Janis and I met at Westminster College, but it was our ministry together at Westminster Highlands church camp in Emlenton, PA that really brought us together. God has opened many doors for us as a couple, allowing us to grow together, both in good times and bad. While I was finishing my own studies at Westminster College and Janis was working as a youth minister in Butler, we both began to better realize our calling toward seminary. Our continued work at the Highlands helped to confirm this calling, and after much thought and vigorous debate, we finally realized that we were ready to fully join together in both our ministries and our lives.
I purchased a ring without Janis realizing it and waited for the right moment to present itself at our camp, since it was the place that means the most to the both of us. As I came down the zip line, it was one of the most exhilarating and nervous experiences I've ever had! When it came time for the wedding, however, we both realized that where we most wanted to have our wedding was at Janis' home camp, Camp Fowler, in Speculator, NY. Seeing Janis walk down the aisle with her father was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. So beautiful that I was a ball of tears!
After the wedding, we had the privilege of going to Ireland on mission trip, as our honeymoon, where we volunteered at the Corrymeela Community. We assisted them in their reconciliation ministry between Catholic and Protestant communities. We are currently serving as counselors for the Summer Youth Institute at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and looking forward to continuing our studies at the seminary and finding out what other doors God will open for us and what paths God is leading us down together!
OUR STORY
Montgomery
Janis and Joel