Chris & Jackie's MSN Space

To the faithful brethren at Lehigh Valley Baptist Church assembled:
Our warmest Christian greetings to you all! May the Lord's choicest blessings be upon each and every one of you.

It is with the greatest joy that my wife and I announce to you the engagement of our daughter Jacqueline to Brother Chris Gable.

This announcement comes with the full approval of both sets of parents, Jacqueline's brothers, the pastors of their respective churches, and ... oh, yes — the couple too! It is the culmination of many months of prayerful consideration and background checks.

For those of you who may like to know, Brother Chris first crossed my fatherly radar screen back in 2005. In early 2006, the Lord began to impress upon my heart that Chris was His choice for my daughter. As a consequence, behind-the-scenes questions began to be asked, and eventually a special investigator was dispatched — disguised as a summer Youth Camp speaker. In early July 2006 I contacted and "stunned" his father with the possibility, and the couple was then formally introduced to each other via Alexander Graham Bell's handy invention. It wasn't until late August that they first laid eyes on each other — on the Deception Pass Bridge at the north end of Whidbey Island. Since that time, it has become evident to all concerned that it is indeed the Lord's will for Chris and Jackie to spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife. The last few months have been spent addressing (and agreeing to) the expectations of a very protective father. Through all this, both Chris and Jackie have conducted themselves with commendable patience and honor.

We are excited for Chris' and Jacqueline's future together. Chris has struck our hearts as a fine, well-grounded, hard working Christian man — and a good preacher as well. We believe our daughter will not only complement his life, but his ministry also. She is a dedicated Christian lady who has served the Lord very effectively over the past several years here at Bible Baptist Church. She loves the Lord, she loves life, and she loves Chris. They have such tremendous potential to serve God together in the ministry.
I would also like to take this time to personally thank Pastor Hammett for his help and advice over the past months. Without his wisdom and input, this engagement may not have happened. We also want to say "thank you" to Lehigh Valley Baptist Church collectively for all that has been done for Chris (to make this announcement possible at this time), and for all that will be done for Chris and Jackie in the months and years ahead. Those of you who have worked behind the scenes know what I mean.

This engagement will soon lead to their marriage. We are working on an early autumn wedding and a date will be announced as soon as all the necessary persons are contacted. If you are possibly able to come to Washington for the happy occasion, we'd love to see you. More than that, however, we earnestly covet your prayers for Chris and Jacqueline — and for us too. (This is one example of how sometimes fulfilling the will of God is sad, costly ... and yet, joyful ... all at the same time!

Sincerely Yours because His,
Robert & Vicki Sargent
Oak Harbor, Washington