Eventually, John messaged Abbhy. After a period of hesitant messaging and late replies from Abbhy, she finally engaged in a long, deep conversation with John one evening on her way home from camp. It started casually, but as they talked, the familiar feeling she had experienced in dreams returned. That conversation became the turning point of their friendship—the moment they both realized there was more to discover in each other.
Two years prior, she had dreamt vividly of herself sitting on a large swing adorned with flowers, while someone gently pushed her as she enjoyed the view of the garden. When she looked back, she realized the man’s face was unmistakably John. She had brushed it off then—it was random, she wasn’t even thinking about him, and it felt too strange to assign meaning. Around the same time, an Ate shared a dream she had of Abbhy marrying a pastor’s kid—and again, it was John. Even though she laughed it off, these memories resurfaced that day, lingering at the edge of her mind.
A few years ago, during an inter-fellowship gathering, John also recalled a Tito once teasing him about getting married. They were having casual chats in the parking lot when Abbhy suddenly came out of the nearby office. His uncle randomly suggested, “Ayun, sino ba ’yun? Ba’t ’di mo ligawan?” John laughed it off because he knew at that time that Abbhy was in a relationship. Later on, they shared these stories with each other, surprised at how the universe seemed to be constantly nudging their paths to cross—even before they had ever considered getting to know each other beyond casual greetings.
After about two months of chatting, John formally courted Abbhy. He prayed repeatedly for confirmation from God, certain in his heart that she was the one he would marry. Meanwhile, Abbhy was clear: she would only give it a try, still unsure if their connection would develop into romantic feelings.
But everything shifted when she saw his Bible—thick, well-marked, brimming with notes. Witnessing how deeply he valued God’s Word, how he spoke about it, and how he lived out his calling, she realized that he could lead a family and be a good father. Two weeks into courtship, inspired by their growing fondness for each other, she composed a song as her personal “yes.”
As they spent more time together, they discovered endless similarities—from their pastor’s kid upbringing to small health quirks like nasal allergies, from balancing social energy and alone time to shared ministry experiences, and even a similar sense of humor. Their families also bonded effortlessly, forming connections that made the relationship feel natural and right.
One month and three weeks into the courtship, Abbhy’s song officially became her heartfelt yes. Some were surprised at how quickly it seemed to happen, but to them, it felt perfect. Their souls felt familiar, as if they had known each other for years—a clear sign of God’s perfect timing.
A month and a half later, John proposed. Plans for a December wedding were temporarily put on hold when Abbhy’s mother faced health challenges. During that time, they supported each other and their families, growing closer through prayer, ministry, and everyday life. As her mother began to heal, wedding plans resumed—fully supported by both families and aligned with God’s timing.
Their wedding date, April 24, carries special meaning. It marks exactly one year from the day John first messaged Abbhy—the first step in the journey that would lead them here. Choosing this date was their way of honoring the full circle of God’s timing, a reminder that every small step, every dream, and every prayer was part of His plan.
Now, as they step forward into their future together, John and Abbhy celebrate a story of patience, faith, and divine orchestration. Every encounter, every dream, every gentle nudge and unexpected bump along the way was part of God’s plan—leading them to this moment, where two hearts and two families become one.
