Two days ago, June 14, at approximately 4:40pm, I had the distinct privilege of pronouncing my son Andrew and his dear fiancee Ivy Jo as husband and wife. What a fun day! It was about 90 degrees at the time of the wedding, which might have kept a few people away, but didn’t slow the festivities a bit! Andrew and Ivy Jo met at our home church, Littlerock Community Fellowship, and they have been dating for about four years now with a break in the middle while they figured some things out. It was clear to all who were present that the couple is striving to honor Christ, they are in love with each other, and they are excited about their new life together. Although pictures will not be ready for 6-8 weeks, I was able to get a few that I can share.
Andrew first trusted in Christ as a young child, then grew deeper over the next 20 years in his love for Christ. Through a series of key growth steps including youth retreats, Cross-Con, men’s group, and his personal study of God’s Word, he has steadily drawn closer to the Lord.
Ivy Jo’s Grandma (“Grammer”) took her to church in her elementary school years, read the Bible to her, and prayed for her. At a middle school summer camp, she placed her faith in Christ and got baptized. College was a hard time spiritually, but God had plans for her, and she moved in with the Schwartz family which put her back on track growing over the past five years thru their encouragement and prayers.
Officiating their ceremony was indeed an honor, having a “front row” view of their calm composure and confidence as they stated their declaration of intent, proclaimed their vows, exchanged rings, took communion, prayed together, and yes, as they kissed each other. The passage they chose for the wedding message was 1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” This verse has special significance to both of them, and it was a joy for me to craft and deliver a message based upon this verse and make it personal and meaningful for them based on several fun stories and special elements I know of them. They wanted the Gospel clearly presented, which I did, and I believe the Lord was honored and glorified in all that happened, which was their deepest desire.
Now they are spending a sweet honeymoon time together in the Caribbean, bouncing to a few islands and enjoying some well-deserved downtime together.
Just a few days before the wedding, Andrew and his older brother Adam, along with Braxton (Alyssa’s boyfriend), joined me on a backpacking trip to Black Hole Falls and Mitchell Peak in SW Washington. We had a blast together bushwhacking through parts of overgrown trails, marveling at a beautiful waterfall, and standing in awe of God’s creation at the peak top with stunning views of four volcanic snow-capped peaks: St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, and Hood. Making memories and enjoying sweet fellowship in the great outdoors were the perfect ways to conclude Andrew’s bachelor life and launch him into wedded bliss.
