Mixed reactions have continued to surround the announcement made on Sunday by Head Pastor, Household of God Church, Rev. Chris Okotie, that his marriage to Stephanie Henshaw had ended due to irreconcilable differences.
While most of the comments are uncomplimentary, a few people are at a loss as to the reasons behind the break-up of the union of the glamorous couple.
A particular online comment read, “Do not be a judge over this, the best way to show love is to pray for them at this trying moments of their lives. It could happen to anyone and they would rather their privacy was respected. I rest my case.”
Another reader wrote, “My pastor, well who am I to judge? Let us not blame him because nobody knows the actual fact why he has taken such decisions.
“No man of God will be happy to be the subject of reproach to the family he belongs. The devil must be put to shame. Please let us pray for men of God…”
While some people are of the opinion that the man of God may not have been patient enough, one said, “And he’s a pastor … Divorce is not an option in the eyes of God… where adultery wasn’t the case (correct me if I’m wrong) … I’m not judging o, but does the status ‘Man of God’ mean anything to these people?”
On August 7 and 8, 2008, the former musician, popular pastor and presidential candidate, Rev. Kris Okotie married Stephanie Henshaw. The wedding was a colourful celebration of the couple who had both been previously married.
The former musician, a law graduate, had been divorced from his first wife, Tyna, for over a decade while then 38-year old Stephanie had tasted two earlier marriages and had three children from the earlier marriages. Okotie’s marriage to Stephanie was his second attempt at matrimony. He was first married to Tyna for 17 years, but the marriage packed up without any child.
The Household of God welcomed the new bride. Though she did not have a formal role within the church, Stephanie was well-loved by the congregation.
Therefore, when Pastor Okotie announced on Sunday: “Stephanie and I are no longer married. We have separated. You can see she’s not in church today. It’s due to irreconcilable differences…you should please respect our wishes at this time because there is no going back;” it caused a great deal of confusion and discussion.
The announcement which was made shortly before the close of service came as a surprise to the congregation, as they were speechless for some time.
The Sunday service, which coincided with the Cleric’s 54th birthday celebration, had witnessed soul lifting songs and dances interspersed with fervent prayers, ministration and cutting of the cake.
Christ words will surely fulfil