As part of an effort to strengthen the family structure and relationship of the individual homes and the church as a family unit, the New Jersey Ghana S.D.A Church organized its first annual couples night program under the auspices of the Home and Family Life Department, Youth Department, and the Education Department.
This august program was held under the theme “Your Home, Now and After,” on December 15 2007 at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Clark NJ. We have received positive feedback from the participants who attended this event. They attest that their marital relationship has been taking to another glorious level, and that they were glad for being part of such program.
Despite the weather forecast earlier of an impending snowstorm in our area, participants were unperturbed by the news. By 6.05 pm the first couple, Daniel and Dorcas Eni arrived. In a moment, their fellow participants joined them. Everyone was splendidly dressed for the occasion.
In a few moments, the cameras started rolling for pictures of participants in their gorgeous dresses and in upbeat mood, which was indicative of their readiness to fellowship, have fun, as well as learn something to improve their relationships. Participants took their seats by 7.30 pm in the dazzling ballroom of the hotel.
Mrs. Elizabeth Asamoah, one of the main speakers opened the program with a curtain raiser as members enjoyed their dinner. As a marriage counselor herself, she took the participants through series of exciting activities which jumpstarted the whole program. She continued this in her usual humorous and entertaining mood as all were in tune with her part of the program.
After dinner, the second speaker for the occasion, Mr. Samuel Buabeng, spoke on the topic “Mutually Co-existing with your Spouse.” He entreated the audience to do all they can to respect marriage as an institution. He went further to say that, in their quest to be happy as couples, they should always go back to the foundation of the union-love. He cautioned against selfishness in relationship because it is a good recipe for disaster. He also advised against the idea of “reading the minds” of our partners. Mutual communications should break all these chains, he said.
The next speaker was Dr. /Pastor Amofah A. Asamoah, the pastor of the New Jersey Ghana S. D A. Church. He spoke on variety of topics including effective communication, parenting, family finance, and counseling. Even though pressed for time, he treated these topics with clarity and skill. He emphasized that Parenting is one of the greatest responsibilities God has entrusted to couples. He mentioned that Children need guidance as they grow so that they can reflect the image of God in them. Parents, he said, “should be good role models for their children. They should teach their children to know what is right and wrong so that they can make the right choices in life in order to attain to their greatest potential.” He reiterated that the children would know the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10). “They will also respect their parents and enjoy the blessings of long life,” he said. (Exodus 20:12)
On communication as an effective tool in marriage, Pastor Asamoah spoke plainly. He said, “The perfect way for relationships to work is communication. No relationship will last long if this key is broken. He further stated that, if you love someone, you make sure you establish a communication link between you and that person. “In fact, if you do not hear from someone you love for a long time, you begin to think whether the person really cares or thinks about you. For any relationship to work and grow there must be a key ingredient, which is communication”, he concluded.
Elder Richard Amegavi introduced to participants some resources and materials on healthy relationships that will help build couples home library. He highly recommended some books like “To have and to hold,” by Nancy VanPelt, “The Family Book”, by Karen Holford, etc.
The guest couple for the occasion was pastor and Mrs. Agyei Kwei, who were very instrumental during questions and answer time. At the end of the program, there was a pick for the lucky couple, and it happened to be Prince and Mrs. Hannah Osei. For their price, they were presented a book called “Love and Respect” by a renowned family counselor called Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.
When all was said and done, participants were happy and blessed for attending such a program and urged the organizers to have such programs often as it serves as a wake up call for those who are in a way sliding through the cracks.
