Life doesn’t always unfold the way we plan, but for John and Kelli, God’s grace worked through their pain, addiction, and loss to write a better story than they could have imagined.

John’s childhood was shaped by faith, yet fractured by a father lost to addiction. While his mother tried to keep him grounded in church, his life took a turn toward heavy drinking and sin, following in his father’s footsteps. Despite his success as a professional cyclist, the party lifestyle dragged him down, leaving him stuck in a cycle of denial and isolation.

Kelli’s story was different but no less challenging. Growing up in a home of contradictions—church on Sundays but chaos the rest of the week—she turned to alcohol at 13. As a widow and single mom, her life was a constant storm of loss and substance abuse. The turning point came when her daughter became pregnant, sparking a desire for change to be a better grandmother.

Their paths crossed at AA, where vulnerability and shared experiences broke down walls. Kelli found unconditional acceptance, a reminder of God’s grace. John experienced a spiritual awakening, reconnecting with a faith that had felt distant for years. Together, they rediscovered love—first with God, then with each other.

Their first "date" was an invitation to church, where Kelli felt overcome by God’s presence. It was a moment of healing and connection for them both. Today, they walk a new path—hand in hand, deeply rooted in faith and supported by a loving community.

Their story is a testament to the power of grace, the possibility of second chances, and the beauty of finding God in unexpected places.

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