L-R | Joshua Ssenyonga, Aaron Ssenabulya, Pastor Jackson Senyonga and Jackie Ssenabulya. COURTESY PHOTO.
Pastor Jackson Ssenyonga’s newlywed daughter Jackie together with her husband Aaron Ssenabulya have been encouraged to prioritize love and faithfulness if they are to have a successful marriage.
Speaking during the couple’s wedding ceremony at Christian Life Church in Kampala, the main celebrant Pastor Neville Hollands explained Saturday that the marriage covenant is a solemn oath made before God.
The colorful and opulent ceremony was graced by State Minister for Northern Uganda Hon. Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny (representing the First Lady Mrs. Janet Museveni), former head of State House anti-corruption unit Colonel Edith Nakalema, Mrs Irene Kauma from the office of the First Lady of Uganda, Apostle John Bunjo among others.
“Love and faithfulness are the basis of a successful Christian marriage, and both are important. As we live by these attributes, we find favour with God and man,” Pastor Neville Hollands explained, quoting Proverbs 3:3-4.
Pastor Hollands, married 44 years and team leader at LifeSpring Church – UK stated that marriage is important to God and was instituted and blessed by Him.
“In our culture in Europe and I am sure it will be spreading to Africa, marriage is being redefined and it is being undermined. But, marriage is between a man and a woman – and it is supposed to be for life. Marriage is precious to God, and it is a picture of Jesus’ union with the Church,” he said.
Pastor Neville Hollands stated that “all successful marriages require work.”
“I have realised that many marriages fail – even christian marriages – but as followers of Jesus we need to work hard at working marriage successful,” he said.
Hollands explained that together with his wife, Pastora Jackie Hollandsthey have had ups and downs but in the end, “because we love God and we love each other, we have worked at marking it worthwhile,” he said.
“Do not forget what you have been taught by Christian parents. Of-course, it is not only knowing [God’s commandments] and remembering, it is about living and doing which really counts. When His commands are in our hearts, then our desire to live according to His will and purpose isn’t the hard thing we try to attain, but it flows from within our hearts. When we live according to God’s word, we can expect to know the flow of this life, bringing peace and prosperity.
Speaking to Aaron and Jackie Ssenabulya, Pastor Hollands urged that there is no better way to start off married life than by choosing to live for Christ and making Him your number one priority.
The couple was told romance and intimacy are an important part of marriage.
Pastor Hollands cautioned preachers who put ministry before marriage, urging that the end result is often “not so good.”
“Marriage is love, but it is also covenant or commitment. You have made your vows today, before God and before each other, before your family and friends, and it will take love and faithfulness to keep them. Let them be key principles in your marriage.”
