OUR EXTRAORDINARY ENGAGEMENT STORY!!

Our Extraordinary Engagement Story

—Allie Yamakawa and Barnabas Kwok—

Our engagement story is extraordinarily shocking. It is extraordinary not because it captures the depths of our love nor the heights of our commitment, but because it captures God’s sovereignty and providence on the 16^th of August. 

I (Barnabas) had never intended to propose to my then-girlfriend, Allie, during the summer. I had no idea and no plans. We have always expressed our desire to get married—because of the Lord’s vivid guidance in our relationship as it was He who joined us (another powerful story)—but the prospect of getting married early had never been practical. 

However, on the night of the 15^th, Allie expressed her commitment  to wait for whenever I felt ready for marriage, and to even be the breadwinner in our early years of marriage, given that I am a full time student. Touched, the thought of proposing came to mind. 

We rushed home and I discussed the idea with my parents. They gave me their permission but we also acknowledged that we hadn’t a clue of how it might work out. Where should I buy the ring? What’s her ring size? Where should I propose? What should I say? I earnestly came before God and told Him, “Lord, if it is Your will, may You allow me to successfully propose to my girlfriend. However, I am totally fine with proposing later too!” 

Then came August 16^th, two days before Allie’s departure (she visited me from Hawaii; most of our relationship was long-distance). Feeling hopeful, I whatsapped (messaged) two local friends knowing that they can give me advice regarding where to get a ring. That was the first step to everything. However, I also knew that some of them might not wake up early in the morning (well…it's summer), but I took the chance. Amazingly, both of my friends responded instantly—to my shock—and mentioned the same exact store. I began to think, “Maybe God has something in store for me today.” 

I then found out that the store my friends recommended was only 10 minutes away from where I lived! I also looked at their rings and a particular one stood out. I told my parents and Allie that I was going to buy groceries and headed off to carry out the plan! By God’s grace, my mom actually bought a few plastic rings with Allie a few days prior (as a future mother/daughter-in-law bonding moment), so I secretly snatched the one that fit Allie’s ring finger. 

I arrived at the store in no time and got the ring in less than 5 minutes; I even bought groceries! Everything seemed to work out fine.

My parents then advised me to go to Ma-Wan Beach (Hong Kong), so Allie and I left momentarily after 3:30pm. One of my worries was that there would be many people at the beach as it was a Friday. However, as we were en route in the taxi, we were suddenly hit by a massive thunderstorm. We could barely see the road ahead of us. But I felt peace knowing that God was moving in and through the storm. (sound like a Bible story?)

Shortly after we arrived, the thunderstorm cleared up as well as everyone else on the beach. It was completely empty. God had set the stage for my act. 

We walked alongside the beach, took photos and videos, and shared some laughs. Allie then told me that she had something for me. (What!!) She pulled out two shells engraved with writing which she had brought from Hawaii! What’s crazy is that she had no idea that we were going to the beach, which really left no reason to bring the shells. In fact, she didn’t even intend on bringing them in the first place! But before we left, she felt God tell her to bring them along and obediently listened. 

As I saw the beautiful shells lying on my palm, I knew this was from the Lord. There was truly no turning back. 

I then went to the bathroom, and carefully took out the ring with its box, sliding it into my pocket. However, there was one more step: I had to ask for Allie’s parents permission. I hurriedly messaged Aunty Faith (Allie’s Mother). This was an act of faith because there is an 18-hour time difference between Hong Kong and Hawaii. While it was Friday, 5:15pm in the Hong Kong afternoon, it was Thursday, 11pm in the Hawaiian evening. They could have already been sleeping or Aunty Faith could have been at work. Yet, she responded immediately, “We are free now! You can call us.” 

I called and both Mr. and Mrs. Yamakawa were present. Think about the chances. I told them that I was going to propose to their lovely daughter, Allie. They both responded, first by Aunty Faith followed by Mr. Yamakawa, “You have our blessing.” Praise the Lord. I knew the Lord had given me success, like how Abraham’s servant knew he found success in finding a wife for Isaac in Gen 24. 

I proposed and Allie said: “YES”. She became my fiancée as I became her fiancé. 

I reserved a table at a lovely German restaurant located next to the beach and we shared our first meal there as an engaged couple! Everything was ecstatic and unreal—I couldn’t have planned this. 

What makes the story even more crazy was I found out through Allie that, once Mr. and Mrs. Yamakawa received my message, they knew that I was going to propose! This is all the Lord’s work, and I had never experienced God and His sovereignty so powerfully in my life until that day.

The Lord joined us together for marriage and we couldn’t be more confident of His Will for us as a godly couple, one that desires to proclaim His Word and to testify what a biblical, God-honoring, Christ-centered marriage is in this world that desperately needs Him. 

Last but not least, we haven’t kissed at all yet (not even on the cheek). And yes, we won’t kiss until January 3, 2020.