Abiodun Kumuyi: A Woman Of Grace And Devotion
Some lives are lived quietly, while others shine as beacons of faith, inspiring generations. Abiodun Kumuyi was one such beacon; a woman whose devotion to God, commitment to her family, and impact on Christian women remain unforgettable. From her conversion to Christianity to her role in the Deeper Life Bible Church and her passionate service to women, her journey was one of divine purpose and unwavering dedication.
A Life Transformed by Faith
Born on January 7, 1952, into the Olowu family of Epe, Lagos State, Abiodun received her early education at Baptist Primary School, Surulere, before proceeding to New Era Girls’ Secondary School. She later attended the Federal College of Education, Akoka, Lagos, where she studied business and secretarial studies.
Her conversion to Christianity in 1972 was a defining moment in her life, though there are two versions of the story. One account states that she was led to Christ by a fellow teacher, Mrs Ruth Nzegu (née Ijeh), while working at Corona Schools, Lagos. Another version recounts that a passionate young evangelist approached her on the streets of Lagos and led her to salvation. Regardless of how it happened, Abiodun’s newfound faith set her on a lifelong journey of dedication to God.
Coming from a non-Christian background, her decision to follow Christ was met with opposition, deprivation, and alienation. However, she stood firm, refusing to renounce her faith. Instead, she became even more committed, holding onto God’s promises with unwavering trust.
A Divine Connection and Early Ministry Work
Through divine providence, Abiodun was introduced to William Folorunsho Kumuyi, then a young mathematics lecturer at the University of Lagos. At the time, he had begun a small Bible study group in his residence on the university campus, and Abiodun became one of the original fifteen members in 1973. That Bible study would later grow into the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, one of the most influential Christian movements in Nigeria and beyond.
Even before she married Pastor Kumuyi, Abiodun was already making significant contributions to the ministry. She transcribed his messages into tracts and books, manually labelled the ministry’s cassette tapes, and even pioneered the first choir of the Monday Bible Study. Her commitment to spreading the gospel was evident from the beginning, as she devoted her time and skills to ensuring the ministry’s growth.
Marriage and Greater Responsibilities
On September 13, 1980, Abiodun married Pastor Kumuyi, a union that was not just about companionship but also about a shared vision for God’s work. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Jeremiah and John. As the wife of the pastor of one of the fastest-growing churches in the world, she took on enormous responsibilities, fully immersing herself in the church’s women’s ministry.
Her vision for Christian women extended beyond spiritual matters. She worked tirelessly to address both the physical and spiritual well-being of women. She also organised health seminars and village outreaches, where she worked alongside medical personnel to provide free healthcare, medicines, and relief materials to the less privileged. These outreaches were not just about physical aid but also about spreading the gospel.
Christian Women Mirror: A Platform for Empowerment
One of her greatest contributions was founding the Christian Women Mirror magazine in October 1992. As the editor-in-chief, she ensured that the publication provided Christian women with wisdom, guidance, and inspiration on how to excel as wives, mothers, and individuals of faith.
With a dedicated and highly motivated team, she grew the magazine’s readership beyond the Deeper Life community. It became a must-have for many Christian homes, widely read by both men and women. Though a ministry publication, it transcended denominational lines due to its practical biblical teachings on everyday life.
A Heart of Generosity and Compassion
Abiodun Kumuyi was not only a spiritual leader but also a humanitarian. She created an interest-free loan scheme to help struggling women start businesses, ensuring that no woman abandoned her faith due to financial hardship.
She also took a personal interest in widows, fatherless children, and struggling families. Many testimonies emerged of women lifted from poverty, children whose education she supported, and homes restored through her counselling and prayers.
A Model of Godly Leadership and Marriage
As a leader, she believed in empowering Christian women to take on leadership roles in the church. Through training programmes and mentorship, she helped develop a new generation of Christian women leaders.
Her leadership style was marked by humility, hard work, and a deep commitment to serving others. Despite her exalted position, she remained approachable and focused on uplifting those around her.
As a wife, she was a true helpmeet to Pastor Kumuyi. She was always by his side, accompanying him on missionary trips and supporting his vision. Pastor Kumuyi described her as:
- “A wife in a million, a rare gem, a true helpmeet.”
- “Completely devoted, supportive, and encouraging.”
- “A woman of a loving heart who nurtured others without seeking undue attention.”
She embodied biblical values of submission, love, and faithfulness, serving as an example to Christian wives everywhere.
A Glorious Homegoing
Even in her final days, Abiodun Kumuyi’s devotion to God remained unwavering. In April 2009, despite being unable to attend the Deeper Life Easter Retreat due to her frail health, she participated via satellite transmission from her home at the International Bible Training Centre, Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos.
On the morning of April 11, 2009, she joined the Faith Clinic session of the retreat, singing joyfully along with the congregation. As her husband preached on The Shield of Faith, she listened attentively. When the final prayers were said, she responded, Amen, then peacefully turned her face and closed her eyes. She had gone to be with the Lord she had served so faithfully.
A Legacy That Lives On
Though she is no longer physically present, Abiodun Kumuyi’s influence continues through the lives she touches. From the countless women she mentored to the homes she restored, her legacy remains strong. The Christian Women Mirror magazine continues to empower women and the programmes she pioneered still uplift Christian families.
Her life is a testament to the power of faith, service, and love. She was a woman who lived for God and others and, in doing so, left an indelible mark on the world.
As we remember Abiodun Kumuyi, we celebrate not just the woman she was but the inspiration she remains—a guiding light for Christian women and believers across the world.
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Content Credit: Agbetan Bisola
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