Sophia and Mathew both went to Mason County Schools growing up. Though they knew each other through middle school, they became friends in high school. They began dating their senior year of high school on December 19, 2020. While in school, they were able to join in together for their senior year prom, graduation, and much more.

Soon Mathew and Sophia were both called by God to be disciples of Jesus Christ. God uniquely and strategically used this new relationship to establish deep roots for a life in Christ. Mathew and Sophia set out to lead lives that were glorifying to Christ, and to sharing the gospel with those around them.

Sophia and Mathew began attending Eastern Kentucky University in August of 2021. Mathew chose to major in the Homeland Security Program with a minor in history, while Sophia majored in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education with a concentration in middle grades math. Both were quickly led to the Baptist Campus Ministry at EKU, where they became deeply involved. Freshman year was very difficult for them both, which only served to strengthen their relationship with God and each other.

Mathew and Sophia joined the leadership team at the BCM in May of 2022, beginning to work together in the field of ministry. Sophomore year of college saw them both fall deeper in love with each other and the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the summer of 2023, Mathew went away to work as a missionary in Southeastern Kentucky. While apart, Mathew felt called to live a full life with Sophia. He began meeting with role models, such as Minister Jake Hancock, to see if marriage was appropriate at this time. Mathew, along with friends Eli Clapper and Sydney Brown, mother Kristie Dodge, and sister Kaitlyn Habermehl, planned a totally awesome proposal. On October 10, 2023, Mathew proposed to Sophia, and Sophia responded with a resounding "yes!" and a subsequent nosebleed of excitement.

Now they both work hard planning a wedding, and most importantly, a life of marriage. They see Jake Hancock for pre-marital counseling. Now please join us in prayer and celebration for the marriage of Sophia and Mathew!

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." - Genesis 2:24 ESV

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