Jahmah and Devonna Samuels believe that marriage should be celebrated daily.

The couple created a Facebook page with the specific intention of doing just that.

Marriage Motivation with the Samuels promotes positive, happy and healthy marriages and relationships.

“We started the page to provide a positive platform where marriages can be celebrated. Each month we highlight a couple, for our Couple of the Month series,” the Samuelses explained. “We also celebrate engagements, marriages, anniversaries and all things that promote healthy relationships.”

The couple met as teenagers and built a friendship which later evolved into a relationship.

“We were teenagers when we met and we instantly became good friends. In 1991, our friendship turned into girlfriend and boyfriend status. We dated for a few years before tying the knot at what some may say was a young age. We were 22 and 24.”

As the world becomes increasingly more secular, marriage is not always a priority or relationship goal. However, the Samuelses still believe that marriage is a valuable and important union.

“We don’t think things have changed that much. We believe there have always been a lot of people that didn’t quite believe in the whole religious aspect of marriage but were more into the idea of making a union with someone they love and have great feelings for. But today’s society is more vocal about their feelings of diversity and more willing to express these feelings more publicly.

“We would encourage marriage if you are truly ready. But you must remember no marriage is perfect, and you both have to put in 100 per cent to make your marriage work. We love when couples commit to each other as marriage is a beautiful thing to have. It’s an awesome journey navigating through life together with that special someone.”

The couple have been married for 23 years and have three daughters – Jahvonna, Jahdayna and Jada. They have shared many ups and downs, but believe that their marriage was ordained by God. Their advice to other couples or would-be couples is to keep God at the centre of their marriage.

“Always put God first. Our faith has impacted our marriage immensely. With faith comes prayer, and we’ve found that prayer not only allows us to connect with God, but also with each other. Our prayer and devotional time give us time to reflect. Keeping God in the centre of our marriage has strengthened our relationship as a couple.”

In addition to a solid foundation of faith, the Samuelses also have some practical suggestions for making a marriage last.

“Keep the lines of communication open. Be respectful and remember that you were individuals first with your own goals and dreams before you got together. Do not try and change who your spouse is or force them to give up their dreams. Yes, there will be some sacrifices, and some give and take along the way, but your ultimate goal should be to build each other up and make each other’s lives much better. You are a team.”

In addition to Marriage Motivation with the Samuels, Mrs Samuels has started a women’s prayer group. Called A Praying Wife, its members meet every Wednesday at 6.45am via zoom.

“I started A Praying Wife on April 14, with the intent to have women come together to pray for their marriage/relationship and their families,” Mrs Samuels said.

“I was very hesitant to start this group as I felt I wasn’t qualified and then I remembered what a good friend said to me: ‘God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.’”

Mrs Samuels continued: “I decided to be obedient and allow God to use me. I feel He wants to use me to help other ladies who may need help strengthening their faith. “

The Samuelses’ marriage has become a ministry that has allowed them to share their love of God and each other with couples in Bermuda and around the world.

“God has blessed us with this ministry, and we give Him all honour, glory and praise for the many blessings He has placed within this ministry,” they said.

For more information look for Marriage Motivation with the Samuels on Facebook