July 4, 2012 by JAYNE AUGOYE
For the first time since June 24 when the pastor of
the Lagos-based Household of God, Rev. Chris Okotie, announced his
separation from his spouse of four years, Stephanie Henshaw, the latter
has taken to Facebook to tell her story.
Writing on her Facebook account (Stephanie Adie
Henshaw), which appeared to have been opened a few days after the
separation, she indicated that the separation was not her initiative.
The initial information posted on Sunday read, “Today
makes it three weeks I was asked for a separation and a week and four
days I packed out. Romans 8:28: ‘All things work together for good for
those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. I
am as shocked as most people are, as there has not been an argument in
my home. In over a year we have been as happy as everybody thought we
were. I wait because I know in time God will make known what has gone
wrong.”
In other postings, Henshaw, who has reverted to her
maiden name, disclosed that she had known her ex husband for almost two
decades.
“Twenty years I have known a man, 15 years we have
been the closest friends. I prepared all his meals for 10 years,
including the four years we were married. The day I was asked to leave I
prepared his meal, served it and I left. For the four years he never
fell ill but today I am called all sorts of names -’ ‘witch’, and
‘mermaid spirit.’ I have served Jesus with clean hands and a clean
heart. I have loved all that have come my way and if I do not live
through this pain and hurt as sure as Jesus lives my children will see
my vindication.”
Speaking through various other posts, an obviously
aggrieved Henshaw, also gave hints that she was implicated and falsely
accused by ‘certain church members’.
“Lies, not from the world but the church; accusations
not from the world, but the church. Where are the spirit filled
Christians, the ones who fear and hear the Lord. My husband loves and
adores me; he is not the one saying these things, the enemies from
within who hate me. They hate the grace God showed me. They hate the
mercy God has had on me. So, they come up with all kinds of lies. My
going can bring one Mrs. Okotie, but what happens to the rest of you?
You bring shame to the body of Christ out of your jealousy and selfish
desire and in the process expose your pastor. The work he has to do cost
Jesus his life, don’t joke with it. Our friendship is not based on
marriage. You manipulate things at the expense of God’s work and name.
It is not about me. It has never been: it is about the will of God.’’
In another post, Henshaw, who hails from Cross River State, prays for a vindication.
She cries, “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I
look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wing
until the danger passes by. Vindicate me, Lord. All things are open
before you, righteous judge. I remain still, speak on my behalf. I
submitted to the end. I did all I was asked to do, Lord. I left that
home blameless before you. I have loved but have not been loved. I have
given and not received; but that is contrary to your word, Lord. So,
today I ask your word be made manifest in my life.”
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