Calvary Church Annual Report AnnualReport-201617-web | Page 17

care
When we think of what embodies the work that God is doing through our pastoral care ministries, this story of
God’s grace, love and redemption comes to mind. Be encouraged by the restoration work taking place at Calvary
and pray that we continue to abide in Him in the year ahead.
A couple married 19 years had a difficult marriage.
The marriage started out “loveless.” Despite the
years in marriage, there was little to no hope for
love, restoration, or redemption. The couple met
separately for pastoral counseling and both openly
acknowledged the ways they had been less than
Christ-like and loving towards each other. The
husband had been emotionally absent, causing the
wife to become distant. Independently, they both
revealed that their hearts were holding on to a love for
someone other than their spouse. Both were unable
to state they genuinely loved the other.
Over the months of pastoral counseling, walking
them independently through the book Restored,
and continually praying for the husband, wife and
ultimately their marriage… the work of the Spirit
became evident and fruitful in their lives. Through
much tension, God’s grace began to shine. Walls
of insecurity began to crumble. Hardened hearts
became softened hearts. Closed ears were opened.
The truth of God’s Word had begun to wash over the
husband and the wife.
A day of restoration comes – the couple meets for the
first time, face-to-face. Words of apology flow from
both… Words that strengthen the other flowed…
God’s grace and mercy were present in both hearts.
A loveless marriage is now on the road to overflowing
with love. The husband and wife are now committed
to each other in a loving, self-sacrificing way th at
mimics Christ’s love for us. A marriage that lacked
hope is now filled with hope and joy for the days
ahead. A lifeless marriage now has the life of Christ
flowing in and through it. The latter days of this
marriage and their lives will be greater than the
former… because of God’s redemptive work!
Joanna Gordon, Care & Counseling Coordinator
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