Different, but Remarkably Similar
“We badly needed this time together. We have not experienced something like this in the 21 years of our marriage.”
While Belarus and Paraguay are culturally very different, pastoral couples in both places face many similar struggles. Limited time, resources, opportunities, and care can gradually lead to fatigue, brokenness, and burnout.
Belarus Pastoral Couples Training
July 31 – August 9
Strengthening Faithfulness in our Relationships
We were grateful to return to Belarus for our fourth training after several years of delay due to war-related logistical challenges. Travel visas presented obstacles, but the Lord made a way.
Our team included two couples from the United States, one from Uzbekistan, and one from Armenia. It was encouraging to see how the Lord wove their individual messages into one unified voice. The focus on strengthening faithfulness in our relationships connected deeply with the couples’ needs.
We studied the book of Philippians and also looked at the importance of building resilience in our marriage and ministry. We are thankful for the practical ways that we saw the Lord at work. Many expressed how much they needed this time of rest, encouragement, and renewal in their lives
“The God of all comfort… comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
Paraguay Pastoral Couples Training
August 14 – 23
The Supremacy of Christ
This was our first pastoral couples training in Paraguay. The seeds were planted last year when a Paraguayan couple attended our training in Argentina.
Several couples arrived feeling exhausted and ready to give up on both their marriages and ministries. Once again, God brought healing and restoration through the team’s vulnerable teaching and the work of His Spirit.
This was especially evident on Wednesday evening. After our team members had gone to each couple and prayed for them, many of the couples remained to pray for one another’s needs.
Every training conference has its own unique setting and challenges, but God’s leading and presence make each one a place of transformation and blessing! Thank you for praying with us.
Pressing on by Christ’s love and grace,
Rick and Diana Lowe