By Young E. Freeborn
It was celebration galore amongst guests, friends and family members as Apostle Michael Ephron, the founder and general overseer of the Redeemed Flocks International Gospel Centre, Odi community in Bayelsa State, gave out his younger sister, Miss Mary Ephron, in marriage to Mr. Reuben Iboyi Ishokiri, at Unenurhie community, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State recently.
The traditional marriage, which was contracted on August 12, 2023 between Mr. Ishokiri and Miss Ephron, both of Unenurhie community, was done according to the native law and custom of the Unenurhie people by the community’s marriage committee, headed by Mr. Augustine Abrucha, a former youth chairman in the community.
After the traditional marriage, the couple were thereafter wedded at the Redeemed Flocks International Gospel Centre, Unenurhie branch on Sunday August 13, 2023 with Apostle Ephron officiating and assisted by the branch pastor, Pastor Goddey Elohor and other men of God.
Addressing the newly-wed during the reception, which took place at the community event centre, Apostle Michael Ephron, who took the position of father in the family, advised the couple to always bear each other as husband and wife in the spirit of love, kindness, honesty and tolerance.
Hear him: “You must be guided and bear each other as husband and wife in the spirit of love, kindness, honesty and tolerance. These four virtues are very important if you want to enjoy your marital bliss at all times. Even though there is no graduate in the institution of marriage, according to our people, but as Christians that are now wedded in the church, you can enjoy your marriage till old age if you allow love to rule your union.”
In his vote of thanks and appreciation to guests at the reception ground, the groom, Mr. Reuben Iboyi Ishokiri, who beamed with smiles said, “Today, I’m now a full and a complete man according to the tradition and culture of our community. First and foremost, I’m grateful to the Almighty God for keeping us healthy and happy all through the marital rites. I must also thank my family members especially my fathers, Mr. Benedict Ishokiri and Chief Clement Ishokiri and other members of my paternal family. In the same way, I thank my elder brothers and sisters and other members of my mother’s family from Evwreni town for being there for me. I also thank my in-laws for taking me as their own son and doing everything with mercy and kindness.
“Finally, I and my lovely wife specially thank all our invited guests and members of our church for their support and contributions to the success of this our marriage. Those that presented to us cash gifts and other household items are highly appreciated. We have nothing to offer than to thank all of them for contributing to this great success and achievement in our lives.”
The wedding ceremony however ended with the presentation of cash gifts and other household items to the new couple, Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Iboyi Ishokiri by guests and social groups.
