October 21, 2024
AMERICUS, Ga. – Bethel Baptist Church in Americus, Ga., highlighted the beauty of marriage last month as 26 couples simultaneously renewed their wedding vows.
In the beginning, God looked at Adam who had no companion and said, “It is not good for him to be alone.”
God fashioned Eve from Adam. He brought them together as husband and wife.
The Genesis 2 account forms one of the traditional wedding ceremonies. Bethel Baptist Church of Americus, GA featured the passage in a special vow renewal service.
“Marriage is a very serious and sacred covenant not only between you two, but also between you and God, and you and society,” said Dr. Gary Dennis, who presided over the service on Sept. 15.
He admonished four essential commitments to a good marriage: to each other, to Christ as Lord and Savior, to living out God’s Word, and to working hard at maintaining the relationship.
One of the participating couples, Doug and Joyce Carreker, have been married for 65 years. Incredibly, three other pairs had also celebrated golden anniversaries.
The longevity of those marriages highlights what a God-honoring relationship should look like.
Michael Jaskulski, who also renewed his vows with his wife of 18 years, Rachel, says that those couples are a great example of a marriage committed first to God and then to each other.
“It was an honor to see the love of Jesus on that day. To be in the presence of so many was a humbling experience,” said Jaskulski.
On the opposite end of the spectrum were couples who have been married for less than two years but who want to continue to honor God with their relationship.
Alana Blakenship and Aaron Henderson emphasized the role of faith and grace in marriage by singing “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “Amazing Grace.”
The service was followed by a traditional wedding reception.
