By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
On Sunday, May 11, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria, marked a significant celebration combining Mother’s Day and Big “M” Day. This event, which is part of a broader, month-long celebration across Nigeria’s Foursquare Gospel Churches, highlighted the vital role of mothers through a spiritually enriching service.
The central theme of the celebrationt was “The Strength of A Mother’s Faith,” articulated through a poignant sermon by Pastor (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Aladegbaye.
Pastor (Mrs.) Aladegbaye’s sermon drew heavily from the narrative of Jochebed, the mother of Moses, emphasizing her courageous faith and its transformative impact. Jochebed’s story, chronicled in Exodus 2:1-4 and Exodus 6:20, served as a powerful illustration of maternal faith shaping familial and national destinies. Additionally, references to 1 Corinthians 11:3 and Ephesians 6:1-4 underlined the significance of divine order and mutual familial support.
Key Event Highlights:
Goodwill Message: A message from the National President, Mrs. Gbemi Ajayi, was delivered by the Foursquare Women International (FWI) President, Mrs. Tolu Kolawole. This message celebrated mothers’ faith as a cornerstone of cultivating godly families.
Sermon Insights: Pastor Aladegbaye characterized Jochebed as embodying courage, concern, and unwavering trust in God. Her sermon reminded attendees with the quoting of 2 Timothy 1:7, assuring them that fear does not come from God, and urged mothers to cast aside anxieties, placing their trust in the divine.
Biblical Foundations:
The service was rich in scriptural foundations, with further insights from Acts 10:1-7 and Ephesians 6:1-4 emphasizing faith and family as integral elements of God’s blueprint. The importance of a supportive family environment was stressed, where each member actively contributes to nurturing faith and spiritual growth.
Intercessory Prayers and Reflections:
Concluding the service was a heartfelt prayer session led by Pastor Aladegbaye, seeking divine guidance for families. Prayers focused on fortifying mothers’ faith, encouraging supportive partnerships in marriages, and fostering godly values in children. The reflections on motherhood underscored the mothers’ roles as important to shaping future generations through faith.
The celebration at the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District was a proof to the enduring power of faith and the role of mothers in God’s redemptive plan. As this series continues across Nigeria, the resonant message of “The Strength of a Mother’s Faith” is expected to inspire and anchor countless families in faith, fostering a deeper trust in God’s promises.
This unique blending of Mother’s Day and Big “M” Day underscores the church’s commitment to celebrating families and upholding the virtues of faith-filled motherhood.
This event exemplified the collective and individual strength found in faith, particularly through the lens of motherhood, empowering families to strengthen their spiritual foundations.
*Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Institute of Management Consultants, Chronicle Business School, Abuja, Researcher and resource person at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.
