Well, it happened. Nothing we were expecting or looking forward to, but things had gone far enough. Last night, we (the team) spoke with one of the couples that helped lead and do a lot among the congregation. Their marriage is suffering. To the point that both had pretty much said, "let's just go our separate ways". We asked them to step down for a time and put their marriage and relationship first. She cried and said it wasn't fair, it was all his fault and in general, she didn't want to do it. We were with them for a couple of hours and by the end, they both realized that this relationship was headed no where quick! They needed to take time off for themselves, for their kids and for their ministry. Our effort was to save the marriage, but also to protect the church.

Barb and I have been married the longest and we are just now coming up on 11 years of marriage...they have a son that's 18! This is something that most of us have had little to no experience in, so we were really pleased to see God answer our prayers and give us the wisdom to share His word with them during this time of need! Please continue to pray for us, our marriages and for wisdom! Obviously, don't forget this family!!! They need your prayers. This marriage enrichment seminar this weekend couldn't have come at a better time!

On a side note, I remember the wisdom of the elders at McAlester, Ok. They MADE me take a quarter off from teaching, etc. to spend time with my family and for me to grow. I don't think I have EVER heard of a church placing such a priority on the minister's needs and his family. What wisdom and love!

It's funny how much difference a little maintenance can make!