Veda & Derrick

Our love story began in a way we never expected—on a Christian dating app. Derrick, in the army, and I were initially uncertain about pursuing a long-distance relationship, but as we got to know each other, we discovered how much we had in common. We both shared a love for Christ, a passion for bringing the gospel to the military, and a deep desire to honor God in all things. Our connection quickly grew, and we knew we had something special. After months of long conversations, Derrick planned to visit me, but the day before his trip, he fell seriously ill and was sent to Duke Hospital. Without hesitation, I decided to travel to be by his side. What started as a visit in a hospital room turned into a month of learning about one another in a unique setting. We spent that time not only talking about life and dreams but also hearing God confirm, through our experiences, meeting family, and connecting with mentors, that we both shared a deep love for the Lord and a desire to build a relationship centered on Him. We never expected that our story would unfold in this way, but over time, it became clear that God's hand was guiding us. Our relationship, though unconventional, has become a beautiful testament to His faithfulness. While Derrick’s health issues continued, we have seen God’s goodness in providing him with a stem cell transplant 2 months into our marriage (we got married in the hospital btw!). We definitely started in the “in sickness” part and we are SO excited to experience the “in health” part. We’ve learned so much and seen the Lord do amazing things in just the 4 months we’ve been married so far. We are more confident than ever that He is the author of our love story, and that our journey together is only just beginning, leading to a marriage grounded in faith and His love.