Andrea & Robert

Rob and Andrea had on-off been part of Christian Connection for a number of years, both with a conviction to meet a faithful Christian partner, but in April 2023 Andrea had re-signed up to give online dating "one final go". She had met a few people in the past but they hadn't worked out, but this time Andrea spotted a guy hosting regular online meetups of Zoom Karaoke and, having looked on his profile, gave him a "wave".

Rob had been part of Christian Connection for a while, running over 50 online meetups during covid lockdowns and beyond. It had been a real blessing to him during the struggles of the pandemic to have some fun things online to do during lockdowns with the Christian Connection community, and Rob enjoyed hosting them enough to keep them going post-pandemic. While he hadn't met "the one" running these events, it had clearly sparked Andrea's interest in noticing and contacting him. Even just attending these online or in person meetups - even if you don't meet "the one" on them - can really help you meet new people, make connections and feel more confident, so I thoroughly recommend them!

After exchanging a number of online messages, after a couple of weeks we arranged a meetup in London, the easiest place for the two of us to meet. Rob sought out a coffee shop near the train station, as he thought that was what you should do on a first date. And Andrea accepted his invite to the coffee shop, as she thought that was what you should do on a first date. And we both ordered a coke, as neither of us liked coffee! Note to self: check your date's likes and dislikes before you meet!!

We had a nice walk along the canal and food at Camden Market. And while we only met for a few hours (due to a pre-arranged birthday meal Rob was attending later that day), it clearly went well, as an impromptu second date was planned three days later!

A month and a half (and several further dates) later and Rob asked Andrea out at Big Church Festival, somewhere we both enjoyed attending and worshipping at. It was a lovely setting for it and Andrea really appreciated being asked out, rather than it being assumed you are boyfriend and girlfriend now.

Living 100 miles apart, after six months visiting one another most weekends, we discussed next steps in our relationship and Andrea was keen for a fresh start and to move to Birmingham from near London. That allowed us to spend a lot more time together and do more "normal" things together, like attending church, cook each other meals and hang out with each other's friends more.

Fast forward to May 2024 and after a year of dating Rob popped the question in a park in Chester. He had planned a weekend of special events without Andrea's knowledge, so she was expecting a proposal but not that weekend. It was a lovely weekend of surprises for Andrea, including a VIP experience at Chester Zoo and a meal with gospel choir accompaniment.

We gave ourselves six months to get married, as we wanted to get married in 2024 but not clash with Christmas plans! It was a busy six months but we enjoyed a lovely wedding day in late November, back at Andrea's home church. It was a lovely celebration of all God had done to bring us together and provide for us while Andrea moved up to the Midlands. We very much felt God's hand on us both and the song "Every good thing in my life comes from you" by Pat Barrett was very apt for our wedding. We played it as we left the church.

After a lovely honeymoon in Tenerife, we are now settling into normal life in Birmingham. However we remain very thankful to God for bringing us together - at a stage when we both thought we might never meet someone - and for Christian Connection's part in that! Every good thing does come from you, God!