By Christy Anyanwu
Wife of the founder of Victorious Army Ministries, Pastor Blessing Agboli, is a woman of God who has won many hearts with her simplicity, charisma and spirituality.
Her husband, Reverend Joseph Agboli, regarded as a man of God well known for his passion for prayers and spiritual principles, passed away on August 25, 2021, at the age of 58.
The church, with branches in several Nigerian states, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States, has its headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.
In this interview, Pastor Blessing shares what she misses about her husband.
How have you been carrying on since your husband’s demise?
It has been by the mercy and grace of God alone. No one can truly prepare for such a loss, but I have found my strength in the Lord. Apostle Joseph Agboli was not just my husband, he was my covenant partner, my best friend, and my covering. The bond we shared was one of deep spiritual alignment and love. I am leaning daily on the Holy Spirit, who is my Comforter. He has been faithful to me and my children. I remain rooted in the work of the ministry, knowing that Apostle laid a strong foundation, and by God’s grace, I continue to build upon it. As believers, we hold on to the promise that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
What do you miss most about him?
His presence, his smile, his voice, his peace. Apostle had a way of making everything calm, even in the midst of a storm. He would look at me and smile, and somehow the weight of the day would lift. He was full of wisdom, yet gentle; firm, yet tender. He knew how to really listen, and above all, he made me laugh.
Since he went to be with the Lord, I have not laughed the same way. Men like him are rare, he was truly one of a kind. I pray that young women today are blessed with men who fear God and love their wives the way he loved me.
Is the church work not affecting your business now?
Years ago, the Lord gave me wisdom to appoint capable hands to manage the business side of things, so I could focus fully on ministry and family. I believe in order and stewardship. By God’s grace, I have been able to fulfil my calling without neglecting the responsibilities entrusted to me in other areas.
Would you say God prepared you for a time like this?
That is what people say, but no one is ever truly prepared for the loss of someone they love so deeply. Even now, my body trembles when I think of his absence. But I have come to understand that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. He has held me up when I felt like I could not stand. It is not by my might, but by His Spirit.
What advice do you have for widows?
Make God your everything. Let Him be your anchor, your shield, your provider, and your peace. People may fail, systems may fail, but God never fails. He sees you. He hears your cry. Remember His Word in Exodus 22:22-24, where He warns not to oppress the widow or the fatherless. That scripture has been a pillar of comfort for me. Anyone who mocks or takes advantage of you is answerable to God.
You are not alone. God is with you. He will uphold you, provide for you, and carry you through every season.
What lessons have you learnt about life, especially during your grieving moments and now?
One of the lessons that I learned while I was grieving was to not trust anyone over the phone. People had been recording my voice and also misquoting things that I had said. That first year was awful. At my lowest moment was when most people engaged in gossip against me and people began to push rumours of what my husband’s family accused me of, without any research or proof. They tried to taint my name in hopes to drive me and my adult children away so they could take our property.
What are some ways that you’d like to honour your husband’s memory or legacy?
I would like for the Legacy of Apostle Joseph Agboli to live on. He was not just a Papa of the church, but a caring husband and father who stood by me through all of the issues of life. He was a friend in my corner and someone that I could confide in when times were hard. He lived what he preached, a gentleman who never forced Christianity on our children but instead he encouraged them through love. And because of that, they willingly followed Jesus Christ through the example that was set for them. Our weekly bible studies were filled with laughter and sharing of stories, which is something that we will continue as a family unit.
How do you spend your days?
I spend time in the presence of God, praying, studying His Word, and ministering to His people as the Spirit leads. My days are shaped around my calling. In God’s presence, I find strength. In His Word, I find direction. And in the people He has entrusted to me, I find purpose.
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