Beyond the Golden Wedding Anniversary!

"Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. As a loving hind and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; be exhilarated always with her love." (Proverbs 5:18,19)

I had the opportunity and privilege to travel and do ministry together with a co-worker, in the peaceful, quiet, town of Catigbian, Bohol, some thirty-four kilometers north of Tagbilaran City. We arrived in the late afternoon of July 21, 2007 (Saturday) and were given lodging in the lovely home of brethren Hermes and Ellen Lacea and experienced firsthand the hospitality, love, and care that the Boholanos are famous for. I had the privilege to witness GOD's work, ministry, and faithfulness in the lives of Pastor and Mrs. Dennis Abriol and family, and the open doors the LORD allowed them to do Bible studies in the homes of brethren and in the local government offices. The seminar/workshop schedules were from July 23-26, 2007, and from eight in the morning to about five o'clock in the afternoon.

The Christian Marriage and Family Life, and the Inductive Bible Study workshops were attended by some ninety or more pastors, leaders, ministry workers, and brethren representing some twenty or more Evangelical Churches. The highlight of the Marriage seminar/workshop were the renewal of the Wedding Vows of eighteen couples. We were so blessed and touched by the lives of couples Pedro and Bernardina Loon, and Pedro and Isidra Pongase, married for fifty-nine and fifty-eight years respectively. In the New Testament book of Mark, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, is reminding each one of us: "But from the beginning of the creation, GOD made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what GOD has joined together, let not man separate."

O most holy, sovereign, and ever loving and faithful GOD; have mercy and be gracious to me a husband and father. Be merciful and be gracious to my wife and children and allow us to grow as a family that we will love you above all else and will love each one and others as we love ourselves. If You tarry, please allow me and my wife to be able to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary and beyond together with our three children. By your mercies, graces, and sustaining love, please use our marriage and family and relationships to encourage and bring more souls into Your Kingdom. Our Heavenly Bridegroom, we long and hunger for Your coming for Your bride and may that excitement flow to other couples and families as well for Your greater honor and glory. This is my heart's desire and prayer in JESUS most Holy Name. Amen.