By Omotunde Alawode
Olubunmi Yetunde Aderibigbe’s journey of faith and resilience is a testament to the transformative power of a spiritual calling. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, her early life was steeped in Christianity. Despite hardships and the loss of her father, Olubunmi found solace in her faith.
This spirituality guided her to found the Divine Star Prayer Ministry International, a beacon of hope for many. Her move to the United States marked a significant turning point. Establishing a new religious organization in a foreign land presented unique challenges, but Olubunmi’s dedication allowed her to navigate these obstacles. Today, her ministry offers spiritual guidance and support to a diverse congregation.
Olubunmi’s earliest memories are woven with the sounds and sights of Lagos, where she was born into a devout Christian family. “I grew up in Lagos and was born into a Christian family, attending the C&S Church,” she recalls. The death of her father in 1984 led her to join the Celestial Church, deepening her faith journey. From a young age, Olubunmi felt a divine calling, receiving messages that shaped her life’s mission.
Despite her roots in Ondo State, Olubunmi considers herself more of a Lagosian. “Virtually all my experiences are tied to my upbringing in Lagos,” she explains. The bustling metropolis played a crucial role in shaping her approach to life and ministry.
In 2012, Olubunmi took a monumental step by founding the Divine Star Prayer Ministry International. “I received a call from God,” she says. “It took me a long time to heed it, but when I began seeing the signs, I knew I had to do the work of my Father.” This divine calling inspired her to create a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual guidance and support.
Starting a ministry in Maryland, USA, brought its own set of challenges. “I faced challenges in figuring out how to manage the ministry alongside my work,” Olubunmi admits. Leading a ministry in a foreign land required navigating cultural differences and logistical hurdles. However, her faith saw her through these struggles. “God has always made a way, and there have been many testimonies of His faithfulness,” she says with gratitude.
The evolution of Divine Star Prayer Ministry International is a testament to Olubunmi’s dedication and God’s guidance. “It has been God all the way,” she affirms. One of her proudest achievements is witnessing miracles and answered prayers. “My proudest achievements include witnessing miracles, such as those seeking the fruit of the womb being blessed with children, people finding jobs, and healing.”
Balancing her roles as a spiritual leader and philanthropist requires a delicate touch. “It has been God all the way. He leads me, and I follow,” Olubunmi reflects. Her approach to philanthropy is deeply intertwined with her spirituality: “Giving is a significant part of my lifestyle, which aligns with biblical teachings.”
The impact of Olubunmi’s ministry is best illustrated by the personal stories of those who have experienced transformation through her guidance. She recounts the story of a woman who had been seeking the fruit of the womb for years, and “God answered her prayers and gave her a child.”
Her Nigerian heritage plays a significant role in her work. “The spiritual controls the physical, guided by the leading of the spirit,” Olubunmi says. The values and traditions of her upbringing inform her approach to ministry. “Giving is part of my lifestyle,” she emphasizes. True giving extends beyond monetary contributions; it involves offering time, attention, and support to those in need.
Maintaining personal spiritual growth while leading others is a constant challenge, but Olubunmi finds strength in her faith. “To be candid, it’s not easy but, with the help of God, I’ve been able to maintain my spiritual growth,” she admits.
For those looking to start their own ministry or charitable organization, Olubunmi offers sage advice. “My advice is to follow God’s instructions, remain faithful to His guidance, and stay undistracted regardless of the circumstances,” she counsels.
Olubunmi Yetunde Aderibigbe’s story is one of unwavering faith, resilience, and dedication to a divine calling. From her early days in Lagos to the establishment of Divine Star Prayer Ministry International in Maryland, her journey reflects the transformative power of spirituality. Her ministry continues to touch lives, offering hope, guidance, and miracles to those in need.