From April 6-9, 2024, the Family Ministry department of the Pakistan Union (PKU) organized two programs under Raquel Arrais, the Family Ministries department director of NSD.
On April 6th, a “Pre-Marriage” seminar was held at Pakistan Adventist Seminary & College in Farooq Abad. The seminar attracted 25 young men and 36 women. Raquel Arrais addressed the men’s group, while Dr. Kim MiHyang, an AIIS Professor and counselor from the Philippines, spoke to the women’s group. Both speakers, known for their energy, intelligence, spirituality, and knowledge, provided insightful guidance and answers to the students.
The topics discussed were highly relevant to the needs of Christian youth. These seminars marked a historic moment for the church in Pakistan, being the first organized by the church. The students learned valuable lessons on maintaining healthy relationships, viewing the family as a center for evangelism, and marriage as a divine design.
On April 7th and 8th, the PKU offered a “Family Ministry Leadership Certification Level #1” tailored to the needs of the local churches. Family Ministries coordinators from various churches participated and completed FMLC Level-1. They committed to teaching local church families how to cultivate healthy homes, engage in family worship, communicate effectively, and prepare for Jesus’ second coming.
They pray that God will bless these efforts to develop leadership training in the Pakistan Union Section, thereby increasing the number of trained Family Ministries workers in the PKU territory. These workers will join those already dedicated to fostering stronger and healthier families within the local churches. Raquel Arrais mentioned, “With more trained Family Ministries coordinators, the impact of our efforts will be visible, and we anticipate the soon return of Jesus.”
Ruth Ashir, Family Ministries director of PKU, stated, “The overall program was excellent, by the grace of God. These events have become a source of spiritual revival in Pakistan and a platform for our members to grow spiritually, emotionally, and physically.”