I want to tell you a story that recently made a big impression on me.
A few weeks ago, Rick and Linda (not their real names) checked into our Hope Restored Marriage Intensive Experience at the Focus on the Family Retreat Center in Branson, Missouri.
The counselors at Hope Restored specialize in bringing severely broken marriages back from the brink of divorce.
Rick and Linda’s union was in deep trouble, riddled and rocked by infidelity, among other things. In fact, it was so damaged that in the opening group counseling session, Linda shared that “even thinking of my husband touching me makes me want to vomit.”
My colleague, who was sitting just a few feet from the group, said you could cut the tension with a knife.
That was day one.
Over the course of the next three days, however, the Holy Spirit began to work through the counselors, Rick, Linda and the other participants.
By day four, my colleague saw Rick and Linda walking hand in hand to breakfast.
Obviously, that’s not the whole story. Rick and Linda still have a long way to go, but I share that glimpse from Branson to help illustrate the life-changing work that happens at Hope Restored.
This is not an overstatement. God literally works miracles at our retreat center. Time after time, couples who attend as a last resort come out of their sessions willing to fight for their marriage. While a four-day getaway at our retreats only marks the beginning of the journey back to healing and restoration the Hope Restored Marriage Intensive Experience sets husbands and wives on a path back to each other.
If you are in an impossible marriage situation I hope you’ll consider Hope Restored. We have two locations (the other is in Rome, Georgia) available to couples.
And if you know someone who is in a struggling marriage, I ask that you please let them know about our customized programs.
You can learn more about Hope Restored at our program’s website.
Sign up for the weekly e-newsletter
Marie V Vanden Berg says
-My husband and I would have been married 40 years next week August 8th. We’ve been separated almost three and a half years we live in Canada my husband says he’s no longer interested in returning home this Retreat would be myself only unfortunately it doesn’t work that way whatever prayers whatever it takes for me to restore this marriage I will continue to pray with someone could guide me pray for our Lord to touch Peter’s heart and renew our marriage
Cindy Cott says
-Marie,
I’m going through something very painful as you are. I cried when I read what you’re facing and how you opened your heart to share terrible pain with others. Please know I promise I will be praying for The Lord to miraculously intervene because I can tell you love Him with all your heart. He promises He will always be with you. God bless dear sister.
Gloria Bell says
-This was a great article. Please send me more info for a visit for a group from my church for couples in troubled marriages.
Sarvani Rao says
-Thanks for your kind feedback, Gloria. Please email to help@focusonthefamily.com and we’ll be glad to assist you further. Blessings to you and your church group!