The final gathering of the Prepare Before You Promise (PBYP) journey was held on 28th July 2025 via Google Meet. Out of 12 members, 10 joined for this meaningful online session, marking the completion of several months of learning, self-reflection, and group fellowship centered on preparing for a Christ-centered marriage.
The session began with a warm welcome and a time of worship, led by one of the sisters. It created a reflective atmosphere and helped set the tone for the rest of the gathering.
We then entered a sharing circle, where each participant was encouraged to express what they personally enjoyed and learned through the PBYP process. From discovering new perspectives on marriage and relationships to deepening their understanding of themselves, the sharing was heartfelt and honest. Many appreciated the group accountability, the open discussions, and the practical tools offered throughout the sessions.
The main session was led by Anna, who began by asking the thought-provoking question:
“What is love?”
This question opened the door to a deeper exploration of biblical love, especially within the context of marriage. He emphasized that true love in marriage is not just about emotions but about understanding God’s intention and design for the relationship.
Anna shared five key biblical principles that form the foundation of love in a godly marriage:
- Submission – A mutual yielding to each other, rooted in humility and trust.
- Mutual Respect – Honoring each other’s uniqueness and God-given worth.
- Communication – The foundation for connection, conflict resolution, and unity.
- Commitment – Choosing each other daily, in both joy and challenge, with covenantal faithfulness.
- Growing Together – Marriage as a journey of transformation where both partners encourage one another toward spiritual, emotional, and relational maturity.
The teaching was not only insightful but also deeply relevant, reminding participants that preparation is essential before making the lifelong promise of marriage.
Vote of Thanks & Invitation
As the session drew to a close, a vote of thanks was extended to all participants for their dedication, vulnerability, and engagement throughout the PBYP journey. Special thanks were given to the facilitators, leaders, and support team who made this process impactful.
Participants were also invited to stay connected and contribute to the larger mission of our organization. They were encouraged to consider how they can offer their:
- Time – by volunteering in future programs, mentoring younger members, or helping with logistics.
- Treasure – through financial support or resource sharing to help sustain and expand the work.
- Talents – by using their unique skills (such as teaching, designing, organizing, counseling, etc.) for the benefit of the community.
The session concluded with a word of prayer and appreciation, leaving participants not only with valuable insights about marriage but also with a sense of belonging and purpose in the broader vision of transformation and preparation.
“I’ve learned that marriage is not just about the wedding day but about living a committed marital life. I now understand the importance of marriage from God’s perspective, the role of a wife, and the need to set healthy boundaries with parents or in-laws. Communication stands out as something I must practice regularly. I also realized how important it is to resolve conflicts, forgive, and manage finances—areas where God is currently teaching me.”
Bhany Sai Ramya