For the first time, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Laos has hosted a marriage enrichment seminar for pastors and their spouses, an important step in strengthening family life and church leadership in a region where Christianity remains a minority faith.

The one-day event, themed “Love Takes Time,” was held in Vang Vieng, a city known for its scenic beauty and tranquil setting. Sixteen pastoral couples gathered following their annual ministry training to invest in their marriages and spiritual growth. The seminar was led by Phouangmala Kongsengphengphet, Family Ministries director for the Adventist Church in Southeast Asia.

Through interactive sessions, participants explored three key principles for a healthy and Christ-centered marriage: love God, love your spouse and children, and love yourself. The sessions emphasized emotional connection, spiritual intimacy, and practical tools for maintaining strong relationships amid the demands of ministry.

“This initiative not only supports our leaders but also equips them to better serve the growing needs of families in our churches and communities,” said Keophetsamone Somphou, president of the Adventist Church in Laos. Somphou also led a vow renewal ceremony during the event, allowing couples to recommit to their marriage and ministry journey.

The day concluded with a group outing, which gave couples space to reflect, connect, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. This was an intentional reminder of the importance of rest and togetherness in a busy life of service, leaders say.

With a membership of just under 3,400 in a nation of over 7 million, the Adventist Church in Laos continues to grow through a holistic mission approach. Located within the 10/40 Window, a region stretching across Asia and parts of Africa that is home to the majority of the world’s unreached people, the church emphasizes leadership development, family support, and practical discipleship as key to long-term impact.

This enrichment seminar, supported by the Southeastern Asia Union Mission, is part of a wider movement across the global Adventist Church to nurture healthy families and empower mission-driven leaders. By caring for those who care for others, the Church is laying a stronger foundation for spiritual growth and community transformation.

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.