A marriage retreat for leaders and their spouses took place at the International Centre Goa from October 17 to 19, 2023, centered around the theme “Firewall Your Marriage.” The main speakers for the conference were Mr. Franky and Mrs. Shabeena Fernandes and Rev. Pravin Samudre.
Throughout the retreat, attendees engaged in discussions covering various topics including: forgiveness, God’s design of marriage, intimacy with God, intimacy with your spouse, co-stewardship, prayer cover for marriage, God’s idea of parenting, leaving, cleaving, and oneness. On the first day, everyone was asked to complete a self-assessment form, which both the facilitators and the attendees benefited from.
The leaders and their spouses expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the retreat – noting its positive impact on their approach to their marriage. Some couples identified areas where they wanted to give more attention to moving forward and all the couples experienced a sense of blessing and rejuvenation as a result of this retreat.
An outing to the beach was scheduled for an afternoon, and everyone had a good time. The Field Office staff looked after nine children, all under the age of 12. The kids were engaged in outdoor and indoor activities, relishing the center’s pool, drawing, and singing worship songs. Mr. Franky and Rev. Getsy Raja led family-oriented devotional sessions. The retreat was concluded with communion where the spouses exchanged communion elements between themselves.
Overall, the retreat proved to be a source of great refreshment and renewed energy for each of the couples, leaving them to return to their ministry with newfound joy and a transformed perspective on marriage and family.
– shared by Sarah Dandge, India Field Communications Coordinator
