Suffolk church to host workshop series

One local church is hosting a program this winter to help couples “fireproof” their marriages.

The Master’s House Church and Y2K Academy Family Enrichment Center will kick off the program on New Year’s Eve with the movie “Fireproof.” It will be followed up for eight Saturdays in January and February by the Love Dare Bible Study.

Pastor Princella Johnson said the church is addressing the issue of marriage to help address a root cause of societal problems — failing marriages.

“Sometimes we as parents neglect our spouse because of pressures,” Johnson said. “Sometimes there’s boredom that sets in after a number of years of marriage. These courses are designed to reignite the love in the marriage between the two partners, not only loving for the moment but loving for a lifetime.”

The program kicks off on New Year’s Eve with a screening of the movie “Fireproof.” The movie tells the story of a firefighter whose marriage is falling apart and being “attacked by potential infidelity.” His father encourages him to take 40 days to work on rebuilding his relationship with his wife.

As a follow-up to the movie, beginning on Jan. 8, couples will undergo the Love Dare Bible Study, a series of eight weeks of workshops from 1 to 3 p.m. each day. Each couple will evaluate how their marriage changed during the series.

Those who desire to take their relationship challenge one more step can enter the 40-day “Love Dare” beginning in March.

“They can expect a time to be focused on building their relationship with their spouse,” Johnson said.

Building up marriages is important, because of the wide influence that a marriage can have, Johnson said.

“When we strengthen the marriages, we strengthen the environment for children,” she said. “We’ve learned very clearly that in order to have a greater impact on children, we must educate parents and create a home environment that’s healthy.”

Johnson encouraged interested couples to call for more information before they make a decision to participate. The sessions are confidential and will be closed once they begin. The church also has sponsorships available for one couple and one separated parent.

The movie and Watch Night service begin at 8:45 p.m. at 2500 E. Washington St. The donation to watch the movie is $5, and couples can receive prayer and sign up for the series of workshops. The workshop series is $50 per married or engaged couple or $30 for single, separated or divorced individuals. Space is limited. The deadline to register is Jan. 3.

For more information, visit www.mastershousechurch.com or call 394-3377 ext. 101.