My husband, Larry, and I met January, 2001. We went on our first date, February 14, 2001, and have been together ever since. Sure, we have had a few bumps along the road, but here we are today.
I have always been a Christian since I was a young girl. I’ve gone to church off and on through the years. Larry would join me on occasion, but only if I insisted.
We went through a life change when Larry accepted a job offer in Washington. We moved away from family, friends, and a place that I had called home all my life. Our move took place December, 2015, and I started work almost immediately. Daily, I would drive down Englewood, past Stone Church.
I attended Stone for the first time in March, 2016. I prayed that my husband would join me, but he said, “NOPE. I don’t need religion or church.” I listened to Pastor Jeff talk about LifeGroups, getting into small groups with people to learn more about God’s Word, and to be in fellowship with others. I thought, that sounds GREAT! I’m new to the area and I don’t know anyone.
I signed up for a LifeGroup in Moxee, close to where I lived. Also, I didn’t know Yakima that well and I didn’t want to get lost (God only knows my story about not liking to get lost). I received a wonderful, warm welcoming email from the hostess of the LifeGroup.
When I showed up at the first meeting, I instantly felt welcome. Once settled in, it was time for the introductions. I was a little nervous since I was the only one there without my spouse. At the end of the night, the host of the group said, “You can’t come back unless you bring your spouse.” I thought he was serious. I must have looked like a deer lost in the headlights. I said, “Okay,” and left. At home, I told Larry about my night. The next time there was a LifeGroup, he went with me.
I kept praying that Larry would eventually start going to church with me. I almost gave up hope but, I kept praying, asking God to please work on my husband’s heart. Then it happened. Larry started attending church with me. We got involved with another LifeGroup. Then one Saturday night, he announced to our LifeGroup that he was going to get baptized the following Sunday. At that moment, my heart skipped a few beats, and tears started to flow. I prayed, “Thank you Jesus. Now we can have YOU in the center of our marriage, and go to church as a family.” My prayers had been answered.
I am thankful for our church friends that have become family to us. I am thankful that I never stopped praying for God to work on my husband’s heart and to bring him into the family. I continue to pray daily for my husband, our marriage, and for the courage to live our lives for God. Friends, please never stop praying for your spouses. God is working on their hearts and will bring them into His kingdom.
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