Lauren and Alan met five years ago through the Jesus Otaku Anime Outreach ministry at Saddleback Church. Initially uninterested in dating the other, they found themselves building a sweet friendship over the course of four years serving together, attending the same weekend service at church, and participating in ministry outreach through JO. When the seeds of their romantic relationship finally bloomed, it grew out of a foundation of friendship, deep mutual respect, and a shared calling and vision.

One Sunday afternoon, Alan & Lauren decided to get some one-on-one time together after church. What began as boba and a walk in the park, swiftly grew into a six-hour conversation about life, dating, callings, & passions that left both feeling disconcerted & confused. Lauren was leaving for Japan and neither wanted to pursue a long-distance relationship, so what was God up to? They agreed dating was out of the question, but each began to pray about where God was leading. Shortly after, Lauren received word that Japan was on hold and, after prayerful consideration, they decided to date.

July 20th, 2019, Alan got down on one knee, in the park where it all began, and asked Lauren a very simple question. After Lauren said yes (of course!) he stood & placed the ring on her finger, then timidly asked if he missed anything. Laughing, Lauren said she was pretty sure they were engaged but having never done it before she didn't know either. It wasn't fancy or extravagant, it was natural & life-giving. It was the most perfect next step in the journey God had them on. They were best friends in love - first and foremost with Jesus - and so of course he would ask and she would say yes. And so they did.

COMING DECEMBER 28, 2019!