Starting a Lasting Flame in marriage

  • By Dave Mast
  • February 8, 2010
  • 1216
                        
In a time when the world is a volatile place, unemployment is high and many people are struggling to make a living, it is comforting for people to know they have somewhere to turn where there is compassion, love and understanding. That place could easily be in their marriage, but for many, even that institution has become a place of angst. One local organization is offering an opportunity for couples to enrich and strengthen their relationship, so that they may understand the true joy of the bond of marriage, and make their marriage a place of serenity during tough times. Lasting Flame Marriage Seminar will take place Feb. 26–27 in Kidron, and will feature Amy and Michael Smalley. The purpose of a Lasting Flame Marriage Seminar is to assist in strengthening the marriage and family. Based on Biblical values, participants will be shown the importance of a healthy relationship with God and be encouraged to make the investment needed to improve the husband and wife relationship. According to Dan Swartz, one of the event organizers, having the Smalleys as the guest speakers is a monumental step for the event. “The Smalleys are excellent speakers who people can relate to very well,” said Swartz. “They will bring a great deal of expertise to the seminar, and should provide plenty of thought-provoking ideas for couples. We’re excited to have someone with their passion and desire to put faith at the center of relationships.” The Smalleys specialize in teaching couples the principles of loving well and loving for a lifetime. Their popularity as nationally renowned marriage builders and couples’ counselors quickly grew through their signature straightforward, no-nonsense advice. The Smalleys’ message inspires, motivates and challenges people to thrive in their most important relationships. The Smalleys have authored several best-selling relationship advice books, including Communicating with Your Teen, The Men’s Relational Toolbox, the DNA of Relationships, More Than a Match and Don’t Date Naked. For the past 15 years, they have spoken to millions of people around the world through their live events, international evangelistic events, and special presentations. They teach with entertaining stories and illustrations, allowing their audiences to learn through laughter. Swartz said that when they first began Lasting Flame Marriage Seminar, they did so because of the way the nation continued to drive the divorce rate up. Swartz said that the divorce rate locally, as well as nationwide, is staggering. Swartz said that the passion that the couples who created Lasting Flame felt for the bond and sanctity of marriage was such that they all knew they wanted to at least try to make a difference. Thus, Lasting Flame was born. And while couples may think that a marriage seminar is for those who are struggling with their marriage, Swartz said there’s more to it than that. “Yes, this marriage seminar is for those struggling with their marriage, but it is also for couples who just want to enrich their marriage bond and make their marriage even better,” said Swartz. “We all can learn to improve our marriages and make them even stronger. That’s what we want to happen here.” “By attending Lasting Flame Marriage Seminar, you will be taking preventative steps toward strengthening your marriage and make it more enjoyable,” said Annie Chapman, who, along with her husband, Steve, was a keynote speaker at last year’s event. The growth of Lasting Flame seminars in a very short time has been astounding, as the impressive list of speakers has helped couples ignite passion, love and respect in their marriages. In 2007, a planning team was organized with the purpose of hosting seminars to help strengthen marriage and family relationships. In 2008, 19 couples enjoyed the first seminar and were challenged by speakers Brent and Laurie Lamb. In 2009, more than 100 couples attended the seminar and were encouraged through the ministry of Steve and Annie Chapman. Although the original intent was to target the Wayne County area of Northeastern Ohio, God brought couples from neighboring states, including Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana and Michigan. Lasting Marriage Seminar will be held Feb. 26-27 at Central Christian High School. The cost is $100 per couple, and the deadline for sign-up is Feb. 19. Registration fees include a seminar packet, Friday evening snacks, Saturday morning pastries and coffee and then lunch. Registration begins Friday at 5:30 p.m., with the Smalleys’ seminar taking place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday’s session will run from 7 a.m. to noon. For a registration form or for further information, visit Lasting Flame’s Web site at www.lastingflame.org.


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