250 years of marriage

In our small church (60 members), we had five couples celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. So we decided to throw them a party and invite everyone to come. We sent out invitations with the heading “Celebrating 250 years of Marriage”. Our purpose was to honour the folks whose faithfulness to one another is a testimony to not only the institution of marriage but of God’s faithfulness to those who honour Him in keeping their covenant vows. Hebrews 13:4, “Marriage should be honoured by all . . .” was the focus for the event. We had music and special speakers, and of course where Mennonites meet, Mennonites eat. Our little church hosted approximately 100 people. Our honoured couples, Helen & Ben Guenther, Irene & Walter Goerzen, Laura & Rudy Spenst, Walter & Sadie Stobbe, and John & Susan Martens were blessed by God’s powerful presence. Everyone left expressing a feeling that something “very special” had happened.

—Blake Wagner, pastor, Penticton Grace MB Church