TO HAVE AND TO HOLD MARRIAGE MINISTRY

“Forty-two percent” according to Outerbridge in a Canadian 2020 statistical study, that is the proportion of marriages that actually last up to 10 to 20 years. As proponents of Christ-centered and Spirit-filled marriages, we believe that much of a marriage’s success is hinged on a profound understanding of God’s purpose for the institution of marriage. While Biblical principles are absolutely fundamental, from our experience, more couples falter in application and execution than in the theory of how to sustain a healthy marriage, because of lack of shared experiences from others. We also realized that the church did not provide the support needed by married couples for the sustenance of a healthy marriage. Through our identification of this and our own challenges in seeking others’ authentic and relatable experiences from which to draw strength and encouragement for our own marriage, we have initiated a community of married couples, simply for the sake of reigniting the hope that marriages can last past that 10-year mark. Understanding God’s purpose for marriage proves exceedingly fruitful and fulfilling for every couple that says “I do”. As a couple, we realized that if we were not intentional about our marriage, it would have ended, like many, in divorce. Through our ministry, “To Have and To Hold”, we aspire to share our personal journey to help other silently struggling marriages, as we believe that each obstacle, once overcome, is an opportunity for us to enlighten others. We envision the healing and restoration of many marriages, as it is God’s will for marriages to fulfill their complete covenant, which is to not only have, but, indeed, to hold.