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U.S. Marriage Seminars Seek to Reverse Divorce Trend

he North American Division (NAD) is launching a series of marriage seminars across the United States and Canada in response to what one church leader calls an "erosion of Biblical family values in our postmodern society."

"The pervasive secular trend in our society challenges anything that is conventional, traditional, and normal," explains Willie Oliver, NAD family ministries director. "With these stresses on American families, we must teach and equip people with skills to maintain their relationships and effectively communicate in their marriages."

Oliver points to statistics from the 2000 U.S. Census which show that the rate of divorce in 2000 was 8.4 percent higher than that of 1960. "Forty to fifty percent of marriages contracted today will end in divorce--and this is unacceptable," says Oliver. "As a community of faith, we need to do something to help change these statistics."

"From This Day Forward," a marriage-enhancement seminar, teaches couples to detect danger signs in their marriage; increase fun, friendship, and intimacy; understand the secrets to a strong and loving marriage; experience spiritual intimacy; and implement new skills in communication and problem solving. NAD family ministries department first hosted a "From This Day Forward" seminar at the General Conference in October 2000 and the conference has become an annual event.

According to Oliver, it's now time to expand the reach of the program, with a series of seminars to be held in cities across the United States and Canada. "In addition to the yearly seminar, our goal is to host a 'From This Day Forward' marriage conference in at least one city in each union conference in the North American Division," says Oliver. "By visiting each union conference, we intend to make the seminar as accessible as possible to those in our communities who need this kind of support."

This division-wide effort began January 26 when 50 couples from Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas attended a "From This Day Forward" seminar held in Houston, Texas.--Adventist News Network

Twenty-Year-Old Preaches Evangelistic Series
The Kern River Valley Church of Lake Isabella, California recently hosted an evangelistic series targeting the surrounding community of more than 20,000. What made this unusual was not the decision to hold the series, but the evangelist selected by the congregation. Andrew Uyeyama, 20, was recommended by Pastors Yves Monnier and Steve Hamilton to the church for consideration.

A recent high school graduate, Uyeyama had attended the Black Hills Mission College of Evangelism in South Dakota but otherwise had no formal education in theology or seminary. While some were concerned about Uyeyama=s age, Pastors Monnier and Hamilton had confidence in his Christian growth and maturity. "He was very young, but we thought he showed great potential," said Monnier.

photo of Uyeyama and baptismal candidates: caption: Andrew Uyeyama, (second from left) with baptismal candidates (left to right) Richard Hughes, Darlene Young, and Ernie King.

While Uyeyama's age remained a concern for some, members didn=t allow it to interfere with the planning of the event." It [Uyeyama's age] didn't bother me," said Stephen Jackson, head elder. "Once the meetings started, everyone discovered he really knew his stuff, and no one had any more doubts about his abilities."

Uyeyama gained confidence as the series progressed, and nine persons responded to the final call for baptism. Darlene Young answered the invitation by returning to the church of her youth. Baptized as a child, she had been away for many years. "There were a lot of things I didn't know or remember. If anyone had any questions, Andrew was good about stopping and going back over it."

"What concerned everyone at first became what was amazing about him--his youth," said Monnier. "He preached with enthusiasm and energy; clearly and simply so that people could understand."

Uyeyama continues to study with those who requested baptism and to attend the Lake Isabella church. His plans are to remain involved in full-time evangelism.

News Notes

The North American Division Stewardship Department is preparing a book on investment, owing to a renewed interest on the part of many members. If you have had a successful investment project and would like your story considered for inclusion, please send it to: NAD Stewardship Department, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Stories may also be submitted via e-mail: [email protected].

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