Tolu writes:
Our love story is simple yet supernatural. We are the product of many prayers and proof that it doesn’t take forever to be in love. We found each other because we yielded to God’s spirit in us.
Two years ago I met Aunty Nike, Ibukun’s aunt who told me she had a husband for me the first time she set her eyes on me. I told her I wasn’t interested and in fact I was in another relationship. Around the same time, a mutual friend of ours had told me about her friend Ibukun, whom she thought would be great for me. I declined the offer and even encouraged her to follow up for herself since she thought he was really amazing. I found out later they both referred to the same person.
Fast forward a few months later, I started receiving text messages which progressed into phone calls from this Ibukun guy. After about 3 telephone conversations he stated his intentions, less than 2weeks after we started chatting which I really appreciated but found really bold. I was astounded because we had only met once and I had no interests in him. I requested that he did not call me again as I needed some time to pray without my emotions getting in the way and promised to get back with a response. He heeded and didn’t call. Three months later, I responded positively!
Right after I said yes, Ibukun’s first request to me was “I would love us to pray together at least once every week†to which I replied “of courseâ€. We have done that ever since and it has been the petri dish on which our love has blossomed. We continue to grow in love and learn about each other with each passing moment.
Anybody that knows Ibukun very well knows he isn’t your average guy. You literally have to unravel the personality of the guy to fall in love with him. He can actually hold a scintillating conversation and have a really good laugh. I love that he has a teachable spirit, he is dependable and he is very gentle.
I have found my lover, mi caballero, the one whom I have chosen to do life with. We are excited about our relationship, God’s gift of love to us. We look forward with great expectations to building our future together.
Ibukun writes:
Left to my own devices, I never would have even considered asking Tolu out. My good friend Bukunmi had told me about this friend of hers that would be “perfect” for me, and despite my polite smile, I was having none of it.
I used to think that I had things pretty well figured out in my bachelor days. I wanted to get married, but I wasn’t into the whole dating game, and I thought I was pretty good at sizing up a woman and determining if she was wife material or not. Sooner or later, everyone who knows God finds out in person that He is ridiculously smarter that we humans are. It may sound cliche, but there really is no substitute for God’s best. You’ll never realize how much you’ve been wasting your time with your old relationships until God connects you with THAT person. I thought I knew the rules that would determine my ideal wife, but God wasn’t really interested in my little laundry list, because He knows me far better than I know myself. Am I ever thankful for that!
Sometime in January 2011, my Aunty Nike called me and told me about a girl she had met, and that I needed to talk to her. She raved on and on about how great this girl was — well brought up, strong Christian, the type of girl she’d want her little brother to marry, beautiful, etc. etc. I acknowledged her request politely, but I had little interest in matchmaking offers. Besides, this girl did not live in Houston, and the last thing I needed was a long distance relationship (or so I thought). Later as my friend Bukunmi told me about a friend of hers that would be “perfect” for me, I knew deep within me that this was the same person, but I still resisted. I did check up on her, though, as any warm-blooded bachelor would. “Eh, she’s a nice girl,” I surmised. “But not for me.”
Later in February, I was having a Super Bowl viewing party at my place. Bukunmi called me to say she was in town, and she had her friend in tow. I invited them to stop by. I chatted with Tolu for a little bit. We connected pretty well. We had a phone conversation some time later. I still wasn’t interested. I had enough reasons in my mind to not bother. A few months passed by.
Bukunmi was in Houston sometime in May. She brought up Tolu again — somehow word had gotten across to Tolu (through Aunty Nike) that I thought she was unavailable — and started teasing me about it. “Why is this girl’s matter coming up again?”, I wondered. I decided to pray. The more I prayed, the more convinced I was that I needed to pursue this, until I was pretty sure that she was my wife. This was rather irregular, considering that we had interacted for less than an hour in total up till that point. Yet I felt so sure. I dumped my old phone’s logs and analyzed them until I found her phone number, which I had forgotten to save previously. Time to make the call.
We talked that night for a couple of hours, and connected on just about everything. Then the next day, we talked for about five hours. For the first time in my life, I had found someone that truly “got” me. We connected intellectually. We connected spiritually. I had never had a conversation with anyone like this before. At that point I knew she was the one. Alarmed at how long we had talked for, she asked me not to call again for a month! I had to tell her my intentions, so I called back and did. She said she would need time to think about it. She couldn’t help it though (or so I like to think), so by the next day she was sending me text messages despite her own gag order, and the talk ban barely lasted a week.
When my birthday came up in July, Tolu helped me plan a celebration, but was noncommittal about actually coming. She eventually asked me to pick up my present from her aunty’s house in Houston. I went to pick it up, and she answered the door. Best. Birthday present. Ever. That weekend would be our first date. It has been the greatest ride of our lives since then. We got officially engaged on December 23rd, and we can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together!
40 Comments
05 June 12 at 1:19am
1
Tolu...my best friend, Sister! I remember the first time you mentioned my new brother, I told you he was the one by Gods Spirit. Ibukun God has indeed greatly favored you with Tolu. Sweet, gentle yet firm full of love... I can go on forever. Seeing you guys together has been an amazing experience. I am celebrating the both of you today, the beautiful love that you share and most importantly thanking God for you daily. Congratulations Tolu & Ibukun with so much love!
05 June 12 at 2:00am
2
Tolu, what do I say? IBK hmmm. Tolu's famous confession was "with the Spirit of God in me I cannot miss it" (isaiah 30:21)and you did not. He who has started a good work in you will bring it to a perfect and complete end. I Love you both.
05 June 12 at 2:04am
3
Congrats my Brother and Sister... May God's grace continue to abide with you guys forever... God bless you :)
05 June 12 at 3:00am
4
Congratulations, Tolu and Ibk! Look at what the Lord has done--it's amazing. My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit praises His name. Remember 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-8a Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. The Lord God Almighty bless and keep you! May His face shine upon you on this beautiful journey.
05 June 12 at 3:25am
5
I am Tolu's dad, father of three ladies, on July 28th when Tolu and Ibukun take their vows, I will proudly welcome my second son on a platter of gold. May God see you through as you begin this journey, Amen. Let somebody shout halleluyah!
06 June 12 at 12:20am
6
Amen Daddy and i shout a big hallelujah too!!!
06 June 12 at 4:08pm
7
Tolu's sister,shouting halleluyah to my dad's post.
22 June 12 at 1:56pm
8
Hallelujah and praise be to God the great match maker. Congratulations Tolu and Ibukun- God bless you. Indeed in that day we will say "surely this is our God we trusted in him....." Isiah 25: 9. Much love Jen (Kemi's classmate FGGC Ibusa)
15 July 12 at 8:04pm
9
I'm Tolu's big sis, Dr Seyi...sshhhh:) Halleluyah daddy Dawodu congratulations to you and mommie Dawodu. IBUKUN, you're one lucky man and definitely hit the biggest jackpot of your life in my sister Tolu. May God continue to perfect your union, double blessing in all that you both sow IJMN. Please you guys need to open your eyes wide open as i shall be living vicariously through your eyes on 7/28/12....again Congratulations and Enjoy the bliss!
05 June 12 at 5:00am
10
Congratz Ibukun n ur sweetie. seems like good old chemistry. bon voyage.
05 June 12 at 8:09am
11
Tolu, how happy I am for you that God has brought you a man you have chosen to accept as your husband. I am glad you have found love centered in God and rooted in the Word. Love you sis! Bro Ibukun I look forward to getting to know better as the years go by. God bless your union, Tolu and Ibukun! With much love and joy!
05 June 12 at 11:42am
12
Wow! Ibukun, I'm really proud of you. Your wife to-be is simply lovely. I pray His grace will continually increase in your lives.
05 June 12 at 12:58pm
13
IBK!!!! I am soooo happy. After the long and patient search for the bone of your bone and flesh of your flesh, you finally found her. Glory be to God. Though I have not officially met Tolu, I just want to say that I thank God for you and I am certain that you will make my bro happy. God bless you guys.
05 June 12 at 2:21pm
14
Darling,this is so beautiful. What a beautiful confession “with d spirit of God in me I can't miss it". Congratulations this what happens to God's children. I'm so thrilled. God bless you&ur husband real good. Looking forward to seeing u all in july. Congratulations
05 June 12 at 3:23pm
15
Tolu, that birthday present sure brought tears of joy to my eyes. LOL. Ibukun, no doubt that was the best present you have ever received. LOL. God bless you both. May you remain friends till old age, IJN. Amen
05 June 12 at 5:59pm
16
Congratulations TOlu and Ibukun this is clearly the work of God. we thank the good Lord that you two found each other. God bless you both in ways that you could not even imagine.
05 June 12 at 6:41pm
17
Aaaaaaaw. So very beautiful. I pray that your love grows stronger by the day, and sweeter by the hour, dearie. Your day wil be perfect in Jesus name.
05 June 12 at 8:29pm
18
Tolu my beloved friend words cant describe how happy i am for you. i wish u n Ibukun d best that marriage has to offer and i bless God for letting u guys find each other. I know that i have left my friend in pretty capable hands!! Congratulations Sweetie!!
05 June 12 at 10:24pm
19
My dearest Sis Tolu!!!! This is indeed the Lords’ doing, your union is a proof again and again that the author of marriage himself planned this from the very beginning and that he is a rewarder…….I can go on and on if not for the restriction for words here! I wish you the very best that you truly deserve. I know that heaven has sanctified that day because of you. Bro. Ibukun, my imagination cannot even begin to wonder what you have within you if one rib from you has produced an overloaded woman of virtue with such an explosive resume like Sister Tolu!!!! May yours be a marriage just as God intended. Miss you so much Sis. Tolu… Congratulations.
05 June 12 at 10:29pm
20
Tolu, I am so beyond happy for you. I wish you and Ibukun nothing but blessed happiness for your future. Ibukun, this is my sister - she is, and I am sure you know this, wonderful, beautifully open, spiritual, giving and so kind. Please treasure her! Tolu, I wish you continued happiness, my sister.
05 June 12 at 11:06pm
21
congrats my dear tolu. i wish u and ibk all d very best in marriage. we are in prayers wit u both. love u. linda & fidelis ikeji
06 June 12 at 12:22am
22
Sister Tolu, Congratulations once again. Blessed very much by your story and i hope so many couples continue to hear from God concerning future partners. Your home is blessed already with Godly children, good job, a Godly home and plenty of money of course hehe. luv yu
06 June 12 at 12:34am
23
My sister for eternity, TL you are a testimony of God's grace! Ibk, hmmm, i must say you are so favored to find my friend:) Congrats!!! Only goodness and mercy shall follow you two in marriage. May the grace of our lord Jesus, the love of God and the sweet fellowship of the holyspirit be with you forever. Amen
06 June 12 at 7:46am
24
I am idowu Lawanson, a friend to Mr&Mrs. Bisi Dawodu, parents of Tolu. Quite an interesting story, pray that God who has brought both of you this far will bring it to fruitful completion in Jesus name: One fact though Ibukun: you are marrying a girl that is very well brought up and into an excellent family, you would not have wished for better parents-inlaw, i can testify to that and you will find that out with time!
06 June 12 at 9:26am
25
This is God at work, am hapi for you Tolu and Ibukun. God bless ur union
06 June 12 at 4:21pm
26
My darling Ibk n Tolu,your lovestory is indeed proof that God is faithful and all we have to do is trust in him.Some people make up stories of how they met n so on,but this is one story i followed up on first hand and i have classified information that alll that is here is nothing but the truth,though Tolu did not tell me she surprised Ibukun as his birthday present.lol.I NEVER saw my sister getting married in the near future cos she always wanted to travel the world and save Nigeria,she didnt even have time for relationships n all of a sudden,God delivered Ibukun to her doorsteps literally.Meeting Ibk and seeing you both together has me convinced that you 2 were truly meant to be.I am delighted at having a new brother,welcome n board,and congratulations for being the lucky man that has enthralled my baby sister. As you build your home together,I pray God's presence,guidance and love stays with you forever.I LOVE YOU BOTH.
07 June 12 at 1:51am
27
Seyi I second you on this for sure it is a match made from heaven and a prove of Habakkuk 2:3 " For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry" God for sure have orchestrasted plans for our previous Tolu D. I remember talking about marriage with her last year january and her reply was a list of all she needs to get done before thinking about marriage using Obama and Mitchelle as her example and she concluded by telling me that there is room for me to over take. Ibukun I haven't met you yet but I must say that you are a blessed man for the Lord to have delivered our special Tolu D to you and I wish you both the very best in Christ Jesus.
07 June 12 at 7:15pm
28
Am wowed! Tolu am happy for you, tears of joy rolls down. May the good Lord bless this union. Tolu you have been such a wonderful person so am not suprised your blessed by a wonderful guy.
07 June 12 at 8:21pm
29
Tolu, this sounds so magical, really it is only God that gives such beautiful gift, your confession with the spirit of God, u wont miss it, truly u did not miss it, congratulations Tolu and Ibukun, may the spirit of God remain in your home now and always.
08 June 12 at 3:21am
30
Aww you guys love story is wonderful. The work of God is so beautiful. I thank God for your life Tolu you are such an amazing person and you deserve the very best. I'm so happy for you. Congratulations to you both. May God continue to richly bless in every area of your life.
08 June 12 at 11:27pm
31
We are Ibukun's Dad & Mom. This love story is the answer to our many years of prayers and fasting. We are very excited & thrilled by this. Ibukun is a very precious son and we are so glad that we are having a precious daughter in Tolu. May the Lord bless you both with deeper & deeper love for one another and for the Lord Jesus. May your home become a stronghold for God & His kingdom in your generation Amen!
10 June 12 at 8:10pm
32
Bubus,congratulations.
12 June 12 at 4:37am
33
My lovely sister and friend! You are blessed and highly favored! You are blessed amongst all women and your future is so bright. I'm blessed to know you and to have you as a close friend, you have been better to me than 10 friends put together. You, my sister are a perfect depiction of a virtuous woman, an epitome of one who is after the very heart of our heavenly father. Im not only happy and grateful to God for this new chapter in your life, I'm also very eager and expectant for what God has in store for both of you. I look forward to the lives you both will change, the souls you will win, the houses you will build, the companies, universities, and institutions you will establish around the world. The whole world belongs to us and we are taking it all in Jesus name. I love you so much, congratulations my dear and I look forward to being on ur bridal train. You are an excellent woman and I thank God that Ibukun will have you as his wife. He couldnt have made a better choice. I could keep going on and on my love, but I think I'll stop here. It's no fun typing with one finger on an iPad ;) I love you hun, and stay true to yourself. Remember my poem to you? You must never forget. Lots of love and kisses....... Xoxoxoxoxo You're the bestest friend ever, I love you....*muah*
12 June 12 at 9:35am
34
Wow! I always love a great love story. So excited for you Ibk. Your wife sure is a pretty woman with a prettier faith. May Proverbs 4:18 be real for you in your relationship and home. Congratulations! I Celebrate You!!
13 June 12 at 2:39pm
35
Tolu Dear! my wonderful side mate, ur Love story thrills me. God has blessed u and favoured your Husband. May ur union blossom forever. As u laid ur foundation upon the Christ, there wont be any storm that u wont triumph. I rejoice with u both and my Prayer is that ur wedding and Union will be successful in Jesus Name. Amen. Congratttttttttttttttsssssssssssssss!
20 June 12 at 2:01pm
36
Hmmmmm... I really can't believe my eyes added extra moisture having read both your testimonies. Sorry Ibukun, i can't say much till we get to see in person buh as for my one time bestie (we're still close anyway) i have more than a volume to say. My childhood friend, we attended same Primary and Secondary school before she left after Jss3. She always hold a special place in my heart. I once said to another friend in describing how much of a darling she is - that she's one person i can get married to without an iota of doubt even years after we last saw, i knew she has an impeccable character. Can't wait to tell your kids about her ;). Trust me Ibukun, she's the best thing that would ever happen to you after your Salvation!!! Love you dearie and for ma bruva, welcome to the family!!!
23 June 12 at 1:52pm
37
No doubt, This Union is of God. Reading your stories made me sing Oh, oh, oh, oh , oh, oh this love done make me Happy!!!. Again Ibk Tales that states "God is ridiculously smarter than we humans are. It may sound cliche, but there really is no substitute for God’s best.. Made me Scream in confirmation to such Divine Manifestation. it is only by His grace that We connect n conform to His desire for Us. Tolu, you are and will be all the Bible say of a Reputable Woman to Her Home. As you both compliment yourselves God is definitely going to complete and Perfect all that concerns your Home. Amen. CONGRATULATION.
29 June 12 at 12:44am
38
Dear Tolu & IBK, Congratulations!!! He who finds a wife - has found a good teasure and has obtained favor of the Lord. She that is found of a man after God's own heart -is truly blessed. May you both be living epistles - a shining light in a dark & perverse world - a delight to the Master! May this match made in Heaven be perfected here on earth! I love U! God's bless U!
03 July 12 at 10:31pm
39
Congratulations Tolu and Ibukun! We thank God for His favor bestowed on both of you in finding each other. We have been longing and praying for this wedding date to come. As my uncle (Ibukun's dad) stated above, Ibukun is a precious son & is also from an extended family rooted in the love of God. My mom (Ibukun's aunt) as well as the rest of my family were thrilled to have met Tolu in NY. We saw the new sparkle in Ibukun & most importantly, we saw in Tolu the qualities of a God fearing & loving daughter. We are so glad your home is going to be solidly built on the foundation of God's word. May the love, peace & joy of God abound in your new home. May you steadfastly be an encourager to one another. May your love for each other & for God wax stronger every day in Jesus name. Amen. We love you both and look forward to welcoming Tolu to the family on July 28th. God bless
07 July 12 at 1:43pm
40
Beautiful!!!