The first time Michael and Debra saw each other was at a Prison Fellowship Employee Zoom meeting in August of 2022. Michael had noticed that Debra seemed very enthusiastic about the work of bringing the Prison Fellowship Ministry to the women at the California Institution for Women. Each time Debra and Michael would join the meetings Michael noticed the passion in her voice about serving the Lord as well as seeing souls saved to Christ.

Michael had wondered for months why the Lord brought him to that line of work. He worked at the Donavan Correctional Facility with Prison Fellowship, was making a gracious living, but something was still a miss.

He had been praying for years for a wife that he had not yet met and began to think she may be the one! Maybe that’s why he was there! It wasn't until the state of California did not renew Debra's position with Prison Fellowship Ministries and the Lord spoke to his mind and said “Do not overlook this one” Michael began pursuing her, but Debra relented every time letting Michael know that he wasn't her type. Michael, never taking no for an answer, finally won Debra over.

Debra noticed the relationship that he had with Jesus Christ was stronger than any man she has met thus far, and his passion for seeing souls to Christ was just as strong as hers. Debra will also never forget in her bible, when she read a passage that spoke to her heart, along with in her own hand 2 years ago, asking for a husband. Reminding God of His promise, she looked down and read:

“And now, O LORD, the word which You have spoken concerning Your servant and concerning his house, let it be established forever, and do as You have said.” 1 Chronicles 17:23.

Then, after prayer and fasting, will never forget the overwhelming feeling of love she had for him on Monday, September 11th, going into her office. She called him immediately and told him how much she loved him, and it was some time later, but showed him the scripture in the bible God had shown her.

They know the Lord brought them together, and their relationship symbol is 3. The three strand cord. Jesus, Michael, and Debra. “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12. NLT.

Going forward, they both cannot wait to dedicate their lives to ministry and serving each other, along with the Messiah who saved them both

Ceremony