Enrique and Lidia Cepede

Advice to the new couples:

"The biggest assassin of a relationship is selfishness… this kills relationships so it is important to open your heart and avoid this at all costs. Also learn to forgive and ask for forgiveness. This promotes growth as a couple and, with God helping each other, allows each of you to grow in different aspects of life."

Nomination:

Enrique and Lidia Cepede have been married for 42 years. Dr. Cepede is the Director of International Studies at MidAmerican Christian University (MACU) a position that brought him from Mexico to Oklahoma. Lidia is director of Christian education at Crossings Community Church. Together, they collaborate with many organizations within the Hispanic community to teach seminars to business leaders as well as community organizations.

He specializes in teaching adults and she specializes in teaching children. They are a very loving and affectionate couple who love to help others as they empower them to have stronger relationships. Enrique and Lidia serve as volunteer counselors to prepare couples who are going to be married, and assist couples who are going through a difficult time in their relationship.

It is beautiful to see Enrique and Lidia together … he is always very respectful and affectionate towards her and jokes when he introduces her as "the owner of my paychecks." He also likes to tell people that they have been married 84 years... 42 years each!

Enrique and Lidia both express the importance of teamwork in their relationship. "She needs me and I need her." The Cepede's believe that with maturity comes the ability to share their differences, motivate each other, and be empathic. They give themselves heart and soul to others and have a personal mission to empower families to achieve their happiness and goals.