Blessed Marriage
We have been going all out in focusing on the next mandate of CTM Church for this last quarter of 2013 – the launch of “Blessed Marriage”
Blessed Marriage is a 2-part customized marital service cum counseling program to help couples. “Pre-Marital Preparation” is the first part, intended for those who are about to enter into marriage. There will be personality tests, genealogical charts, financial obligations, family planning, etc. basically everything necessary to effectively prepare couples for marriage.
We had the privilege of walking with a couple through this. From premarital counseling to wedding preparation, venue selection & layout design, decorations, photography, presiding over the ceremony and mobilizing CTM church volunteers to serve together. It was indeed a very interesting and lively experience for everyone, both before and during the wedding!
The second part of Blessed Marriage is an 8-week Blessed Marriage Course based on biblical principles. Although we publicized this through social network and by word of mouth through church members to their friends, our main target group for now is church members. We want to let couples from CTM Church first be trained and to put into practice what they learnt from the course in their own marriage and homes before promoting and transferring it to others. God is merciful in providing three CTM couples to participate in this inaugural Blessed Marriage Course.
Before we start on the lesson proper, we would have dinner together, followed by ice-breakers and worship. This is to let couples relax and to prepare them to listen and learn together better. I remember at our first lesson, one particular couple was already very touched by God at the worship segment. When it came to the application part, many couples took the opportunity to open their hearts in getting to know each other better – things they have neglected in their daily life. Even though there were moments of tension, confrontation and even tears, God used it to let us have the opportunity step in with His Word. In counseling them, we also end up knowing them on a deeper level.
We have a sister from our congregation who is trying to invite her fiancé to believe and trust in Jesus. After three Blessed Marriage sessions, he now accepts the biblical values of marriage and has agreed to a Christian wedding. Incidentally, their wedding will take place on 30 Nov, which is two weeks after our return from CTM missions trip to West Malaysia! I believe God will bless and continue to lead not only this groom to Christ, but many more to come.
This is indeed a “Blessed Marriage” season!