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From September 12 to 15, 2024, Pastor Kozel Malim's Adventist Church in Malaysia (MAUM) Family Ministries served as the conference's host. The event brought together 367 participants, including children, for a time of inspiration, learning, and recommitment. Held at the Bangi Avenue Convention Centre with the theme “Cherish the Love,” the conference provided pastoral couples and church workers with spiritual and practical tools to strengthen their marriages. Attendees included representatives from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, the Singapore Conference, and Myanmar churches in West Malaysia.

The event began with an inspiring devotional message from Pastor Abel Bana, MAUM President, who urged couples to reflect on their marital vows and embrace a mindset of cherishing as an expression of love. Highlighting that the foundation of marital love is rooted in God, Pastor Bana encouraged participants to "be devoted to one another in love" and to "honor one another above yourselves," referencing Romans 12:10.

A distinguished panel of speakers gave attendees valuable insights to enrich their relationships. Pastor Willie and Mrs. Elaine Oliver, directors of the Family Ministries in the Adventist world church (GC), delivered a virtual presentation on the essential role of spirituality in marriage. They expressed that since marriage is instituted by God, it is inherently spiritual. A spiritual crisis often mirrors a crisis in the marriage, typically arising from selfishness rather than the selfless, agape love exemplified by Christ. They underscored the importance of embracing this selfless love as the foundation of a successful marriage. By surrendering their marriage to God and striving for oneness with him, couples can reflect Christ’s love and cultivate the fruits of the Spirit, which are vital for a thriving relationship.

Pastor Rudy Baloyo, former executive secretary and Virginia Baloyo, director of the Family Ministries in the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD), shared practical guidance with the concept of “PPC"—Pause,, Pray and Choose—as a strategy to safeguard marriages during challenging times. They highlighted the importance of creating a safe environment within relationships and discussed the three pillars of a strong marriage while addressing how to balance the demands of ministry and family life. Citing Ellen G. White, they reminded couples that “Those who marry enter a school from which they are never in this life to be graduated... The real union of the two in wedlock is the work of the after years.”(The Adventist Home, p. 105) Other topics covered were “Enhancing Sexual Intimacy in Marriage, Complementing Each Other Despite Differences”, “Five Habits of Happy Marriages”, “The WHYs of Marriage Seminar”, “Love Vitamins, Learning to Forgive Your Spouse Completely” and “Biblical Foundations of Christian Marriages”.

Placing the prior informative messages into a more practical perspective, Faridah Lausin and Elder Golden Gadoh shared a special feature on “Differences Between Men and Women.” The presentation caught the attention of many, as the examples shared were very relatable.

In their presentation, "Proposal Beyond the Proposal," Pastor Felixian Felicitas, SSD Field Secretary, and Lourdes Felicitas framed marriage as a sacred union between the male, female, and the Godhead. Their message highlighted that marriage is missional and that successful marriages require dedication, effort and a shared mission rooted in faith.

In her session on Managing Conflict, Debbie Saul-Chan, Family Ministries director of the Adventist church in Singapore (SAC) introduced the “Three C’s’ – Calm, Cool and Collected”– as effective methods for managing disagreements, supported by Proverbs 15:1, which advises that a gentle response defuse anger. While her husband, Pastor Mark Chan, retired pastor of SAC and former director of Stewardship spoke on the significance of financial stewardship within marriage, sharing seven financial habits that can help couples achieve harmony by putting God at the forefront of their finances and planning for the future together.

Throughout the weekend, couples participated in interactive workshops on various topics while their children attended a concurrent program tailored to their needs.

The culmination of the conference was the reaffirmation of marriage vows on Saturday evening. Couples, dressed in formal attire, walked down the aisle to renew their vows, rekindling memories of their wedding day. The joyous atmosphere was heightened by a procession of candlelighters, bridesmaids, Bible boy and flower girls. Following this poignant ceremony, the MAUM Marriage Enrichment Conference concluded with a homily, a commitment service and a simple banquet, where couples enjoyed fun games and music in a festive setting, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose and unity.

This event was a significant investment for all participants, offering not only practical advice but a spiritual revival that will continue to bear fruit in their marriages for years to come. Organisers expressed gratitude for powerful messages and workshops, which equipped participants with essential tools to cherish and strengthen their marriages, keeping God’s love at the centre of their relationships.

Meanwhile, MAUM administration conveyed their immense appreciation to Group President, Ronald Koh, CEO, Albin Phua and Penang Adventist Hospital Administration for their support and partnership in realizing this conference to educate and enrich pastors and church workers.

Mrs Vivian Bana, MAUM Family Ministries, and Mrs Hazel Wanda Ginajil, MAUM Communication Department

The original article was published in the Malaysia Adventist Union Mission website.