Along came Marlene...

Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 4:12:" Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." A word that shows up numerous times in the book of Ecclesiastes is "better." In verses 9-12 of Ecclesiastes chapter 4, Solomon is talking about relationships in general. Verse 9 opens up with "two are better than one." I have truly enjoyed my years as a single Pastor/Missionary. God has been my "Everything." Our contentment and happiness is solely based on our connection to God. Every season/chapter in our life is good with Jesus. However, I have entered a new season in my life. The month of February marked the beginning of my relationship with a beautiful young woman named Marlene Ann Brandon...

Missions also involves a lot of practical things. On February 1st, I had to take my car in for the annual ITV inspection. It failed. After a couple of trips to the mechanic, my car finally passed! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Good for another year!

February 2nd, marked the beginning of classes for the Spring Semester. I will be teaching Missions for the 5th time. I also will be teaching the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus) for the first time. Teaching the Bible is always a privilege!

On Saturday February 6th, we had our first Men's Breakfast of the year. As always, the food & fellowship was great with the older men of the church and young men of the Bible College. My friend and fellow pastor, Jimmy Schauerte taught the Bible study. He taught on the subject of real men trusting the Lord even when it doesn't make sense. He used a few illustrations from the OT to see the outcome of their lives.

On Sunday February 28th, I taught on a Sunday morning for Pastor Raf. Raf is currently teaching on marriage, in the book of Ephesians. He was going to be in SoCal for a couple of weeks, and asked Jimmy and I to each teach a Sunday for him. I taught on Singleness. Raf announced this the week before. A lot of singles came up to me, sharing how they were really looking forward to this. The title of my message was "Enjoying and Rejoicing in your Singleness." My main text was 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 coupled with Matthew 19:11-12. We see Jesus and Paul commend Singleness. Herein lies the balance of all the Scriptures in the Bible. May we not make the same mistake as the church in Corinth. That is, to elevate Marriage over Singleness or Singleness over Marriage. One is not more spiritual or holier than the other. Everyone has to do what God has called/invited them to. What a timely message this was for Santa Ponsa Community Church. I can tell you story after story, of singles of all ages who came up to me after service truly ministered to. Many were hurting, and some were bitter towards God. They didn't know such Scriptures existed in their Bible. Also, to hear that Marriage is a gift from God, but so is Singleness. Some would be called to it for life, while others just for a season. Raf's wife Loretta interpreted for me at the Spanish evening Service. After the service, the singles were blessed as well.

I met Marlene in September of last year. She was on a partial scholarship to play softball for a university in Oahu, Hawaii. She is originally from Northern California. God tugged on her heart about Bible college, and she came for her 1st semester last fall. God does imports! Over the last few months we have developed a real good friendship. I really sensed God giving me the thumbs up and the green light to take the next step. Proverbs 15:22 says: "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established." So speaking with my family, close friends, my roommate Jimmy, and Pastor Raf, the thumbs up were given. Green light shone bright! On Valentine's Day February 14th, I took Marlene out. I asked her to enter a Christian Courtship/Dating (whatever you want to call it) relationship with me. What really matters, is the fact that we are now prayerfully, purposely, planning, to one day be married. That's the goal Lord willing. I don't believe in dating for the sake of dating, or in recreational/serial dating. Why leave a long string of broken hearts along the road including your own? Trust in the providence of our gracious loving God! I am so incredibly happy and blessed beyond measure! I now thank God everyday for this wonderful gift! They say everything is more beautiful when you are in love. How true that is!

A week later, Pastor Raf announced this news to the whole congregation. Everyone clapped and cheered! After the service, the support and love was overwhelming. A lot of "Congratulations." Not only was the church encouraging, but also the Bible college students, and fellow co-workers on staff!

In closing, thank you all for your prayers over the years. Continue praying for Marlene and I, as we seek to honor Jesus as a couple!

By His Grace,
Eric