Chelsey arrived at AIA in the fall of 2000 to work with the Ministry Training Center after graduating from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a degree in Secondary Education. She has been the administrative assistant to the Training Center for seven years.
Andy began at AIA in September 2005, weeks after graduating from Franklin University with a degree in Management Information Systems. He currently serves in Information Technology.
They met during Andy's first week at AIA but it wasn't until April 2006 that he stopped Chelsey at the second floor copier and asked her out. They dated for seven months, were engaged to be married on December 1, 2006, and celebrated their wedding on April 28, 2007.
As a married couple, what is something new God has revealed to you about Himself and how does that influence your work at AIA?
As singles, Chelsey and I both were very attached to our jobs at AIA. We often could be found working long hours. While we both still feel very blessed by the opportunity we have to serve at AIA, our priority has shifted from being job-centered, to being focused on serving one another, and ultimately God Himself with even more passion and energy. Finding that renewed focus has not only been awesome at home, but has really helped us seek what our roles at AIA could look like.
What are some unknown challenges you face as a couple working for the same organization?
When to eat lunch? (Ha ha!) No, really, even though we both carry strong work ethics, we have very different ideas of when the work day begins. I (Andy) would love to get up and go in early, and Chelsey would love to get to work late if acceptable. Finding that balance and maintaining a morning together has been a challenge. It is also hard to make sure our conversations at home are not consumed by work-related topics.
If you could study one book of the Bible together, what would you pick?
The Psalms. It is the first book we read together and did so to count down the days to our wedding. Second, because the book is the picture of life. It celebrates the joys and sorrows, struggles and victories, and the awesomeness of God! 
If you had a weekend completely open, how would you spend the time together?
Believe it or not, Chelsey had a hidden love for the outdoors that I have unleashed. So we'd probably go camping, hiking, and have ourselves some time with the Lord in the woods.
What is something new you've learned about each other since your wedding day and how does it affect your marriage?
From Andy: I think Chelsey has taught me what it means to submit--the way she submits and serves me is the way I am called to submit and serve Christ. I'll never get tired of being challenged in that manner.
From Chelsey: I knew Andy cared for people with his contagious, loving spirit and passion for the Lord, but I have experienced him as a shepherd over me--my heart, our time and our roles in ministry. His pursuit of me while dating often left me in tears as I reflected on the goodness of God's grace. Now Andy's shepherding of me in marriage is a picture of the gospel played out in life.
Identify something about your spouse that would surprise your co-workers.
From Andy: Chelsey is the Martha Stewart of Xenia. She has embraced the challenge of learning what it means to manage our home, even when she didn't think she knew how, and has excelled in it. Her ability to cook would surprise you all.
From Chelsey: Don't be fooled. Andy is quite the cook himself, not to mention the handyman around the house. And if he ever challenges you to a game of bowling on Nintendo Wii, look out. He recently scored nine strikes in a row--no lie, Scouts' honor!
Full names of Athletes in Action staff members have been withheld to protect those serving in religious-sensitive countries.
Photos: Top, the two Ohio natives watched the Buckeyes beat Youngstown State last month at Ohio Stadium. Bottom, Zach H., AIA staff member in the Czech Republic, poses with Chelsey and Andy after their wedding.
Read about Andy's marriage proposal to Chelsey
by R. Ferrin and T. Allen |