Throughout the world, just as in our own country, the enemy of our souls is working overtime to “divide and conquer” families by planting seeds of discontent and conflict within marriages. Throughout South America, Africa, Europe and Asia, Alliance workers are conducting marriage renewal events that offer fresh hope for broken marriages by introducing couples to the One who heals, renews, and sustains relationships.
Nearly 40 couples in an Asian nation attended two marriage retreats hosted by Alliance international workers. It was evident before the retreats that many of the couples were facing serious challenges in their marriages. “So we e-mailed prayer partners in a neighboring country and in North America, asking for urgent prayer,” an Alliance worker said. “What a blessing it was to see how God used the teaching sessions and individual couple counseling times to bring healing to marriages.”
Among the couples who attended, one drove more than six hours to the event. Another came as a last resort before filing for divorce. “In the first session, this couple would not even look at each other,” a team member said. “But after a counseling session, they slowly warmed toward each other. By the end of the retreat they were holding hands, praying for each other.”
One couple, both Christians, had been married for less than two years. Their marriage had gotten off to a rocky start. They requested counseling, “and the Holy Spirit worked powerfully,” a worker shared. “They sought and gave forgiveness, and they renewed their vows. Both were filled with new hope for what God would do in and through them.”
“When the retreat began, you could see sadness on one wife’s face,” a worker observed. “She looked like she could barely hold back her tears.” When a team member approached the couple, they readily agreed to meet for counseling.
“After the session, you could see a big difference,” said the worker. “The husband repented for hurting his wife so deeply, and God brought healing to their marriage.”
Following the retreat, one husband shared, “The growth I experienced will not only benefit me but also can encourage a more harmonious relationship between our extended families and have a positive impact on our friends’ marriages.” Another participant wrote, “By the time the retreat ended, our marriage and our lives had a new beginning!”
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