When Maurice joined DT Heart & Soul (DTHS) in August 2020, he wasn’t convinced that online Christian dating was for him.
“I didn’t do dating sites,” he said. “I thought, this is where people post pictures from 20 years ago and by the time you meet them, it’s a different story!”
But after much prayer and a few nudges from friends, Maurice – newly baptized in 2018 in the Pittsburgh Church of Christ – decided to trust God 100%. “I had made a leap of faith to cut off a past relationship that wasn’t honoring God, believing that if I did things his way, he would send me the right person. Joining DTHS was part of that trust.”
Meanwhile, in Chicago, Priscilla had her own story of faith, loss, and courage. A long-time disciple and widow, she had lost her husband in 2018, followed by the sudden passing of her sister and father within weeks of each other during the pandemic. “I was broken, just looking for a friend,” she said. A best friend encouraged her to try DTHS, but after one short trial, she left, only to return a few months later. “This time, Maurice’s message popped up. At first, I said, ‘No way.’”
Priscilla admitted her hesitation was partly cultural. “I thought maybe someone Filipino would be easier,” she said. But Maurice’s consistency won her heart. “Every day, he called when he said he would. He sent scriptures when my dad passed. He encouraged me. That’s how it started.”
Despite the distance and a pandemic keeping them apart, the two built their relationship on prayer, scripture, and deep conversations. They read Christian books together, shared their struggles openly, and talked daily on video calls. Maurice said, “I just wanted her to know, whatever she was going through, I was there, and God was there.”
When they finally met in person, Maurice knew immediately. “After that first day together, walking around downtown Chicago, I thought, this is it.”
Their journey to marriage wasn’t without challenges. They navigated grief, long distance, cultural differences, and family resistance. Some friends cut ties because of their interracial relationship. One of Priscilla’s daughters initially opposed the marriage, saying she wouldn’t attend the wedding. Yet, over time, love and patience softened hearts. “Even now, there are moments of discomfort,” Maurice said, “but love conquers all. God put us together, and that’s what matters.”
The couple married on July 17, 2021, surrounded by loved ones who celebrated a union that only God could have written.
For Maurice, this marriage is an answered prayer years in the making. “I prayed for someone who would accept me for who I am today, not judge me for my past. God gave me that in Priscilla.” For Priscilla, Maurice came as a gift during her lowest valley. “God sent me someone to encourage me, to walk with me through grief, and to remind me of his love,” she said.
Their advice to singles? “Pray. Trust God. Don’t lean on your own understanding. Let go of your checklist and let God decide who is best for you,” Maurice said, quoting his favorite scripture: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
Priscilla added, “Love knows no culture, no color, no distance. If God writes the story, it’s worth saying yes.”
