Pastor Francis Chan and wife Lisa to release free book on marriage

Francis and Lisa ChanRoom 212 Productions video screenshot

Eternity Bible College founder Francis Chan and his wife Lisa announced last week that they will release a book on marriage this August.

The upcoming book, "You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity," discusses matrimony in the context of God's plan for our lives. The book does not contain tips on romance, communication, or financial planning. Instead, it reminds couples that their most important relationship is their relationship with the Lord.

"Even now, I am working to make sure that my family is set up for the future," Francis wrote in "You and Me Forever."

"When most people make that statement, they are talking about financial security for their last few years on earth. When I say it, I'm referring to the millions of years that come after that."

The Chans don't want couples to idealize marriage, and provide anecdotes that illustrate marriage's ups and downs.

"Sometimes couples can get so wrapped up on things here [on Earth] to where they're not focused on the Kingdom," Francis said in a promotional video.

"Our marriages need to remember that we're on a mission," Lisa added. "It isn't about how satisfied and happy we are with one another."

"For me it was about 1 Corinthians 7, when Paul talks about marriage being a distraction," Francis continued. "We want to secure undistracted, undivided devotion to the Lord."

While there are many marriage books on the market, "You and Me Forever" is unique because of its singularly God-focused approach.

"We felt like there was something lacking," Lisa said. "There wasn't a resource that helped couples pull out of that inward focus... and say, 'What are we really here for?' and 'What is the bigger picture about marriage?'"

The book will be released for free at youandmeforever.org, and will also be available for hard copy purchase with proceeds going to charity. There will also be videos available online that correspond with each chapter, and an accompanying workbook for further discussion.

Francis and Lisa have been married for 20 years and have five children.