The story of Hunter and Marah is a testament to God’s perfect timing and how He orchestrates the most beautiful love stories.

In January 2023, Marah had recently moved to Hixson and was searching for a new church home. Marah’s roommate encouraged her to visit Calvary Chapel Northside, and Marah was instantly drawn to the church after attending. Marah was also invited to visit The Way, a young adults ministry the church had just started. Little did Marah know that the Lord had brought Hunter to the same church several months earlier, and that The Way would be the unexpected place where their paths, after years apart, would cross once again…

Over the next several months, Hunter and Marah’s church involvement led to them spending time in similar circles. In the fall of 2023, several church staff members suggested to Hunter that Marah might be a good match for him, which encouraged him to consider the possibility of dating. Little did Hunter know that Marah’s interest in him had begun to grow. The very Friday in November he reached out to reconnect with her, Marah had prayed a specific prayer asking God to lead Hunter to pursue her if he was interested.

Despite the freezing cold temperatures, they played pickleball together and talked for hours that next Sunday. (Hunter would later comment that Marah’s willingness to endure the cold for their conversation was a clear sign of her interest!) A few days after pickleball, Hunter called Marah and asked her on a “proper” date, and the sweetest dating season began…