12/13/2025
Dear Friends,
Every now and then something happens that is so deeply, profoundly embarrassing that the only sensible response is to bury it forever and pray no one ever brings it up again.
Unless, of course, you discover it makes a fantastic opening illustration for a TED-X–style marriage event you’re hosting for 250 couples in Minnesota in October at Hosanna Church.
Ladies and gentlemen… I present to you: “My Pink Shirt Story.”
https://youtu.be/qUHgX9YNf7Q
One thing I have learned in 36 years of ministry is that the more transparent and vulnerable you are as a communicator, the more willing people are to gently open the door of their hearts. One of my great passions is helping to equip engaged couples with tools that help their relationships last a lifetime. I often share that Cathy and I have made more than our fair share of mistakes—most of them mine—and that some of those took years to work through.
One couple I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside in 2025 is a young professional couple in NYC. They are in their thirties, and both are recovering from the pain of a previous broken marriage. I invited them to write a short testimony about their experience.
"When we first met Derek, we quickly recognized we had found a kind, incredibly supportive mentor to walk us through delicate relational issues in preparation for marriage. In our three years of dating we had never experienced anything like it. Prepare and Enrich assessment followed by The Marriage Course is a huge connector. It encourages serious conversations that are helping us emotionally intertwine and construct the foundation of our future family. We are seeing breakthroughs thanks to the deep insight Derek has from his own marriage that allows him to speak truth into areas of tension." - John and Rebekah NYC
Making this marriage preparation completely free is a game changer for most couples, many who struggling with debt. This is made possible because of all the ways you’ve supported us through Beyond The Blue.
Whether you’ve been praying faithfully for us, or giving financially, your contribution matters. Thank you for considering giving to us on a consistent basis. We are so grateful. Amazed and humbled by the incarnation of Christ Jesus this Christmas season.
Blessings,
Derek+
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