Blueprint for a Happy Marriage (March 16-18, 2007)

Who wouldn't grab the opportunity to learn the secret to a happy and lasting marriage? A total of 208 people, both single and married, attended a marriage conference at Seri Malaysia Hotel in Genting Highlands from March 16 to 18, 2007. The conference was jointly organized by the Chinese Coordination Centre of World Evangelism (CCCOWE) Sisters' Fellowship and FamilyLife, a division of MCCC.

For three days and two nights, the speakers - Mr and Mrs James Lee (National Director of Taiwan CCC) and Mr and Mrs Ling Yok Wong (National Director of MCCC) - shared on God's plan for marriage. In a lively and humorous way, they showed the couples their roles in marriage and how to build a marriage and a family that glorifies God and is a blessing to others. They also taught how to resolve conflicts and prevent problems from arising in a marriage. Mr Ling spoke on building a spiritual heritage in bringing up the next generation.

Mr and Mrs Lee imparted their secret to building a happy marriage: "A wife's facial expression affects her husband's mood; praises from the husband are like vitamins and cosmetics to the wife."

Participants' feedback

Chee Hao and Shi Yeen were the youngest couple at the conference. They have been married for three years. "This conference helped us to have a better understanding of what we had read. We are clearer about how the relationship in a marriage affects our individual spiritual life. We will continue to respond to the Holy Spirit's prompting in order to build a Christian family," they said.

For Ket Kuan and Ai Hong, this was their second marriage conference. They said they found the teaching very practical. They were also more aware of each other's temperament. They realized their character and the way they expressed themselves were so different - one is an impetuous person while the other is a phlegmatic - and this could easily lead to misunderstandings. Ket Kuan added: "The speaker showed us that God's purpose in putting two different people together is to let them help each other overcome their weaknesses and grow."

Chee Yoon attended the conference with his girlfriend, Wan Lor. He said, "I have a better idea of what marriage is about. It is God's plan to make us like Christ and to glorify Him."

HomeBuilders Group

Chee Hong and Lee Choo have been married for 14 years. They described their first five years as a dark period. These last two years, they joined a HomeBuilders group and learnt that true love is not selfish; instead it is sacrificial. Lee Choo revealed at the conference, "By God's grace, we saw our weaknesses, made a new beginning and achieved a balance between family and career."

Mr Ling encouraged everyone to join a HomeBuilders group. He said, "There are so many families that are crying out for help. This problem can't be solved by pastors and Christian organizations alone. All Christians should work together to be a blessing to families in need."

The conference helped participants realize a marriage involves not only a man and a woman but also God. God has a clear plan and provides the strength we need so that we will be able to do His will. In the process we not only please Him but experience a happy marriage. The participants were reminded that their spouse is the best present God has given them.

For those who want to join a HomeBuilders group or organize a marriage conference in their church, or order materials, please contact Albert Chai (012-306 9059).

The speakers took part in a public forum entitled "Hot and spicy soup of love" on March 18, 2007 at the Sin Chew Jit Poh premises in Petaling Jaya. More than 800 people attended the event.

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