PASTOR CHRIS OKOTIE’S SECOND FAILED MARRIAGE
Jesus says: “Whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:32).
On 24th June, 2012, Chris Okotie announced that his second marriage to two-time divorcee, Stephanie Henshaw had collapsed:
“Stephanie and I are no longer married. We have separated. You can see she’s not in church today. It’s due to irreconcilable differences and you should please respect our wishes at this time because there is no going back.”
Members of Chris Okotie’s Household of God Church were banned from discussing his failed marriage. They were expressly warned to “get rid of the finger that could lead them to hell.” Chris Okotie apparently said he plans to re-marry again. He is reported to have quoted from the book of Genesis: “It is not good for a man to be alone.”
Stephanie Adie Henshaw wrote a series of emotional appeals on her Facebook page which sheds some light on her separation from her “husband:”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.’’
“I submitted to the end, I did all I was asked to do, lord I left that home blameless before u, I have loved, but have not been loved, I have given and not received but that is contrary you yr word lord so today I ask yr word be made manifest in my life.”
“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.”
