Marital Mechanics

Is your marriage in need of a tune-up? Over 65 couples in Zeeland, Mich., spent a recent Saturday morning reflecting on areas needing some relationship repair or restoration during a seminar titled “The Drive: The Journey of a God-Driven Marriage.”

Fueled by a hot buffet breakfast, the couples listened to speakers Tom and Sandy Ralya share their marriage testimony at North Street Christian Reformed Church. Sandy is the founder and director of Beautiful Womanhood, a marriage mentoring ministry.

After each couple spent time alone on a mini-date, Tom and Sandy took turns addressing the men and women separately, helping participants better understand their mate’s needs. At the end of the morning, each couple was sent off with encouragement and a plan for improving their relationship.

The event was planned by Women in Ministry Training, a relatively new group started by Classis Zeeland whose purpose is “to joyfully encourage women in their life walk as they live out the distinction in the roles God has given men and women,” said steering committee member Sue Lucas. Since its inception in 2011, the group has put on two events for women each year. “The Drive” was the first event geared toward couples.

After spending time in prayer and preparation, the steering committee was encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response. “[The day] was beyond our expectations. We are thrilled with the feedback we have already received,” said Lucas, a member of North Street CRC. “It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit will use the biblical teaching shared by Tom and Sandy to strengthen the marriages of all who attended.”