Oceania

New Zealand

FamilyLife New Zealand recently held a conference called A Day to Treasure. It is basically a one day Weekend to Remember marriage conference. Steve and Leanne Hooper are part of the FamilyLife team and here is a recent conference story in their own words:

It’s morning tea at the marriage seminar in Wanganui, and a man and his wife approach us. From their body language, we can tell it’s not going to be an easy conversation. They share how both of them have been married before, with two kids each, and their marriage of eighteen months is not doing so well. “This relationship is just not what I expected” he says. “It is not going in the direction we want, and I’m not sure I want to keep trying anymore.”

We listen, share some things with them, and assure them there’s more great stuff coming up in the seminar.

At the end of the day, they approach us again, this time their body language is different and as we talk with them we can tell that their attitude has changed too. “I didn’t think it was possible to make this relationship work,” he said, “But now I realize I was wrong. I’m willing to give it a go!”

We see them leave—a totally different couple from when they arrived!

This was the first seminar we’ve ever held in Wanganui. The local churches really got behind it and as a result it was sold out. Locals are also starting several of our HomeBuilders couples Bible studies as a follow-up for the people who wanted to know more about the Christian life.

Here are some encouraging comments from this conference:

• After 48 years of marriage, we learned some new fresh tools for our marriage.
• My husband and I attended together. This is another step towards reconciliation.
• It has been an investment. The most significant day since we got married.
• A wake up call for us and a reminder for the need to be proactive about nurturing our marriage relationship.

Fiji

Before You Leap" Singles conference in Fiji. Impacting the next generation!

• Number of students attended 52
• Prayed to receive Christ 28
• Rededicated my life to Christ & prayed to receive the Holy Spirit 21
• Commitments to purity 50

Comments from conferees:

“It has inspired me to look back at my past relationship; am reminded that God has a plan for me and I must respect Him in decisions regarding my spouse. Appreciate the emphasis that was placed on purity and submitting to God’s authority. This Seminar must be introduced to all the senior students.”

“Seminar has given me new insights into relationship; to be mindful about all the decisions I make; love the seminar – very educational.”

“I need to think first before opening my heart to someone; to pray for my life and the life of my future spouse; to put God first; there are consequences to bad relationships.”

“Taught me to learn to make the right choices.”

“Seminar has been an eye opener – appreciate the frank talk.”

“Enabled me to be more careful in my future decision making; I’ve already had boyfriends and realize that most of the things I did were wrong and honestly regret them.”

“Taught me importance of: knowing each well; setting priorities right; gifting of my purity to my spouse is precious.”

“Didn’t bother at all but after first day, I couldn’t wait to hear the rest the next day; seminar has encouraged me a lot – appreciate the way the speakers related to their experiences.”

“The Seminar really meant a lot to me as a teenager – particularly in decision making regarding relationships.”

“I was challenged about having relationships; Seminar has specified that God has a plan for us already, about our future so He knows about our future spouse.”