The way a wedding should be

This past weekend was really special for us. Joel-- who has been the leader of our campus ministry--got married!

His bride Sharon graduated from Muskingum college in Ohio, but we have been blessed to know and fall in love with her over the past two years as well. She is a beautiful, passionate, godly woman.

They have spent a lot of time at our house, and will always have a significant place in our lives.

Making it even more special was that Doug performed the wedding--his very first one ever!!!!!

The whole ceremony, from start to finish, was a celebration. It ended with Joel and Sharon leading the congregation in a time of worship.

But there were so many special aspects to this wedding, and is was truly a reflection of who Joel and Sharon are.

First, every one of the bridesmaids and groomsmen are not only joyful Christians, but all actively involved in ministry. Two are with Campus Crusade, another going overseas to serve this Summer, two involved in working with at-risk kids, and another in training for the mission field. All of them are leaders in their church and in their local campus ministries.

When it came time for the congregational singing, it was so cool to watch the bridal party truly worshipping!!!!! And at the reception, when the best man, Jarrod, gave his toast--he spoke about how there is a special beauty to a woman who loves Christ that is unlike any other beauty.

Several of our CrossSeekers were involved in the wedding or came as guests. One thing I love about them, anytime that we get together, is that they are full of JOY. These guys are so much fun. I realized again this weekend how blessed we are to know these special young men and women.

But another thing I noticed was how diverse Joel and Sharon's friends are. It was a blessing to see people from so many different backgrounds come to celebrate this day with them. Many of their friends are from other religious backgrounds, so it was a wonderful testimony of what a Christian wedding should look like.

And to make it even more special, they will be spending their honeymoon working with a Compassion International school in Peru. They will be there for two months, before they start their new jobs in Washington D.C.

They are also sponsoring a young man, Sylvestre, from the school in Peru. At the reception they had cards and magnets with his picture on the tables, and asked people to pray for him. They also had cards inviting other people to sponsor a needy child.

Joel and Sharon's hearts beat missions. Whether they end up going to the field someday, or staying in the States, I know that they will be involved in reaching every nation, tribe and tongue with the gospel. Because they have a passion to pray and give and go.......UNTIL HE COMES!!



Joel (far left) and the rest of the Peru team at the Compassion International school back in March.