Julie Akhimien, national president of Christian Women Fellowship International (CWFI) and wife of Festus Akhimien, bishop of Church of God Mission, Abuja Bishopric, spoke with JOHN OSADOLOR and CYNTHIA EGBOBOH on faith, family, women’s leadership and why Christian women should participate actively in politics.
At 60, what would you say you are most grateful to God for?
There are so many things to be grateful for that it is difficult to count them. First, I thank God for life. Not just life, but a life that I am living for Him. Decades after that first cry on March 5, 1966, I am not just alive; I am well and in Christ.
Many years ago, when I was a Sunday school teacher, I taught a group of children who were so attached to me that when they were promoted, they didn’t want to leave my class. We used to sing a song before every lesson: “Something more than gold, something more than silver, the Spirit of God in the heart of man is something more than gold.”
That song still resonates with me today. I am grateful that the Spirit of God in my heart has shaped me into the woman God wants me to be and continues to guide my life.
I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve in God’s vineyard and impact lives. As part of my 60th birthday celebration, a book titled “God’s Specimen” will be unveiled. In that book, I shared my story, and people also wrote testimonies about the impact my life has had on them. Some of the things they mentioned even surprised me because I had forgotten them.
The Bible says it is God who works in us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure. I often tell children that we are pencils in God’s hands. The impact a pencil makes depends on the hand holding it. I am grateful that God has used my life to bring Him glory and to impact others.
I am also grateful for my husband, whom I call my God-given husband and my gardener husband because he has tended this garden so well. He met me when I was 17 and never took advantage of me. Instead, he guided me.
One of the greatest challenges we faced was waiting for 20 years before having our child. Not once did he make me feel less than a woman. I don’t know how many people would wait that long, but he did. For that, I remain deeply grateful to God.
I am thankful for our son, Samuel Osahon Akhimien. His arrival changed the dynamics of our lives. Today when he hugs me, I sometimes wonder where the little boy I brought home 15 years ago has gone. He is a testimony of what God can do.
I am grateful for my family, both nuclear and extended, and for the body of Christ we serve in the Abuja Bishopric. There are countless reasons to thank God, and I cannot keep silent about them.
What gives you the greatest joy in service, and what challenges have you faced?
One of my greatest joys is seeing God come through for people.
Sometimes you meet people in situations where you know only God can help them. You pray with them and believe God with them, and when the testimony comes, it brings great joy.
Recently, there was a couple in our congregation who had been married for nine years without a child. They loved God and remained faithful. We prayed with them many times. The young woman often cried, and I would tell God, “You did it for me, please do it for her.”
On the day they brought their baby for dedication, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Moments like that are very special to me.
There are also times when you counsel people who are at their breaking point. Later they return to say your words helped them through that season. Seeing lives transformed like that is very fulfilling.
However, there are challenges too. Sometimes people misunderstand your good intentions. There are moments when people you have helped turn around and betray you. It can be painful.
But I remind myself that even Jesus said we would face persecution. When someone lies about you, both you and the person know the truth, and God knows the truth too. Time eventually reveals everything.
Can you tell us about Christian Women Fellowship International (CWFI)?
CWFI was founded in 1974 and will be 52 years old in August 2026. It is a registered faith-based non-governmental organization operating both nationally and internationally.
I currently serve as the National President, though I prefer to call myself the chief servant. I assumed this office in 2017 when the President-General and Archbishop of Church of God Mission International, Archbishop Margaret Benson Idahosa, appointed me.
CWFI is a trans-denominational body. Although it originated within Church of God Mission, it has grown beyond that. Today we describe ourselves as an organisation without walls.
Any woman who loves God and desires to serve Him is welcome. Our focus is on Christ, and our mission is to lead men, women and children to Him while upholding the dignity of womanhood.
We currently have more than 25,000 members, and the number continues to grow as new chapters are established. Every two years we hold a bi-annual convention at our international headquarters in Benin City, Edo State.
CWFI welcomes women from all walks of life — market women, professionals, and even first ladies. We also involve younger women through a programme called CWFI Legacies, ensuring the next generation is prepared to continue the vision.
What transformations have you seen in women through CWFI?
We have witnessed remarkable transformations. Many women come into CWFI feeling discouraged or broken, but through prayer, teaching and support, they find hope again. Prayer is central to what we do, and we have seen God answer countless prayers. Women testify about restored marriages, healed homes and breakthroughs in various areas of their lives. CWFI also creates a strong support system. When a woman is struggling, other women rally around her. We see ourselves as sisters who lift one another up rather than compete with one another.
Do you think Christian women should be active in politics?
Yes, absolutely.
If Christian women are not involved in politics, how can we influence change? We must participate actively so we can reform the system and contribute positively to society.
I am proud to say that CWFI women are already involved in politics. By God’s grace, we will continue to participate and make meaningful contributions.
What common challenges do Christian women face, and how does CWFI address them?
One challenge is vulnerability to negative influences. Sometimes women listen to voices that create jealousy, anger or division among them.
That is why teaching the Word of God is very important in CWFI. We help women recognize the voice of God and reject the voice of the enemy.
Jealousy is another issue. Sometimes a woman struggles to celebrate another woman’s success because she desired the same blessing. We remind them that God’s blessings are not limited. If someone else receives a blessing today, it does not mean yours has been taken away.
Through counseling, prayer and teaching, we help women overcome these challenges and grow spiritually.
How can women balance family, career, spirituality and personal growth?
There is no single formula because every woman’s situation is different. However, one principle we emphasize in CWFI is prioritization.
Our motto is “Focus on Christ.” When Christ is your focus, it becomes easier to set priorities.
For example, a woman who has built a career may need to adjust her priorities when she gets married or becomes a mother. That does not mean abandoning her career entirely, but it means recognizing the season she is in.
Life has different stages, and understanding those stages helps women balance their responsibilities.
We also encourage women to build capacity, develop themselves and avoid distractions, especially those that come from social media.
Ultimately, maintaining a strong relationship with God is key. As Jesus said, “Without me you can do nothing.” When women keep their focus on God, they can successfully navigate the different aspects of their lives.
