Relathionships rule the world

It is an honour to have yet another guest writer, Pr Ken, from Tent of Testimonies International. The youth pastor is also very knowledgeable and passionate about relationships and people. He gives us his 2 cents about how the world revolves around relationships.

Ps Ken

To say that the world revolves around relationships is an understatement. When you think about it, any transaction, business deal, appointment or basically human interactions that produce a coordinated and desired result have some form of relationship at its core. They may be formal, acquaintance, informal or professional relationships, but relationships nonetheless. I, therefore, dare say that relationships are at the core of human interaction, and getting them right is sure to give you an upper hand in many interactions.

Doubt me? Then you ought to read Dale Carnegie’s book, “how to make friends and influence others” to see my point. At this juncture, you may ask me, “Wouldn’t reading a book outlining how to relate with people make you a fake friend or person?” I used to think this way. Until I met a certain scripture.

Proverbs 18:24 – A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Romans 12:18 –  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 

What gets me from these scriptures is the intentionality that is portrayed. To have a meaningful friendship or relationship you need to put in the sweat, time, and intention in cultivating that relationship. This doesn’t make you a plastic person. Instead, it builds you into a resourceful person, fit to interact not for your benefit only, but also for the benefit of the people you’re relating with. Perhaps to clarify further, it’s good to mention that Relationships are not there to benefit you. Instead, they’re there for the mutual benefit of every party because the motive of any Relationship is one thing, Love. I think this is a good starting point to any form of relationship and one that you shouldn’t forget.

I’ll add another crucial point. You cannot Love if you don’t know how to Love. In fact, intentionality reinforces the fact that Love is really all about knowledge. This is why you’re setting out to learn how to handle relationships. This applies to all forms of relationships. Some level of knowledge is required depending on the amount of involvement required. From this point onwards, I’ll narrow it down to Love relationships.

Love, Relationships and scripture

To effectively love you, I need to know you. I need to understand what makes you tick, what brings you joy, and what doesn’t. Agape Love as described in scripture focuses on the person being loved and not the lover. You, therefore, focus on the person that you love and take care of them the best way they would love to be taken care of. They in return should do the same to you. This is how a loving relationship between a man and a woman ought to be. Because of this, it is very important that you first know the person that you intend to relate within this way before starting any form of relationship that is supposed to lead to marriage.

Because you need to know the other person well, it follows that Love has no reasons. You don’t love because you love despite. Put differently, you like because you love despite. Anyone who tells you why they love you is indirectly saying that the day that condition is not met, then they cease to Love you. Therefore, before starting any such relationship, have it in your mind that you’re taking a person as they are. That’s why you cannot put them away even if you feel like you don’t “Love” them. It was never because of goodness that a person offered you. Any Love relationship should stem from a decision that is backed up by knowledge you have about them.

Case study

A good picture of this is seen on the cross at Calvary. First of all, Jesus did not come to earth for himself. He came because he Loved humanity. Therefore, leaving His God nature, he humbled himself to death, and death on the cross (which is a very shameful act because it meant that you’re cursed) to save people. All the things He did on the earth including being crucified at the cross were done because He LOVED you. Had he not loved you then He’d have stayed in heaven. Mark you, He never did all these because you deserved it. He loved you inspite of your sin. And when it cost Him His life to demonstrate His Love for you, He paid that cost. Because as the scriptures say, Love is as strong as death. Song of Solomon 8:6

What shall we conclude?

We conclude several things. Relationships are very important in life. Anything you want in life is an afterthought to another person and relationships can ease the process of getting it. In equal measure, we should be intentional about building and sustaining relationships. Many Love relationships are doomed from the start because of a lack of knowledge. This means that building a friendship prior to escalating things may be a good way to go about things. But then, does everyone know this?

Lastly, it is possible to build great relationships and sustain them over and over again. Look at Jesus for example. He didn’t go to Bartimaeus’ house, but he went to Lazarus’ house and spent time with him. The woman with the issue of blood never got his attention. It was her faith that healed her, but as for the centurion servant, Jesus was willing to walk all the way to his house. The same can be said of Zacchaeus the tax collector. He went to his house and dined with him. Jesus was keen to build relationships with specific people, there’s no doubt about that. He chose this because he knew that these people represented something and it would help Him. I think that it’s prudent to follow in his steps.

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Joab gave up group-football for his Irene….

The good book asks us to welcome people for some have entertained angels. So when Joab through his friend Dorothy in 2012 accepted Irene to join them at table, he was letting in an angel that would turn his world upside up, if that exists. 

“Meeting with a friend, Dorothy, for coffee, a stunningly beautiful and elegant lady came and greeted us. Then Dorothy asked her to join us, introducing him to me as her friend,” Joab shares. Apart from the looks, Joab was amazed by how Irene was dressed, how she greeted them, talked as well as how she placed her order. In those few seconds, he concluded that her background and upbringing was impeccable. At that, a lot was running through his mind. “I had actually fallen for this lady within a short time. As such, I did not speak a lot that whole evening as I debated with my mind on how I was going to get to know much more about Irene.” Joab did not get her phone number on that day and his attempts to get it from Dorothy were met with resistance as she insisted he gets it from Irene himself. 

After a week, as Joab  met Dorothy at her father’s home, he got the opportunity to meet Irene again. “Apart from learning that Irene was Dorothy’s cousin, I was given an unlikely assignment of driving her to her hostel in Bugolobi. I did it with one heart and used the chance to ask for her phone number. Oh God!! When she gave me her contact I was very excited. It was a move in the right direction.”

From that moment on, Irene noticed there was extra care and effort on Joab’s side as he kept calling to check on her. “My birthday was just around the corner and he it a point to get me a beautiful cake. Some days after my birthday, he asked me out but I first gave it time so that I could understand the kind of a person I was dealing with.” In the meantime, he kept calling to check on Irene and they discussed a number of things. “I wanted to be sure about his views on different topics that I considered important.”

Becoming good friends, Joab’s next step was to tell Irene how he felt. “After some time, I told her how much I loved, treasured, and cherished her. I also told her I wanted her to be the mother of my children.” Joab describes his Irene as one that never rushes into stuff, and it played out as he waited for a response from Irene. “Finally, she told me that the answer was ready and inquired on whether I was ready to receive it. This was a moment of tension because that statement played on my mind. I drove from Arua to Kampala, an eight-hour journey, to get my answer.” By this time, Irene had realised that Joab was consistent, kind, gentle, bright, caring, focused and God-fearing. “Those were some of the things I was looking out for in a husband.” He had won her heart and not only was a date was possible but a good answer awaited Joab.

“I took her for dinner to one of the elite hotels in Kampala as I awaited the moment of truth was here. Guess what, it was a sweet BIG YES. It was such a sweet moment, a turning point in my life,” Joab says like it was yesterday.

With Joab working upcountry, their courtship was bound to be long-distance. Nonetheless, communication is surely the glue that kept the courtship plausible as they ensured to communicate regularly. “While upcountry, I missed my Irene greatly but travelled regularly to check on her in Kampala, more so because she was still at campus at that time.” He would always take her for lunch dates, evening coffee, and dinner, then on Sundays, they would go to church together and also visit friends. “One thing that drew me too close to Irene was her love for God. She was and is still a deep woman of God.”

As born-again Christians, the Aruhos agreed to observe purity till marriage. “We set out to be pure and honor God, we laid down the Do’s and Don’ts of our relationship from the very beginning and we were careful to follow them and always remind ourselves,” Irene shares. Joab adds that they achieved it by always avoiding situations that could compromise their sexual integrity such as being alone all by themselves. “But most importantly, prayer was our greatest weapon.”

After one and a half years of courting, the Aruhos had their introduction and giveaway on April 12, 2014 at Irene’s parents’ home in Ntoroko District while the wedding was on April 26, 2014 at All Saints Cathedral in Kampala. “The preparations were very smooth with friends and family showering us with a lot of financial, moral and spiritual support. At the end of the day, everything was a huge success. We also prayed and fasted for our functions to be successful and as usual, God who never fails did it,” they share.

It has always been said that courtship and marriage are as different as day from night, but Joab says his first year of marriage was a very exciting time for him. “Here is someone you love and are staying together, so it was a great feeling. During this year, we ventured into several activities such as jogging, dancing, watching movies, playing cards, washing and traveling as long as we were together. We still do those things to date,” Joab shares.

Irene attests that it was fun. “Although I had to move and stay with him in Arua where he worked, it was for the better as we were able to bond. Being a new place and not knowing anyone, we spent most of the time together whenever he was off duty. More to that, we were both young and full of life thus travelled together to see new places.”

While the fun was undeniable, there were some nuts to tighten. For example, Joab says adjusting to marriage life where you are now accountable to your partner took him time to get accustomed to. “You have to think about the effect of every decision on your partner. More to that, you have to first consult your partner on some issues. This was quite challenging at the start but I have made headway.”

On the other hand, Irene had to give up her job to go and stay with Joab in Arua where he worked. “It was a bit challenging, especially because I had to shift to a new place where I had no friend or relative. The culture there was also different and I didn’t know the local language yet there were situations where I had to interact with the locals, say when shopping for food at the market. I also missed my friends greatly but I made sure we kept in touch.”

Joab, an ardent football fan and specifically a staunch supporter of Arsenal Football club, also had to let go of watching late-night games. “I previously caught up with the boys in the night as we enjoyed the games. So giving it up was a hard call to make but I did. From that moment, I started watching football from the comfort of my home and Irene watches with me whenever she can.”

While they were still adjusting, two years down the road, Irene got a job in Kampala hence going back to a long-distance relationship. “However, I still travel over the weekend to check on her and the children. Sometimes, she also travels to where I work and we spend some time together. We also communicate more frequently when we are apart. ”

Irene also says the distance between them is a challenge. “The children and I always miss him whenever he is at work. Even when he comes to check on us on weekends, he stays for a day or two and travels back to work. There are also issues in the household that require a man and while I step in sometimes, it is strenuous.”

That said, the Aruhos communicate more often and when Joab returns he ensures he spends quality time with the family, sometimes taking the children out to play and they love it.

Advice

Joab shares that marriage is what you make it. “It requires a lot of commitment and patience. But above all dedicate your marriage to God, He is the chief author of marriage. More to that, a family that prays together, stays together.”

Standing tall despite the cancer…..

Stronger than ever before.

Marriage is beautiful, but just like a rose, it has several thorns and how you deal with them determines if you will continue to enjoy its beauty or loathe it. For Martin and Judith Sserunkuuma, the major thorn was a cancer diagnosis. “We can only testify that it was only God on our side, the author and finisher of our faith as is stated in Heb.12:2, who saved our marriage. “

Two weeks before giving birth to their last daughter, in April 2010, Judith saw a few drops of blood coming from one of her nipples. “I inquired from my gynaecologist who referred me to a breast surgeon. I then inquired from a friend, an oncologist, who made a physical examination but found no alarm then. He prescribed an ointment which I used but in vain. By March 2012, my nipple had gotten worse so I sought re-examination which confirmed that I had a rare type of breast cancer that does not form a lump inside the breast called pageant-disease of the breast,” she shares about the genesis of a gloomy time in her life.

On getting the report and sharing it with family and friends, panic set in that they insisted she goes for an operation immediately. 

Doing life together

With no finances to see to it, they scheduled the operation for later which also gave Judith time to prepare herself emotionally. In May, Judith underwent surgery and later did chemotherapy which really drained her. For Martin, his faith in God was tested. “It was such a trying time for us. A baby and a sick mother were a lot to bear yet we had to walk each day together. It was an awful experience as a husband in all areas of my life, but God gave me the grace to go through it. Several thoughts crossed my mind, as I prayed that my wife pulls through. When she lost appetite, lost her hair while having the chemotherapy treatment and saw our daughter hold on to her mother, more so after medication, I prayed and believed more that it would be well.”

Judith had to stay away from her family for a week of treatment, and some mornings of special care to stabilize after getting her chemo shot.

The couple is indebted to God, not forgetting family and friends who made the trying time a little bearable. “While many spouses become caretakers, I am thankful for all the support we got which allowed me to keep our business running for the much-needed finances. During that time, I anchored on Ps 37:39 to find courage,” Martin reminisces.

If there was a shadow of doubt standing between the Sserunkuumas, this ailment broke it as they got even more determined to stand firm in faith and prayed more together. “We also learned that life should not be taken for granted. Each day is an opportunity to accomplish our God-given tasks and honour God while doing so.” In the interim, they trusted God for the healing while, taking medical advice and treatment. Judith was later, in 2014, after a year of periodically testing, declared cancer free. “He, however, advised we do checks as deemed fit.”

Meeting through Judith’s workmate doubling as Martin’s friend, the Sserunkuumas had no inkling that one day, they would be a couple. “One day, I did not find my friend and Judith came to let me know that she was not around since she had seen me a few times visiting.” Judith was warm and welcoming, something that endeared Martin to begin a conversation with her the next time he came around. “She was easy to talk to and when I learned she was a Christian; I was drawn for we really had something to share. I also realised that we had a few common friends when we met on their functions in addition to church events,” Martin smiles. 

Judith remembers it like yesterday, saying, around 1998/99, they became friends and she would pass by his office on Kampala Road on her way home. “He had prospecting a girlfriend at University while I was also in another relationship, so, it was amazing that he would sometimes sign out for the day and we walk together to the Old Taxi Park. Unfortunately, none of these worked out.”

Judith did not want to have many relationships that led to nothing hence asking God to get her into one leading to marriage. “While I was waiting on the Lord for my breakthrough, I enjoyed my singleness with my girlfriends.” In regards to Martin, Judith thought Baganda men demanded too much respect inasmuch as she was not sure which other tribe would be ideal. On the other hand, Martin enjoyed his newfound relationship so much that the transition to courtship was barely noticed. “The only point I remember was that I really wanted her to be part of my life and prayerfully, I presented my marriage intentions which have been an answered prayer for the last 20 years.”

Judith pegs Martin’s failure to notice to the fact that they enjoyed each other’s company. “We were at ease, talking about anything, and he has this kind of humour that can keep one laughing. With him, I did not have to pretend about anything. As such, there was no need to try and win the other over, we were genuine friends,” Judith smiled.

Nonetheless, her issue was meeting Martin’s mother for she did not know what to expect. “When he took me for the first time, he told her I was his bride-to-be. She asked about his other friends that had visited earlier (these I had already met and knew) and Martin insisted I was his bride-to-be. This gave me comfort.”

With that, courtship was on and they pledged to God to respect each other. “We knew what behaviours God required of us through His word, so we decided to live by it. We also prayed together about our future and commitment to each other. We also believed God for our lives to be a reflection of what He had joined together and finally he was faithful through it all.” During that time, they enjoyed evening walks and eating out. “We would take a taxi from the Old Taxi Park, alight then take the longest route to my home. We would also have time together in the Sheraton gardens and once, to Makerere garden. Openness made the whole transition easier,” Judith shares.

One for all time

Getting married on December 22, 2000, the preparations were smooth until a day to the wedding when the food service providers changed their commitment. “We are grateful to God who brings help at the point of need because our friends helped out at this critical moment and we managed to get alternative service providers.” Judith was also thankful to have her mother around. “Having been abroad for the last 20 years, it was beautiful to see her on my special day.” Martin laughs at the memory that it was only during studio time when he noticed that his bride did not have a bouquet. “I only noticed because that was when the flowers were brought.”

Looking at the first year of their marriage, Martin says it was enjoyable with all the adjustments to be made to fit in each other’s environment. “I was positive about everything that was happening because I knew it was all part of the learning process. I do not remember stressful days because I learned to live a day at a time, by the grace of God. I also knew this was my choice and I had to love the experience.” Agreeing to set the first year aside for just them, he says it has caused them to be always at peace in the company of each other regardless of where they are. “We share our projects and work together.”

On the other hand, Judith says she learned and purposed to let her husband live in a peaceful home. “Prov.21.9 was my motto. The Holy Spirit must have prompted me about it because while I had read it before, I was now required to live it out. For instance, in the beginning, I seemed to notice all my hubby’s shortfalls such as socks left at the entrance and many other small issues, that he once asked me if I had no shortfalls. While I told him that he had to let me know so I could work on them, I realised I could do better because if I was going to grow old with him, we needed to enjoy every day of it. At least that was our aim.” With that, while Judith would notify Martin about his mistake, but not dwell on it. “Sometimes, I would let it pass, especially if it wasn’t a matter of life and death, such as littering clothes. It is now easier to bear with each other and one another’s burdens.”

Finances are a major deal-breaker in marriage and Judith says she once invested in one network marketing business without agreeing with Martin. “I bought products but failed to sell them. In the end, I used them on guests and meetings for free because I had no support from him.” Choosing to learn from that, the couple has since chosen to be accountable to each other. “We both had personal accounts which we kept but availed our ATM cards if need to use the money on them arose, so we know each other’s password.” In matters of how money is used, the Sserunkuumas say they attend to the most crucial need such as school fees. “It doesn’t matter who earned it. It’s ours, so we split it accordingly. Tithing is also a major priority in the family.”

Another challenge over the years has been misunderstanding one another while communicating, resulting into conflict which usually lives one party unhappy for a while. “Nonetheless, learning to forgive has helped mend the broken pieces of the relationship.” They both choose to cool off before sharing their grievances to avoid actions they would regret which has made conflict resolution to yield a positive outcome. “Whenever I realise I am starting to raise my voice in a discussion, I keep quiet and say a prayer within me for God to calm me down, make me understand the situation from her point of view and then give me a way forward,” Martin shares.

For those intending to get married, they say that they need to determine to be married for life. “Your decision to stay married implies you work on your marriage so be intentional in everything you do and say and take it one day at a time. More to that, let the Word of God be your manual for your marriage because God is the author of this institution.”

The man every lady respects…

Kevin Shitsukane

Real men never open their mouths to ask for respect, they command it naturally. The day you start asking for respect is the day you lose it. If you have it, you will not ask or demand for it! It comes to you effortlessly!

Every woman respect men who have these qualities:

YOU ARE WISE

Nothing makes a woman bow before a man than wisdom. When you open your mouth and timeless treasures flow out, she will stand stunned, dazed, wowed and glued. She wants to listen to you over and over again but when you open your mouth and nothing comes out but crap, senseless jokes, stupid words and banter, boy, she will duck, no, she will pick race. Are you a man of wisdom? Your wife will surely love listening to you over and over and over again…

YOU MAKE MONEY

Men who make cool money command ladies’ respect effortlessly, call them greedy, that’s your business! No woman wants to suffer in marriage! You must carry your two legs out of your house every morning and make good money if you want your wife to respect you. Any man who depends on his wife to eat needs serious deliverance! Forget about yahoo boys and pray for financial success bro! Not every millionaire stole pants for money rituals! Not all CEOs are yahoo boys! Not all business tycoons buried human heads under their businesses! God is a giver of TRUE wealth! The bible says, “The BLESSINGS of the Lord maketh RICH!” Rich men command respect easily, you may hate to hear it, but it is the truth. However, start small and grow big! That is the problem of today’s youths. No one wants to start small. Everyone wants to ride “Logo Benz” hence the money ritual! You better save yourself and generations unborn from untimely death by steering clear of blood money. Start small, work hard and grow big, that’s how to be great. Virtuous women respect hardworking men and will support them when necessary.

Can you quell the turbulence?

YOU HAVE SELF CONTROL

A man who stares at women’s breasts, buttocks, and lips is sick! No, admiring a woman is different. Men naturally admire attractive women but if you stare, you STARE like a big-eyed fish, you need a psychiatrist’s attention! Look once and look away, that’s okay, that’s decent. I know men look so telling you not to look is unrealistic. I am against staring and drooling! A man who controls his libido commands a woman’s respect any day, any time! If you must grab and grope every time you see a woman you are a piss off! Honourable men respect ladies! Men who command women’s respect have a clean, pure, bed sheet not wrinkled or stained with lust and premarital sex!

THEY ARE GENEROUS

Givers are automatic respect commanders! Giving is not about the volume but the condition of heart. Some men are so stingy they must ask for sex in return of Shs100 recharge card. What’s your problem? Are you so poverty-stricken you can’t release Shs500 without asking for sex? Is Shs10,000 your God? Is it the end of your life? Will you die if you help the daughter of Sarah with just Shs50,000? FIFTY THOUSAND SHILLINGS! I rebuke that stingy, backward, stagnant spirit out of your life in Jesus’ name! Givers are respect commanders! Learn to give to God, your family and your parents, blessings will flow into your life effortlessly.

THEY LOVE GOD

Your love for her is important

God chasers are automatic respect commanders! When I see a man who loves the Lord, who LOVES the Lord, oh my, oh my, that is so so sexy to me, muuuaaah!

THEY LOVE THEIR WIVES

It is an irresponsible man that will ill-treat his wife and expect her to respect him. It is the son of satan that will starve, abuse and even beat his wife and expect her to scream “Yes sir!” to his commands and jumps at his every beck and call! It is a bushman that will neglect his wife and expect her to honour him. Ho- what? You do not deserve honour sir. The Bible says, “Give honour to whom honour is due”. Honour is not due to a stingy, irresponsible drunkard and a womanizer! Respect is not commanded Huncle, it is earned!

Start earning it from today and you will feel better, love yourself more and achieve more results in your relationships, personal life, career and business!

Working through our differences…..

Many of us, while courting, are so excited about our wedding day that we forget a wedding is different from marriage. The work and fuss that goes into the preparation would make one think that the day will go on forever.

Likewise, when Pascal married Samali on October 5, 2019, the two had a few eye-openers awaiting them. “After two years of courtship, we were looking forward to marriage life which has offered us several lessons. One of these was how different courtship is from marriage. While in courtship you do not see each other daily but in marriage, you learn to appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Samali laughs. She says in the beginning, she missed home and family a lot. “The thought of staying with someone except family was challenging but I thank my husband for being understanding and supportive until I overcame it.”

Marriage is of the Lord

Pascal also attests to the fact that living together is far different from when a couple is dating. “We grew up with totally different experiences and are of different temperaments. I am an extrovert and result-oriented, making quick decisions while Samali is an introvert, very organised and sometimes can be a perfectionist, taking her time and thinking through things.”

Differences in opinions and character are why people are drawn to each other but can also be a thorn in the side causing some to say the first year of marriage is hard. To avoid pent-up feelings that would strain their marriage for life, the Mugishas decided to use their first year of marriage to build their bond of love and learn from each other. “We have been on a journey of growth as well as learning to honour and tolerate each other in love.”

More to the challenges was independence which is good in and of itself but depending on how it is exercised could be a marriage breaker. In the Mugishas’ case, each made decisions on their own, in the start. “It was something that I needed to not only shelve but also bin because we were now one and my decisions affected her hence the need to consult her. However, very often, I forgot to consult her which would get us into disagreements,” Pascal shared. Samali, on the other hand, had a way she wanted things done, which sometimes rubbed on her husband the wrong way. “Once married, I had to learn to first consult my husband and talk through things.”

With the differences, the first thing the Mugishas resolved was that they were in this marriage for eternity. “We then purposed to attend marriage conferences and hear from different couples on how they dealt with different issues. This helped us to appreciate marriage and gave us the wisdom on how to go about thorny issues we were facing. We also decided to celebrate and appreciate each other for every progress we made, no matter how small it was, on issues we were trying to improve on,” Pascal shares.

Friendship makes a great bed for marriage.

Samali adds that they have come to acknowledge each other’s strengths and weaknesses. “That has helped us appreciate what each can do and also help each other where we fall short. This support has helped us make the best out of our marriage.”

However, these fruits did not come out of wishful thinking as the couple made room for open communication and chose to submit to each other in love. “We decided to have heart-to-heart conversations often and set aside time to discuss issues as they arise, always agreeing even to disagree,” Samali shared. 

Pascal adds that he has learned two things in this journey of marriage. “A happy wife makes a happy home and where there is unity, God always commands the blessing. Wives are naturally blessed with the sixth sense and can discern what we, husbands, might have missed out, generally complimenting us. That taught me to not only love and respect her but also honour and listen to her because most of the time, she is right.”

Meeting in 2016 at the Miracle Bible College where both were students, the odds did not seem to point to marriage. Samali was going through a lot of heartache from grieving the loss of her dad to recovering from a failed relationship. It is a little wonder that despite being in the same class for more than a month none had noticed the other. But one evening, as Pascal was passing on communication in class, their eyes met and the journey begun with friendship. “I gave her a shoulder to lean on. Being vulnerable at the time, I made a deliberate effort to be there for her. It was only at the close of 2016 that I asked her out,” Pascal blushes.

Prior to joining Bible College, Samali was planning to go to China for further studies. “I was excited and looking forward to a fresh start perhaps because I was trying to get over a terrible heartbreak and the loss of my dad. So leaving for China to study was my way to leave it all behind.” However, the trip never was because as she was working on getting a visa, she had a strong unction from within hence a change of heart to enrol for a two year diploma course at the Miracle Centre and the rest was history! “That was the best decision at that time for me.”

Saying, yes, to the date, Samali and Pascal started courting. “Being Christians, we made a deliberate effort to honour God by abstaining from sex during courtship. We prayed together on many occasions, attended many conferences on marriage, and supported each other morally, spiritually and financially in various ways. We also went on several dates and attended some family events together,” Pascal says.

Samali adds that they also had an accountability couple who walked the journey with them. “They prayed for us and counselled us which made it easy to stick with what we wanted in a relationship and how we were going to achieve it.”

Advice to young people who fear to get into marriage 

Marriage is a beautiful thing and when we put our hearts into making it work, all will be well. “Young people should trust in God because marriage was his idea from the beginning. What you invest in your marriage is what you will harvest out of it, so I encourage you to pray together, read books on marriage, attend marriage conferences with your partner. Learn to love, cherish, honour, respect and appreciate them. Understand that whatever challenges come, they too shall pass and please don’t leave your marriage to chance, be deliberate and work on it, you will rip big from it,” Pascal shares.

Samali says that it is important to take time to learn, grow, understand and appreciate each other, and to know your worth but most importantly to pray. “God is the author of marriage so He will surely guide you because marriage is between a husband, wife and God. More to that, endeavour not to take each other for granted, build trust, commitment and always be honest with each other, and leave the rest to God.”

Golden rules to marital bliss (2)

Kevin Shitsukane

There is more to making your marriage beautiful than being present. You have got to get your hands dirty seeing that you are two imperfect people that have become one. That said, it is not impossible to enjoy your marriage if you…..

Respect one another: True love yields great respect. Honour and respect your spouse regardless of their status, age, or post they are, respect them. Since we have been courting, my wife has embodied respect in unfothomable ways. She gave me the respect of a Christian brother like we met at church. Right from school and up till now she never called me by my first name. Same pet name up till now. Though this is one of herown code of respect, you may find calling one another by first name romantic. Your code of respect may be different.

Such a gesture is for your spouse only, not every one. Keep yourself for him or her only.

Feed your spouse: Growth is known with feeding. Feed your love with good food and sex. Let the man provide for his wife and let the woman be always responsible to make good meals for her husband. Don’t let your spouse lack good sex. Keep your body for your spouse. Make it pleasant and appealing. Be available!

Speak your spouse’s love language: Find out your spouse’s love language to satisfy them. Do not give him/her what you love. Give him/her what he/she loves.

Obey him, Love her: Man must give orders as the head. Women obey first even when not pleasant or convenient. Pray and Discuss it. God owns the heart of the kings. Your husband is the king. God knows how to control him to suit you. Kings love your Queens! Cherish her and honour her!

Work for trust: Trust is built and earned not gained! Let your behaviour and character build up trust for you by your spouse. Work for trust! It is not automatically gained.

Apologise always: Learn to apologise always when at fault. Even if you are not sure who was right or wrong, for peace sake apologise. The partner that seeks peace is the closest to the mind of God. Always be the peace maker.

Show care and concern: Be mindful of your spouse’s situation either good or bad. Remember their special days, celebrate your spouse on his/her birthday. Take care when they are sick, tired or weak. Do not neglect your spouse for any reason. Stand with them!

When trust is wanting, discord is obvious.

Keep your friendship alive: Every relationship is started with friendship so do not lose it. When friendship stops, a relationship is no longer interesting.

Keep Your Friendship alive! Keep the life glowing. Let your spouse be your best friend. Court your spouse over and over! Courtship is sweet!

Do not substitute your spouse with anyone: You and your spouse are one in unity of body and spirit. Do not give out your spouse’s space to another. Your mother, father, sibling or any relative must not take the place of your spouse.

Be faithful: For no reason should you be unfaithful to your spouse. Keep your bed pure. Let his or her body satisfy you. Let his or lips satisfy you. When you feel unsatisfied, speak out! Work both on the difference. When your spouse complains, handle the situation with great wisdom. Do not push him or her out! If you have offended in this please stop! Do not continue but repent!

Work out your marriage: A good marriage is not made from heaven, you’ve got to work out what you want in your marriage. A good marriage is hard work and not for lazy couples. When you see flourishing marriages, know that they are working it out! Prepare to work for a good marriage by faith. We shall all have marital Bliss in Jesus’ name.

I pray for every home having marriage problems, for supernatural solutions towards marital bliss in Jesus name.

I pray for many in wrong relationships, that God Almighty will disconnect them supernaturally from such relationships and settle them in their God’s will relationships in Jesus Mighty Name.

Golden Rules to Marital Bliss! (1)

Kevin Shitsukane

Marriage takes work, oh yes, work. You cannot expect two people of different genders from different backgrounds and so many more differences to simply jell and ride along. There will be spikes, suprises, challenges, uncertainities and so much more. That said, the pains that these will bring your way can be softened if we can…..

Marry right: Do you love marital bliss? Marry right. How? Marry in the Lord. Marry your kind. You are a believer, marry a believer! Why? So you can speak the same language, obey the same Lord and Master. When the husband says; “As a woman you must be submissive in all”, the woman won’t say, “No way! We are equal! You can’t be my head!”

Secondly, in obedience to God. The word of God says: do not be unequally yoked with an unbeliever. Marry your friend! Who is your friend? Someone that understands you. Someone that will play with you. Someone that can take your misbehaviour as nothing. Someone that will see you as his or her mate. You will not marry your enemies in Jesus’ name.

Love one another: Love is not just a feeling, though it may start out as a feeling, it is the reality of marriage; it is accepting, enduring, and forgiving one another. If your love remains just a feeling, it can only start a relationship but cannot make a home and marriage.

Marriage tests your love for one another. All the ‘I love you’ you have said, will be tested in marriage.

Forgive: Offence will always come, even the unexpected, always forgive and forget the past. Anything whatsoever can cause disagreement between couples. Don’t push offence under the carpet! Discuss it and forgive one another.

Marital bliss is possible but it takes work.

Behave like nothing happened after you have settled it! Don’t bring up a past offence. I can’t count how many times I have offended my wife, or she has offended me. But when we resolve, it has become our past.

Don’t let your disagreement linger more than necessary. Forgive in time, whatsoever! Have this aim in your mind that your disagreement will not tear you apart but will build you up. Learn from your disagreements.

Give: Give your all to one another. Give your time, money, food, clothing, body and all you have to one another even when it is not convenient. What you have is for both of you. Giving solidifies relationships and marriage. It enhances love. Give time to time, give every day, give occasionally. A giver is always a lover!

Do not keep secrets: Open your heart fully to one another. Secrets when found hurt your partner too deeply, and can lead to other things, even divorce. Be open as much as possible. There is really no secret. All shall be opened one day!

Disallow third party negative influence: Offence will come from friends and family. Always stay together as one. Don’t allow third-party influence to affect your family bond negatively.

When you fail to do something, your marriage gets stained.

If you need help, it is better to consult a God-led counsellor together or individually, instead of telling friends and family who may take sides and make the situation worse.

Help one another: Do not see anything as your partner’s duty. When your partner needs your help in any capacity you can, HELP! At home, share house chores! Share responsibilities. Share bills. If you are a woman and you are financially capable, do not wait for your husband to beg you. Do the right things at home. Bear challenges together. Do not let your partner feel any weight when you are not carrying anything. You are there to help!

Always do things together: This keeps your closeness. Plan, Eat, Sleep, Play, Pray, Bath, Work and Go out together. Create time for it. Have fun together. There is nothing we don’t do together in my marriage. Be together, and stay together. Be united!

Keep your secret secret: Be loyal to one another and keep your secret with one another. Don’t tell your partner’s secret to anyone.

Have one family: See your families as one, even when you think they are not good. Otherwise, it will build up division in the home. Each of you may want to support his or her family. This will keep separating your own home.

To love and to hold…..

It takes two to tangle

He loved her from onset but she had never seen him in that even when he stepped out and said, “I love you”, she brushed it off.

Josephine Korutaro, after S6 was only at World Vision to keep busy, so what did Rhobert Korutaro see in her? “She has a very pleasant personality thus drawing people in and she is very beautiful,” he shared. Nonetheless, Josephine was not ready for a relationship or even marriage. So for eight years, Rhobert tried his best to woo her. “He did not give up on me but changed strategy and made me his friend,” she smiled for with time, Josephine was drawn in. “He has such a special character being kind even to those who are mean to him. Then despite his achievements, he remains humble, which is amazing and still draws me to him. More to that, we are really good friends thus share anything with one other and despite our challenges and fights, reconciliation is easier.”

Rhobert also learned a few things that made waiting for her important. “There is a peace I felt when with her that was calming and drew me to her. That was besides her simplicity yet very complex nature; appearing that she is available yet unavailable. Then one day, she talked very philosophically, “the lights are now green”, something that took me a while to understand. Nonetheless, that statement opened doors that had been closed for so long.”

Moving from friendship to a couple, the Korutaros’ were ready to conquer all, or were they? That resolve was tested in their first year because there was a lot of adjustment. “Having never stayed together before, adjusting to each other was not easy, especially for me because many of my expectations were not met. One was while my father would sometimes go to the kitchen and prepare something, Rhobert was not given to cooking. I also expected him to be organised but he wasn’t coming into the living room in the evening and wherever he sat was where he undressed from and left his clothes. It really upset me because I wondered why he didn’t just go to the bedroom, undress then put the clothes in the laundry basket.”  It also took her a while to leave and cleave, so most evenings, Josephine passed by her mum’s place then Rhobert would pick her up for home. ”Besides I did not like staying in Makindye, having lived in Mulago for most of my life and here I was, having to adjust to the distance and traffic. There were also many thieves that terrorized the area. We thank God we were protected from any incident but the screams in the middle of the night from people being attacked gave me fear and anxiety. I was desperate to move and asked about it often until a certain woman advised me to stop being a nagging wife and leave the moving to him.” Exactly a year later, Rhobert said he was tired of the home and they needed to move. “On hearing it, I immediately looked for a broker and moved to Kiwatule.”

Rhobert adds that the house was uncomfortable for his bride. “While it was self-contained, the master bedroom was not and the water pressure was also low so one had to carry buckets of water to pour in the toilet.” Besides that, having married at 37, he says he was set in his ways. “For example, I bathed once a day, something she said needed to change when she joined me. While there were several adjustments, they were for the better and I must admit, Josephine organized me, she knew what good looks like.” Rhobert, with a far off gaze adds that he thanks God for giving him a wife who was much better than him. “She came with a commitment beyond normal because I had a lot of baggage compared to hers. I look back with a lot of gratitude because she adjusted so much to fit into my kind of life. She has also bettered me, for I think I would be a terrible person.”

This love and gratitude has helped them sail through the challenges and conflicts akin to marriage. Josephine laughs about how she was unamused about Rhobert pressing toothpaste in the middle and not the bottom. “Such bothers me no more. However, one challenge was losing our jobs, which happened at different times through the years. That affected our finances and brought stress in the home because he was always looking for how to earn an income. We have now learnt not to put all our eggs in one basket.”

The other challenge for her was Christmas. “Back home, Christmas was either in Kampala or in Mweya, but with my husband, it was in the village. Adjusting to having to drive all the way to the village was so difficult.”

However, all the above pale in the face of childlessness, which Rhobert  says gets very bad in the African context with people asking one question after another. “People ask so many questions and you are always trying to make them understand.”

That said, the bigger issue was looking for options. “People suggested one church after another and the movement looking for a remedy was exhausting. Some people were insensitive thus talked carelessly about how fertile and hardworking they were since they were having a child every year. With time, we distanced ourselves from fellowships, and meetings because society and church do not seem to understand. They also put pressure on her so I had to rise up to protect my Josephine, ensuring she never felt an outcast. Childlessness is a real challenge and if not careful can tear the marriage,” Rhobert shares. They also went to various medical places here and abroad and every time their hopes were raised only to be dashed. “In 2009, we were in Mulago hospital for three months because of errors made by some doctors. This time was a real test on Josephine’s health but we thank God who provided through family and friends. They stood with us emotionally, financially and spiritually all through the process, and we are eternally grateful.” he adds. Josephine says the comments and questions, more so in the early years, really stressed them. “But over the years, we are unfazed. We can surely say, we love the way God loves us.”

Despite having no children, several have passed through their hands. “These give us the feeling of being parents for they really love us and show it. At times, we feel some children prefer us over their parents and that is thanks to Josephine who right from the start, has mothered everyone, including me and she is such a warm person.” Recently, while celebrating 20 years in marriage, the children, in their speech, asked them to never say they have no children because they are there. “We really have children, but all of them call us uncle and aunt, never hearing mummy and daddy, that is what we miss.”

Rhobert, thinking through it all says, “If there is goodness, I must say, Josephine is a very good woman, never putting pressure on you, clean and never grumbles. She is always making life easy. So whatever the challenges, I always look forward to coming back home because I know I am really going home not to face strife, or be blamed.”

Looking back at their courtship, Rhobert says initially, it was hard because she was much disciplined and always in a hurry to go home. “Later, gradually, one day in a month, she would agree to a cup of coffee and progressively she eased up. Nonetheless, she ensured it was so short because she had to be home by 7pm, a time she maintained throughout courtship.” Josephine adds that she was an introvert and preferred to be home thus the self-imposed 7 pm curfew. “Rhobert was not a good time keeper, which I am. For instance, he always arrived no less than an hour past our agreed meeting time yet I preferred to arrive 15 minutes earlier. This angered me that one day, I told him, I would only wait for him for 15 minutes. I think he was late only once but tried to keep time thereafter aware that if late, he would not find me.” Josephine adds that theirs was interesting because unlike today where men always foot the bills, in their case, whoever invited the other paid.

The two had their introduction ceremony on July 29, 2000, give away on December 14, 2000 and wedding on December 16, 2000. Rhobert says the officiating journey started with looking for a go-between (katerarume) who also had to do some background work about him. “Canon Joram Kahenano was a very close to Josephine’s family so he had to really dig deep before anything could go on.” With the wedding, they had a committee in place and had a series of meetings. “We were very fortunate, we did not have to put in any of our money because people gave,” he shares. The generosity continued with Josephine’s family doing things out of the ordinary. “My mother told Rhobert he did not have to pay bride price because there was no price for her daughter. But Rhobert insisted he had to give something hence giving her the equivalent of the bride price as a gift. In regards to the wedding, Rhobert handled the bulk of the other preparations while my family and I handled everything to do with the bride and her family. This made it all stress free without debts.” Rhobert says that generosity made life much easier and he always remembers it with profound respect.

Theirs has been a journey hinged on friendship and Rhobert says it is important that you marry your friend. “Most times people have a reason why they married someone. However, it is better if you do not have because if the reason for marrying fades away, it means you stop loving.”

He adds that when marrying, put expectations, even children out, save companionship. “Those should be an addition because God’s ways are not ours. We can only thank God for the additions.”

When Josephine got married, a friend gave her a book, Fascinating womanhood, as a gift. “That book gave me tips on how to be the ideal wife to my husband. Over the years, I have also gifted other brides that same book.” There are several tips such as accepting your husband for who he is, never trying to change him, then there is admiring him for his masculine qualities, allowing him to lead, and making him number one. “I have lived these tips and I am enjoying my marriage.”

“Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate. I thank Rhobert for being good to me, showing me he loves me on a daily basis. Because of who he is, I am a better person than I was when we got married.”

Standing tall…

Oftentimes, courtship is amaazing and we believe that all will be rosy when we tie the knot. However, marriage is the only institution where a certificate is issued before course completion. Essentially, the certificate is an invitation to put in the work.

That is what Ps Mark and Auntie Maureen Mukisa learned along the way. It is a story of love, patience, endurance, joys and perseverance. Talk about dealing with character differences… You may ask, “Don’t we all?” However, there is always a lesson to learn from every story.

It is worth the read…….

The story behind Pastor Mark and Aunt Mo’s two decade celebration

What is marriage?

Kevin Shitsukane

Having walked these corridors coining several nuggets here and there, I am thankful to welcome Kevin Shitsukane as our guest contributor. Kevin comes with a wealth of knowledge on life, relationships, and Christian living. A resident and citizen of Nairobi, Kenya, a father, husband, minister of the Word, and dedicated insurance broker, he is here to grace us with knowledge overflowing. Please make welcome, Kevin Shitsukane……..

As a young man or woman, many will tell you this and that about marriage. Some swing to the extreme of either too good or too bad, depending on the background. However, many are in total oblivion of what this institution is or what it calls for.

Marriage is neither westernized nor africanized. Marriage is a Gift of God packaged as a generational Blessing.

Genesis 2:18 KJV — And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

It is a covenant between a mature man and a mature woman.

Marriage is not for Contract but for Destiny. That is why it is a Covenant relationship. Covenant relationship is mutual desire and drive to both give and receive for healthy growth.

Marriage is a Mystery, where you entrust your life and privacy to a stranger. Being ready to drop the name of your father and bear the name of your partner.

Ephesians 5:31 KJV For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

Ephesians 5:32 KJV This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

You do not need a perfect marriage; you need a great marriage. There will be challenges in Marriage, but the fact that another’s marriage is not enjoyable does not qualify a judgment across-the-board that all marriages are bad.

Always remember, a headache is peculiar to the carrier. Make your own work and healthy through knowledge.

1 Peter 3:7 KJV Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

A marriage certificate at a wedding is simply a letter of invitation saying, “Welcome to Hard work.” No good marriage is picked on the streets. Every good Marriage has been tirelessly laboured upon.

That said, it is imperative to appreciate that men Think Deep but very slowly… Women think faster.

It was discovered that on the 29th week of a zygote who is boy in the womb, ‘something wipes his right hemisphere’. However, nothing happens for the girl child zygote. In scientific terms, male brains have more connections within each hemisphere, while female brains are more interconnected between  hemispheres (University of Pennsylvania). That is why females can multitask because they use both hemispheres.

Psychology will tell you that a man will MAXIMALLY speak 25,000 words in a day WHILE a Woman says a MINIMUM of 250,000words.

While these differences are the causes of several marriage headaches, it is they that spice it up when well appreciated.

What is marriage to you?

If it is a prison pit, you have the power to work it out.