Father Stephen, Mother Mandrine

Father Stephen, Mother Mandrine

It was fifty years in the past

When Stephen and Mandrine wed.

A marriage expected to last

Far into the future, this love has led.

Our Lord’s blessings upon them flowed

Like God’s love for His lamb.

This couple’s love for each other never slowed,

Yielding another generation in son Sam.

The gospel in marriage lives through people,

Each with their own praise to carry.

With their marriage bound under a steeple,

Mandrine gave birth to daughter Mary.

With two children delivered through grace,

To their mother with honor we curtsy.

But all was not yet complete in this case,

Until the arrival of baby Mercy.

There are grandchildren and generations to come,

For God has blessed this family with His love.

Stephen and Mandrine follow God’s sacred drum

Sharing our Father’s Spirit like a dove.

Family, mission, and service – their calling.

This is not some idle theory.

Any different work would be appalling.

This is the family Ireri.

May God the Father bless their marital union.

May God the Son be their salvation,

And May God the Spirit advocate in Holy Communion.

The Holy Trinity, their Foundation.

© Worth Earlwood Norman Jr

September 17, 2016

Birmingham, Alabama

Our parish, St. Peter's Anglican Church in Mountain Brook, Alabama, has had for more than a decade Kenyan families as members. Stephen and Mandrine Ireri celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 17, 2016 at our church. The ceremony was fully Christian and fully Kenyan. The Ireri's are parents to three adult children and many grandchildren. For them this celebration was also a family reunion as relatives came from near and far for this special occasion. Stephen is an assisting priest and has been active in Torati Vision International Torati Website click here.