Like a stalker, I watched the family of four from across the park.

They were laughing so hard they couldn’t eat their picnic. The daughter buried her head in her napkin. The son beat his hand on the table. Then the Dad gave the Mom a side-hug and a peck on the cheek.

The happy family scene was almost more than I could bear.

Grateful tears gathered in the corners of my eyes. A wave of relief surged through my heart .

The last time I saw them, the Mom had already filed for divorce.
Now they were . . . together. Laughing. Hugging and kissing.

I witnessed a miracle that day. But I don’t know why it surprised me.

Let me explain: I volunteer in a ministry called JH Outback. We host marriage enrichment retreats for couples twice a year. Each time I witness God heal a troubled relationship, it’s such a blessing for me.

A few years ago, the Mom & Dad (mentioned above) came to JH Outback as a last-ditch effort before their divorce was finalized. Because of the healing that started during that weekend, the couple decided to go back to therapy. Soon, they cancelled their divorce. Now they volunteer at JH Outback weekends, just hoping to pass the blessing forward.

A lot of people wonder how so many marriages are helped by JH Outback. (We also have a program for parents and teens that’s just as powerful.)

The truth is, I can’t really tell you.

All I know is that during the weekend, couples (and parents & teens) camp together in a beautiful setting.

Away from cell phones. Away from distractions. Away from normal life.

Delicious meals and indoor bathrooms are provided. There’s time for worship and reflection. It’s a fun, positive atmosphere.

But that’s not all.

Here’s what makes JH Outback so powerful: the staff lifts up the weekend in prayer and fasting for 40 days. Each camper is prayed over daily by name from the time they sign up. During the weekend, prayer volunteers pray for each camper, over and over.

Yes, we have excellent content, activities and speakers. Yes, we volunteers give it our all. But this I know: God alone makes the difference.

Marriage is the closest bond that you can have with another person. The parent-child relationship is a close second. So be proactive. Nurture YOUR precious family relationships by attending a JH Outback weekend this fall. Or send a couple that you love our way.

While it’s just a weekend retreat, it’s been life-changing for thousands of people. People like me. After attending a JH Outback weekend in 2009, I was able to restore a broken family relationship (with God’s help). I’m beyond grateful.

So now I’d like to pass the blessing on to you.

I’m offering a limited number of scholarships to couples (or parents & teens) this fall. Apply NOW before the free scholarships run out. To apply for a FREE scholarship, please email me at hello@maypatterson.com

*JH Outback is coming up in Huntsville, AL 9/22-24. Check here for the locations of other JH Outbacks across the nation this fall. Click on this short video for more info: