Jean Stevens, 79, and her husband Daniel, 80, celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.
A Westridge couple, who founded a church together, celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this year.
Jean Stevens, 79, and her husband, Daniel, 80, got married at the Good Shepherd Church, in Maitland, on February 23, 1963.
Ms Stevens said it was not love at first sight, but that changed when they met at a party several years later.
They lived in Factreton after getting married and later moved to Maitland and Heideveld before settling in Westridge in 1980 and starting a family.
They feed the poor, hold outdoor services, visit the sick in hospital and travel to rural areas to preach.
In 1979 they founded the pentecostal Revival Church of God, from their home.
Ms Stevens said their love for people motivated them.
“We've seen heartsore, broken, people hurting. People who wanted to give up on life who had nothing to eat or nowhere to go,” she said.
Mr Daniels said they would like to encourage and inspire people to not give up and to ask for help when needed.
“Do not lose hope,” he said. “Our experience has taught us to find reasons for people’s actions and to help make their burdens lighter.
“We hope with our testimony that someone will realise that life and moments can change and become better each day.”
They said understanding and obedience to one’s partner were key to a successful marriage.
Mr Stevens said romance was the glue that kept their family together.
They go out on Sundays and have lunch on the beach.
They believe that they are role models to other couples, who see them and want to change their lives for the better.
“We are still going strong, the one is still looking out for the other,” said Ms Stevens.
They feed from their pockets, and every Sunday the children at church receive sweets.
Mr Stevens, as a justice of the peace, helps with affidavits and certifying documents.
“We are still active in the Philippi area doing the will of God until we are called home,” he said.
The couple have three children, nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.