We are back into our routine, meeting with couples, planning for the fall. We have seen a notable difference in appointments this summer. We usually see a slow down in new appointments over the summer, but we have had lots of calls for new appointments since we returned from Africa. Once again, our marriage counseling appointment times are almost full. We still have openings for people who need financial counseling.
We are starting several classes during the next month or two. We are starting a new financial class, Spending Money: The Go(o)d Way. Everyone likes to spend money but we don’t always know the good way (God’s way) to spend it. The class will meet on Thursday evenings, August 25-September 29 (six weeks), from 7-8:30, at our office. [details]
For our fall Preparing for Marriage class this year, we are going to teach it a little differently. We will still cover 8 lessons but we will do two lessons each evening and meet for two hours at a time. This will enable couples to finish the class in a shorter time but still get all of the information to help them begin their lifetime journey together. The class will meet Mondays, September 12th & 19th, October 3rd & 10th, from 7-9 pm at our office. [details]
We will also be leading a marriage class at our church on Sunday nights starting August 21st.
We are looking forward to sharing more about what God is doing through our ministry at our annual dinner on Tuesday, September 27th, this year. Save that date!
Our ministry in Africa continues to multiply. We recently received this email from Malawi. The pastor who is writing had met with our translator in Tanzania, Nickson Kalinga.
My name is Shikunzi Mgaya, a Tanzanian by nationality, serving in God in Malawi….
I got married last of last year to Peggy, she is a wonderful wife and a partner that I am proud of…. I knew about your Ministry through Pastor Nickson Kalinga, who happened to be a very close friend of mine and mentor too. I had a small challenge with my wife, basically I was too busy with Ministry and had very little time with my wife.
We decided to travel to Dar and meet Kalinga. Sincerely, I was helped by him and discovered how far I was from my family roles duties. Kalinga introduced me to your materials on marriage and family life as a Christian. Indeed I have been empowered so much, and revived. Those materials are so precious and full of life. He went with me step by step.
I intend to have a leadership meeting in Malawi the first week of September. Pastor Kalinga will be ministering with me, and the best part of this is that we will be using your material.
For more pictures and testimonies from our last mission trip, see our mission page. A new area on our website is about men’s ministry. Ed has had the opportunity to speak on several occasions to men’s groups; more details are provided on the web.
Summers are hard for most nonprofit ministries and churches - costs stay the same but donations drop. We are experiencing the summer slump as well. Please pray that the Lord will raise up the donors to continue this ministry. Donations make it possible for people to see help with their marriages or money management problems, regardless of their income and ability to give. They also sustain our work with developing marriage ministries in churches.
You are an valuable part of our ministry here and in Africa. We love and appreciate you and your support of the work God is doing through Living Well!
Our love in Christ,
Donna and Ed Edwards
