Marriage is for Friends

DALLAS – “A Marriage is for Friends” cruise is a new venture for family ministries in the Southwest Region Conference based upon the small group process. The process was developed over 40 years ago by Ed and Letah Banks. Banks was a seminary professor at Andrews University. He and his wife, Letah, trained facilitators in this unique process which allows couples to develop skills to apply to their marriage relationship.

The cruise departed from Cape Canaveral, Fla. in March with seven couples from Louisiana, Illinois, California and Texas. During the time at sea, retreat sessions were held for the couples covering topics like communication, conflict management, commitment and forgiveness. Time was spent dialoguing about the expression of feelings and how that impacts each person’s love language.

A closing ceremony which included communion and vow renewals sent couples forth with renewed vision for their marriages. All were blessed and new relationships were created. May Jesus Christ be praised!

By Wilma Lee, Family Ministries Co-director