Strengthening the Marriages Behind the Ministry
When pastors pour their lives into serving others, who takes time to care for their marriages? A special weekend in Chapala, Mexico, reminded 19 ministry couples that their relationships matter deeply to God—and that they don’t have to navigate the challenges of ministry alone.
Ministry is a calling, but it can also be demanding. Pastors and their spouses spend countless hours caring for others, counseling families, leading churches, and helping people grow in their faith. In the midst of those responsibilities, it can be easy for their own marriages to receive less time and attention than they need.
That’s why Dawn and I were so excited to organize a special marriage retreat October 1–3 in Chapala, just outside Guadalajara, Mexico.
Set in a beautiful location overlooking Lake Chapala, the retreat brought together 19 couples—pastors and ministry leaders serving in Tijuana, Mexicali, Durango, Colima, Chihuahua, San José del Cabo, Chiapas, and Guadalajara. It was a wonderful opportunity to step away from the pressures of ministry, reconnect as couples, and invest in the relationships that are so important to their families and churches.
But this weekend was about much more than getting away. It was about strengthening marriages, renewing commitments, and reminding these couples that God cares just as much about their homes as He does about their ministries.
Investing in the People Who Care for Others
The idea for this retreat began with Pastor Armando Cuevas, who is planting a church in Chihuahua, Mexico. Armando shared how he had been using a marriage course to strengthen relationships within his church and reach people who had not yet come to faith in Christ.
His experience sparked an idea. I’m always looking for practical resources that will help our pastors grow, strengthen their families, and become more effective in their ministries. A marriage retreat seemed like a wonderful way to build on what Armando was already doing.
The truth is, pastors and their spouses face many of the same challenges as other couples—and sometimes even greater pressures. The demands of ministry can consume their schedules, leaving little time to nurture their own relationships. Financial limitations can add another layer of stress, affecting both their families and their ability to take time away together.
When a marriage is struggling, the effects can reach far beyond the couple themselves. Their children, their ministry, and the church family they serve can all feel the impact.
We believe that caring for pastors also means caring for their marriages. By giving these couples time, biblical encouragement, practical tools, and the opportunity to learn from one another, we can help strengthen the families who are serving on the front lines of ministry.
Learning, Laughing, and Opening Our Hearts
Pedro and Kristin Arellano, leaders in one of our churches in Guadalajara who serve with FamilyLife Ministry, led the conference alongside Armando and Lady Cuevas.
Throughout the weekend, the couples participated in teaching sessions on relevant marriage topics, small-group discussions, and exercises designed to help each husband and wife communicate more openly and work through issues together. They also had time to relax, enjoy fellowship, and build friendships with other ministry couples who understand the unique demands of serving in ministry.
One of the most memorable moments came during an evening bonfire.
As we gathered together, we sang songs and listened as couples shared what God was doing in their hearts throughout the weekend. It was deeply encouraging to see them become vulnerable, acknowledge areas where they needed to grow, and express their renewed commitment to one another.
Some shared through tears. Others spoke about lessons they had learned or changes they wanted to make when they returned home.
Those moments reminded us why this kind of ministry matters. Sometimes, the most meaningful work happens when we slow down, listen to one another, and invite God to strengthen the relationships we may have unintentionally neglected.
Marriages Renewed, Families Encouraged
The most meaningful measure of a retreat like this isn’t the beautiful setting or the schedule of activities. It’s what happens in the hearts and homes of the couples who attend.
Here are a few reflections shared by pastors who participated in A Weekend to Remember.
Pastor Federico and Blanca — Mexicali
“We came away with many valuable lessons and wonderful memories that we shared together, along with the teachings we received. We have committed to continuing to work on each lesson by putting what we learned into practice.”
Their words reflect an important truth: a weekend can inspire change, but lasting growth happens when couples continue applying what they have learned in everyday life.
Pastor José Luis and Mariel Rodríguez — Colima
“This was the first marriage retreat we attended, and God spoke to our marriage through the lessons shared, the fellowship, and the conversations with other couples about the challenges of having a good marriage. Spending time alone as a couple allowed us to become more aware of the issues we need to address, work through, and improve with the help of the Holy Spirit.
“We are grateful to David and Dawn, who have carefully cared for our marriage as our pastors, mentors, and counselors, and who made it possible for us to experience A Weekend to Remember.”
What a gift it is when couples feel safe enough to recognize the areas where they need help and leave with a renewed desire to work through those challenges together.
Pastor Esdras and Mariana García — Guadalajara
“The marriage retreat in Chapala was a great blessing for our family. We came to understand that God’s desire is for us to be united, and we recognized that in many ways we had become isolated from one another.
“We especially enjoyed the one-on-one exercises, which allowed us to open our hearts and deepen our relationship as husband and wife. Our children also enjoyed our time there, the beautiful location, and making new friends in an atmosphere of harmony.
“We are grateful to God and to you, our family in Christ, for making the marriage retreat, A Weekend to Remember, possible.”
Their testimony captures the heart of the weekend. When a husband and wife make space for one another, listen with open hearts, and seek God’s guidance, they can begin to rebuild connection and strengthen the foundation of their family.
And when pastors’ marriages are strengthened, the benefits can extend to their children, their congregations, and the communities they serve.
Your Partnership Makes Weekends Like This Possible
As we reflect on our time in Chapala, Dawn and I are grateful for every couple who came with open hearts and a willingness to grow. We believe the encouragement, practical tools, and renewed commitments they carried home can continue to make a difference long after the retreat ended.
But opportunities like this don’t happen without people who believe in the importance of strengthening ministry leaders and their families.
Many of the pastors we serve work with limited financial resources. Without outside assistance, taking time away for a marriage retreat can be difficult or even impossible. The cost of lodging, meals, teaching resources, and travel can quickly become a barrier for couples who need this encouragement most.
Would you consider making a financial gift to Beyond Borders to help us continue investing in pastors, their marriages, and their families?
Your generosity helps make practical ministry opportunities possible—providing encouragement, biblical resources, and meaningful experiences that pastors might not otherwise be able to access. It also helps us continue equipping leaders to serve their churches and communities with greater strength and unity.
Every gift, large or small, helps us continue this work. When you give, you become part of the ministry happening behind the scenes: strengthening the people who care for others, supporting the families who stand alongside them, and helping build healthier churches for the future.
Thank you for praying for us, believing in this ministry, and partnering with us. We are grateful to walk alongside you as we serve Christ and invest in the lives of those who are reaching others with His love.
Together, we can help strengthen the marriages behind the ministry—and encourage the families who are making a difference for Christ.
👉 CLICK HERE TO MAKE A GIFT TODAY
Thank you for your generosity and compassion in extending your hands to help.
In His Grip, Dave & Dawn Diaso
