Sustainable marriage work

When we held the first Reapp marriage workshop in Kenya in 2018, we had no idea what would come of it. One of the participants, Pastor David Mutunga, was so moved that he asked us to return—with the hope of training couples who could carry on the work independently. Marriages face challenges everywhere. But when couples learn to communicate with respect and handle conflict well, more than just their relationship changes – families and entire communities are transformed.

In the years that followed, we were able to witness this vision take root. Every year, we trained more facilitators – couples who can lead REAPP workshops on their own. Our goal has always been for the work to eventually be handed over entirely to local hands – and for there to eventually be people on the ground who can train new facilitators. This year, that is exactly what happened: Four couples were certified as trainers.

When we arrived in Tanzania in February, the local team had already conducted a workshop on their own. Bishop David Mollen of the Assemblies of God had invited the pastors and their wives from his congregations to attend. 56 participants came, and 34 stayed for the subsequent training as facilitators. It was particularly touching that both the current and former bishops, each accompanied by their wives, participated throughout the entire event. By the end, regional teams had been formed, and the first workshops are already planned for Easter. This training was successfully and independently conducted by three couples from Tanzania and one from Kenya, and we were able to certify them as Reapp trainers.

With deep gratitude, we marvel at how God is growing a movement from a small seed – one that strengthens marriages, transforms families, and brings hope to churches.

(Angela & Andreas Frész)