The San Antonio congregation is blessed with many positive role models of strong marriages, but none surpass the examples set for us this year by three couples. Combined, they have enjoyed over 180 years of marriage. Each of these three couples celebrated their 60-year wedding anniversary this year!

Nell Nelson describes her husband, Gail, as the best husband in the world, and you can see why in the way he pampers her. Nell worked at the Joskes store in San Antonio when she met Gail, a B-25 bomber pilot returning from the war. They married in March 1946. Gail, originally from Portsmouth, Virginia, went to work for Trans-Tex Co. After their son Gail Jr. was born, Nell quit the fashion industry and eventually went back to school for a teaching certificate, later landing a position at a private school.

Both Gail and Nell came into the Church in the mid-80s after hearing Mr. Armstrong on the radio. They retired in 1990 and are active in the local UCG congregation providing both encouragement and role models for all San Antonio couples.

Donald Moore was 15 years old when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. He misrepresented his age to get into the Marines and was involved in the landings on both Tarawa and Guadalcanal. When he returned home for Thanksgiving, included among the guests was a tall, attractive young woman named Louise. The trap was baited, set and sprung before Don knew what had hit him! Five months later in April 1946 they were married. The Moores had five children and came into God's Church in 1972. They still both look after each other and love to help with their new granddaughter. They, too, are good examples of marital commitment and love.

Mrs. Faye Stack and her husband, Charles, have endured some painful times. Two of their four children were born severely handicapped. While Charles does not attend any church, he doesn't interfere with Faye's religious beliefs.

Faye and Charles met while supporting the war effort. Faye was an employee at Kelly Field AFB and Charles an Air Force airplane mechanic. Faye says she had always dreamed that one day a fighter plane would crash at Kelly while she was working and that she would rescue the pilot from the flames, they would fall in love, marry and live happily ever after. She now laughs and says, "No pilot and not much of the ever-after stuff, but I am still trying to rescue him from the flames!"

All three of these couples have one thing in common—commitment. Their stories can inspire all of us to strive for success in our marriages.