"I, _________, take thee __________, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse..."

Dear Reader,

This book is a demonstration of faith, love, tests and trust in God through it all. God's mercy, grace and love is evident throughout this book and the faith that both Robert and Jerilyn have demonstrated throughout their journey is a testament to others that if this married couple can go through all they've been through and still trust and love God, then we are able to play the hand that has been dealt to us. Their transparency in sharing their story is nothing short of courageous and bold. As a result of reading this book, many will be blessed, and some will be set free. I pray that this book will bless your soul as it has blessed mine and will give you the faith to continue fighting the good fight. Remember what it says in the Word: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Dr. Mia Y. Merritt ________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor Robert E. and Lady Jerilyn L. Ward are the founder and co-founder of "IN SPIRIT & IN TRUTH MINISTRIES, Inc." which was birthed on January 4th, 2011 in Deerfield Beach, Florida. "ISIT" ministries focus is on "Kingdom Home Economics", which involves developing the total man; Spirit, Soul and Body in every aspect of life. Pastors' Ward also provide leadership training to local pastors' and their team's, called "True Servanthood Leadership". They were married the summer of 1991, on July 30th with three wonderful children being birth from this union; Nicholas, Brea and Jessica who have also worked alongside them in ministry. They both have operated in many areas of ministry which has equipped them for the work God has placed in their hands to walk to together. They began as Youth Pastors and then Associate Pastors as well as operating in the ministry of Help's, Hospitality and Administration. Pastor Robert is a Praise and Worship Leader in his own right with songs which have been copy written. He is also an accomplished Chef with a career in the Foodservice industry which spans over 35 years. Lady Jerilyn is a dedicated Intercessor and a practical teacher of God's Word. She believes that when God's Word is brought forth, it must be applied to the lives of the believers. She believes that all believers can have a successful walk with Christ by applying the practical principles of the Word of God and by having a consistent prayer life. She witnessed the evident of this first hand in December of 2014, when she was miraculously delivered from Cervical Cancer through a direct word from God, her faith in God and his word, intercessory prayer, and the love and support of her husband and family. Which is a testimony all in itself. Over the past 25 years, she has been a teacher of Liturgical Dance and Flag ministry. She's passionate about ministry in dance because it is an expression of Worship to our God, ushering in His presence that brings liberty to the lost. Lady Ward is also a gifted Seamstress and Entrepreneur, being the CEO/Founder of "Sewing with Lady Ward, LLC". This book is based on their real life testimony of how the Grace of God kept them through some of the worst times of their marriage, but they choose to stay together. This choice has birthed their outreach marriage ministry, "Forged" a ministry assisting married couple's in strengthening their marriages through the fires of life.