Lasting Flame Marriage Seminar

   The goal of LFMS is to provide support for marriages and families throughout Ohio and neighboring states. With the divorce rate continuing to rise, LFMS began out of concern for the marriages of our friends and their families. LFMS is committed to encouraging and providing resources to build and maintain healthy 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 speaker couple Brent & Laurie Lamb. In 2009 over 100 couples attended the seminar and were encouraged through the ministry of Steve & 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.

   The philosophy that guides LFMS is the importance of investing in marriage. Investment is not only needed when there is trouble, but when things are going well. Attending a marriage seminar is like having a tune up or doing maintenance so that the marriage can become and remain healthy. There is no such thing as a perfect marriage. All marriages experience problems and conflicts because the husband and wife both bring unique personalities and experiences with them into the marriage. Since conflicts are bound to arise, a decision must be made regarding how these conflicts will be handled. Some people choose to sweep them under the rug. Other people blow up at each other and say things they later may regret. Sometimes spouses try to avoid the conflict by spending more time with their friends. As these coping methods are used, walls are built around their hearts. The love, admiration and bond between couples begins to break down as trust levels crumble. Instead of engaging healthy communication, words are often used as weapons which can feel like daggers or darts. Words cut deeply and lies do even more damage. The walls that are built to protect become calluses that may lead to giving up on the marriage.

  The hurts expressed in marriage relationships not only affect the spouses, but extend to children, parents, other family members and friends. Individuals who are hurting also have the potential to feel alienated from God. The only way to deal with the pain and hurt is to forgive. We are sinful by nature. Because we are imperfect it is only by the grace of God that we are forgiven of our sins. Sins committed in marriage relationships are forgiven through the same grace extended to us by God. Nothing we have done is beyond the love and grace God has for us. Ephesians 2:8 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." God desires to bring restoration into every relationship.

  Our prayer as a planning team is that those who attend LFMS, will be rewarded in their efforts to improve their marriages. A weekend seminar may not instantly solve problems that have developed over the duration of a marriage, however we believe tools will be given to begin tearing down walls and begin the healing process. Couples who already have a strong marriage can be an encouragement to those who are struggling and be refreshed at they attend. As you make an investment and commitment to your marriage, God will help you to forgive and to reestablish a stronger love for your spouse. Your marriage and faith can be rekindled through God's grace as you seek a deeper relationship with God.

   God MUST be #1 in your life. As you make God first in your life, ask for healing, love, and forgiveness and God will restore your marriage beyond your wildest dreams. May God bless you.
– LFMS Planning Team.

PURPOSE STATEMENT:  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.

Chestnut Ridge Mennonite Church