Terrifically useful in preparing sessions to talk to couples not only about marriage, but also about knowing God in the whole of life.

We have used this material in preparing groups of couples for marriage. Usually a Saturday morning for sessions 1 to 3. Session 4 is done with each couple by themselves at a later date.

It rightly puts marriage into the order of creation, it explains why things go wrong with marriage (sin)and what is needed on both sides if a marriage is going to succeed (sacrifice & commitment). This is done using the example of how God deals with us. The end result is that whilst teaching about marriage, we are actually sharing the Gospel of Jesus as the model and pattern for marriage. The course is rightly based on the premise that the best thig for marriage is that both partners are committed to Jesus, 'in whom we see what true love, self sacrifice and forgiveness really are.'

Most of our couples are non-Christians and all have enjoyed the preparation sessions. We gave the copies of the booklets away, a number have re-read them and some are actively wanting to find out more.

The course does not ignore the 'practical' issues of marriage, but these are left for discussion between the couples, so that the short talks simply share the Gospel message, starting off from the standpoint of marriage. To this end, we have supplemented the course by bringing in some Christian couples to answer questions and supplement the talks by showing how the Christian principles work out in practice.