The Adventist Church in Laos held its first marriage enrichment seminar for pastors and their spouses, strengthening leadership and family ministry efforts in the 10/40 window through the support of the Southeastern Asia Union Mission.
For the first time, the Adventist Church in Laos (LAM), in partnership with the Family Ministries Department of the Adventist Church in Southeastern Asia (SEUM), organized a marriage enrichment seminar for local church pastors and their spouses, reinforcing the global mission of the Adventist Church to empower leaders and nurture families within the 10/40 window.
The one-day seminar, held in Vang Vieng city, gathered 16 full-time pastors and their spouses following the annual workers’ training. Themed “Love Takes Time,” the seminar was led by SEUM Family Ministries Director Phouangmala Kongsengphengphet. Through interactive sessions, couples explored three foundational principles for a healthy marriage: love God, love your spouse and children, and love yourself.
Organizers said the program aimed to help pastoral couples grow in their relationship with God and each other, enabling them to lead by example and strengthen families in their respective church communities.
“This initiative not only supports our leaders but also equips them to better serve the growing needs of families in our churches and their communities,” said Pastor Keophetsamone Somphou, president of LAM, who also officiated a vow renewal ceremony during the event.
The program concluded with a memorable family outing that included all the delegates. This provided couples with time to reflect and reaffirm their shared commitment in the setting of Vang Vieng’s natural beauty.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Laos operates in a context where Christianity remains a minority faith. With fewer than 3,400 Adventist members in a country of over 7 million people, the Church focuses on wholistic mission by strengthening leadership, nurturing families, and fostering discipleship in harmony with its global outreach in the 10/40 window.
This enrichment program is part of a broader effort to sustain strong pastoral leadership and empower mission workers to witness more effectively in their local communities.