Bounce Back In Style 2nd Edition Feb/March/April | Page 24

the whole world and lose our homes, so no matter how
busy our schedule is, we make time for each other. My
word to couples has always been: Pay attention to your
home because at the end of the day, whatever you achieve
you will need a home to return to.
Dennis: It is true that ministry at a certain level can be quite
demanding and the pressure can negatively impact on marriage and family life. I think that the starting point for me is
to recognise that I am not God. I cannot solve all the problems of the world. Notice this: When Jesus said, "Go into all
the world and preach the gospel", He was not taking to me
alone. Like Paul, "I can do all things ..." but not always personally. Okay, here are few practical things we do: I don't
go to the office every day; I don't teach in all our services; I
don't accept speaking engagements and my wife does not
accept ministrations back to back; we take advice from
each other on the outside meetings to accept. Running a
church can take a toll on your emotions. I think every pastor must know how to handle this to have a good marriage. Of course, we have an exciting three year old daughter
and I make out time to play with her.
Q. How have you kept your passion alive and love for God strong after many trials, hardships, and that should
have broken down your marriage?
Aity: What has helped us is that we have resolved to remain friends forever. To some people marriage is a project,
when they get married, they tick the to-do list and move on. But for us, it is an everlasting commitment. We are constantly working at making our relationship better. Underline the word, 'working'. Nothing works unless you 'work
it'. I am my husband's top priority and vice versa. That's why no storm has been able to drown us. For instance we
waited for over 20 years before we had our first baby but instead of that trial getting to us, it made us rather stronger and our love deeper.
Dennis: Our greatest asset is our knowledge of God's Word. Our Lord gave a parable in Matthew chapter seven
about two beautiful houses which were built, one on sand and the other on the rock. The rain, flood and wind beat
on both of them, meaning that nobody is immune to the vagaries of life. The one that didn't fall under the weight of
those adversities was the house built on the rock. Jesus said this represented the one who lives by the Word of God.
Th H