On April 2, 2007 a Marriage Covenant between Joseph Patterson (21) and Sharon Titong (27) was emailed to friends and family from the Children's Refugee Camp in Thailand asking that we serve as witnesses to the union.

(In America) I was still rather new as the pastor at Bell Road Baptist Church. Cathy was troubled because she had always planned to be at the weddings of all four of our children. Still, we pressed REPLY ALL and sent this response to the news.

"We are happy that Joseph and Sharon have found one another and have made a lifelong commitment to one another. Our great hope is that they will reaffirm this Covenant according to legal protocol in both the Philippines and in the United States of America."

"Joseph was raised with the conviction that this important life decision is not by anyone to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly. We trust that Joe will keep his commitment to Sharon and have a great hope that Sharon will seek the Lord in order to keep her marriage vow."

May God bless this union and as soon as possible be recognized and recorded lawfully."

A series of public affirmations took place in Asia. At the Children's Refugee Camp, among missionary friends in Bangkok, and with family in the Philippines (where Sharon had grown up). Compressed video clips were sent back to Mom and Dad in Auburn, California.

After a 4-month honeymoon/short-term mission trip through Thailand, Hong Kong, Nagaland, India, Laos, and Cambodia, Joseph came back to America to begin the process of legal immigration for Sharon. He acquired a job at an Auburn bank, while attending more classes at Sierra College. By living with us, he saved his money and visited with his Bride by webcam nearly every night during their long separation.

In the springtime, Joe traveled back to the Philippines to be with Sharon just prior to being granted her VISA. Sharon then made her first trip to America. Before leaving Sharon's homeland, the young couple purchased a field near family in the Philippines.

Immediate plans are for Joe to finish his Bachelor's Degree (Mathematical Economics) at the University of the Pacific. They have rented a modest studio apartment across the street from the University. The Lord has alos opened the door for Joe to transfer to a bank branch down the street.

Sharon has already earned her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and has a Master's Degree from the Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary. She hopes to acquire a position on staff at the University of the Pacific.

Today, (Saturday, August 2, 2008) exactly 16 months after the Covenant was first entered into, Joe and Sharon are asking friends and family in America to witness the renewal of their lifelong vows to one another.

Anyone and Everyone is welcome to join us!

Where: Bell Road Baptist Church

707 Bell Road Auburn Exit 123

When: Saturday, August 2nd 3:00 p.m.