On March 1–3, 2024, Indian Life Ministries partnered with Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and FamilyLife Canada to co-host an Indigenous Couples' Retreat at the Courthouse Hotel in Thunder Bay, Canada.
Kene and Milly Jackson from from the Whitefish Lake Band #128 Plains Cree Nation and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada blessed conferees through their music ministry and led worship.
During the weekend, Gord and Bev Mills, from the Moose Cree First Nation in Sudbury, Ont., who've been married for 41 years, taught six sessions and personal stories on helpful topics like differences, drift, handling conflict, understanding one another, intimacy and healing.
Other leaders included Dan and Joy Degaris from FamilyLife Canada and Todd and Krystal Wawrzyniak from Indian Life Ministries.
Couples also enjoyed plenty of time to talk and enjoy their getaway time together.
"I am glad we went to the marriage retreat out in Thunder Bay," one participant said. "We learned a lot, and we felt light after each session. We felt so emotional and got so encouraged. The sessions were so deep, the songs were very comforting, and the ministry team sharing their personal experiences really uplifted us. It wasn't easy for us to get there, but I'm glad we still went. We talked about all the stuff I was holding inside, and it felt good to let go." y
