23 Oct 2025, 13:30Pastor Rio EsplugarDaventry, West Northamptonshire, England, United Kingdom
Renewed Marriage Enrichment Retreat 2025 – “Rekindle the Love”
3–5 October 2025, Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club, Daventry
Over forty-five married couples gathered at the serene Staverton Park Hotel in Daventry for the first joint North England Conference (NEC) and South England Conference (SEC) Marriage Enrichment Retreat, organised by Pastors John Francis, NEC Family Life director and Rio Espulgar, SEC Family and Children’s director. The theme for the weekend, “Rekindle the Love,” invited couples to pause, reflect, and intentionally invest in strengthening their marital bond.
Guest speakers Drs Robert and Denise Davis guided attendees through key biblical and psychological principles designed to build stronger marriages. The central aim of the retreat was, “To develop a clear vision of the type of person you desire to be and the type of relationships you desire to have.”
Friday evening’s session focused on Emotional Maturity, with Dr Denise Davis highlighting that emotional growth is, “A solo venture that you take together.” Dr Robert Davis reflected on the spiritual and emotional maturity demonstrated by Jesus:
Jesus’ family was emotionally mature (Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 1:26–38)
Jesus’ clear life vision (Luke 19:10)
Jesus’ guiding principles (Matthew 5:1–9)
Jesus’ application of principles in real life (Matthew 5:21–47)
Jesus’ unwavering commitment to His principles (Matthew 5:48)
Dr Davis cautioned that, often we institutionalise the church with a list of rules and policies, forgetting about the Jesus we are meant to follow and be guided by.
Sabbath morning’s session delved into Strategies for Managing Relationships, focusing on “Rewiring Your Brain for Love.” Couples engaged in heartfelt discussions about personal growth, struggles, and traits they wished to improve.
Dr Robert Davis outlined five common relational response patterns:
Conflict – direct confrontation or argument
Triology – venting to a third party about your spouse
Distancing – withdrawing emotionally or physically
Pursuing – attempting to defuse tension by chasing resolution
Cut-off – severing ties completely, as in divorce or emotional isolation
Understanding these tendencies, helps individuals develop self-awareness and move from instinctual reaction to intentional response.
Couples were encouraged to write personal and family mission statements to guide
their growth and hold each other accountable.
“My mission is to represent Yeshua and to do my part to make this world a better place by producing justice, and to bring my absolute best self into all relationships.” - Dr Robert Davis:
“My mission is to faithfully serve God with all humility and respect so that it is reflected in all aspects of my life and relationships, allowing the beauty of Christ to be seen in me always.” - Mrs Orlene Dunkley-Lawrence:
Participants engaged in open dialogue around challenging topics such as the impact of childhood, family dynamics, intimacy and coping mechanisms like overwork or substance abuse.
One attendee shared, “I was raised in the foster system. This retreat is helping me to recalibrate myself going forward.”
Dr Davis beautifully summarised, “By their fruit you shall know them, but by their root you understand them.”
Saturday evening’s banquet was a joyful highlight. Couples enjoyed a sumptuous three-course meal, games, laughter and fellowship. The evening celebrated the renewed sense of love and togetherness among the couples.
The final session explored the theme “How Working in Our Family Saves Our Marriage.” Drs Robert and Denise Davis emphasised that addressing issues within one’s family of origin plays a crucial role in relationship health. Working on yourself within your family makes the biggest difference in your maturity level.
Couples also examined child-parent dynamics, gaining practical tools for handling challenging family situations with grace and understanding.
The presenters concluded by revisiting the Five Principles of Emotional Maturity:
Feel deeply without being ruled by emotions
Endure others’ discomfort without rushing to fix it
See beyond others’ actions to understand relational dynamics
Stay connected to difficult people and those with differing views
Maintain guiding principles rooted in conviction, not reaction
Music and worship were integral throughout the weekend with inspiring devotionals and praise sessions. Pastor John Francis and his wife Delivon, led devotionals from Connected: Devotional Readings for an Intimate Marriage by Pastor Willie and Dr Elaine Oliver.
The retreat closed with a touching Commitment Service, where couples renewed their vows and reaffirmed their dedication to God and each other.
It was a weekend of reflection, laughter, learning, and above all — love rekindled.
3–5 October 2025, Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club, Daventry
Over forty-five married couples gathered at the serene Staverton Park Hotel in Daventry for the first joint North England Conference (NEC) and South England Conference (SEC) Marriage Enrichment Retreat, organised by Pastors John Francis, NEC Family Life director and Rio Espulgar, SEC Family and Children’s director. The theme for the weekend, “Rekindle the Love,” invited couples to pause, reflect, and intentionally invest in strengthening their marital bond.
Guest speakers Drs Robert and Denise Davis guided attendees through key biblical and psychological principles designed to build stronger marriages. The central aim of the retreat was, “To develop a clear vision of the type of person you desire to be and the type of relationships you desire to have.”
Friday evening’s session focused on Emotional Maturity, with Dr Denise Davis highlighting that emotional growth is, “A solo venture that you take together.” Dr Robert Davis reflected on the spiritual and emotional maturity demonstrated by Jesus:
Jesus’ family was emotionally mature (Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 1:26–38)
Jesus’ clear life vision (Luke 19:10)
Jesus’ guiding principles (Matthew 5:1–9)
Jesus’ application of principles in real life (Matthew 5:21–47)
Jesus’ unwavering commitment to His principles (Matthew 5:48)
Dr Davis cautioned that, often we institutionalise the church with a list of rules and policies, forgetting about the Jesus we are meant to follow and be guided by.
Sabbath morning’s session delved into Strategies for Managing Relationships, focusing on “Rewiring Your Brain for Love.” Couples engaged in heartfelt discussions about personal growth, struggles, and traits they wished to improve.
Dr Robert Davis outlined five common relational response patterns:
Conflict – direct confrontation or argument
Triology – venting to a third party about your spouse
Distancing – withdrawing emotionally or physically
Pursuing – attempting to defuse tension by chasing resolution
Cut-off – severing ties completely, as in divorce or emotional isolation
Understanding these tendencies, helps individuals develop self-awareness and move from instinctual reaction to intentional response.
Couples were encouraged to write personal and family mission statements to guide
their growth and hold each other accountable.
“My mission is to represent Yeshua and to do my part to make this world a better place by producing justice, and to bring my absolute best self into all relationships.” - Dr Robert Davis:
“My mission is to faithfully serve God with all humility and respect so that it is reflected in all aspects of my life and relationships, allowing the beauty of Christ to be seen in me always.” - Mrs Orlene Dunkley-Lawrence:
Participants engaged in open dialogue around challenging topics such as the impact of childhood, family dynamics, intimacy and coping mechanisms like overwork or substance abuse.
One attendee shared, “I was raised in the foster system. This retreat is helping me to recalibrate myself going forward.”
Dr Davis beautifully summarised, “By their fruit you shall know them, but by their root you understand them.”
Saturday evening’s banquet was a joyful highlight. Couples enjoyed a sumptuous three-course meal, games, laughter and fellowship. The evening celebrated the renewed sense of love and togetherness among the couples.
The final session explored the theme “How Working in Our Family Saves Our Marriage.” Drs Robert and Denise Davis emphasised that addressing issues within one’s family of origin plays a crucial role in relationship health. Working on yourself within your family makes the biggest difference in your maturity level.
Couples also examined child-parent dynamics, gaining practical tools for handling challenging family situations with grace and understanding.
The presenters concluded by revisiting the Five Principles of Emotional Maturity:
Feel deeply without being ruled by emotions
Endure others’ discomfort without rushing to fix it
See beyond others’ actions to understand relational dynamics
Stay connected to difficult people and those with differing views
Maintain guiding principles rooted in conviction, not reaction
Music and worship were integral throughout the weekend with inspiring devotionals and praise sessions. Pastor John Francis and his wife Delivon, led devotionals from Connected: Devotional Readings for an Intimate Marriage by Pastor Willie and Dr Elaine Oliver.
The retreat closed with a touching Commitment Service, where couples renewed their vows and reaffirmed their dedication to God and each other.
It was a weekend of reflection, laughter, learning, and above all — love rekindled.
