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Project Marriage: An Investment of Love
By Leah Stanley
When wedding bells are ringing the possibilities seem endless for the "happily ever after" of a fairy tale romance. The concept of being with that special person all the time makes a newlywed's head spin with delight. But as time goes by and the thrill of the honeymoon fades, staying in a marriage that's not alive in Jesus can make life seem like something to be endured rather than enjoyed. Taking a hard, honest look at the challenges facing married couples in the 21st century, Chris and Bobbie Hamilton have made it the goal of their Project Marriage Sunday School class to keep wedlock from turning into gridlock.
"We want to help couples 'divorce-proof' their marriages," Chris said, "and one way we do that is by encouraging them to pray and read God's Word together."
Chris, who grew up in Oregon, and Bobbie, originally from Virginia, have been married for 17 years and have four children: Jennife, Ashley, Nicole,Brittany,and one grandson, Andrew. They are both registered nurses and work for Methodist Hospital. They have enjoyed facilitating the Project Marriage class since 1994. The format is to spend the first half-hour of the class doing some teaching and afterwards Chris and Bobbie initiate a question/answer discussion time. Before the class is dismissed, they share prayer requests and pray together.
"People are very open," Bobbie said, "so couples get the support and friendship which is necessary for a successful marriage."
Besided regular monthly fellowships Chris said they also have Valentine's parties, Christmas-in-July parties and swimming parties throughout the summer. On the first Sunday of each month, the class hosts a pot-luck brunch during the Sunday School hour.
"It's nice because it gives a longer time for fellowship," Chris said. Bobbie pointed out that the class's broad age range works to the further advantage of its members.
"You don't need to be around one age group all the time," she said. "You need to be around people who can give you a perspective on things." Chris agreed and said that the class allows couples to focus on each other and share their own difficulties.
"Satan wants to drive a wedge between spouses," he said. "We want people to know they're not alone when this happens."
Kevin and Julie Todd are active members of Project Marriage. Julie said the class is wonderful because the couples mean so much to each another.
"We originally went to the class because we felt strong about working on our marriage," she said, "but now everyone there is just like extended family."
Project Marriage now meets both hours in Room 159 on Sunday mornings. There is Project Marriage Early Edition at 9:25 and the original Project Marriage class at 11:00. Chris and Bobbie said that the class is open not only to married people but also to engaged couples. They believe one of the most important things about their class is that they're trying to build marriages up in a world where marriages are crumbling.
"If you're not working on your marriage," Bobbie said, "then you're working on your divorce."
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