A wedding in God's timing
Julien and Mari Mupenge got married in 2012. They were each in separate countries on the day of their marriage, but finally had the wedding they desired, together in 2024.
Julien and Mari were dating in 2005 when conflict broke out in Julien’s village in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and he fled to South Africa. He kept in contact with his loved ones (although he hasn’t been able to travel back and visit his family in nearly 20 years). Despite the distance, Julien knew that Mari was the wife for him. In 2010 he proposed to Mari and he paid the lobola that he had been working for, as he and Mari wanted to be married.
However, he couldn’t risk going back to the DRC. So, his brother Issi, stood as a proxy for him in court in the DRC, allowing Julien and Mari to receive their official marriage certificate issued in French. After seven years of living apart, in 2012 he had the joy of being able to bring his bride to South Africa and start their life together.
Julien yearned for a Christian wedding ceremony where he could stand side by side with his bride and receive a covenantal blessing on their marriage. They both felt this was missing.
On Thursday 12 September 2024 Julien and Mari got to have the wedding they had been longing for and their two daughters, Esther and Praise could be part of the celebration as they renewed their vows.
The event was hosted by their cell-connect group family, in the ESCC Upper Room and they made it really beautiful. There was a wedding cake and Marie made a beautiful bride. She got her day. The girls were adorable and glowing from ear to ear to be part of this and Julien was also as pleased as can be.
Bruce officiated the ceremony and spoke about how just as Ruth and Naomi’s story began with difficulty, it was ultimately a story of redemption. Bruce explained, “What is interesting is that this story is part of the genealogy of Jesus and is mentioned in Matthew chapter one. Complete redemption. Our saviour was born out of this redemption. What started complex ends in the Cross and Resurrection. I pray the same for you – may the road ahead lead to the cross and a wonderful story of redemption and the goodness of God. I believe this is God’s desire – so may it be God’s best for you.”
