Ashley sat across the table from Susie. Can you imagine them in the Xavier Student Center? Susie was drawing out the bridge diagram using Romans 6:23 to explain the plan of salvation. It was not long after that Ashley made a decision to accept Jesus as her Savior and follow Him. During her years on campus she grew so much in her faith and became a leader on her team and in our ministry, faithfully attending an AIA Bible study, and eventually leading her own discipleship group with several of the female athletes. She graduated in May 2020.
Zach had been a Christian for a while when he came to Xavier for his final year of eligibility. It was a defining moment for him. Zach decided he was going to live for Jesus and be a witness for Him. Being a follower of Christ was going to impact every area of his life, including his dating relationships. I met with him during that year for prayer and Bible study, and it was such a blessing to have this young man help lead our AIA ministry on campus.
Zach started pursuing Ashley during her junior year. After his season, he signed to play professional basketball in the Czech Republic. They dated “long distance” during her senior year. The Covid epidemic ended his season, bringing him back to America earlier than expected. With the intention of proposing, he ended up in Oklahoma City with a ring for Ashley.
Zach popped the question to Ashley, and then the two of them asked another question: “Would you officiate our wedding?” Yes, of course, what an honor and privilege that would be! I brought up premarital counseling, which they were excited to do. I would say this past month of our Zoom calls with them was exciting realizing that we are in Cincinnati, Ashley is in Oklahoma, and Zach is in Tel Aviv playing professional basketball for the Maccabi Rishon.
