Michael and Dana Cox were married in July 2010 surrounded by God-loving family and friends, but like any couple seeking to honor God, their relationship went through hardships before making this commitment.
Michael came from a family of faith and accepted Christ as his Savior at a young age. Dana grew up sporadically attending church, but never developed a relationship with God. Since Michael’s faith was a large part of his life and the life of his family, Dana knew she couldn’t marry him unless they viewed marriage the same.
The six months after their engagement were some of the most difficult for Michael and Dana. Dana struggled to understand who Christ really was and His gift of salvation. She began to learn about her identity in Him – a loved child of God. As she dug deeper in the Word, she continued to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit surrounding her.
As Dana sought Christ amidst her brokenness, Michael was challenged to ask himself what he really believed in and to what lengths was he willing to go to stay committed to the decision he had made as a young child. He loved Dana, but knew his future family should be centered on the truth's held in God's Word.
Dana took the step of faith and committed her life to Him in a small wooden pew in the back of a Kansas City, MO church. She repented of her sins, acknowledged her weakness, and asked God for forgiveness. This decision was a catalyst for the way Dana decided to live the rest of her life.
In 2013 Michael and Dana had their first child, a baby boy. They have made New Life Church their home and have been strengthened in their relationship with the Almighty God through many of the ministries. “New Life in not just a church; it’s a family.” Dana shares. “The people at New Life genuinely care about you, support you, teach you, encourage you, and pray for you! Believers are a part of the bigger family – God’s family, and you feel that at New Life Church.”
It was in Michael and Dana’s brokenness that they saw God’s greatness. God is the thread that holds their marriage together and gives them purpose. They realize that God is life and “in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17