dominica2day: GMA hosts training of trainers seminar

GMA hosts training of trainers seminar
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david on 20 February, 2007 05:00:00
 
As the rate of divorce in Dominica continues to escalate, one evangelical church
group is committed to doing something about it and addressing the problems
confronting the Dominican family. The executive board of the Gospel Mission
Assemblies of Dominica (GMA) hosted a ‘Training of Trainers’ seminar
yesterday at the End of Eden Guesthouse for its pastors, church leaders,
ministers and counselors involved in ministering to families and hurting
couples. Top on the agenda was a critical examination of marriage, divorce and
remarriage.
Dr. Hudson challenger, pastor of the Baptist Church in the Carib Territory and
lead facilitator at the workshop told participants that although the institution
of marriage is God’s idea, “it can only be successful and God-honoring when
it is consummated and maintained according to the guidelines and teachings laid
down in the bible.” He emphasized that while “marriage is made in heaven its
maintenance takes place on earth.” Consequently husbands and wives should
ensure that they read, understand and commit to put into practice God’s
handbook on marriage, the bible.
Contrary to popular belief, noted Dr. Challenger, love is not a necessary
prerequisite for a successful relationship or marriage. “Successful
marriages” he stressed, “are based on commitment.” People must commit
themselves to marriage and loving their spouse. Christian marriage is first and
foremost a covenant with God and then a covenant between a man and a woman who
give a commitment to love each other for life. To break this covenant is to
violate the very character of God. Commenting on the plethora of problems
plaguing today’s family, Dr. Challenger stated that “all problems stem from
selfishness and an unwillingness to do what we know is right.”
The church leaders described the seminar as “incisive and long overdue.”
The GMA executive board is hopeful that all participants upon returning to their
respective local assemblies will train and raise a core of counselors able to
administer effective counseling to hurting families both in the church and
communities at large. “In that way,” noted one board member, “we hope in
some small way, to stem the evil tide of divorce now destroying so many families
and children.”
In 2006 the courts granted 89 divorces. This represented an 89 % jump over
2003. And in January 2007 alone, some 16 divorces have already been granted