Mike Bamiloye, the founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, recently shared a personal account of the financial challenges he and his wife, Gloria, endured during the early years of their marriage.
In a post on Instagram, Bamiloye explained that they depended on the kindness of others to prepare for their wedding. His best man provided him with a suit, while his sister-in-law supplied the shoes and socks he wore on the big day.
Their financial struggles continued beyond the wedding. Bamiloye revealed that they couldn’t even afford the ₦170 fee required for a court marriage, so they had to forgo the legal documentation at the time.
After the wedding, Bamiloye was unable to afford a honeymoon for his wife. Instead, they stayed in the apartment, which had been rented by his older sister to ensure they had a place of their own after the wedding.
He described how others generously stepped in to help them during this period. His best man bought him his suit, and his sister-in-law provided the shoes and socks. They had also been assisted by a kind member of their ministry who contributed money to rent a wedding gown.
Bamiloye recalled visiting the registry to inquire about a court marriage, but despite the low cost, they couldn’t afford it and never returned to complete the process. It wasn’t until six years later, when an embassy required it, that they finally obtained a marriage certificate.
All the money they received on their wedding day went towards clearing debts, including paying for the wedding programs. Two days after the wedding, they were left with no money.
On the following Saturday, they had a drama ministration in Ilesa but lacked the funds to get there, so they stood by the roadside waiting for a lift.
Bamiloye expressed deep gratitude for his wife, Gloria, acknowledging that she never put pressure on him during those difficult times. He credited their journey to God’s grace, appreciating her unwavering support throughout their early struggles.
