Marriage Ministry

Married for 30 years, Jody and Jen are parents to Jasey (28) and Jewel (26). Their story began freshman year of college on an almost-double date, with Jen later following Jody to Arlington before they got engaged after two years of dating and married eight months later. Early in their marriage, while expecting their second child, they navigated significant financial struggles due to accumulating debt. A key strength that has helped them through challenges is their shared faith and a foundational belief in being one. Their unified transition and move to Longview stands out as a defining season in their journey together. As a couple, they enjoy music, travel, thrifting, and embarking on adventures. Their advice to other couples is to always respect and serve each other.

Steve and Cyndi have been married for 19 years, this couple leads a blended family with four adult children: Adam (40), Justina (38), Alex (35), and Aaron (31). They first met in junior high, reconnected 30 years later after both had moved away and married others, and God led them to marry and blend their families. Their biggest challenge has been navigating the complexities of blended family dynamics, including helping children maintain relationships with their natural parents while building new ones with bonus parents. Their core strength lies in their shared commitment to seeking God’s will in their individual and married lives. The six months they spent just talking and getting to “re-know” each other laid a foundation of deep trust and safe communication. This couple also enjoys traveling. Their advice for other couples is to stay focused on Jesus, as individual spiritual growth fosters a closer marital bond, and to consistently speak life into their relationship, both about and to their spouse.

Married for 10 years of marriage, Jess & Betty lead a blended family with children aged 39 and 33. They met working in the same hotel industry, beginning their relationship in 2008. Both previously married and divorced, they’ve courageously navigated significant challenges including financial hardships and addiction, openly sharing their journey through these struggles. Their ultimate strength stems from their faith journey which began in 2017, guiding them through recovery, financial freedom, family issues, and deliverance. They believe God’s plan united them and pulled them in the right direction, solidifying their calling, purpose, and redemption as individuals and as a couple. Together, they enjoy home renovation, bowling, and cooking. Their most important advice for other couples is to always pray for each other.

Celebrating 12 years of marriage, this blended family includes Chylan (25), Michaely (23), and Evan (5). The couple, who met online and knew from their first date they were meant for each other, attribute their strong bond to a shared belief that God brought them together. They’ve navigated challenges like previous divorces, step-parenting, and the emotional toll of fertility struggles, all while committing to a constant pursuit of a happy and healthy marriage. They enjoy watching Texas A&M football, floating the river, and helping other couples. Their advice to others: address issues promptly and choose to love each other through everything.

Married for 27 years, they are parents to Carah (19) and Jackson (22). Their journey began with an introduction by family friends, and over the years, they’ve built a strong marriage founded on faith, open communication, and a commitment to continual growth. These strengths have helped them navigate significant challenges, including financial pressures and the impact of church leadership failures, which have profoundly shaped their testimony as a couple. Their key piece of advice to others is to never hesitate to ask for help, recognizing it’s a universal need that often goes unaddressed.

Josh and Jennifer have been married for 14 years and are parents to three children aged 10, 7, and 5. They met at church in high school and dated for nearly five years before marrying, believing their strong foundation came from truly knowing each other and trusting in God’s plan. They’ve navigated challenges such as family-of-origin issues, financial hardships, and the complexities of raising children. A significant moment in their journey was in 2021, when Jenn sought counseling for mental and emotional struggles and unhealed childhood wounds, ultimately strengthening their relationship through faith and God’s guidance. They emphasize the importance of a strong intimacy with God, drawing strength from Ephesians 5, which they consider a key to their success in marriage and ministry.

Dujuan and Carrie have been married for 10.5 years, this couple leads a blended family of seven children, ages ranging from 11-29. They met on a dating app and quickly married before Dujuan, an Army soldier, received orders to Korea. Their journey has been shaped by navigating significant challenges like pornography addiction and health issues, always leaning on God’s leadership. They credit their resilience to continuously seeking and trusting in God, both individually and together, which they feel defines their testimony as a couple. Beyond overcoming adversity, they enjoy traveling and exploring new places together. Their advice to other couples is to practice lots of forgiveness.

Celebrating 54 years of marriage, Ron & Sue share a life built on faith and commitment, having raised their two sons, Mark (50) and Marty (47). They first truly met when he visited a former workplace while on leave from the Army, where she was the secretary, despite having seen each other at many youth rallies previously. Throughout their long journey, they’ve navigated numerous difficulties by working through them together and with God, relying on their unwavering commitment to church and their faith in all circumstances. A defining moment in their relationship was when Sue was diagnosed with cancer and underwent radiation treatments, a period they navigated with strong belief in God’s healing. Now, their passion lies in simply sharing life together and cherishing time with their children and grandchildren. Their enduring advice for other couples is to fully submit to the marriage without focusing on what you receive, embracing it as an “all in” commitment to build a lasting relationship and life

Brand & Wendy has been married 25 years, this couple is proud parents to McKenzie (22) and Kate (18). They met through Brad’s sister at church in Fort Worth, and their connection quickly grew over shared interests like rollerblading and sushi, and especially their common values. Their journey hasn’t been without significant trials, including unresolved family-of-origin wounds, toxic communication, periods of separation, and a cancer diagnosis, culminating in a lengthy separation in 2017. However, through the Holy Spirit’s work and God’s grace, they found incredible healing and restoration, renewing their vows in 2018—a defining moment in their testimony. Their commitment to their marriage and their strong connection to their local church and the Holy Spirit have been key strengths. Now, they enjoy playing pickleball, traveling, and spending time with their daughters. Their advice to other couples is to be centered on God and allow the Holy Spirit to work in their marriage.

Married for 35 years, Randy & Cindy first met when Randy worked with Cindy’s mother, leading to a courtship of 1 1/2 years before they married at ages 23 and 21, respectively. They are parents to a son (31) and a daughter (26). Their journey includes navigating a significant period of separation and divorce for 1 1/2 years after their son was born. However, a strengthening personal walk with the Lord during that time led to God helping them reconcile and restore their marriage. Key strengths in their relationship include a deep belief in their marriage covenant and a daily commitment to growing closer to each other and God through prayer, scripture, and their church community. The divine restoration of their marriage early on, along with later family counseling, are defining moments in their testimony. They enjoy outdoor activities like riding ATVs and hunting, and cherish time with their children and their families. Their advice to other couples is that drawing closer to the Lord individually will most often automatically draw them closer together as a couple.