I came to The Master's College in 2014. By the grace of God, I met Elrica there because we both were in the same dorm. Our friendship developed quickly, especially because we were in the same friend group. Our group of friends spent a lot of time together doing homework, studying for tests, playing games, and eating in the cafe. The more we hung out, the more I personally noticed how we both could relate so well to each other. From the very first day I met her, I have always enjoyed being around her. I love her passion when she talks about the Lord, her wonderful personality, and her love for serving and listening to others. Her glowing smile always lit up the room. Everyone she met just instantly loved being around her. Providentially, we started spending more one-on-one time together. Elrica was never afraid to ask meaningful, deep questions, which I admired so much. After two years of incredible friendship, it was very clear that I had and still have such a strong affection towards her. In my second year of college, I went to Israel to study abroad for three months and throughout that period of time away from her, my feelings for her didn't go away at all, if anything they grew more and more. I missed her like crazy and I couldn't wait to come back home to tell her how I truly felt about her. As soon as I got back to the states, I finally got to see her at school on May 3rd, 2016. I took her on a small walk and we sat down on the bleachers in a nearby field. We talked and picked up where we left off. Then, I gave her a journal from Israel, in which on the first page I had written a note expressing how I truly felt about her when I was away for three months. I read it out loud to her, and then shared my desire to pursue her in a relationship. I praise the Lord when I look back and remember how God brought us together. She is the most beautiful, inspiring, incredible woman I know and I look forward to the day I can call her my bride! Love, Jake

It was such a blessing that Jake would fly down to Indonesia and spend a month with my family. He had always been clear with me about his intentions in formally asking my parents for their blessings in us getting married. I absolutely honor his decision and his respect for my parents. On Saturday, June 2nd, my sister, Jake, and I had planned on going to my sister's boyfriend's concert, then we wanted to celebrate my dad's birthday in Talaga Sampireun, Jakarta. Before the concert, we all hung out at Starbucks, talking about everything, from theology to relationships. Out of nowhere, I felt nauseous and light-headed. Jake was so caring to me. He kept on asking me how I am doing and regularly checking on me. Towards the end of the show, Jake started feeling not so well too. We both ended up leaving the concert early. I told my sister that we should just cancel the whole evening plan, but my sister gently convinced me that we should still have the dinner together. By God's grace, we both later felt so much better! When we got to the restaurant, all of a sudden, Jake asked me if he could speak with me in private. Innocently, I thought we were going to talk about my dad's gift. But, he started expressing his love for me and that there is no one else in the world he can spend the rest of his life with but me. I froze, with feelings of joy and anticipation. I thought to myself, "Is he going to propose?" Then, the most momentous event in my life happened. He went down on his knee and asked, "Will you marry me?" I was overjoyed! "YES!" He made the proposal so special for including my family, whom I love so dearly. Love, Elrica

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” - Ephesians 5:31