First Malaysia Marriage Enrichment Conference Draws Hundreds

The First Marriage Enrichment Conference hosted by the Adventist Church’s Malaysia Union Mission (MAUM) family ministries department, under the leadership of Kozel Malim, welcomed 367 participants for a time of inspiration, learning, and recommitment, from September 12 to 15.

Held at the Bangi Avenue Convention Centre in Bangi, Malaysia, the event, themed “Cherish the Love,” aimed to equip pastoral couples and church workers with spiritual and practical tools to strengthen their marriages. The participants came from churches and offices in the Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak Missions and Myanmar churches in west Malaysia, and from the Singapore Conference (SAC).

The event commenced with a devotional message from MAUM president Abel Bana. He encouraged couples to remember their marital promises and adopt a cherishing mindset as expressions of love. Emphasizing that love in marriage is rooted in God, Bana inspired attendees to be “devoted to one another in love” and to “honor one another above [themselves],” drawing from Romans 12:10.

A panel of speakers gave attendees insights to enrich their relationships. Willie and Elaine Oliver, directors of family ministries for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, delivered a virtual presentation on the essential role of spirituality in marriage.

“Since marriage is instituted by God, it is inherently spiritual,” the Olivers emphasized. A spiritual crisis often mirrors a crisis in the marriage, typically arising from selfishness rather than the selfless, agape love exemplified by Christ. The Olivers underscored the importance of embracing this selfless love as the foundation of a successful marriage.

“By surrendering their marriage to God and striving for oneness with him, couples can reflect Christ’s love and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, which are vital for a thriving relationship,” they said.

Rudy Baloyo, retired SSD secretary, and Virginia Baloyo, SSD director of family ministries, shared practical guidance through the concept of PPC — Pause, Pray, and Choose — as a strategy to safeguard marriages during challenging times. They highlighted the importance of creating a safe environment within relationships and discussed the three pillars of a strong marriage, while addressing how to balance the demands of ministry and family life. Citing Adventist Church co-founder Ellen G. White, they reminded couples that “to gain a proper understanding of the marriage relation is the work of a lifetime. Those who marry enter a school from which they are never in this life to be graduated,” quoting from The Adventist Home, p. 105.

Other topics covered were Enhancing Sexual Intimacy in Marriage, Complementing Each Other Despite Differences, Five Habits of Happy Marriages, The WHYs of Marriage Seminar, Love Vitamins, Learning to Forgive Your Spouse Completely, and Biblical Foundations of Christian Marriages.

Placing the informative messages into a more practical perspective, Faridah Lausin and Golden Gadoh shared a special feature on Differences between Men and Women. The presentation caught the attention of many, as the examples shared were very much relatable, attendees reported.

A presentation by SSD field secretary Felixian Felicitas and his wife, Lourdes, titled “Proposal beyond the Proposal,” framed marriage as a sacred union between the male, the female, and the Godhead. “Marriage is missional, and successful marriages require dedication, effort, and a shared mission rooted in faith.”

In her session on Managing Conflict, SAC family ministries director Debbie Saul-Chan introduced the Three Cs: Calm, Cool, and Collected, as effective methods for managing disagreements, supported by Proverbs 15:1, which advises that a gentle response defuses anger.

Her husband, retired SAC pastor Mark Chan, former director of the stewardship department, spoke on the significance of financial stewardship within marriage, sharing seven financial habits that can help couples achieve harmony by putting God at the forefront of their finances and planning for the future together.

Throughout the weekend, couples participated in interactive workshops on the various topics while their children attended a concurrent program tailored to their needs.

MAUM leaders conveyed their immense appreciation to those who made the event possible, including Ronald Koh, Albin Phua, and the Penang Adventist Hospital administration.

The culmination of the conference included a reaffirmation of marriage vows on Saturday evening. Couples dressed in formal attire walked down the aisle to renew their vows, rekindling memories of their wedding day. The joyous atmosphere was heightened by a procession of candle lighters, bridesmaids, Bible boys, and flower girls.

Following this poignant ceremony, the MAUM Marriage Enrichment Conference concluded with a homily, a commitment service, and a simple banquet. Couples enjoyed games and music in a festive setting, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose and unity.

The original version of this story was posted on the Malaysia Union Mission news site.