The Marriage Course is run by John and Linda Booker, who have been married over 30 years and part of the life at Oakes for over 25 of those. They met at the Bible Pattern Pentecostal Church in Huddersfield and eventually at the age of 15 “became more than just good friends”; they were married in 1977 and have two children and one grandchild.

According to John & Linda “We have had many highs to our married life but the main ones are that we both love and support each other and that we have two wonderful children and one grandchild. Our hopes are for more grandchildren, God willing.

The low times in our marriage have definitely been the more testing times that have come upon us. Just to mention a couple, our daughter Sarah was born two months early and weighed just 2lbs 6oz. We were told by doctors that she may not survive as she was so poorly. With a lot of support and prayers from family and friends, Sarah did pull through and we came through what was a difficult time.

We both lost our parents in a short space of time and that was a real testing time for us as we were very close to them. There have been many other situations of great testing but God has brought us through them.

On running the Marriage Course

We feel God has laid it on our hearts to run the marriage course and we enjoy sharing the principles that the materials provide. Some of the issues covered on the course can be difficult but are worthwhile as they can heal past hurts. The majority of the contents are enjoyable and helpful but as all good advice, it needs to be worked at.

Quotes from couples who have completed the course

“Good quality teaching materials that would benefit both Christian and non Christian marriages.”

“We felt we had a good marriage to start with but after going on the marriage course, our marriage is even better.”

“We were made to feel welcomed and enjoyed the warm friendly atmosphere.”

“As a lot of common sense advice, which we all know about, but forget to put it into practice.”

“It was good to be reminded, just how importantly God views marriage.”