At the just concluded Ministers’ Wives Annual Conference held from 23-25 April, 2024, at Kwarhi, Hong LGA, Adamawa State, the wife of the outgoing EYN President, Mrs. Salamatu Joel Billi, addressed her fellow pastors’ wives with words of wisdom and encouragement.
She emphasized the importance of self-respect, urging them to carry themselves with dignity so as to command respect from others. Additionally, she admonished them to cultivate a spirit of contentment, grateful for the blessings they have received without any competition.
She said” during the last Women Fellowship Convention, it came to our notice of how some Women Fellowship officials disregard Pastors wives at their various LCCs. Many Pastors’ wives cried when the issue was raised – that some churches claim they cannot sponsor Pastors’ wives to the ZME Convention which was a deliberate attempt to sideline them. Despite frowning at this, we also have to look at some of our behaviors as Pastors’ wives. Some of us feel as if the Call is about getting rich, which is far from that”. She further explained that many pastors’ wives show superiority over the ZME official when it comes to allowances. “if the church agrees to pay a Pastor’s wife the same allowances with her husband its okay, but do not expect the ZME to do the same. What is given to the ZME officials is the same as what will be given to you as the wife of the Pastor”.
In a lighter tone she clarifies that a Pastors wife working in a government parastatal has not committed any form of sin and it’s not a sign of Stubbornness or disrespect. She therefore encourages women to avoid idealness while urging all Pastors to give ardent support to their wives financially, especially those who are not working.
Mrs. Billi also took the opportunity to present a book she authored, titled “Working Behind the Scenes”, which has been praised as an inspiring and insightful read. The book offers a unique perspective on the role of pastors’ wives and the challenges they face.
In her remarks, Mrs. Billi expressed her heartfelt gratitude to God for His faithfulness and guidance throughout her eight years in office. She also extended her appreciation to the pastors’ wives for their unwavering support and prayers, which have been a source of strength and comfort to her.”
In a separate event, wife of the outgoing Vice President Mrs. Saratu A. Ndamsai expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the pastors’ wives in attendance, thanking them for their unwavering support, prayers, and valuable advice throughout her husband’s eight-year tenure. She acknowledged the significant role they played in encouraging and strengthening her during the journey. The conference, which brought together ministers’ wives from across the region, aimed to foster unity, spiritual growth, and empowerment among the women. The event featured inspiring Sermons, Teachings, Discussions, Q & A sessions, providing a platform for the women to connect and support one another in their shared calling.
