Our story is about trusting the Lord and recognizing that He causes all things to work together for good. We are getting married on July 27th and could not be happier. We recognize God’s hand of provision and guidance in bringing us together. We are excited about how He has worked out and answered prayers from the beginning of our relationship until we are officially married.

Brent and Melanie come from different ends of the relationship spectrum. Melanie is the most wonderful and amazing woman. She has been faithful in serving the Lord and waiting until God brought the right man into her life. Brent was happily and faithfully married for 21 years until his wife passed away unexpectedly in June 2023. The sudden passing left Brent and his 4 children with a life turned upside down. As Brent began to work through his grief he felt a nudge to ask Melanie about a relationship. Melanie and Brent have attended the same church for 12 years but had never really spoken. Melanie already knew the kids, as she was the children’s ministry leader. Brent messaged Melanie and said, “You seem pretty amazing, and I was wondering if I could call you sometime to get to know you?” After much prayer and nervous pondering, Melanie replied, “Yes that would be ok”. After a couple months of phone calls and a few walks we officially started dating after Melanie told Brent, “You can tell your kids…. I’m in.”

Our dating could not have gone any better and God continued to answer our prayers as our relationship with each other and the kids grew. We spent hours talking and doing the best we could to find time to spend together and with the kids. We were both exhausted from late night phone calls and drives between Emmetsburg and Algona. We continued to learn and love each other and as our relationship continued to grow, we both felt God was leading us to marriage. We were both in awe of how God could draw us together and strengthen us. We were thankful that God was answering prayers, for Melanie a lifetime of prayer and faithfulness, for Brent prayers of healing and provision.

Brent surprised Melanie with an engagement on March 29th with the help of the kids on the farm. Melanie said, “Yes, yes I will.” Our love for each other and life together continues to grow. We recognize the miracle our relationship has become and the healing that continues to take place. We are excited to celebrate, not only our marriage, but also God’s overwhelming love and faithfulness. Brent tells Melanie often, “Thanks for saying ‘yes’”. Melanie’s reply is, “Thanks for asking.”