Pastor Jarilyn was born in the United States in the Midwestern town of Iowa City, Iowa. From a young age, she had a strong desire to help people, especially children and families. After receiving Jesus, this desire only intensified, and she looked around for ways to help. Upon graduating from high school, she decided that the field of psychology would be a great way to achieve this goal.

Pastor Jarilyn received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northwestern University and her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. She enjoyed learning about the theory and practice of Psychology and Counseling Psychology, but something (or Someone) was missing.

In her education, there was no mention of God’s role in one’s spiritual or psychological well-being. In an effort to bridge the gap, she decided to pursue a PhD in Counseling Psychology to become a Christian counselor. She moved back to Iowa City to obtain more research experience and apply to Christian schools with Counseling Psychology PhD programs.

During her pursuit of PhD programs, she began attending Spirit of Faith Family Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She thoroughly enjoyed the teaching she found under Pastors Jay and Debbie Eberly and began to grow spiritually. Revelation came–she realized that the way to truly help people is with the Word of God–not psychology! She put away her plans to pursue a PhD and purposed in her heart to pursue the plan God had for her.

Pastor Jarilyn continued to press into the things of God as she faithfully served in her local church and took advantage of every opportunity to learn and to grow. She attended all of the special meetings and classes she could. She was hungry for the things of God and didn’t want to miss anything! It was in her pursuit for all that God had for her that she met her husband, Pastor Ike, at SOFFC. God spoke to each Pastor Ike and Pastor Jarilyn about His plans for them together and even confirmed it through their pastors. They made a commitment to one another and to God to fulfill His plan for their lives. This plan has brought them to Nigeria. Today, Pastors Ike and Jarilyn, pastor a vibrant church in Abuja–Spirit of Faith Church International–where the Word of God is boldly taught and demonstrated by the Spirit of God.

Akabogu Family