Sharing the same passion makes a life together

FOUNTAIN Vineyard Christian Fellowship pastoral team members Natalia and her husband Ricky Venter celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary last month.

Bolivian-born Natalia, née Olivera, had just left high school and was working for an airline company in Johannesburg when they met. Ricky was her first boyfriend. "I had been waiting for just the right person and I found someone who shares the same passion with me," she said.

Soon after having graduated with a degree in journalism from Rhodes University, Port Elizabeth-born Ricky decided to follow his calling and become a minister and youth outreach pastor at the Family Harvest Church, Johannesburg.

 It was at church that the two really got to know each other.

Ricky recalled: "I can still clearly remember that day. She was standing on the other end of the church hall, so I went straight up to her and introduced myself. As I got to know her, I realised she had all I had ever wanted. She is real, a woman of integrity and such amazing grace!"

A year later on September 21 2002, the young couple had an intimate beach wedding on Port Elizabeth's Marine Drive with their reception at the Walmer Town Hall.

"It was such a beautiful wedding, we wanted something different and less traditional. We planned our wedding in two weeks and everything worked out... even the weather was great!" Natalia said.

After their wedding, the lovebirds travelled for a while, before settling in Providentia and starting their family six years ago.

They have three children, Alejandro, five, Zachariah, three, and Alegra-Joy, six months old.

 Natalia later joined her husband in the ministry.

Article By: Balisa Ntloko.

Article Source: HERALD La Femme.