Creating awareness on the consequences of polygamy on children and modeling intervention strategies in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Magwi County, Greater Equatoria Field of South Sudan

Abstract

The research looked at how marriage which was instituted by God Himself, and was given to mankind as a gift, was later distorted, and its deviation has had ravaging effects in many families in our world today. Most especially, the distortion has resulted in the practice of the polygamous family creeping into the three local churches in Pageri district of Seventh-day Adventist Church. A study of the situation showed that 20% of the members were involved in marrying more than one wife. Children who live in these polygamous families suffer with various challenges, as do their parents, which range from lack of financial support, lack of emotional support, poverty, poor performance in school, school dropout, early pregnancy, rivalry, jealousy, fighting, and lack of direction in life. The root cause of this is the selfish heart of mankind which came as a result of sin ruling in human life and was seen in the experience of Biblical characters.Examples include Lamech, David, Solomon and Jacob who tried to justify their character against God’s principles. The notes gathered from various literatures were used to educate the couples, youth, and children on the issues facing families. Week-end family life enrichment seminars were organized quarterly for a year. During the seminar, the effect of polygamy on families and children and how to minimize effects were mentioned. Among the 20% couples who were involved in practicing polygamous life, 15% came back to the church, and they faithfully give offerings and tithes. Also, they participated in witnessing activities, called Total members Involvement (TMI) through inviting their friends to attend church meetings. This study, therefore, advocates for a return to the Biblical injunction of one man one wife for an efficient and harmonious family cohesiveness amongst couples and their children.