European statistics and several newspapers such as the Irish Examiner report a 500-percent increase in dissolved marriages between 1986 and 2011. In 2011 alone there were more than 87,000 divorces in Ireland. It’s a shocking reality in a country where 82 percent of the population is Catholic and divorce was prohibited until 1996, according to Operation World.

Despite these alarming trends, few resources are available to Irish couples asking questions as they prepare to embark on a lifelong commitment. However, a new series of radio programs recently developed through a Christian organization in Ireland is providing answers.

After receiving a Sound & Vision grant from the Broadcast Authority of Ireland (designed to promote Irish culture and heritage), Focus on the Family Ireland created a special six-part radio series called “Married to My Best Friend: It Takes More Than Luck to Make It Last.”

“There has never been such an in-depth look at marriage in Ireland from the various angles on a radio series,” said Roger Basick, a missionary with Reach Beyond (formerly HCJB Global) who worked to get the programs on the air in collaboration with Focus on the Family Ireland. He also recorded most of the interviews and produced/edited the programs.

“Throughout the course of the six-hour series, 24 couples were given the opportunity to tell their stories and give advice,” Basick explained. Contributors included couples preparing for marriage as well as married couples ranging from newlyweds to “veterans” with up to 60 years of matrimony.

Challenges arise when people come together, facing different ideals, expectations, families and sometimes colliding cultures. The series, addressing various issues to help prepare couples for marriage, first aired last fall on Spirit Radio. Now plans are being made to broaden the range of the programs.

“We’re very grateful for the partnership with Spirit Radio; and we fully realize that most radio stations wouldn’t want to carry one-hour specials,” Basick declared. “But we’ll be able to use most of what we’ve gathered to produce even more, shorter programs to be aired in the future on a variety of stations across the country.”

Spirit Radio’s involvement in the series has created a solid base for the programs to help couples nationwide. “We are delighted to collaborate with Focus on the Family Ireland in fostering healthy marriages across Ireland,” affirmed Spirit Radio CEO Rob Clarke.

“While there are some experiences common to most couples, experts and guests also address some of the issues of being in a new culture,” added Stephen Cardy, CEO of Focus on the Family Ireland. He was referring to the many immigrants arriving in Ireland—accounting for 90 percent of the country’s population growth—and those in cross-cultural situations, having married outside their “own” cultures.

“One thing that is very clear is that couples who are aware and prepared for the challenges stand a much better chance of having a strong marriage and building healthy families who, in turn, will make a stronger and more vibrant Irish society,” Cardy continued. “The programs provide those considering marriage a unique and frank ‘behind the scenes’ perspective from both professionals and real-life married couples that they won’t find anywhere else. The programs also help them become better equipped for the joys and challenges of a growing marriage.”

Focus on the Family Ireland provides weekly programming to 10 radio stations across Ireland (three stations with Christian formats and seven mainstream stations). The “Married to My Best Friend” series will also be available for download at www.family.ie.

Sources: Reach Beyond, Focus on the Family Ireland, Operation World