Photo Credit: A & M Photography

Denny and Sandy Freeman’s love story started in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Both were born and raised in Michigan; Denny in Corunna and Sandy in Gaylord. They met at a band concert while in high school, then reunited in Gaylord a few months later. Several miles and letters later, they fell in love, attended Central Michigan University (CMU), eventually got married, and started a family.

Denny left CMU during his sophomore year to work for Glen’s Markets, a grocery business started by C. Glen Catt, Sandy’s father. Denny managed a new store in East Jordan, Michigan and found his niche in the business world. Sandy left CMU to get married and eventually raise their kids once they started a family.

Nine years later, they found Christ and their lives changed dramatically. Their marriage and their four children were transformed. Their lives were never the same as Christ saved not only their marriage, but influenced them to expand their family. Seven years later, they adopted two daughters from South Korea.

After thirty years of working for Glen’s Markets, Denny retired. Then they helped start a church in Johannesburg, close to Gaylord, where they pastored for five years. They passed the church over to another couple.

Although they’ve bloomed where they were planted, they’ve also gone overseas especially to Nigeria, where they’ve ministered for over thirteen years. They’ve passed the torch to their granddaughter and grandson who administrate an orphanage in Nigeria that Denny has visited for years.

When they’re not doing life with their ever-expanding family, they’re supporting their family-owned business, Sonshine Barn Wedding and Event Center, in Michigan, spending winters in Florida, and being involved in their church and community.

As witness of their love and God’s grace, in 2013, the couple celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

While life isn’t predictable, their love for God, faith in Jesus Christ, and their dependency on the leadership of the Holy Spirit is a constant. God has provided an adventurous ride and they wouldn’t have it any other way.