Arsenio and Elissa first met when Arsenio and his family came to GTAC 15 years ago. At the time, they didn't think too much about each other. The Martinez family kept coming around and soon became part of the GTAC church family. The Menzies had several youth gatherings at their house where they started becoming acquainted with each other. It didn't take long for Arsenio to develop a liking towards Elissa, but it took Elissa much longer. Towards their senior year of high school, they became close friends that carried into college. Elissa also developed a close relationship with the entire Martinez family and would hang out often with them, including going to the same college. They took some college classes together, shared many Subway sandwiches and took a Spanish class that Arsenio passed for Elissa (it's no wonder she doesn't speak Spanish to this day!) Eventually, they started developing different interests and life split them apart. They didn't talk for many years and lived their individual lives separately. God began dealing with Arsenio about a few things in his life. His health, his relationship with God and the young lady he was to marry. At the same time, Elissa was on a journey of making life decisions and choosing the path God had for her. During this time, God was preparing them both to be what they needed to be for each other. Arsenio eventually went to Elissa's dad and asked permission to rekindle their friendship. Although her initial answer was no, after months of prayer, fasting and allowing God to change her feelings, she agreed to talk to Arsenio. From their first conversation, it was as if their friendship had never died. They began a new journey of a relationship that is so much more deeper and mature than before. It didn't take long for them to realize that this is where God wanted them to be. Arsenio proposed to Elissa on September 22, 2022 and they are so excited, thankful, and rejoicing in the divine will and purpose God has for them. They can't wait to celebrate their marriage with you on November 17, 2022!