th, 2022, a week before Abigail left for graduate school and three weeks before Lekan left for Canada too.
Exactly a year and two days later, Abigail visited Lekan in Canada. Although Abigail was still unsure about the future of the relationship, during our prayer retreat, we decided to get married.
About when to get married, Lekan wanted December 2024, but Abigail was indifferent- she wanted to be done with school first. After prayers, we spoke with two spiritual leaders (in Nigeria and Canada) for their advice and suggestions. They both suggested getting married on time citing sexual temptations and immigration issues.
About where to get married, on the Saturday morning before Abigail returned, we went to the altar in Lekan’s church to pray and seek guidance. A few weeks later, we got our convictions separately. Abigail was not at peace with the idea of going to Nigeria while Lekan had a dream that pointed to where the wedding should take place.
While our dreams should not take precedence over God’s word, we prayerfully consider the dream.
But again, when we wanted to begin wedding planning proper, we began to experience cold feet about getting married in the U.S. Again, we went into a season for prayer and fasting asking God for clear direction from his word. He gave us Psalms 32 vs 8; Psalms 33:16- 18. For the latter scripture, we were convinced that no huge financial capacity is enough to make a beautiful wedding and marriage, but only the Lord can.
We took God by his word to rely on his provision, not our earnings.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you (Psalms 32 vs 8)
No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great (Psalms 33:16- 18)
Wedding preparation
We began the wedding proper with counseling. We had three Pastors counsel us and it was very intentional- Abigail’s mentor from Nigeria, the joining Pastor, and a Nigerian American Pastor who understands Nigeria and U.S. cultures. We enjoyed all the sessions with them and the books we read.
Since Lekan graduated in August 2024, we thought he would secure a job immediately to foot the wedding bills, but God had other plans. He got a job a few days before the wedding! So, how do we foot this wedding as an unemployed fiancé and graduate student who earns stipends?
We asked the Lord this question countless times throughout the wedding preparation.
In fact, a few concerned people understandably began to question our decision to have the wedding in the USA, arguing that it would be more economical to host it in Nigeria. Or better still postpone till 2025 when Lekan got a job since the man is expected to have a steady income to keep a home.
We appreciated this advice, but we were convinced that we were in God’s will even if all facts were clear. We chose faith. We held onto two scriptures throughout the planning- Ecclesiastes 3:11a & I Corinthians 2 vs 9.
He has made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11a)
But as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ — the things God has prepared for those who love him (I Corinthians 2 vs 9)
We recall sleepless nights of crying, confusion, pain, praying, and tearful singing but found peace with those words. God’s words are indeed powerful! Our parents were also huge support systems during this time. Abigail recalls calling her parents for words of encouragement.
It was during this time that we made a vow to God to ensure that His name only be glorified at the wedding; we surrendered the wedding to Heaven for his glory; we prayed that our wedding be a sermon and life-changing experience for all attendees. We believed this was the case on all fronts!
So, with no money in our account or guarantee from anyone, we kept our planning active by faith that God would provide when the money was needed. We contacted vendors and spoke with friends who could assist while seeking God to open the floodgates of favor.
With this strategy, we paid up all the vendors and any financial commitment for the wedding a few days before the wedding. And by the wedding day, we owed no one or borrowed no money to fund the wedding!
This can only be God’s blessing, nothing more and nothing else.
Abigail’s dad’s coming was another testimony. By checking the visa dashboard daily, we secured Friday, December 13- less than 10 days before the wedding. He got the visa, we booked his flight on Tuesday, got his passport back on Wednesday, and left for the U.S. on Thursday!
Only the Lord be glorified!
As we sit down post-wedding to reflect on our experience, we conclude that this was a test from our Lord to see if we could trust him. We are grateful to Him for supplying the grace to trust him.
We judge God faithful!
Dear readers, please seek passionately to do God’s will only and promptly. And when it gets tough while obeying,
1. Please trust God’s process
2. Draw strength from his word. God’s word is the surest guarantee!
3. Find the right people who would support your faith journey and hold your hands when you are about to give up. Ours were our parents and mentors!
Blessings!
Abigail and Olalekan.
