A Marriage for Life

The Four Foundations of a Christian Marriage

David Hollenstein
232 pages
ISBN Paperback: 978-3-907753-04-0, $ 16.99
ISBN E-Book: 978-3-907753-03-3, $ 9.99
Emmenhaus Publishing
Publication date: September 2026

A hopeful and inspiring marriage guide for couples who believe in their future together but want to do marriage right.

During their honeymoon, David and his wife set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The journey tested their perseverance, commitment, and ability to work together—qualities that are just as essential in marriage. Inspired by lessons learned on Mount Kilimanjaro and wisdom gathered from long-married couples, this book explores four practical principles to help build a solid foundation for marriage.

The strong, happy marriage you hope for is within reach. Learn how to build it together with this book.

Dr. Bob Cranston:
"I highly recommend this book."

5 Stars. Hollenstein skillfully weaves a personal tale of he and his wife ascending Mt. Kilimanjaro, personal interviews with married couples, and timely advice for couples hoping to improve their own marriages. Hollenstein is clearly knowledgeable about the topic, passionate about helping couples improve their marriages, and an excellent story teller. Great work. I highly recommend this book.

Dr. Bob Cranston, Pensacola

Can you really know if a marriage will last?

We don’t know what the future holds, but we know the foundation on which we are building our marriage. Let's build a solid foundation based on values and attitudes that can withstand all of life's storms. With that basis, we can build a beautiful home together and look forward to growing old together happily.

The Four Kilimanjaro Principles of Marriage

1. The Decision at Marangu (gate to national park)

2. The Attitude at Mandara (first campsite)

3. The Effort at Horombo (second campsite)

4. The Support at Kibo (third campsite and summit area surrounding the crater)

The four fundamentals are easy to explain and can be applied to any marriage.

However, keywords alone won’t solve marital problems, just as one gym visit didn’t pre pare us for mountain climbing. We grasp the principles by spending time with them. That’s why I’ve dedicated an entire chapter to each principle.

It might work for others, but not for us, right?

Many imperfect couples have built marriages that lasted a lifetime. You can too!

Doesn't everyone want a happy, lasting marriage? But that seems out of reach these days. With so many misconceptions about love and marriage, it's difficult to determine if we're on the right track. This book provides a compass of values and attitudes that strengthen marriages.

I am hoping to be married by next year for the first time and was happy to have found this book!

I've been looking for a young couples marriage guide that didn't just help me now on how to best navigate marriage, but how to do so through God and for the rest of life.

David links your marriage to biblical and present day scenarios allowing you to lean on whichever visual helps make the lesson more clear.

Janine B.

This book is a worthwhile guide for anyone interested in learning how to establish a stable marriage that lasts a lifetime as intended.

Sally Jo Pitts

This is an encouraging resource to those married or getting married. Married life can be challenging, but it is worth the climb!

Victoria Chapin

In A Marriage for Life, David Hollenstein uses his experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with his wife as a powerful picture of what it takes to build a lasting marriage. Just like climbing a mountain, marriage requires perseverance, commitment, communication, and a willingness to keep moving forward together—even when the journey gets hard. I love that this book doesn’t paint marriage as perfect or effortless.

Amber J.

This is an easy-to-read book that provides a biblical perspective on how to address conflicts and other challenges that all married couples will be faced with.

Dan W.

This book would be excellent for a couples’ Bible study, married couples seeking renewal, or those preparing for marriage. Thought-provoking and encouraging, it offers both practical tools and a hopeful vision for lifelong partnership.

Elizabeth G.

I highly recommend reading (and applying) this book before and during marriage - if possible together. I’ve taken a lot away from this for my own marriage and highly recommend this book!

S. P.

Who could benefit from this book on marriage?

This book is for you if you want a solid yet happy marriage. Read it during premarital counseling or as newlyweds to develop healthy habits. Married couples can also benefit from it, as they can relate to the examples and topics they see in their own marriages.

"Whether you are thinking about marriage or even contemplating divorce, this is a must read." Andy Davidson

It is also a book for men. Put it on your nightstand. The title A Marriage for Life will subtly show your wife how much you love her. This is an easy-to-read book.

David, why are you qualified to write about marriages that last a lifetime?

My wife and I interviewed couples in long-lasting marriages. They all have a few fundamental principles in common. I’ll share these insights in this book. I also studied practical theology, which is all about making faith count in real life. That’s what this book is about. If you're wondering what a Christian marriage is all about—and what it's not—then this book is just right for you.

More about David Hollenstein...

Our Honeymoon on Kilimanjaro

My wife and I decided to climb Kilimanjaro during our honeymoon, unaware of just how perfect a metaphor this experience would be for marriage.

At 19,341 feet above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa and the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. The climb takes several days, and hikers on the Marangu route spend the nights in huts along the way.

Climbing the highest freestanding volcano on earth taught us four valuable lessons. These four principles, named for stops along the Marangu route, can help strengthen and even save a union.