Taylor University Chapel

Mary and David Gothi

Mary and Dave Gothi have spent the past 28 years working with couples. Despite their very different backgrounds — Mary’s a psychotherapist with graduate degrees in counseling and clinical psychology from Wheaton College, and Dave’s background is in chemical engineering — they became certified leaders for the Marriage Dynamics Institute in 2000 and since then have led the A New Beginning workshop for couples in crisis. 

Although they love helping couples who are hurting, they felt called to develop The Significant Marriage resource in 2010 to prevent couples from getting to the crisis point. While writing it, they realized that teaching couples to be intentional and protect their marriage wasn’t enough, but that God was also leading them to set couples on mission… to discover their purpose to make a difference in the world for the Lord.  They have a leadership team around the world with TSM having a presence on 6 continents. The Significant Marriage also helps churches start a marriage ministry or comes alongside as an additional resource, training couples to coach others using their curriculum. They especially love when young couples who are seriously dating or engaged attend TSM because from the beginning they not only have a foundation for a healthier relationship, they understand it’s not about them…it’s about serving God together. 

In 2004 the Gothis founded the nonprofit Sunshine Kids International, which helps needy children at St. Catherine’s of Siena orphanage in Mumbai, which is Dave’s hometown. Mary has a background in missions, caring for missionaries and other expatriates overseas with Heartstream Resources. She spent seven years serving with Young Life in Austria and Eastern Europe where she counseled people from the missionary, embassy and United Nations communities. Dave spent 35 years in engineering operations and quality control. Fun fact: while with Frito Lay,  he helped design the Sun Chip! 

They have four grown children and 7 awesome grandchildren, whom they consider their most significant impact in the world.