You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
In partnership with our local partners, Open Doors supported a marriage enrichment and parenting workshop in Southern Philippines recently, bringing together 12 couples from a remote, indigenous community for learning and fellowship. These couples face persecution alongside their families because of their Christian faith, as they live in a predominantly Muslim area in their region. They’re forced to leave the community, are allured with economic benefits in exchange of recanting their faith and are threatened with physical abuse and death. We praise God that during the two-day workshop, the couples could focus on strengthening their marriages!
The workshop explored topics such as the spiritual importance of marriage as ordained by God, and understanding the five love languages. In the vow renewal session, most couples were moved to tears! For many of them, expressing vows to each other was a new experience, as it wasn't customary in their culture.
Couples engaged in interactive learning activities that encouraged them to share affirmations and discover each other's love languages. Highlighting the educational value of the workshop, Toni* expressed gratitude, sharing, “This marriage enrichment workshop is an opportunity for us because we were taught as a couple about our responsibilities, what’s good for our children, and what else should be done for the family. I like the lessons on the Five Love Languages and nurturing our marital relationship.”
In rural areas, cultural norms often influence parenting practices. These traditions can sometimes lead to more severe forms of discipline beyond just spanking. Our local partners are actively working to promote biblical and compassionate alternatives and shift away from these harmful methods. They have also observed that these discussions were particularly fruitful, with participants actively engaging and asking questions about the proper way to discipline children, especially regarding spanking. This heartfelt commitment from the community shows their genuine embrace of positive parenting practices.
During the session where parents publicly affirmed their children, both generations experienced joy and pride. One facilitator recalled, "The parents were able to affirm their children who were with them during the workshop and discovered their love language also. The children who heard the affirmation of their parents were so happy." This touching moment highlighted the power of positive affirmation within families.
As the workshop concluded, each couple received a pack of biscuits as a token for their children, symbolizing the nurturing intent of the event. "[We hope that] the overwhelming feedback from participants calling for an extended workshop would translate to deep and enduring impact for the families,” says Faith*, an OD local partner.
The workshop witnessed remarkable personal transformations. One husband, Mico*, who was initially reluctant and emotionally distant, underwent a profound change through the activities. Not only did he renew his marital commitment, but he also emerged as a worship leader and is serving in the community now.
“I’ve come to realize that it’s essential for me, as the husband, to love my wife and, as the head of the family, to guide my family toward Christ. Thanks to the seminar, I now strive to be a better husband to my wife and a loving father to my children.” Mico shared.
Lelani*, another participant shared: "The seminar about married couples helped me a lot because I woke up to the fact that I still have a lot of shortcomings as a wife to my husband. Now that I know my obligation as a wife, I don't regret this seminar that I participated in, especially in the last workshop about disciplining children."
The workshop strengthened marital ties and empowered parents, enriching the community and laying the groundwork for future initiatives. “In the face of persecution, fostering strong family bonds is crucial,” says Faith. United families provide emotional support and resilience, serving as a sanctuary against external pressures.
She expresses gratitude to our donors and supporters who continue upholding the program in prayer: “Thanks to your continued support, these communities are better prepared to face adversities with renewed faith and stronger family bonds, standing as a symbol of hope and resilience.”
