"Praise the Lord, my husband is home. It has been two years and a few attempts to come home. This time he is home to stay. It is a miracle at the work that our God has done. He has totally transformed my husband’s heart. The once bitter and angry person has vanished. He is even asking me questions about my faith. Nothing is impossible with God." (Florida)
"I was the prodigal, now the stander. My wife's divorce, resulting from my infidelity, was final a few years ago. Even though she is engaged to be married later this year, I continue to believe in and trust God for a miracle. I look forward to the day when I can write again and report the good news of a healed relationship and a restored marriage." (Maryland)
"God led me to write a letter to the other woman to tell her I forgave her and to witnessed to her about God and letting her know I am praying for her. My children sent a recording Christmas card to their daddy saying how much they love him. Thank You God for softening my heart." (Rhode Island)
"My wife moved out. My daughter wanted to live with her. I gave it to the Lord. After many months, the Spirit touched my daughter's heart in church one morning, and since then she has been on fire for the Lord. Only God could have pulled that off. I prayed, I took her to church, and I set an example for her. God did the rest." (Nevada)
“What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:3 (Do you believe what God has told you?)
"Over the last couple of weeks, my wife has started backing down on a number of her demands for the divorce settlement and her heart seems to be softening overall. She is laughing a bit when she calls to have the kids speak to me. The Lord is working every day. I pray for her heart to soften even more." (Texas)
"I took my tax stuff in to our preparer. She felt that (husband) could save money by filing with me. When she talked to (husband), he was delighted that he could save so much money. I believe the Lord is working through this situation - another to work together on something." (Arizona)
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears...This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles...The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;..." Psalm 34:4,6,1
"My daughter's birthday was this week. My husband came for dinner and gave her a gift. He stayed and watched TV. He came by again tonight at a surprise birthday party for our daughter. His parents were also here. He says he does not love me but I believe God is working in his heart and he doesn't even realize it. Praise the Lord." (Massachusetts)
"I want to thank Rejoice Ministries for your email and support. I have been separated for over 3 years and almost divorced. Glory to God he restored my marriage. My husband has recommitted to me. He is back home, moving in completely by June 1, and me and our children are testimony that God can and will heal marriages. When everyone told me to give up, when the circumstances seems impossible, God made it happen. softened his heart and returned him to his family." (California)
"This month is the anniversary of my being a stander. It took a while for me to find your ministry. I was so grateful. I needed to find someone who believed it was ok to wait. This morning through my tears I asked your Ministry for prayer. The money is gone and so many bills. I started a new business but no one responded to my fliers. Today I received one call with 90 orders." (California)
“Praise the Lord for answering my prayers! He is changing my heart, my husband's heart and transforming our family and drawing us back together again. My husband has now been coming over and spending a lot of time with the children. He even spent most of the day working on my car. God is doing great things.” (Illinois)
"Last month I was done with standing. I told God no more. I then went through the darkest time since my spouse left. I again started praying for my spouse, praising God, returned to church and spending time with Jesus. Today our children moved my spouse out from the other woman's house. To God be all Glory." (California)
"Recently God gave me Psalm 128. I have personalized this scripture and am praying it daily. God has also reinforced, 'that our weapons are not carnal- but mighty through God' therefore there is power in praying the Word of the Living God so that the Word becomes Flesh and is manifested in the circumstances of our life." (Australia)
“I live on a busy street, and found a way to use the bumper sticker sized example of 'There’s Hope.’ I have a pole a couple feet from the road, and I have taped this message of hope onto the pole. Across the street is a left turn many people use, so as they slow, they'll have a chance to be ministered to. I praise God for putting this thought on my heart.” (California)
"My husband has been speaking divorce for weeks. Was I surprised to get flowers for Mother's Day. The card was signed from my little girls but when I called to thank him, he admitted reluctantly that he had bought them. Praise the Lord! He is working." (Kansas)
"The Saturday before Christmas the phone rang and my prodigal husband asked me to open the door. He came home for five days to talk things out. I brought him to work with me on Christmas day and he played his guitar and sang Christian songs with the special needs people I work with. We went to a midnight church service together and listened to 'Stop Divorce Radio' into the wee hours of the morning. I couldn't have planned a better day. We are still unsure of who is moving where, but we are in agreement that God will be the head of this restored marriage. 'Cast your cares upon the Lord and he will sustain you. He will never let the righteous fall.'" (Connecticut)
“I'm a stander of almost three years. Let me encourage you to join me in supporting this wonderful ministry with your prayers and, if the Lord leads, your financial support. If you're like me, you found Bob and Charlyne by doing a search on the Internet. Their ministry is one of the most wonderful and needed ministries in the world today. I never knew God hated divorce until Charlyne taught me. The encouragement Bob and Charlyne give us is priceless. I have learned that my small donation to Rejoice Marriage Ministries, each month, gives me a feeling of partnership with Bob and Charlyne. I felt led to share this from my heart. I know your monies will be used for God's glory in healing marriages.” (Virginia)
"I rejoice in the Lord because my husband called me today to ask me a question about a television show and asked what I thought about it. I thank God because we haven't had a decent conversation since he left months ago." (North Carolina)
"All you have made will praise you, O Lord; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down." Psalm 145:10-14
"For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." Deuteronomy 20:4
"Today is the anniversary of my husband and I separating. It has been an emotional roller coaster, but since I have truly given the situation over to God, and have been reading the Word of God, I have peace. I am confident that God is working this out. He is restoring and healing our marriage." (Indiana)
"A couple of days prior to my court date, my lawyer called me saying that my husband was offering to settle out of court. We did some negotiating and he agreed to divorce in months instead of that day. I did not want a divorce and that has been my prayer. I've seen God's hand in my situation and I believe that things will turn around and my divorce will not happen. I praise God because my lawyer said she has never seen this happen before. I know God is on my side." (Canada)
“After three and a half years of standing, some of which has been admittedly double-minded, my wife told me that she has cut off all contact with the other man whom she left to be with. I believe the Lord has finally risen up and answered my prayers to reveal the truth to her in the inner most places of her heart. My heart leaps for joy to know that my Savior has indeed taken authority, as I have prayed. I praise God for His mercy, grace and love all the while. The Lord hears the prayers of His people, and I can testify to this without doubt. Praise God.” (Mississippi)
"This week my husband mentioned going to his hometown on business. He meets the other person there. I asked God to block his way with thorns and make a wall so he cannot find his path, to bring him to his senses, break the soul tie and the bands of wickedness, and deliver him from the immoral woman of Proverbs 5. It is snowing today in our area. We rarely get snow in Georgia. My husband is 'grounded' at his apartment this morning, just as the news reports described the airplanes." (Georgia)
"My husband filed for divorce and immediately left to accept a job out of state. He called me today. I asked him if he missed the kids and he misses them. Then I asked him if he misses me and he said he did. I was so elated and so excited after hearing this from him. I felt like a teen-ager again. I am continuing to see in faith and know that God will send my spouse home." (Nevada)
“Last October, God spoke to my heart and told me to stand for my marriage and that He would see us through. It was at this time that I found Rejoice Marriage Ministries and began receiving the daily devotional. God is good and my husband has been able to turn his life around and God has broken the yoke of bondage that has been on him. He is not yet saved, but I believe that God will be faithful to His Word and my husband will come to know Jesus. Next week we will be renewing our wedding vows. My husband and I are so grateful for the miracle of second chances.” (Iowa)
"We took the kids to the beach for the weekend. It was a wonderful time. I see God moving and softening my prodigal's heart to spend more time with the kids. We did not talk about us at all, we just enjoyed the moment. I know that God has given me power to stand and let Him handle things." (Georgia)
“My prodigal husband, a non-believer, who resisted anything to do with the Lord, told me yesterday that he is taking classes to be baptized. I still cannot believe it. God is so good. He is working on my husband. For the first time, my husband gave me a hug when he left. I am so thankful to my Lord for this wonderful gift. I had my doubts about him coming to the Lord and God changing him. Now I can see that restoration will happen because it is even less impossible than my husband believing in God. Praise the Lord.” (California)
"Our daughter is a senior in high school and has had a long road of trials, including the separation of her parents and the death of her grandmother. Today she was told she will graduate on time with her class. I praise God for this. She has so struggled to make it thus far." (Ohio)
“I am praising God. My wife, in-home prodigal, who has been adamant about me leaving our house, speaking divorce and separation, asked me last night if I would be willing to stay and share expenses. She spoke with a softness not seen in months. I know God is doing heart surgery. How timely your devotion from yesterday about standers living at home. Thank you but, even more, thank God Almighty.” (Ohio)
"My prodigal came to a traditional family gathering during Christmas. This was a big step for him, since he has been very angry at them. I am so proud of him, and thankful to God for making it possible. He also came to dinner at our home on Christmas evening and it was nice, but too short. He was very touched by my home-made gifts (not a lot of money available this year). The one expensive gift I gave him was a wedding-band-like ring, which he put right on his finger, where he once wore his band." (Virginia)
"After years of divorce with anger and bitterness, I finally forgave my husband and the other woman. God has been moving me to be real nice to my husband and I prayed for him to turn his heart toward me. God answered my prayer. My husband offered to meet me halfway to take our child so I don't wear my car so much and also offered to pay a large bill for me. He also apologized for how he treated me during our marriage and I told him I loved him. He is not home, yet but am praying hard." (Alabama)
“During my last pregnancy, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and I had to have my thyroid removed. My baby came through the surgery just fine. Praise the Lord! Two weeks after he was born, my husband left. Since then, the Lord has taken care of me and my children in every way possible. I needed to have radioactive iodine treatment and the Lord has provided a way for me to have the treatment without too many side effects. Praise the Lord.” (Maryland)
"I have been praying that God would put good memories in my prodigal’s heart and I had a special prayer that one night he would pull me close and put his arm around me. The other night I went upstairs and I saw him looking at an old family album. That evening my husband out of the blue asked me if I wanted him to put his arm around me and he did. A few days later he said it was a mistake and never should have happened, but I know it was God working in his heart. God does answer those special prayers and in His perfect timing my marriage will be restored." (Virginia)
"We have just completed a renovation of our church buildings. This was our first Sunday back in our sanctuary. I was blessed and honored with being asked to deliver the prayer of dedication and to sing a solo with our choir. Then Sunday night God multiplied His blessings! My daughter came to church for the first time in a long time. She has gotten away from the Lord. I am content to let Him finish His work in (my wife and me) if it takes years! Sure I want our marriage to be restored. I want my covenant wife back. But I want it God's way! Praise God for His goodness!" (Texas)
“I have learned in order for God to do his work on my spouse that I must pick up my cross and follow him completely. I finally understood what unconditional love is. It has taken me six months to figure this out. Thank You Jesus for loving me unconditionally.” (North Carolina)
“I have read of personal testimonies where the stander has asked for a sign to confirm what they believe the Lord is telling them. Although I believe whole-heartedly that God will bring my husband home, I felt a need for confirmation to give me hope to hold on. I asked God to encourage me by giving me a sign similar to what others have seen. Later that same day, I saw a bike rider with a t-shirt on that said COVENANT on the back. Since I was driving by in a car I couldn't read what else it said, but that one word was all I needed. If that wasn't enough to inspire me, about 10 minutes later, I drove past a home that had a sign displayed in the yard that said Industrial RESTORATION. I am sure to believe His promise for me after being doubly blessed.” (Wisconsin)
"My husband and I have very little contact. I was praying this morning that the Lord would touch my husband's heart and allow him to contact me today. When I checked my email, I had a message from my husband wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving. The Lord is faithful to His promises." (Texas)
"Contact has become more frequent with my husband. At the end of our last conversation he said Happy Valentine's Day. I didn't think he would even remember Valentine's Day. God is faithful. He needed that time to change me." (Canada)
"Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44
"Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds." Psalm 145:3-6
"Yesterday I was in a large city trying to find a business that I have never been to. Driving right towards me was my prodigal. His job takes him all over the city. I waved to him and he actually waved back, unlike last time. Only God could have orchestrated all of this." (Minnesota)
“God moved into my situation. I went to my wife’s church, got saved, baptized and released from my past sins. The next morning the pastor called my wife in and we both forgave each other as Christ forgives. The next night we went on our first date. We are in love more so now that ever, with no lies between us, no hidden agendas or personal problems. We love each other whole heartedly and all of this from following the Lord. Praise God.” (California)
"Last week my prodigal returned to his home after being gone for the military. I have yet to see him, but we have spoken and he is very angry. The Lord is faithful. I was looking for a Psalm to read and He led me to Psalm 37:1-8. Not only did God renew my trust in His promises, but he gave me direction on how to stand. Two days later, I was reading a daily devotional and the scripture reading was Psalm 37:5 and then at church our pastor read, yes, you guessed it, Psalm 37:18. The Lord is so faithful. He has told me all week to not fret and to rely and trust in Him. The Lord has remained true to me and continues to let me know I am accepted and love by Him. Praise the Lord." (Texas)
" After years of struggling with pornography I am now finally free. I am aware that I need to continue to be vigilant. On Christmas day we had lunch together as a family for the first time in five years. My wife asked me to carve the turkey. Just over a week ago my wife and I had a meal at our elder daughter's and last Saturday evening all the family came to me for a meal. God is moving!" (United Kingdom)
“In 1997, I moved my family from Stockton, California to Los Angeles to pursue a well paying, highly visible position in higher education. I quickly became caught up in the 'power of the position' and was intoxicated with the money, travel, and eventually the women. I filed for divorce from my wife and ruined my family. My wife and her family, being the believers that they are, stood for our marriage. I, on the other hand, was the typical prodigal husband and backslid from God. Bob, I mirrored all your actions and events in your life during your prodigal years, and unfortunately, them some. A few months before our divorce, I received a 'Charlyne Cares' at work and God immediately began to work on my heart. At first I dismissed ever wanting to re-establish a relationship with Jesus again. Then, I tried going to church with the other woman, neither of which was the answer. To make a long story short, I soon realized my mistakes, repented, cried a million tears, re-committed my self to Jesus Christ, moved back to Stockton. I re-married my wife in December 2000. God is so very good. I firmly believe in the covenant of marriage and am a living testimony of the power of Jesus. I was the 'poster child' for the lying and cheating prodigal husband. If God was able to fix my heart and save my marriage, He can fix anyone. Praise the Lord!” (California)
"My husband got trapped by sin. Since I believe in marriage I will stand by my husband for I have forgiven him. My husband is calling a lot and that is a blessing." (Kansas)
"My husband moved out of our home and filed for divorce. We were to have the first divorce hearing recently. I had been praying for God to block the divorce. Praise to God, the divorce hearing was delayed for months. God is a God of last minute miracles." (California)
"I have been struggling with personal issues and my prayer life is not at all what it should be. As a result, I am not praying for my spouse as I should. I still dare to ask the Lord for signs that He is still at work in my husband's life. Although I don't deserve it, He answers my prayers. My prodigal has continued to copy me on inspirational email. I am still in awe that he includes me. Recently I have noticed an increase in the amount he's sending. It's so wonderful to see that God is speaking to him this way and that for some reason, he chooses to let me know. Praise God. He is so good." (Pennsylvania)