Browsing by Author "Ndhlovu, Alvern Wabile"

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    A Strategy for Reducing Marital Infidelity among Young Couples in Heaven Bound District, South Zimbabwe Conference
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2016-07) Ndhlovu, Alvern Wabile
    Marital infidelity among church members seems to be a perennial problem. However, this problem is so hidden that one might assume it is non-existent. Seemingly, it is more prevalent than many believe. This is evidenced by the number of couples seeking counselling, separating, divorcing and at times being involved in serious squabbles. In the majority of cases, marital unfaithfulness is the main cause of the dysfunction in the families This realisation prompted the research on this particular area. Furthermore, the social media posts on a daily basis the social problems affecting marriages in the country and how the people are flooding the courts seeking restitution. Whatever is happening in the social world is reflective of what is occurring in the church. In view of the above recognition, this paper sought to discover the risk factors associated with marital infidelity. Furthermore, a strategy will be developed that would be useful in restoring dysfunctional marriages among young Christian couples. In the minds of many people, there is a common belief that those who have “been saved” are free from temptations and sin. This research meant to disprove the fact that Christians are immune to temptation. Like the rest of the human society, Christians are subjected to situations that test their faith on a daily basis. Temptations do assail everyone but the outcome determines the difference. Therefore, this research examined the risk factors associated with marital infidelity and suggested remedial actions to reduce this phenomenon. The strategy that was adopted was that of a purposive seminar based on the responses of the respondents. Young couples were engaged in this exercise and they gave insightful responses to the problem. The Bible served as one of the sources of the research. The writings of Ellen G. White and other literature were used to define the biblical interpretation of a covenantal marriage and determine the risk factors associated with infidelity. The mixed method approach was used in the acquisition of data. Heaven Bound district (a pseudonym) was selected as the research area of concentration. There were 24 respondents—eleven men and thirteen women who formed the basis of the investigation. A survey was done using questionnaires and interviews. As a result, an intervention program was developed that followed a progressive sequence for a period of nine months. Six seminars were held for all the couples in the district. The seminars were open to all who wanted to participate. It was discovered during the seminars that some people engage in either one form or the other of marital infidelity. The main focus was on sexual, emotional and cyber forms of infidelity. Ways of curbing the spread of unfaithfulness were discussed. All this was in a bid to save the marriages from imminent collapse. Resultantly, the research concluded by stating the need for having periodic check-ups in the marriages. The recommendation was made for more seminars to be conducted not only at district level, but at conference level as well. Partners were encouraged to be faithful to their spouses and to maintain a high level of spirituality. The final recommendation is that pastors and leaders of the church be professionally trained as counselors and lead exemplary lives.