The Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID) hosted a marriage conference in Durban, South Africa, from December 4 to 7, 2024. Themed “Together for Eternity,” this inaugural event gathered 520 couples from across the division, with some attendees travelling from as far as the East-Central Africa Division. The success of the conference has sparked plans for another event this year.
The four-day conference, led by SID Family Ministries directors Jongimpi and Nomthandazo Papu, featured a lineup of speakers. Notably, Willie and Elaine Oliver, the General Conference Family Ministries directors, were part of the group sharing their expertise. The conference was officially opened by Harrington Simui Akombwa, SID president, who highlighted the importance of strong marriages in building strong and vibrant churches.
The sessions were built around practical teachings and lessons from The Adventist Home, by Ellen G. White, a foundational text for the church’s view on family life. Couples participated in interactive study sessions and worked through study guides designed to deepen understanding and foster open dialogue. These activities helped couples rediscover key principles for nurturing lasting relationships, while also providing tangible tools for navigating modern challenges.
During the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division marriage conference, themed “Together for Eternity,” 520 couples gathered from across the division. [Photo: Otieno Mkandawire] 
Willie and Elaine Oliver, General Conference Family Ministries directors, prayed together during the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division marriage conference. [Photo: Otieno Mkandawire] 
Various presenters spoke during the four-day marriage conference that was organized by the Family Ministries Department of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division. [Photo: Otieno Mkandawire]
The Sabbath program featured “The Journey Toward Intimacy,” a session focused on building emotional and spiritual intimacy. Topics such as becoming intimate allies, resolving solvable problems, and deepening marital connection were explored through guided exercises and prayer sessions. The culmination of the program saw couples bonding in new ways and renewing their commitment to each other.
Reflecting on the event, Jongimpi and Nomthandazo Papu expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response from attendees. “The conference was a tremendous blessing, and we are grateful for the enthusiastic participation from couples across the division, including visitors from the East-Central Africa Division. Our aim was to create a nurturing environment where couples could learn, grow, and strengthen their relationships.”
During the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division marriage conference, 520 couples gathered to learn how to improve their marriage. [Photo: Otieno Mkandawire] 
A couple poses for a picture during the marriage seminar hosted by the Family Ministries Department of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division. [Photo: Otieno Mkandawire] 
The marriage conference, themed “Together for Eternity,” taught attendees how to have better and more effective relationships. [Photo: Otieno Mkandawire] 
A couple poses during the marriage seminar hosted by the Family Ministries Department of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division. [Photo: Otieno Mkandawire]
The Olivers echoed these sentiments, commending the couples for their commitment to strengthening their marriages. “We are humbled when we see couples taking a leading role in building their marriages. This was an extraordinary event, and we go back home encouraged by the vitality and health of families in the SID region.”
The conference marked a significant moment in the church’s ongoing commitment to family ministry. Jongimpi Papu noted, “The family is the cornerstone of the church, and by empowering couples, we are ensuring a strong foundation for future generations.”
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many couples expressing excitement about returning to their communities equipped with fresh insights and resources to strengthen their marriages.
One couple from Madagascar, the Bijouxs, expressed their gratitude: “This conference was more than we bargained for. We are going back to our country fully equipped and empowered, ready to share what we’ve learned and use the resources we received to strengthen marriages in our community.” The success of the inaugural SID marriage conference underscores the church’s dedication to nurturing strong, Christ-centred families. As couples return to their homes and churches, the momentum continues, with many already anticipating the next conference in 2025.
