What people have been saying about the ministry of HIM in 2021

“Paul and Virginia recently spoke at a marriage retreat for our church. We purchased the study In Our Image and it has really brought my wife and I closer together and made us really rethink how our marriage reflects God.”

—Marriage Conference attendees, Southern US

“Their world-class marriage enrichment sessions are rated every year by conference attendees as extremely impactful. If Paul and Virginia’s influence was just conveyed from the stage that in itself would be amazing. However, what is simply extraordinary is the way that they allow the Holy Spirit to work with them face-to-face with couples—a hug, a smile, a laugh, and a word of encouragement. And, with a seamlessness that can only be from the Lord, they move together as one as they share.”

—Dr. Harold Arnold, Director, Eusebeia Marriage Experience, Baltimore, MD

“Our high school youth group loved hearing Paul and Virginia answer their questions about relationships and sex from a Biblical perspective. This important message runs counterculture to what they are taught in school, society, and media. It was delivered with such honesty, love, and humor that every student left feeling encouraged and challenged. Thank you!”

—Jodi Coetzee, Youth Director, Kona, HI

“We and our congregation enjoyed and were greatly blessed by your presentations on marriage. It was biblically sound !!, clearly presented, and filled with relatable stories that communicated truth with gentleness and humor. We especially appreciated the tag-team approach (speaking with both a male and female voice) and your use of personal stories showing that we are all working on better reflecting God’s intent for marriage . . . In fact, we are currently working through The Marriage App book as a follow-up for couples that wanted to dig deeper and walk together in the process of living out the biblical model.”

—Nanette Jefferies, Marriage and Family Pastor,
Crossroads Church of the Nazarene,
Ellicott City, MD

“Paul and Virginia connected with our couples like no other speakers we’ve had in the decade or more that I’ve been running our church’s annual marriage retreat.

“They weren’t just great communicators and challenging marriage teachers—they also somehow became everyone’s new friends . . . in just one weekend. I think that’s part of what gave them a unique and powerful platform to be used by God in the lives of the 120 or so folks that attended.”

—TJ Diamond, Family Pastor, Church of the Apostles, Atlanta, GA 

“Thank you for the past three weeks of ministry at Living Stones Church. You have a unique ability to bring God’s truth on marriage and family life in a powerful and winsome way. I’ve never seen more effective team teaching than the two of you present, addressing biblical issues in unity and at the same time from completely different perspectives. On top of that, the couples counseling that you did while here was nothing short of life-changing for so many as you combined unwavering adherence to truth and loving compassion in the midst of human frailties. Can’t wait to have you back again!”

—Bill Barley, Lead Pastor, Living Stones Church, Kona, HI

“We asked Paul and Virginia to come and share with our people because we knew what they would share would be biblically solid and God-honoring.  With that comes their winsome way of connecting to their audience. Our people were blessed, encouraged, and challenged. We are so grateful for their faithful ministry.”

—David Tebay, Lead Pastor, Calvary Church of Brea, Brea, CA

“Dr. Paul and Dr. Virginia Friesen are the real deal!  They speak from not only their own personal and relatable experiences but most importantly, they speak through the powerful lens of Scripture.  Their approach is personal, authentic, humorous, and lasting.  As a pastor, I would welcome them to speak into the marriages of our congregation seven days a week. Truly impactful!” 

—Tom Joyce, Family Pastor, Immanuel Bible Church, Springfield, VA

“We have almost read all the books sent to us for the Engagement Matters Virtual Weekend. Every book helps us learn and grow as we prepare for marriage.

“We have repeatedly shared the wise words you said: ‘Preparation for marriage and taking time is a blessing and necessary step that will solidify our marriage.’

“Honoring God by realizing how precious marriage is to Him and giving it the time and preparation it requires has been crucial in our spiritual growth together as well as individually. Additionally, we see the fruits of putting God first, and it has aided us in self-control, love, forbearance, etc.

“Many thanks for all your help, and God bless you in the wonderful ministry you are doing—we are forever grateful.”

—Engagement Matters attendees, Great Britain