The Allotment Disaster

Some months ago, I blogged about my plans to start gardening, with the intentions of growing at home and also at the local allotment.  I started growing a few things at home and everything seemed to be going well until I visited the allotment and beheld this sight....

Weeds! Nothing but weeds, and their roots run deep! I think that day we realised just how much work needs to be done here before we can even consider planting any seeds! We need to uproot the weeds, restore the soil and also work on the paths around the beds to stop our weeds from getting into other peoples’ gardens.  That day I realised just how much damage can be caused from a few months of neglect and how hard and time consuming it will be to restore it back.  The whole allotment situation reminded me of Ezekiel 37. When Ezekiel was in vision and he beheld a valley of dry dead bones, he was asked if the bones can live, to which he responded “O Lord God thou Knowest”  (Ezekiel 37:3). To me this garden looked like a lost cause.

Later that day, I thought about the condition of the allotment and the amount of work that needs to be done and it caused me to look at my own heart. I know that there are many areas in my life that need to be worked on and it definitely feels like a “big job”! Sometimes I feel like I am wearing God’s patience thin, but at the same time he daily gives me tokens and evidences of the renewing work of Christ in my life.  Yes, it definitely feels like a big job and sometimes a hopeless cause, but I know that my God never slumbers nor sleeps. He longs to see the heart renewed, and the work that he has begun in all of us, he is faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6), if we do our part and cooperate with him. 

So we will press forward with the work that needs to be done at the allotment, even if it means we don’t get to plant there this year. We will work hard to restore things back to the way they should be, not by power, nor by might but by his spirit! (Zechariah 4:6)

Lord, please help us to restore this garden even as you restore our hearts…

Love, your girl forever

♥ Miss Daisy ♥

P.S things are growing really well at home, I will post some pictures soon xxx

Travel Diaries: Arkansas, USA

Ahhh this post is disgracefully late, especially since I traveled to Arkansas last September! Nevertheless I thought I would share some of the highlight from my trip J

1)  Flying solo

It’s been a while since I’ve been on a long haul flight that I actually forgot how much I enjoy flying alone. I absolutely love flying on my own, everything from checking in, finding my terminal, departure gate, boarding the plane and flying! I would actually love to go on a full blown lone holiday but I don’t think I’m brave enough for that yet!

Ready for take off

2) Making friends

The main reason I was in Arkansas was to attend an annual camp meeting/bible prophecy school. I met a lot of people at the camp meeting from all over America and I found it strangely interesting how it felt like I had known them for years, having only just met them a few days prior. We all got on so well, I honestly felt like I was around family. Making friends in Arkansas reinforced to me that in Christ, His children share such deep and meaningful commonalities and are bound together with cords that go beyond age, nationality, culture, distance, life circumstance etc

Blessed be the tides that bind...

3) Hot Springs

…or should I say boiling springs. I visited the Hot Springs National Park and thought I could put my whole arm into the water! Never again!!!! What I did was equivalent to putting my arm into a pot of boiling hot water on a stove…very silly, I know!  :-\ Other than that, I did enjoy the warmth of the water, the steam coming from the flowing streams and the beauty of the actual park.

Hot Springs National Park

4) The Weather

We didn’t get much of a summer in the UK, so I was so thankful for the super-hot summer weather and the extra vitamin D of course J

5) Singing

During song service I always manage to request a hymn that no one knows, and then  end up having to sing a solo (I really hate singing solos...I just don’t do them L) in order to teach the congregation the song.  This awkward moment proved to be a blessing as I was approached to help lead out in song service during the camp meeting. I haven’t lead out in music in such a long time and it was such a blessing to serve and minister for the Lord in this capacity especially in a foreign land.

Singing with wonderful people

6) Mousegate

Now this wasn’t a highlight but I thought I would mention it since I can actually laugh about it now. I live in the countryside so it’s not uncommon for me to have some field mice come in as the weather begins to turn. I usually catch and get rid of them quite quickly as they come in and stay downstairs and only ever come out at night when I am asleep and it’s completely quiet. I’m writing about this so casually and calmly but I absolutely loathe the fact that I get mice; I am completely petrified of them! Even knowing of their presence in my house freaks me out. I was so happy to be away from home knowing that I wouldn’t have to deal with them for a while….you could probably imagine my great distress when I saw mouse traps in the room I was staying in! Where I was staying is very country and I had a very brave and daring American mouse who not only came out to play while I was making noise in the kitchen, but who managed to wrestle itself off a sticky trap  and also eat the  bait clean off a carefully laid snap trap. My most memorable moment of “mousegate” is when the mouse had the audacity to enter my room, get into the closet and chew through items in my handbag. To conclude this tale the mouse never got caught and is probably still on the loose, let’s just say that I left America with a new found respect for the rather sophisticated, reserved and quiet British mouse.

7) Gardening

There’s something about cultivating the ground that leaves deep impressions on the heart and character. I don’t know how to describe it; I don’t know whether to describe it as therapeutic but the more I worked in the greenhouse and spent time selecting and planting seeds the more it awakened a great sense of carefulness, love, humility, tenderness and attention to detail. At first I hated it, I was so hot and bothered while gardening but after getting past the first hurdle of keeping myself from passing out in the green house I actually really enjoyed it.  I planted 3 quarters of the greenhouse and felt so sad when I realised that I would never get to see what would come of the seeds that I had planted but God reminded me of this scripture:  1 Corinthians 3: 4- 10 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon…” Though I planted the seeds, I am happy to know that the Lord has someone else there to follow the process through to the end. So looking forward to growing session in the UK this year!

In the green house 

8) The Camp Meeting

The camp meeting was such a blessing! I was truly convicted of my duty before God. It was such a joy to spend endless hours listening to the word of God from the lips of men and women who have given their lives to serve Him. It was also a blessing to spend much time with like-minded people discussing the message and to see such deep dedication manifested towards the study of God's word. I was deeply moved and humbled to see that the spirit of God is moving all over the world, to know that there are people separated by sea and land and yet we all come to the same conclusions when we study the bible. What a privilege it is to have the bible so readily available to us, that we might have the opportunity to understand truths that angels desire to look into (1 Peter 1:12)! God has given us such a great work to do for him in these last days, and it’s so humbling to know that I can be a part of that should I choose to follow his appointed way. O to be faithful to Him, and to avail myself fully to His service! This has been my hope and prayer since leaving Arkansas.

Elder Jeff and I 

Not sure if I will be travelling in 2016, but you never know!  Thanks for reading my travel diary, till next time J

Love, your girl forever,

♥ Miss Daisy ♥

Till we meet again...

New Home

Hi all, just a quick post to share a few photos of my new home.

Getting here was truly a journey of faith, all I can say is *sings* To God be the glory, great things he has done!

I hope to share the story with you soon but until then enjoy the pictures J

My cottage on the far right before the gate.

God does answer prayers!

Love, your girl forever,

♥ Miss Daisy ♥

Travel Diaries: Paris, France - Part 2

Continuing on from part 1 J

6) Beware of pick pockets!!!!

No exaggeration! I read some tips online on how to avoid being a victim of pick pockets and I determined to stay safe. I put all my valuables in a small cotton shoulder bag and wore it under my jacket. On the second day of being in Paris we were in Place de la Concorde and I saw a picture of Cain (from the biblical story of Cain and Abel) lamenting. I was taking pictures of it with both mine and Estella’s phone in my hands.  Three girls came out of nowhere and asked me if I could speak English. (They probably thought I was on my own as Estella was standing on the side of the statue and out of view.) Without me realising it the girls had formed a subtle circle around me and I was in the centre. As soon I heard the girl say “Sign here please” My mind went back to an online article I read and according to Estella I firmly said “No!” and "teleported" myself out of their circle! Estella found my swift exit incredibly amusing. Without hesitation the three girls quickly moved on. OK, you don’t need to be as dramatic as I was but make sure you keep your belonging close to you and also be aware of your surroundings especially in busy public touristy places. Estella and I giggled at the fact that those pickpockets would probably have relieved me of the banana peels and apple cores that were building up in my bag, but I guess it’s all about not giving them an opportunity at all.

Statue of Cain Lamenting - Place de la Concorde

7)  Understand who you’re traveling with

I learnt so much about Estella as well as myself on this holiday. Estella is very much into being flexible and ad hoc, I on the other hand am into being structured and following schedules. This could have been a point of contention as we are complete opposites but instead it gave us both an opportunity to explore each other’s personalities. Without prior planning day 1 of our trip was my day, it was very structured and all planned to the minutest detail. Estella took part in that and I think it allowed her to see how much organisation goes into planning activities for a holiday and also how many things you can fit into a day if everything is pre planned. Day 2 was Estella’s day which was very “as and when”, we literally woke up in the morning with no idea or goal in mind. This would ordinarily frustrate me but day 2 ended up being such a fun and spontaneous day. I learnt how to relax and simply “go with the flow” and allow the day to evolve naturally. So when traveling with anyone, seek to understand exactly who they are and do not allow your differences to hinder the holiday, but rather use it as an opportunity to get to know them (and yourself) better.

The Mona Lisa 

8) Being polite will help you

To keep costs low we booked to stay at a hostel in a female dorm room of 6. It was my first time staying in a hostel and I was nervous about the experience due to my own preconceived ideas of hostels and also not knowing who we would be sharing with. We got to the hostel early Sunday morning and clearly woke up the receptionist when we buzzed to get in. He asked if we could come back in an hour, we were so shocked and annoyed as the website stated that the reception was open for 24 hours. We found it hard to make out what else he was saying as he was literally half asleep and mumbling English words, but we think he was asking us to leave our luggage in the lockers and come back in an hour and we would be able to have our room. I was so tempted to make a fuss about the whole situation as we had travelled the whole night and needed to sleep, shower and eat ASAP! We complied however and came back after an hour. When we got back Ester decided to speak to the receptionist in French and to build up a rapport with him while he checked us in. Well, he ended up giving us a free breakfast, the best room in the hostel and we had the room to ourselves! Praise God, I was so happy and thankful!!!! Now I am not saying that you should be polite just so you can get what you want, but from our experience we found that it pays to be polite and build bridges when travelling abroad.

The "Love Lock" Bridge

9) Enjoy the experience

That’s it! Just enjoy it! Enjoy every moment of your holiday even the parts that don’t seem very exciting or that don’t go as planned.  I enjoyed sitting with Estella in a self-manned laundrette for an hour waiting for the hostel to open.  I enjoyed walking around Paris in the rain with our feet soaking wet, looking for a raw vegan restaurant which we didn’t even step into in the end as it was so pricy! I enjoyed taking pictures under a tree at the park and having a bird poop on my hand and screaming so loud that Estella got scared and ran into me and the bird poop smudged on her, we couldn’t stop laughing. I enjoyed just sitting on the L’Open Tour “hop on, hop off” bus all day with no real destination in mind. I enjoyed Estrella and I randomly discovering an open green park area and spreading my sleeping bag around the grass and just lying there watching the world go by. Those precious moments, relish them. You don’t usually experience those things and being in another country everyday so make sure you enjoy your time whatever happens.

Best Falafel Place in the world!!!!

10) Trust in the Lord

Last but not least, trust in the Lord J

Estella and I literally put this whole holiday in God’s hands, from our safety to our spending money, even to our friendship. It can be scary travelling to a foreign country as sometimes people go on holiday sadly to never return. Some may laugh at this, but I was amazed when I got to Paris and the realisation hit me that God is literally everywhere and he is always with me. This comforted me as there were times when I was concerned about whether we would be safe in Paris; I realised that I am as safe there (in Paris) as I would be here (in the UK) because ‘It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.’ Lamentation 3:22. God is always with us wherever we are so give your holiday to him, trust him; He will keep you safe, sustain your friendships and untimely make your holiday enjoyable.

The Eiffel Tower

Thank you for reading my travel diary. Until next time J

Love, your girl forever,

♥ Miss Daisy ♥

Estella, we did it!!!!!!

Travel Diaries: Paris, France – Part 1

I spent the last May Day Bank Holiday in Paris, France, with my friend Estella. It’s amazing how this quick, cheap, minimal holiday turned into one of my best holidays so far. We are definitely not seasoned travelers but we did learn a lot of things during our 3 days in Paris, here are some of our tips - 

French Flag

1) Make a covenant to remain friends no matter what

It has always baffled me how people can go on holiday as best friends and come back home with a severed friendship. Estella and I were very much aware of this possibility and promised each other that we would fight to stay friends no matter what! (sounds funny right!) This included choosing not to make small things an issue, being flexible, praying together, dying to self, putting the other person first (e.g Estella knees were killing her but she still spent the day walking around Musse du Louvre with me because she knew it was something I really wanted to do - what a sweet heart J) and working together to make the holiday enjoyable for both of us. I’m telling you it really worked! Estella and I came back from holiday even better friends.

2) Learn your maps as much as you can

There’s nothing that screams target than a confused tourist reading a map. Estella is an excellent map reader but even then we had to be careful. We were trying to get to a raw vegan restaurant on day 2 of our holiday and it was raining so heavily that our paper map was literally being dissolved by the heavy rain drops. We were on the right road but didn’t quite know where to turn off so we spent some time staring at the map and out of nowhere a man was trying to help us. He was quite persistent even though we explained we were OK, Estella then firmly declined and we carried on our way. I questioned her about it and she said “Be careful of those that are oh so willing to give their help, especially in crowed places”.  I don’t think she is saying that we should walk around paranoid but that we must be aware of our surroundings as you may find this friendly helper has associates (who you probably wouldn’t notice as they look like casual by passers) that are helping themselves to your belongings.

Musee Du Louvre 

3) Set rules at the beginning

You didn’t go on holiday on your own so be mindful that someone else is accountable for you so you shouldn’t really try to do your own things This was not an issue for Estella and I but we definitely think this is a worthwhile tip. If you want to have a bit of independence while on holiday with someone else, communicate this clearly and set rules from the beginning. For example no wandering off, if you’re going somewhere say where you’re going, set meeting places etc. This will allow the holiday to run smoothly and will also provide accountability and safety.

4) Be careful when taking Touristy pictures at night

We made this mistake when walking home on day 2 and ended up being followed. Thankfully we managed to get away by asking a waiter if we could sit in his restaurant until the men that were following us went away. Once the coast was clear we watchfully hurried back to our hostel. We were so confused as to why we were targeted and it was only when Estella took her phone out we realised that it was because we were taking pictures which made it obvious that we were tourist.

Good Vegan Food

5) There’s no point of everyone bringing everything

This is key when going on a “Budget” minimalist type holiday. Estella and I purposed to try and bring as little as possible on this holiday in terms of clothes, toiletries, travel items etc. Estella is the champion of this as she went with just her hand bag! She didn’t bring any shower gel or tooth paste, which was OK because I had some and she knew she could use it. Apart from my “pick pocket proof” bag I didn’t have a suitable bag to carry around my non valuable items, but Estella had a fold away shoulder bag that I could use. Some people may not be too keen on sharing personal items but if you’re going on a short holiday where there may be times you will need to walk around with your luggage then this would be the more logical approach. Plus you want to leave space for your souvenirs and other things you buy on holiday.

Tuileries Garden

More tips to come in part 2 J

Love, your girl forever,

♥ Miss Daisy ♥

Maid of Honour

When Kimberley asked me to be her maid of honour, I was super excited and felt very privileged.  I had a vague idea of what being a maid of honour was all about but as the months of wedding planning went by I got a much clearer idea.

A great commission 

Maid: a woman or girl employed to do domestic work, an unmarried girl or woman especially when young

Honour: hold in great respect, hold in high esteem, have a high regard for, look up to, think highly of;

Kimberley was asking me to take up a role of great love and service. Thank you for that privilege *wait, it’s a privilege to be a servant???* Yes, there is no greater privilege than to serve –the time and hard labour is nothing compared to the great love you have for the one you are serving.

I want to share with you the speech that I gave at Kimberley’s wedding, I was extremely nervous and was almost too scared to share it but I am glad I did :)

Maid of Honour Speech

Good Afternoon all, for those that don’t know me my name is Daisy and I have known Kimberley and Chiawuotu since 2009 I met them both at the Advanced Centre of Evangelism (ACE) (I actually met Chiawuotu first and Kimberley later on). However today I stand here as Kimberley’s maid of honour so the words I will share today will be directed towards Kimberley. When I first met Kimberley I didn’t speak to her much but I noticed straight away that she had a very close relationship with God and I remember she used to always refer to God in the second person. She would say things like “…When I was speaking to Him this morning…” or “I think so but I need to ask Him first”. To me it was quite remarkable to see a young person relate to God in such a close way.

Walking in happiness

Our friendship has grown tremendously over the years and Kimberley has become more than a friend to me, even more than a sister. She has always challenged me unto good works and has been one of the most influential characters in my walk with God. God has definitely given her a heart of service and love for her fellowmen. I remember during ACE, I asked Kimberley to wake me up every morning at 5am as at that time I wasn’t a morning person, and she committed to that every morning even when I didn’t want to get up. She taught me how to play guitar, she also taught me how to cook -I knew how to cook already but she taught me the science of cooking e.g how to develop recipes, how to experiment with ingredients, how to preserve food and stop wastage and also how to recover a failing recipe. Both Kimberley and Chiawuotu love cooking and are very gifted in this area so I pray that this is something they can work together on in order to help teach and minister to others. God has given Kimberley a passion for helping those she loves to grow and develop and those one to one sessions that I had with her I will always treasure.

It’s interesting because one of my most treasured memories was when Kimberley and Tara Marie came to visit me and somehow ended up living in my house for some time. It literally was the three of us in my room rotating between 2 single beds. And at night we would talk and talk and Kimberley would always be the one to say (in her sweet voice) “Ok can we go to sleep now and talk in the morning”. I remember going to get each of them a key cut and till this day my parents are still like “how did we let you get away with that”?!?!?! Nevertheless that was such a precious time in our friendship. 

Maid of Honour

But on a more serious note –

I have committed to pray for Kimberley every day during this wedding season and one of the things that God keeps bringing to my mind when I am praying for her union with Chiawuotu is Kimberley’s service as a missionary. Now when we think of missionaries we imagine someone who travels to foreign lands, who helps build schools and teach the bible to those who don’t have access to it; And Kimberley has definitely been involved in these things. However I think Kimberley’s biggest mission field, whether she realises it or not, has been the home.

I remember when Kimberley decided to look after a lady called Camille, who was quite ill, and she stayed in her house and helped her with the running of the home and also worked with her children. Shortly after that she decided to move to Leicester to look after her Grandfather. It’s interesting because I remember you  telling me the story of when you and your  family went to visit him and how you  felt when you all were waving him Goodbye and how your heart was touched and how you knew that God was calling you to move to Leicester to be with your Granddad. God has been very faithful to you Kimberley and we thank him for giving you the opportunity and the grace to make those sacrifices, to give of yourself and to put your wants and perhaps needs aside for the sake of someone else. I know that in both situations it wasn’t always easy and you met some challenges but I definitely believe that you learnt some enduring lessons on how to bring Christ into the home not only for your joy but for the joy of others. Often we want to do a big work with the masses and the most humblest work is often slighted, but Kimberley you have been faithful in the least and now God has blessed you with much. He has given you an even greater mission field, your own home with your husband Chiawuotu. I pray that you remember and implement everything that God has taught you while labouring for Camille and your granddad. All those lessons of kindness, forbearance, meekness, humility, patience, compassion and love - that they will be principle pillars of your home. Nothing is by chance Kimberley, God has been preparing you for this moment for a long time and we thank him so much for he provides for us even before we even think or ask. 

A precious gift and a promise from a special friend

Kimberley, my dearest, I love you. I praise God for this union and for this journey that you have begun I pray that all the blessings that God intends to bestow on the marriage union will be yours as you faithful walk together with the Lord bringing him into your home and your hearts daily. [Speech ends]

Kimberley it was such a blessing to serve you for these few months and not only to serve you as a dear friend and sister but to plan with you, talk with you, rush around with you, stress with you, pray with you…it was truly an honour. 

Forever Friends

Love you forever Kimberley Ham-Ying, oops I mean, Anyanwu :)

♥ Miss Daisy ♥

Commit thy way unto the Lord: Chiawuotu and Kimberley's love story

This summer two of my very good friends, Chaiwuotu and Kimberley, are getting married and in the lead up to their wedding I had the opportunity to interview them about their love story and how God led them together. I was able to witness their friendship and love for each other develop and I would like to share with you a love story that I believe God authored . I hope you are blessed and encouraged as you read their story J

How and when did you first meet?  

Kimberley (KH) Well… we met in several stages. I first saw Chiawuotu at prayer warriors, a youth prayer retreat in April 2008. I remember him sharing some unique poetry with enthusiasm in the program; but we never met properly. I didn’t know his name or anything about him and I wasn’t really interested in finding out.

Chiawuotu (CA)  I remember first seeing Kimberley at the summer NEC Camp Meeting in 2008, on the last day, in the last sermon. I don’t know how it came to happen because I had never met Kimberley before but we were sat next to each other, in the last sermon preached by Pastor Matt Para about ‘relationships’. Completely disinterested in relationships, I was waiting eagerly for an appeal to surrender my life to Christ and be baptised. I also asked if God would help me decide in that sermon to go to the Bible School at the Advanced Centre of Evangelism (ACE) - My prayers were answered by the close of that sermon.

KH. : And little did we know that just a few weeks later we would be attending the same four months bible school. When the Director picked me up from the station on my way to the bible school, I saw Chiawuotu sitting in the car and I said to myself, "oh, I’ve seen that person before."

CA: So eventually we actually spoke and met face to face at the Bible School which we call A.C.E



ACE 2008

Was there anything awakened in your minds about each other or were you completely neutral?

Lake District - ACE 2008

CA – When we first met, I had no attraction or feelings for Kimberley at all.

KH – Me neither, I was completely neutral but looking back I did note some good things in his character.
 
CA- I must say during ACE, I also noticed some positive character traits in Kimberley and that she really loved the Lord, but I had no interest in a relationship.
  

What were your general thoughts on courtship and marriage during this time?

CA: My thoughts were and still are that courtship is a relationship where two people become acquainted with each other’s character, and seek God’s will to know whether they should marry. It shouldn’t be too long (1 to 2 years) and it’s not the right time for physical intimacy. It is also one of the most serious and solemn decisions to be made in this life and affects the life to come!  So it’s better to get it right the first time and seek good counsel.

   KH: During the time of the Bible School, I was reminded that courtship and marriage was sacred and holy and higher than the ideals of the world. I generally felt a need to keep pure and reserved for my one future husband. In the meantime, my work was to commit to God this area and guard myself fully.



Graduation Ceremony - ACE 2008

                                                   A Safe Friendship

How did your friendship progress? Even then, as friends, was your mind opened to the possibility of a deeper friendship?

CA: One year later (2009) our paths crossed and we worked together in the same Bible School. We worked in the kitchen as cooks and with the students as deans and Bible teachers. It was a very practical and hands on way to have a friendship but it was strictly business like. After the four-month school we went different ways.

Working together in the Kitchen - ACE 2009

KH; In 2009 during this second phase of our friendship, I began to value Chiawuotu's support and leadership very much and I did contemplate the possibility of a deeper friendship but I guarded myself against this because while it wasn't for me to initiate anything in the first place, I also did not think that either of us were spiritually mature enough. I made sure to read a lot about true relationships (I especially read Counsels on Courtship and Marriage) in order to keep my affections guarded and I thought it best not to encourage any communication after the school.

CA: I knew nothing about this whatsoever. I certainly was not considering marriage. I wanted to finish my education, travel as a missionary and work for a few years before I considered a relationship.

So how did your friendship progress after 2009?

KH: We were out of touch for a few months (except once or twice) and then I was invited by Chiawuotu to come for one day, in 2010, to support a Campus Ministry initiative, on a University not too far away.

 CA:  Oh yes. I remember that. (smiles) I really did appreciate Kimberley’s willingness to help. After that we next met at a UK prophecy school in autumn 2010, where I think the now Advent Vision members sang together for the first time.




Advent Vision 2014

KH: Then towards the end of 2011/ beginning 2012, I was invited by Chiawuotu to officially work together in a core team of 3 to 5 young people as a music ministry.  I knew there was a strong possibility that our friendship may progress so after praying earnestly and informing my parents I joined the ministry.

CA: Yes I think our friendship progressed as we ministered together in song. I saw more of her lovely character and a glimpse into how Christ was adorning her inner life.

What boundaries did you put in place in order to have a healthy male female friendship while remaining open to the will of God? 

CA: Kimberley was so reserved from day one that I trembled for months in 2012/13 thinking about how she would respond if I told her that I was interested in courting her. This reserved behaviour help me to do a lot of serious spiritual reflection and seek spiritual counsel before even approaching her.

KH: I put up a wall. We always spoke and dealt with each other very business-like, communicating only to achieve something tangible and definite (e.g. mission work, music cd, organising etc) instead of aimless social talk. Also I tried not to be around Chiawuotu too much. Before joining together in a music ministry with Chiawuotu, I knew we would spend more time together so I kept my parents and close friends informed and updated so they could help me stay guarded. I was transparent with my parents from 2010/11 about our friendship at every stage.  Also, about the time that I realised that my affections were being called out and before I became too involved in the Advent Vision ministry, I providentially met Chiawuotu’s Mum and family and learnt more about his character and their characters. Because of all of these safeguards I felt safe as our friendship developed.


Drawn By His Loving Kindness 

 How did you deal with your growing feelings for each other?



Germany 2014

CA: Well I know expression deepens impression and so until I knew it was safe, I did not express my feelings to Kimberley at all. I dealt with my feelings through prayer and receiving spiritual counsel but without Kimberley’s knowledge.  I talked to my Mum a lot, who was a great help to me. And spent a lot of time reading Adventist Home and Letters to Young Lovers and Messages to Young People. This turned my mind to the responsibilities involved in marriage, which also helped me to control my feelings and not run ahead too quickly.

KH; I was as open as possible with God, parents and close family and friends but closed to Chiawuotu as much as possible and sometimes I think I came across rude.

How did you seek out the will of God in order to get answers about your growing feelings and friendship?

CA: I prayed and read, I read and prayed. I also sought a lot of counsel from parents, church members and friends. These were my three main pillars. I also analysed Kimberley’s character very closely and carefully where possible. 

KH: Exactly the same. Initially I spent time reading and then counselling with people I respected that knew me well and that would give me a Christian perspective. Prayer was key.

Why did you choose to counsel with others? 

CA: I know sometimes counselling with parents; church members and friends can seem like an obstacle in the path of a chosen relationship or even just a grudging formality. But I truly saw the blessing in considering and weighing their counsels. Their counsels were like apples of gold and silver. It was like standing on the shoulders of those who have more foresight and prudence so that I could foresee the difficulties, challenges and even blessings, which may lie further along this relationship path.

KH: With such an important decision, I knew I couldn't trust simply my feelings or my own perspective and I really valued the opinions of those who knew me best and who had helped me in the past. Most especially, I needed my parents to approve and love Chiawuotu to know God was leading. The positive responses from all counsellors really helped me to have confidence and discernment in the way God was leading. Without them I would not have been able to understand Gods leading so clearly. It really helped me to move forward.


Commit thy Way Unto The Lord

What evidence did you need to specifically see in Kimberley to know whether God was leading her to be your wife? And what solidified your decision?



ACE 2009

CA: I needed to see the evidence of her love for God in her speech, actions and manners. I needed to see the walking fulfilment of a virtuous woman outlined in Proverbs 31 and the spirit of prophecy, to know God was leading.

 What evidence did you need to specifically see in Chiawuotu to know whether God was leading him to be your Husband? And what were some of the things that solidified your decision? 

Working in the garden - Nigeria 2014

KH:  I needed to see that Chiawuotu could go through difficulty and hardship for the truth's sake. I needed to see that Chiawuotu would care for my spiritual life and show concern for my spiritual goals. I needed evidence that Chiawuotu would be able to be patient with my mistakes and speak kindly even at these times. And though I saw all these evidences, it was still not easy to decide in the positive, but I knew God was leading. God would constantly affirm my decisions through scripture after scripture. 

Then finally I held out a 'Gideon’s fleece' by asking God to lay the idea of a dowry on Chiawuotu's heart and around the time of our engagement God graciously answered my prayer. 

Chiawuotu, tell us how you asked Kimberley to enter into a courtship with you?

  First I told Kimberley that I wanted to speak to her parents, then after parental permission face to face, I asked Kimberley on the telephone if she would court me.  Kim asked me quite a few questions on my idea of courtship and after I passed her quiz, she said yes.

Courtship and Engagement Story 



Advent Vision's first album

KH: Our courtship involved a lot of ministry work together. During this time, we completed our first Advent Vision cd ‘Dear Pilgrim’ and travelled to many churches and meetings across the UK and the globe sharing the third angel in song. Some of our favourite memories are when we were in Sheffield, Slovakia, Germany, Oregon and Nigeria.

CA: It’s a great blessing to see how God can use us together to bring joy to others, which perhaps we couldn’t do in the same way if we were alone. One highlight for me was speaking to Kimberley’s Dad for permission to court. I was so nervous that the words did not come out of my mouth properly, yet Kimberley’s Dad was kind and used humour to help me cough out my question.

KH: I also appreciated Chiawuotu’s encouragement in my personal challenges and getting to know each others family.

Both:  Oh and we both are learning, just how important it is to work together, blend, submit, forbear and be patient.

Working together - Nigeria 2014

The Marriage Proposal 

KH: God asked me first if I would marry Chiawuotu, a few weeks before Chiawuotu did. I told my parents my thoughts and I made a decision during this time, which enabled me to give a prompt answer when Chiawuotu asked a few weeks later. ( 3rd January 2014).



In the pineapple field - Nigeria 2014

CA: Well I proposed at the beginning of this year in Germany. We were at a bible meeting and one morning Kimberley asked if she could join me on my morning devotion walk.  I had spoken with her Dad the day before on the telephone and he had given me permission to ask Kimberley to marry me. But Kimberley did not know.  After personal devotion and then a communal nature devotion together, we knelt down to pray on the top of a hill, amidst the beautiful sloping hills and singing birds.  I prayed first and thanked God for her and being able to speak with her Dad, and then asked if she would marry me  (with our eyes closed still praying).


KH: Then when I heard I was so surprised. I opened my eyes and said  ‘Of course I will..ehemm’ No I should respond by prayer. Then I closed my eyes and said yes in prayer.

CA: Then we joyfully stood to our feet and asked again and responded again and then went to the next bible meeting for the day.

Soon to be Mr and Mrs Anyanwu -  Nigeria 2014

Now you’re getting married this summer, what would you say your vision, mission or purpose in marriage will be? What influence do you hope your marriage union will have on others as well as yourselves? 

KH: My vision is that we would be sealed for Gods kingdom, and my influence will help Chiawuotu heavenward and that our relationship would have a saving influence on all our family and friends to be also saved in the Kingdom. My mission and purpose is to support Chiawuotu with his life work, and to make a happy functioning home, which will be a blessing to our community and even to the ends of the world.

CA: My vision is to win as many souls for Christ through my family ministry in song, sermon, saving health and most importantly our ‘living testimony’. It’ s our mission to use our time, talents and means to further Gods cause and allow God to reproduce His character in us so we can hopefully ‘go to our heaven bound home.’

Smile - Nigeria 2014

Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 

Psalms 37:4-5



You can follow Chiawuotu and Kimberley's journey at www.chiawuotuandkimberley.weebly.com

Thanks for reading!

Love, your girl forever,

♥ Miss Daisy ♥