The marrieds of the Kampala church held a retreat under the theme “Marriage Without Regret”. William and Victorai Auki from Nairobi were guest speakers and the hosts were Kampala leaders Richard and Florence Ahenda. Apart from members of the church, there were also five non-Christian couples who attended the get-away.

The retreat was held at the romantic setting of Kalangala Island on Lake Victoria, 3 hours from shore by ferry. The ride to the island was a chance to reflect on Scripture as some sought to imagine Peter walking on the lake. Once on land, the opportunities to learn only increased.

The retreat began with a class “What Makes The Difference”, shared by Kampala church leader, Richard Ahenda, calling on those gathered to make efforts in their marriages on things that make the difference like building on the bible and developing spiritual goals and ambitions for their marriages, and not just setting their hearts on making more money as a sign of success.

William and Victoria then shared several classes. There were men and women discipleship group meetings, where individuals discussed openly about areas in marriage as husbands and wives where they need help. It was an excellent time of giving and getting insightful input.

Recounting the retreat as “very uplifting spiritually, emotionally and physically”, Richard describes the event. “All the couples were thrilled, spending time with each other on the beach, having romantic walks in the evening and sitting around the fire on the beach every evening. We danced, traded stories and shared experiences, played beach volleyball and soccer, swam, had aerobic sessions in the water, and went for prayer walks” – truly a time of rejoicing and not regret.

One of the couples, Ronald and Ronah, had been married only seven days. They practically came from their honeymoon the day before to join us on the cruise to the retreat. “We thank God so much for the retreat because without it our marriage was going to take a totally different direction. After learning from all the classes and from the other marrieds, we now have a very good idea of which direction God wants us to take.”

Another couple, Prossy and Charles, shared, “We have learned that the bible has solutions to every problem in our marriage, especially in our communication.”

William, grateful to be there with his family as a guest speaker, said, “Couples were greatly inspired and the lesson about communication was cited by many as having been of particular impact. I was inspired to be there. The venue made the occasion special. It was peaceful and ideal for having time to talk and learn as couples.”

Truly there was no regret at the retreat – except maybe that it could not continue for longer – but instead much romance, rejuvenation and rejoicing among the marrieds on Kalangala Island.