Welcome to the Journey

In October 2018 at the second Midland Bible Institute Youth Retreat I met the most beautiful girl known by the name of Abigail Riley. At first I did not know she would be who she is to me now because I was distracted by other things. In fact God took us on different paths and I ended up right back at MBI for my studies. A few years passed and we both went through our different tests, now we are more mature not just as individuals but in Christ. On a faithful night at POWAH Praise at Bethany walking in late to the event, I stood at the door as I walked in, I could recognize her by just noticing the back of her head. My night was great because I had now seen her in person since 2018. We talked a little but intentionally when I was walking up to her all I wanted to do was to hug her but instead I bought a banana chips and a juice because I was nervous. Fast forward to the next day at the ALIVE Conference in September 2022 where we spoke intensively and had a couple of laughs but the chemistry was so reactive I did not want it to end. A couple months pass, her church had a weekend camp at the school where I could get to see her again. We had a conversation in the library where we talked for hours. At the end of those hours I said “Of course I will pursue you, but I have to pray first!” A couple of weeks passed, prayer and more prayer was offered up and it was confirmed by the way she loved God more than herself. On November 5, 2022 at, 8:45 PM an event that happened at her church had just ended and this was where it needed to begin. I went to speak with her dad requesting his permission to further pursue her. He said yes among many beautiful things, then I went to her and asked her “Will you go on this journey with me?” She laughed but her answer was "Yes I will." Just like that our journey officially started. Fast forward, my best friend is a whole fiancé! Our love has grown through consistent Monday Devotions, Dedication and Sincerity to God. God has been in the driving seat for our relationship and He will forever be at the center of our lives. On August 17, 2024 I asked her to be my wife and again she said yes for she knows that my heart is not mine but hers. Where love is found it stays and our love will stay forever. I will always love you Abigail ❤ Love your future Husband ~ Marsden