Breathing new life into marriages

by Jailin Sundongi

It's always been our desire to help couples build a household based on biblical principles. In July 2004, we held our first Marriage Refresher Conference (BM) together with SIB Mompilis in Matunggung, Kudat. Since then, God has enabled me and my husband, Sulimon Galus, as well as another couple - David Binjon and Masriah Taukin - to hold 10 such conferences.

More than 100 couples have attended these conferences. Most of them were married according to traditional rites. During the conference, some realized for the first time how important it is for God to be in their marriage. Many of them then made the decision to surrender their union to God and let Him have absolute control.

Praise God for He has used the conferences to breathe new life into marriages. Usually on the first night of the event, we can feel the tension in the participants. We surmise that they are uncomfortable with the sensitive issues to be discussed. At one conference, there was a husband who was very distant and even reluctant to talk with us. His relationship with his wife was also quite strained. During the time given to couples to talk with each other, they kept quiet.

However, after several sessions, they became friendlier and at the end of the seminar, the difference was obvious.

The BinaFamili conferences also give an opportunity to those who do not have a relationship with Christ to pray to receive Him. More than 30 people have invited Jesus into their lives through these conferences. And 90% of the couples attending these events have asked God to be in charge of their marriages.

The following are some of the feedback we received. A young mother of two who was married in year 2000 said: "I'm thankful for this conference. It has helped me to understand several important issues because I married without much preparation."

Another lady shared: "I didn't think much of this conference at first but toward the end, I realized that in our marriage of 30 years, there are still many things I do not know, especially regarding a Christian marriage. The discussion between couples has helped us tremendously and we hope more such conferences will be held because they help partners grow toward maturity."

Mr Kuyau, a village head who has to help resolve family problems, expressed his gratitude to us for organizing the conference. He shared on the last day: "What we have learnt is vital. It is as vital as water. Water can refresh and revive. We who have attended this conference are thankful because it has taught us something new and enriched our marriages. We hope other couples will also have the opportunity to attend such conferences."

Jailin Sundongi is married to Malaysia Campus Crusade for Christ's National BM Ministry director Suliman Galus. They have a son and a daughter, aged 17 and 13, respectively.