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“Counselling with the both of you has made a profound difference in our marriage, starting with how we communicate and understand each other. The sessions challenged us to reflect on who we are as individuals and clearly define what we truly want. This shift allowed us to sit down and talk openly about our expectations without misunderstandings. For Winnie it brought a critical moment of healing where facing past wounds helped her realize that unhealed pain was affecting our relationship and unknowing her relationship with God as well. Through your guidance, she found the strength to sit down, talk, and forgive, ensuring those past hurts wouldn’t bleed into our present. For Sheldon it gave a deep insight into his own desire to be a God fearing father — a powerful realization tied to your reflection as counselors on how we become what we fix our eyes upon.

Looking back on this season, the transformation in our daily lives has been tangible. We feel significantly more united and intentional about working through our challenges together as a team, rather than bringing outside parties into our private struggles. Most importantly, the ultimate impact of this journey is that it drew us closer to God, both individually and as a couple.

We are deeply grateful for the guidance, wisdom, and safe space you provided us.”

“Having our pre marriage counselling sessions with Dr Emidio and Deborah has been crucial in our relationship, as we began to plan our wedding and further work on our relationship, getting depth and curiosity in the way we communicate, understanding of how to have a healthy conflict resolution marriage but most importantly really understanding the importance of keeping God at the centre of our relationship.

I believe God really assigned us Emidio and Deborah and we could not thank them enough for the continued love, support, guidance throughout this whole time and as we move onto the next chapter of our relationship. We’ve learnt new things about ourselves from a psychological, emotional and spiritual point of view, all from the guidance and wisdom shared by Emidio and Deborah.

Thank you once again for your continued support and dedication to helping couples build healthier and stronger relationships. Words are one thing but seeing you both lead as an example of the principles you share is equally as important.”

“The reason that my wife and I chose Emídio and Deborah to be our marriage counsellors, was because we are inspired by Emídio and Deborah Christian God-fearing marriage. I have known Emídio for a long time and I have seen how during the years God has taken his life from glory to glory. I knew Emídio as a single great student, a great working man and now a great businessman. I know that he fears God and the way he lived his life as a person that fears God. I also have seen how he treats his wife with so much love and appreciation. The way Emídio and Deborah have raised their children in the way of the Lord and have been present in their lives is very inspiring to us as Christians. Unfortunately, I come from a broken home, were my parents were divorced, because of infidelity and I do not want the same to happen to me. This is why I believe that having mentors in the area of marriage and family is important, and the best people I could think about, before getting married, who I could have access to was Emídio and Deborah. I am for ever grateful for what they did by giving us marriage and family counseling, it was and continues to be a blessing.”

“We are very grateful for the guidance and support you provided us during the initial stages of our journey as a couple. We are also thankful for the opportunity to share our personal testimonies.

Silvania:

‘We would like to point out that, initially, premarital counselling was not part of our plans. What happened was that Elton received an invitation from his pastor (Pastor Gerson) to attend premarital counselling when he informed him that he was getting married. At the time, I was attending a different church. We were given a questionnaire to complete individually and honestly. Initially, I found the process a little strange, as I was required to share personal matters with people I did not know.

However, the counselling process and the questionnaire proved to be a turning point in our relationship. For me in particular, this step was especially meaningful because I grew up without a direct example of what married life looks like. I lost my father at a very young age and was raised solely by my mother. Having never experienced the day-to-day dynamics of married life during my childhood, I felt that I needed guidance on how to manage expectations, communication and life together as a couple.

The sessions helped us approach our relationship with greater maturity. I was able to better understand my own background and how the absence of a marital role model during my childhood had influenced my perspectives. Similarly, Elton had the opportunity to reflect on his own family background and experiences.

Through the guided discussions and questions in the questionnaire, we were able to identify areas that could potentially become challenges in the future, ranging from how we manage conflicts and express our emotions to aligning our roles, finances, parenting approaches and spiritual values. We learned a great deal about each other. I gained a deeper understanding of Elton’s vision for our future, while he was able to better understand my concerns, expectations and needs.

The welcoming, respectful and non-judgmental environment in which we were received allowed us to address sensitive topics with complete openness. Premarital counselling is not merely preparation for the wedding day; it is an investment in a lifetime together.’

Elton:

‘By that time, I did not know the Dimande family personally; I had only seen them from a distance during church services. When Pastor Gerson informed us that the Dimande family would be our premarital counsellors, I honestly expected the sessions to be just a formality, something we needed to complete so that we could proceed with our wedding.

However, as I began reading through the questions in the questionnaire, I gradually understood the real purpose of premarital counselling. Issues I had never imagined could become challenges in married life started to become clear, and I began to appreciate the importance of discussing these matters before getting married.

Personally, the questions about financial management had a particularly significant impact on me, as I realised that I had different ideas and expectations about how finances should be managed within a marriage. The counselling sessions gave us an opportunity to openly discuss these differences, understand each other’s perspectives and establish a common ground.

The Dimande family welcomed us warmly and created a safe, comfortable and non-judgmental environment in which no sensitive topic was left unaddressed. They guided us through every aspect of married life, including communication, finances, family responsibilities, spiritual growth and even perspectives on sexual intimacy. Their openness, wisdom and practical guidance helped us understand that marriage requires much more than love; it requires commitment, understanding, sacrifice and a willingness to grow together.

During our first three months of marriage, like any other couple, we experienced a few ups and downs. However, by God’s grace, we were able to remember and apply the lessons we had learned during our premarital counselling. These lessons helped us navigate our challenges, communicate better and overcome difficulties together.

I am personally very grateful for the wonderful work the Dimande family is doing. Their dedication, commitment and willingness to say “yes” to God’s calling and purpose in their lives are truly inspiring. May God continue to bless them with wisdom, knowledge, strength and grace as they continue to guide and prepare couples for marriage.

I sincerely believe that their work has the potential to transform people’s perspectives on marriage, particularly in this generation, where marriage is increasingly perceived as unnecessary or no longer worthwhile. Through their ministry, they are helping couples understand that marriage is not simply a wedding ceremony or a romantic commitment, but a lifelong covenant that requires preparation, intentionality, mutual understanding and, above all, God at the centre.’

Thank you, Dimande family, for investing in our lives and in the foundation of our marriage. The lessons we learned during those sessions continue to be valuable to us, and we pray that many more couples will have the opportunity to benefit from your ministry.”

“We participated in the marriage preparation programme because we wanted to enter marriage with a better understanding of what married life really involves. We hoped to learn how to communicate better, understand each other’s expectations, and prepare ourselves emotionally and practically for the challenges that may arise in marriage.

Our first session was a very positive experience. At first, we felt a little uncertain because we did not know exactly what to expect, but we quickly felt welcomed and comfortable. We realised that the sessions were not intended to put pressure or judge us, but rather to help us build a stronger foundation for our marriage.

As the sessions progressed, we became very comfortable discussing personal matters. The way we were listened to and the respectful environment that was created made it easier for us to be honest and open about our thoughts, expectations, and concerns.

We felt that we were genuinely listened to. Both of us were given the opportunity to express our thoughts and feelings without interruptions or anyone taking sides. This made us feel understood and also taught us to listen to each other more attentively.

The sessions helped us realise that marriage is not just about love and being together; it also involves communication, patience, commitment, understanding, and the ability to work as a team. We also realised that we may have different expectations or ways of looking at certain situations, and that talking openly about these differences is very important.

We found it very helpful. The sessions encouraged us to speak openly but also respectfully, and, most importantly, to listen in order to understand rather than simply listening to respond. This helped us become more aware of how our words and actions can affect each other. So, basically understanding that it’s never about who’s right or wrong, but about figuring out the situation and going through it together.

What stood out to us the most was the way listening, thoughtful questions, practical advice, and real-life situations were combined. This made the sessions very relevant to us and helped us think seriously about the kind of marriage we wanted to build.

The sessions helped us identify areas where we might have different opinions or misunderstand each other. Instead of avoiding these topics, we learned that it is better to discuss them early, understand each other’s perspectives, and look for solutions together.

We learned that each of us has our own way of communicating, reacting, and dealing with difficult situations. We became more aware of our strengths, as well as the areas in which we needed to be more patient, understanding, and willing to compromise when necessary.

We learned more about each other’s expectations, feelings, fears, and dreams regarding marriage. Some of the conversations allowed us to discover things that we might not have naturally discussed in our everyday lives. This helped us understand each other on a deeper level.

We learned that disagreements are normal, but the way we handle them makes all the difference. We became more conscious of avoiding unnecessary arguments, having calm conversations, listening to each other, and focusing on resolving the problem rather than trying to prove who is right.

The discussions about expectations, communication, finances, responsibilities, and how to handle disagreements were particularly useful. They helped us reflect on practical aspects of marriage that can sometimes be overlooked when a couple is mainly focused on the wedding ceremony.

We experienced a high level of professionalism and respect throughout the programme. We felt that everything we shared was handled with sensitivity and confidentiality, and that our personal circumstances were respected.

We never felt that we were being judged for our thoughts, feelings, or concerns. On the contrary, we felt encouraged to be honest. This safe environment made it easier for both of us to speak openly and learn from the conversations.

We began to communicate more intentionally. We learned to discuss important matters rather than assume that the other person already knows what we are thinking or feeling. We also started placing greater importance on listening and showing understanding.

The most valuable part was having someone guide us through important conversations before entering marriage. This gave us the opportunity to address matters that we might otherwise have taken for granted or simply overlooked. It helped us build a stronger foundation for our life together.

The support was encouraging, practical, and respectful. We never felt that we were simply receiving instructions. Instead, we were guided to think, communicate, and make decisions together as a couple.

The programme helped us enter marriage with greater awareness and preparation. We realised that a healthy marriage requires continuous communication, patience, forgiveness, commitment, and teamwork. It helped us understand that marriage is something we need to build together every day.

We would other to approach the process with an open mind and honesty, and not to wait until serious problems arise before seeking guidance. Marriage preparation does not mean that there is something wrong with the relationship. On the contrary, it can help a couple understand each other better and prepare for both the beautiful moments and the more challenging moments of married life.

Overall, it was a very meaningful and positive experience for us. The programme provided us with a safe space to talk, learn, ask questions, and understand each other better. It helped us prepare not only for our wedding day but, most importantly, for the reality of building a life together as husband and wife. We are truly grateful for the time, guidance, patience, and support you gave us throughout the entire process. If we had the opportunity, we would gladly continue the sessions. It was a truly warm and wonderful experience.”

“Saudações,

É muito bom quando pessoas maravilhosas como casal Emídio e Deborah tem parte das coisas mais importantes de uma vida. Eu em particular sou grata a Deus pelo amor cuidado e simpatia vossa pois antes de tomar certas decisões e dar certos passos em minha vida vocês estiveram lá para escutar aconselhar e encaminhar/direccionar de forma sábia e exemplar pois a vossa vida é um exemplo e espelho para mim em particular e acredito para muitos.

Recebam meu carinho e admiração.”

“We came to Dr. Emidio and Ms. Deborah during one of the most difficult seasons of our marriage, after a serious breach of trust left us questioning our future together. At a point, divorce felt like the only option. Through counselling, however, we found a safe space to be honest, understand one another, and begin rebuilding our relationship on a stronger foundation.

Counselling taught us how to communicate openly, listen more, manage difficult emotions, and have uncomfortable conversations without allowing them to turn into arguments or days of silence. We have grown tremendously in how we connect emotionally and understand each other. We are still learning and practicing these lessons every single day, because we understand that healing and growth are ongoing processes that require commitment from both of us.

What we appreciate most about Dr. Emidio and Ms. Deborah is their professionalism, experience, balanced perspective, and practical advice. Above all, we deeply value that their counselling is grounded in biblical principles. They have a way of addressing serious matters with wisdom while creating an environment where we feel comfortable, heard, and never judged. They are professional counsellors, but they are also genuine, funny, and simply good people to be around. We are truly grateful for the role they have played in helping us grow individually and as a couple, and we would confidently recommend them to any couple seeking guidance, restoration, and a stronger relationship.”

“O entendimento é que o casamento é um plano de Deus, e é isso que fez-nos ter a necessidade de buscar por aconselhamento Cristão. Quando anunciamos aos nossos pastores da igreja que íamos noivar fomos indicados e aconselhados a contactar os diáconos da família para um aconselhamento Cristão, para que tivéssemos um relacionamento Cristão e Santo de acordo com aos padrões e princípios bíblicos.

Esperávamos encontrar aconselhamento que nos conduzisse ao propósito de casamento instituído por Deus para as nossas vidas. E assim encontramos graças a Deus

No princípio sentia-nos acanhados para abordar certos assuntos considerados sensíveis, contudo, como por exemplo a santidade e sexualidade, mas com cada sessão que tivemos fomos nós sentido mais a vontade e confortáveis, pois a forma como os temas eram abordados com muita naturalidade e abertura, tornaram tudo mais fácil e prático. Vale frisar que a acessibilidade do casal Dimande criou espaço para que este conforto fosse atingido. A parte mais valiosa de trabalhar com o Casal Dimande enquanto éramos orientados foi a aprender e entender sobre a santidade e pureza.

Aprendemos que casamento é sobre sermos intencionais e nos doarmos um para o outro e que o centro de tudo é Jesus Cristo e que nosso altar e nossa rocha como casal e como família é permanecer na presença dele e tudo fica mais leve

Aprendemos que conversas difíceis não são agras são necessárias pois a palavra do Senhor diz Efésios 4:26 não se ponha o Sol sobre a vossa irá

O que dizemos a todos casais que estão a considerar se casar que estão em fase de cortejo é: O casamento é uma aliança que deve ser feita e abençoada por Deus

Para que vocês tenham clareza sobre o que é casamento, cortejo, sacrifício e entrega, submissão e sabedoria e santidade. É importante que tenham um acompanhamento com pessoas experientes e acima de tudo que sejam cristãs, pois é mais fácil para o Casal Dimande como pessoas mais adultas, experientes e profissionais ver as coisas que o casal no momento da paixão e cegueira não consegue ver, perceber ou simplesmente ignoram.

A experiência foi muito boa, profunda, produtiva e extremamente importante e abençoada. Recebemos ensinamentos a cerca do namoro e casamento com base e princípios bíblicos. Tivemos a oportunidade de aprender o real significado de casamento, de união, de construção de um lar, o papel do homem, da mulher, a vinda dos filhos, comunicação, sacrifícios, intimidade, linguagem de amor, compreensão, finanças e muito mais. Esta foi uma oportunidade que tivemos de poder nos equipar espiritualmente para alcançar o propósito de Deus.”