Our Love Story

How we met…. In March 2021, Renée was convinced by a close friend to give the online dating community a try. After praying about it and having a strong desire to be in a Christian relationship, Renée decided to be intentional about online dating. She vividly remembers the day she came across Caleb’s profile. In her eyes, he was handsome, and was immediately attracted to his written introduction. At that moment, she was interested. Not knowing if he would be interested in her, she sent him a simple hello message, and he kindly responded.... Caleb had given dating a break because dating in the pandemic is challenging, but he decided to give online dating a try. Caleb had been praying almost every day for a wife. When he came across Renée’s profile he was attracted to her physically and soon found out she was a wonderful woman of God. Caleb and Renée took things slow, talking for about a month before meeting in person. On their first date, they met at a charming place called Casa De Fruta on Pacheco Pass Highway in California. The two spent our time talking about God, talking about their lives, and eating a late lunch in the Casa De restaurant. The two enjoyed each other's company and decided to go on a 2nd date soon after. On May 15th, 2021, the two took a day trip to Monterey California 17-mile drive for their 2nd date. The weather was cold and cloudy but the two bonded more on each beach, read Psalm 139 on cannery row, and had a wonderful day. Renée was convinced Caleb was an answered prayer and liked Caleb even more because of his love for Jesus. Caleb could see that Renée had a close walk with Jesus and was really excited about getting to know her even more. On May 24th, 2021 Caleb asked Renée to be his girlfriend and Renée said Yes! Throughout their dating season, the two had grown close through prayer, seeking God's wisdom and knowledge, and sharing their vision of serving and honoring the Lord together. After dating for about a year, Caleb and Renée began talking seriously about marriage and started pursuing Christian counseling to get to know each other even deeper. After much prayer and conversations about their values, goals, and everything there is to talk about, both felt ready to move into the next phase of their relationship. The Proposal The date was September 17th, 2022. Caleb made plans to take Renée to one of her favorite cities, Half Moon Bay. Caleb told Renée they were meeting their friends, Mack and Cynthia. Renée had no clue Caleb was planning a proposal to ask her to marry him! Caleb and Renée arrived at the destination of Redondo Beach around 3 pm. Renée soon noticed the behavior difference between their friends and Caleb. Renée sensed something was up.... At about 3:30 pm, Caleb got down on one knee and read a love letter he had written her. Caleb then asked Renée to marry him. Renée was surprised and happily said yes. Little did Renée know, Caleb had been planning this day and praying about it for some time. With the help of his friends, he had a picnic area arranged with a charcuterie board and a sweater for Renée that said “Future Mrs. Hankin.” Renée and Caleb prayed together and praised God for answering their prayers of having a future of marriage that day. Ever since the engagement, Caleb and Renée’s love for each other grows deeper as they learn how to encourage, challenge, and sharpen each other. Jesus is at the center of their relationship. Renée is eager to be a pastor’s wife, being Caleb’s helper in life and ministry. Caleb is looking forward to having a stronger ministry with Renée by his side. Caleb is also looking forward to being a godly step dad to Renée’s two beautiful daughters, pointing them to their Heavenly Father. They don’t want an easy life. They want a life that makes them more like Jesus whatever it takes. “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭22‬ ‭ESV‬‬