30 couples from two Samoan congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently gathered to celebrate the completion of a course aimed at strengthening marriages.
The couples are members of the Samalaeulu & Patamea wards (congregations) of the Savaii Puapua Stake of the Church. A stake is a group of Latter-day Saint wards in a geographical area.
Earlier this month the couples gathered to mark the completion of the course, share a meal, and enjoy eachother’s company.
The event was held at the Latter-day Saints’ meetinghouse in Patamea, and was attended by family members, friends, local Church leaders, and representatives of LDS Family Services, Elder & Sister Limutau.
Malaga Uiese and Uaita Samoala, representing the two classes, shared some of the insights learned and benefits gained from attending the course. They touched upon ways principles discussed during the course are helping them in their homes and relationships.
Mr Samoala shared with the audience some specific things he is starting to do because of the course. This includes expressing his love for his wife and children more often, and kissing them before he leaves home to go to the plantation or travel to Apia. He is also finding other ways to express appreciation and love to his wife, such as giving her thoughtful gifts from time to time.
Both speakers expressed thanks to Mr and Mrs Liga, who led the classes.
After the speeches and a meal, the couples and their families and friends enjoyed a dance together.
Similar classes take place in Latter-day Saint congregations around the world.
President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages husbands the world over to “Love your wife.”
“It will take faith and humility to put her interests above your own in the struggles of life,” President Eyring says. “You have the responsibility to provide for and to nurture the family with her while serving others. That can at times consume all the energy and strength you have. Age and illness may increase your wife’s needs. If you choose even then to put her happiness above your own, I promise you that your love for her will increase.”
Read more about Latter-day Saints, marriage and family.
Watch a video about strengthening marriages and families.