CELEBRATING 30TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY WITH PASTORS PAUL AND BECKY ENENCHE

Today, the 16th of April, 2024 marks the 30th Wedding Anniversary of a truly remarkable couple, the Senior Pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre Worldwide, Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche and Pastor Dr. Becky Enenche. On this joyous occasion my family joins millions around the world to celebrate, not only the tenacious love they have modelled in their marriage, but also their unbelievable accomplishments together as the Senior Pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), The Glory Dome, Abuja, and the hundreds of DIGC churches across the world. 

Pastors Paul and Becky Enenche's love story testifies to the power of God upon their union and the power of their mutual devotion to each other. Over the past thirty years, during which I have known them for the last twenty-three, they have built a solid example of love, friendship and mutual respect for our guidance - virtues that have become the cornerstone of their successful marriage and ministry. Their union shines a bright hope on the increasingly beleaguered marriage institution so that countless couples have been inspired to fight for their own marriages while multitudes of singles have been emboldened to exchange vows, persuaded that Godly marriages still exist. 

Together, this couple, full of the Holy Spirit and Power, have built a Leadership Legacy as the Senior Pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, one of Nigeria's largest mega churches that speaks for itself. The Glory Dome, the church's iconic headquarters in Abuja ranks in the topmost of the world's bespoke places of Christian worship while the hundreds of Dunamis churches around the world speak volumes about the reality of God's grace and truth undergirding their Call. 

Under their nurture, DIGC has grown into a global spiritual powerhouse that touches the lives of millions of people daily and has transformed communities through the power of the gospel. Their leadership style is characterized by humility, integrity, compassion and a deep passion for empowering others to reach their full potential in Christ. They have raised a generation of Christian and secular leaders who are making significant impact in various spheres of society, including business, education, healthcare, and government.

In their joint and individual capacities, Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche and Pastor Dr. Becky Enenche have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, vision, and dedication to their calling. The influence and reach of this man of God and his wife through their teachings, books, conferences, and media platforms have touched the lives of millions of people worldwide. God regularly heals the sick, delivers the oppressed and restores hope to all manners of the hurting and even hopeless in their meetings. 

Their commitment to excellence and innovation has led to the establishment of various institutions, including the Dunamis International School of Ministry (DISOM) and the Solomon School of Business & Leadership (SSBL). They have regularly spoken of their intentions to one day build a university and a Dunamis International School of Health and Medical Sciences. These institutions, existing and proposed, are designed to equip the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, skills, and character needed to make a significant impact in their communities and the world at large.

Today, as they celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary, they challenge the world with a legacy of love, leadership, and impact that will continue to inspire future generations. Their commitment to excellence for their four vastly talented children, their extended and church family and their high calling is a constant testament to the transformative impact of the gospel.

It is therefore my pleasure and privilege today, on behalf of my family, to celebrate the heads of my spiritual family, Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche and Pastor Dr. Becky Enenche on their 30th wedding anniversary, acknowledging their significant contributions to our personal growth and development, that of the body of Christ and the society at large. May their love continue to grow, and their impact continue to expand as they continue to serve God and humanity with dedication, excellence, and passion.

SKILLS OVER DEGREES: LESSONS FROM MARK ZUCKERBERG’S HIRING PHILOSOPHY

Mark Zuckerberg’s famous hiring philosophy – 'I will only hire someone to work directly for me if I would work for that person' has good lessons for today’s job seekers. To the cursory glance it might seem like a simple enough statement, but it is a strong barometer of the shift in employer hiring values that is happening among those whose job it is to acquire talent for companies even as we speak.

Being the optimal hire nowadays goes far beyond a well-crafted résume

Put simply, getting hired nowadays is no longer just about ticking off boxes on a resume anymore during selection and shortlisting - it is more about finding individuals who can lead, inspire, and contribute to the culture which the thriving company they want to join has painstakingly built, sometimes over decades.

So, if we go beyond qualifications, what then do employers really want? Zuckerberg's words suggest that he looks out for more than just technical skills and experience. He wants people who challenge him, people he can learn from and people who share his vision for the future - at least for Meta or any of the other worldwide companies he has built. This benchmarks several emerging trends in hiring.

1¦ Leadership and Potential: Companies are increasingly interested in candidates who demonstrate leadership potential early, even if they don't have years of managerial experience yet. This would mean people who demonstrate that they can take the initiative, solve problems creatively, innovate and inspire others.

2¦ Cultural Fit: A strong cultural fit is essential for both employee satisfaction and company success. Cultural fit is when your personal values, work style, and goals align with your company's mission, values, and work environment. Employers want people who share their work ethic and overall vision, not entitled brats or disentitled victims who poke at people's eyes like low-hanging twigs on a hiking trail. This ensures a more collaborative and productive workforce.

3¦ Mutual Respect: The best working relationships are built on mutual respect. Mutual respect in the workplace means valuing each other's contributions, opinions, and perspectives, regardless of job title or seniority. Employers are looking for individuals who value their contributions and who they would be happy to collaborate with on a daily basis. Nobody wants an awkward character who creeps people out or an unctuous simpleton over-eager to please.

How to Thrive in this New Hiring Landscape

If you're looking to land a job in tech (or any industry for that matter), there are some key takeaways from Zuckerberg's philosophy and the new hiring realities.

1¦ Develop Your Leadership Skills: Leadership is no longer a top-down pyramid, but a network of collaborators where influence and initiative can emerge from any level. Even if you are not applying for a management position, demonstrate your leadership potential. This could involve taking on additional responsibilities, mentoring others, or finding innovative solutions to challenges.

2¦ Showcase Your Cultural Fit: Research the company thoroughly and tailor your application to highlight how your values and work style align with theirs. Like I noted earlier, cultural fit is having values, work style, and goals which fit your company's, in her mission, values, and overall work environment. This shows that you do your homework, know how to apply knowledge and are genuinely interested in being part of the team at the company.

3¦ Be Someone Others Want to Work For: In today's workplace, strive to be more than just a good employee. Continuously learn and develop your expertise to become more and more sought-after. Be proactive, share your knowledge, and cultivate strong relationships. Aim to succeed and inspire others to succeed. Be someone people genuinely want to work with. Continuously develop your skills, knowledge, and expertise. When you become an indispensable asset, you'll unlock new opportunities and achieve greater career success.

4¦ Mutual Assessment: Remember that the hiring process is a two-way street. Don't just focus on whether the company is right for you; also assess whether you would be happy and productive working with their team and leadership. After all, it is your career that is on the line and if you are to have a long and fulfilling career you have to find satisfaction in what you do and peace, even joy, in the people you do it with.

In Conclusion

Zuckerberg's hiring philosophy might seem idealistic, but it reflects a growing understanding that a company's success depends on more than just an individual's technical competence. Nowadays, it is about finding individuals who can lead, inspire, and contribute to a positive and productive work environment. By focusing on leadership, cultural fit, and mutual respect, job seekers can position themselves for success in today's competitive market.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!