Our Story
Marcus
South Carolina to Alaska
In 2018, Marcus went to Port Alsworth, Alaska to serve at Tanalian Bible Camp. He loved it there so much he decided he wanted to stay. He’s been living there and serving at TBC and Tanalian Leadership Center ever since!
Hali
Missouri to Virginia to Alaska
Meanwhile, Hali was attending Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. During a missions emphasis week, she stopped by the SEND International table and learned about this summer camp in Alaska that was looking for volunteers. The Lord wouldn’t let her forget about it, and a few months later in 2021, Hali was headed to Alaska!
May 2021
Soldotna, Alaska
Marcus and Hali attended Northern Ministry Training (SEND North). A conversation began only because we knew we’d be working at Tanalian Bible Camp together for a month and half. Camp started and we worked separately with little interactions… God had other ideas…
June 2021
Port Alsworth, Alaska
Marcus and Hali were counselors for Teen Pursuit camp where we each had the opportunity to share our testimonies to the campers and staff. After that, we saw each other through new eyes. Conversations furthered and within a few weeks we started dating!
fall 2021
3500 Miles Apart
After five days, we went to long distance dating. Hali went home to Missouri for several weeks then back to Virginia for school. Marcus finished out camp and began serving as the men’s house mentor at TLC. The Lord very quickly revealed to us that we wanted to be together for the rest of our lives! Through three- and four- hour time differences and five months without seeing each other, we thrived in long-distance – growing closer to Christ and each other. All glory to God!
Holiday Breaks
Around the U.S.
Hali went to see Marcus for a quick visit over Thanksgiving break, and we spent our Christmas breaks together in South Carolina, Missouri, and had some awesome unexpected time in Anchorage, Alaska. On the day before New Year’s Eve, we were on a walk in Hali’s neighborhood in Missouri and Marcus got down on one knee… of course Hali said yes!
2022
140 miles apart
In January, Hali began student teaching in Anchorage, Alaska while Marcus continues at TLC. We’re still long distance, but very blessed to be in the same time zone!