by Sara Mullen SEE Communications
Balchik, Bulgaria–The Black Sea and the Botanical Gardens of Balchik, Bulgaria were the backdrop for a marriage enrichment retreat held for couples in ministry from the countries of Romania and Bulgaria. Sixteen husband and wife teams gathered together at a location away from their places of ministry in order to focus on strengthening their marriage relationships, to receive important tools to help other married couples in their churches and to simply enjoy a restful retreat. Special sessions were led by Dr. David and Lisa Frisbie, Nazarene ministers and marriage counselors from Del Mar, California.
The Frisbies shared practical and personal examples of how to nurture a marriage in the midst of what can be considered one of the most stressful jobs on the planet: Christian ministry. In addition to these learning sessions, each couple was given the opportunity for private counseling with the Frisbies, and ample free time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and time together. Not only did couples come away from the retreat refreshed and rested, but also better equipped to build healthy and strong marriages.
This marriage retreat is intended to be just the first in a series of initiatives to provide better member care to the SE Europe field leaders who otherwise might not have quality opportunities for renewal, enrichment and re-tooling. “We have recognized that many of our ministers work under extremely stressful circumstances that can put a strain on their family/ marriage relationships and their health,” says Joel Mullen, SE Europe Field Strategy Coordinator. “It is our goal in the coming months and years to provide more resources and better opportunities for our ministers to receive encouragement and support in these areas.”
The consensus among the couples at the end of the weekend was unanimous: this kind of retreat was needed and very beneficial. Current plans are already underway for a second marriage retreat in 2008.
Source: SEE Sketches, Vol. 4, Issue 3, June. 2007
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