The Next 50 Years & Beyond

In 1998 we attended our first United Marriage Encounter Weekend. We had been married 10 years, had two small children, and it had taken Pat almost 2 years to convince Dan to go on the Weekend. This is one of those times that we wish we could speak to our younger selves and say “Hold on! God has a plan for you!!!” God changed our lives and our children’s lives that Weekend. He continues to use UME-MESF to challenge and grow us and our marriage. Amen.

In July of 2000 we were able to attend Celebration because it was in Brockport, NY, only 10 miles from our house. It was the 25th Anniversary of UME and we learned about the rich history that began right in our own backyard. We had no idea that we would still be involved to help celebrate the 50th anniversary – honestly we were still trying to learn and survive…. But God had a plan.

The last 25 years God has brought us on a journey that only He could have designed. Through local leadership, Teaming, Core, Committee work and the UME-MESF Board of Directors.

In 2019 when we were approached to become the International Executive Couple, God gave us the goal of preparing this ministry for the next 50 years. Have we reached that goal? Yes! Because of all of you! We give thanks for the financial stability we have been able to reach and maintain. The Weekend Experience has been reviewed, updated and improved. We have several options of workshops and other programs that we can offer. Translated Weekends are possible. Our Teams have a more structured plan for writing and presenting. There are so, so many more accomplishments, too many to list here. But it is not time to stop yet. There are so many more marriages to reach. We truly believe that we can change this world one marriage at a time.

So celebrate and remember the first 50 years but never stop praying and preparing for the next 50 years…. and beyond!

Peace, love, and joy,

Dan & Pat

International Executive Couple