Christian Testimony - September 2024

After trying two different paid dating apps and encountering men who weren't serious, I grew skeptical about finding love online.

But in 2023, a divine nudge from God inspired me to step out, date, and make myself available. With mixed feelings yet a glimmer of hope, I signed up for a free account on Christian Cafe, thinking it might be my last attempt at online dating.

Little did I know, this decision would lead me to Giacomo, a Brazilian Christian artist living on the other side of the world from me in the Philippines.

Marrying someone so far away seemed crazy, but not to God.

Giacomo had emerged from a painful relationship yet held onto a recurring dream of having an Asian family. In his dream, he was on a bus, bringing his children home to their mother and wife. This vision kept him searching online, hopeful of meeting the woman in his dream.

Meanwhile, God was preparing me for him in ways I couldn't yet understand. I had worked at a Havaianas store, a famous Brazilian brand in the Philippines, and served as a missionary in YWAM for over five years. In 2011, God spoke to my heart that He would bring me to the other side of the world. I later discovered that Brazil is literally the antipode of the Philippines.

In 2014, I had a dream about a man named Keith Landon Reiurso. I tried searching for this name online but all I found were the first two names: Keith Landon, and they didn't seem right. The name "Reiurso" stuck with me, which I thought was Russian at first. Fast forward to when Giacomo and I started dating; he called me "Bunny Queen" because of a childhood photo of me with a bunny, and I called him "King Bear" because he'd joke about being a bear due to his hairy appearance.

To my amazement, "Reiurso" translates to "King Bear" in Portuguese, his native language. So it was the meaning of the name in my dream all along!

Our initial interactions were challenging. I was too proud to accept some of Giacomo's views and closed the door on him. But after three days of internal struggle and three sleepless nights, God revealed the true condition of my heart and led me to seek forgiveness from both Him and Giacomo.

I hesitated and asked God for a sign. That same day, my uncle visited me wearing a Brazil shirt. I couldn't deny the divine intervention and immediately reconnected with Giacomo.

On March 13, 2023, we officially began dating online. Despite the physical distance, we trusted God to guide our relationship. We hoped to meet soon, but God had other plans, revealing much about our hearts and teaching us to rely on Him.

In April 2024, with God's leading, I took a leap of faith and traveled to Brazil, embarking on a 30-hour journey with a layover in the Middle East. Many thought I was crazy, but I believed God had paved the way. He even provided for the costly ticket, and I knew it was like a one-way ticket to my God-given destiny.

On the night of April 30, 2024, I landed in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and Giacomo was there to greet me. After over a year of being in an online relationship, we finally met face to face, a moment that felt miraculous.

We decided to get married, trusting that God had orchestrated our story. We filed for marriage on May 30th, a month after I arrived in Brazil, and I anxiously awaited our ceremony date, hoping it would align with the promise God made to me in 2017, during a mentor's wedding, when I heard that still small voice saying that I would marry at the age of 35.

Six years later, I met Giacomo online at age 34, turning 35 soon after. On June 13, 2024, just nine days before my 36th birthday, we were married. God's timing was indeed perfect!

We are immensely grateful for the miracles we've experienced and the platform that brought us together. Christian Cafe played a crucial role in our story, proving that love can bridge any distance if God wills it!

Now, three months into our marriage, we continue to witness God's blessings and miracles.

Thank you, Christian Cafe, for facilitating such meaningful connections. Our relationship is a testament to God's faithfulness and perfect timing, and we want to share our story so that others can give Him the glory as well.

To those reading our story, remember that God's timing is always perfect. Trust in His plan, remain faithful, and be open to His guidance. Sometimes, the journey may seem uncertain or challenging, but God is at work behind the scenes, preparing something beautiful.

Keep believing, stay hopeful, and don't be afraid to take that leap of faith.

Mei-mei495 {Philippines} and Giacomo-giacomo209 {Brazil} September 2024

We met in May 2021 and in July of the same year James came to Brazil to meet me.

James was very brave - he came to meet me during the COVID-19 pandemic, without any fear. Our love was stronger than all barriers.

We enjoyed tours in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Arraial do Cabo and visits to my sisters' house and we had an incredible time together.

We discovered that in person our feeling grew even more. We spoke on video call every day, and our hearts raced just seeing each other on video.

Every day we discovered many things in common: our faith in God, musical taste, outings and appreciation for family. James proposed to me and applied for a fiancee visa. We waited for the response from immigration, which arrived in July 2023.

We were married on August 13, 2023 and we are very happy.

I thank God for giving me my husband who is wonderful and my best friend. We wish all members the same happiness.

Maria-maria4613 {Brazil} & James-james2195 {Oklahoma} September 2024

I joined Christian Cafe last year (2023) in September, tired of guys who wouldn't commit to a true, Godly relationship.

I'd been praying for a man of God who'd put God first. With all this in mind I saw an interesting profile. It was Samuel, a young Christian man from Texas, US.

Seeing that he had many Bible verses on his profile, I sent the first message. He was attentive, very responsive and interested in getting to know me better.

We kept chatting and, a few weeks later, he asked me to video call and get to know his parents. What an honor!

We started a long distance relationship, praying, reading the Bible together (He invited me to read the beautiful book of Psalms) and asking for advice from our family and church leaders.

In January, 2024, Samuel took an 11 hour flight to San Miguel del Monte, Argentina, where I live.

We dated in person and soon after we got married here in my country. It's been 7 months of joy, healing and growth.

Millie-millie497 {Argentina} & Samuel-samuelgarland470 {Texas} September 2024

I wanted to share an update about our life here in Qatar and reflect on our first year of marriage.

Settling in Qatar

A year ago, my husband and I moved to Qatar due to his job. It has been an exciting and challenging journey as we both adjusted to living in a foreign country. The vibrant culture and warm hospitality of the people here have made our transition smoother, but it has also been a period of significant growth for both of us.

Our First Year of Marriage

Our first year of marriage has been a beautiful adventure. Living in a new country has brought us closer together as we navigated the ups and downs of this new chapter. We've learned to rely on each other more and have grown stronger as a couple.

Spiritual Growth

Spiritually, this year has been transformative. Being away from our home church and familiar fellowship has pushed us to seek God more earnestly. We've found a local church community here that has welcomed us with open arms, and being part of this new fellowship has been a blessing. We've also spent more time in prayer and Bible study together, which has deepened our faith and our bond.

Ministry to Community Kids

One of the most fulfilling aspects of our time here has been my involvement in ministry to the community kids. I've started offering tutoring and organizing after-school activities for children in our neighborhood, including those with special needs. This has allowed me to use my skills and passion to make a positive impact on their lives. Seeing the kids learn and grow has been incredibly rewarding and has helped me feel more connected to our new community.

Mental and Individual Growth

Mentally, we've both grown in resilience and adaptability. The challenges of living in a new environment have taught us to be more patient and understanding. Individually, we've pursued personal growth through various means. My husband has excelled in his job, and I have been exploring new opportunities and hobbies, including starting a small business from our apartment.

Togetherness

Together, we've learned the importance of communication and support. Being each other's primary support system in a foreign land has strengthened our relationship. We've made wonderful memories exploring Qatar, from its stunning desert landscapes to its bustling markets.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead, we are excited about what the future holds. We are grateful for the experiences and growth we've had this past year and look forward to continuing this journey together.

Sam-oldschool600 {Ethiopia} & Michael-harrismichael791 {California} September 2024