Our first Rwandan marriage seminar was in Ruhanga (West of the Kigali capital) led by Archbishop Emmanuel & Freida #Kolini. The turnout by enthusiastic couples was most encouraging. Those teaching on marriage, men, and family included Rev Christopher Caudle of New Covenant Church in Florida, the Kolinis, Janice P Hird, and myself. The Hirds taught on marriage (based on our new book For Better, For Worse).
Rev Dr Canon Tim Smith of Christ Church in Mobile Alabama had given a Men’s Workshop there the day before. Tim+ leads the “Men in the Mirror” ministry, which strengthens men in their call to be godly loving husbands and fathers.
We had previously in May 2018 taught a marriage seminar in Ruhanga, organized by the Archdeacon, Canon Mugenzi Marcel. As the previous Anglican church building had been closed a month ago pending required upgrades, we met alternatively in a neighbouring Mugera Anglican Church building that we were driven to along a hilly bumpy road. Janice and I taught yesterday from Ephesians 4:17-19 on “Transforming our Hardened Hearts in Marriage”. Spouses can easily get hearts of stone through unforgiveness to their spouses’ insensitivity to their marital needs. We taught how radical forgiveness of our often clueless spouses can revolutionize a marriage, making our marriage into a powerful witness of Christ’s transforming love to our neighbours. Janice is such an engaging story-teller, similar to her 95-year old pastor father, Rev David Cline. Janice shared about forgiving her parents, particularly for their not being there through workaholism in their busy church work. In many cultures, women feel rejected and unloved because of their gender. Generational forgiveness of one’s parents helps remove the bitterness and resentment (hard heart) that often cripples current marriage relationships. I have a generational propensity towards unforgiveness, hard hearts, bitterness, and resulting emotional cutoff from family of origin and spouse. I have not always handled conflict well, sometimes being a conflict avoider, sometimes too defensive, sometimes not gentle enough. Perhaps you and your family have similar challenges.
Do you need to forgive your parents for favouring your brother? Are you willing to forgive your spouse for the many ways that he/she has disappointed you, often unintentionally. As Rev Chris Caudle reminded us, you can only forgive in the power of the Holy Spirit.
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
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