May 10, 2007

In an era where we keep hearing about divorces, staying married can be deemed to be difficult. Marriage has become a tie which eventually looks to ends with separation. Much effort has been put to find the solution, from having more than one partner to semi-lawful relationship.

Some people try to formulate a set of promises to be kept by both parties, or even legally written pledges, to be adhered to, but for a limited period of time only. We can call this 'contract marriage'; A marriage which is entered at a point of time and can be annulled at later days.

Some are trapped to live under the same roof, with different reasons that still keep the marriage. But, There is no more difference between living alone and having a spouse. Boredom, anger, bitterness, avenge, self-centeredness, all mixed together like the liquid mixtures in the chemistry lab, forming a new component: Apathy
Could beautiful marriage be just a dream? Or may be... every marriage just really needs God in it.

Let's get inspired by Billy and Wiwin, a married couple in the Surabaya Church of Christ. They are a great example, not only for married couples, but also for those who have been disciples for some time. Being unified in the holy matrimony 8 years ago, they now have two handsome boys. Their elder son, Patrict is 6 years old, he could read fluently since he was at kindergarten level. He reads the bible daily and prays regularly with his parents.
Their younger son, Junior, is 8 months old. Although, Billy and Wiwin have been disciples for a long time, they do not stop growing. In fact, both of them have been zealous since they were singles.

Currently, they are leading a bible talk group consisting of 6 other couples. All of them are all from the modest income category. But, that does not affect the couple in giving and leading the group with all their hearts. The group had many struggles. There were unspiritual husbands. There were financial difficulties. There were Christians who wanted to step-back and stop growing. But, this couple's love for God and the church gave them strength to ride through the different burdens and problems, and enjoy serving the Lord. Problems did not stop them, but became challenges for them to grow more and to be even more reliant on God.

Slowly but surely, with God's help, the group has changed to become a group full of joyful and zealous Christians. Instead of focusing on their own marriage problems or being contented with having the right solution, together with every member of the group, Billy and Wiwin also tried to help the marriages of their friends. Five months ago, God added another married couple to the group, Larry and Elly.

We feel very inspired by their hearts that always wanting to grow and love God more. It's indeed something to be admired and emulated. To God be the glory. Amen.