“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” II Corinthians 4:8-9
We recently traveled to a Caribbean island where imposed third-world conditions exist. We were reminded how different life looks for believers around the world. Every day, our brothers and sisters there face obstacles that we could never imagine: rolling blackouts, transportation challenges, food shortages, and the day-to-day realities that those issues create. We hear about those obstacles, and it would seem that they are insurmountable.
Our visits reveal something very different. We experience true joy and fulfillment found only in their personal relationship with Jesus. We worship with them, hear their stories, and see faith, resilience, and the glory of God revealed in and through our fellow believers. The very obstacles that should slow down the work of ministry actually become the opportunities for God’s power to be on full display.
I was reminded of what Paul writes to the church in Corinth. Things are coming at us from every direction. The message was clear… we are not crushed, not driven to despair, not struck down, and not destroyed!
The same is true in our marriages. Obstacles will come—misunderstandings, unmet expectations, financial pressures, parenting challenges, health struggles, and more. The question is not if they will come, but how we will see them. Will we view them only as barriers, or will we choose to see them as opportunities for God to deepen our faith and strengthen our relationship with Him and our spouse?
The couples we visit in other countries are a great reminder that thriving marriages are not built in the absence of challenges, but in the presence of Christ, who empowers us to be more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Ministry Trip Specifics:
In just three days on the ground, we traveled more than 250 miles, visited three churches, and invested in approximately 36 lay leader couples. We also spent key hours with our national leadership team receiving updates and planning for the remainder of the year. Each mile traveled and each conversation was a great reminder of how God is multiplying the ministry of marriage discipleship far beyond what we could do alone.
How You Can Help
The work is expanding, but so are the needs. Every trip requires resources—from travel to materials, and the important aspect of supporting the national leaders. We cannot respond to every global marriage crisis, but together we are responding where God has opened the door. Would you prayerfully consider making a financial gift today to help us train, equip, and release marriage disciplers in every community, every church, and every country?
Your partnership transforms obstacles into opportunities, for couples in the US and around the world.
Join Us at Top Golf
One exciting way you can stand with this ministry is by joining us at Top Golf Charlotte or Top Golf Ft. Myers this fall. These events are not only a fun and meaningful time with family and friends, but also a chance to directly impact marriages locally and globally.
Top Golf Charlotte – Saturday, October 12th
Top Golf Ft. Myers – Saturday, November 9th
Every registration, every sponsorship, and every bid on an auction item helps us move the mission forward. When you show up, you aren’t just swinging a golf club — you’re investing in marriages that will reflect Christ to the world.
Register today and be part of transforming obstacles into opportunities for marriages around the world.
