By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Get on The Ark.

She woke up hungover, nudged her husband awake, and said, “Let’s go for a ride.” She didn’t know where they were headed, but she turned the car toward the local courthouse, where a quick marriage ceremony turned a spontaneous decision into a legal bond. Ten years later, that same couple sits together on Get on The Ark, reflecting on the chaotic early days of their union and the faith that eventually steadied their course.

Fast‑Forward Romance and Early Turmoil

Brandon and Marissa met in a surprisingly ordinary setting: Marissa was waiting tables when Brandon, a customer, berated her for leaving too many napkins. The confrontation sparked a brief, intense connection that led to a marriage just weeks later. “We got married like two weeks later,” Marissa recalled, noting the speed of their commitment. Their early marriage functioned more like a contract than a covenant, focused on dividing expenses rather than shared spiritual values.

The couple’s first decade was marked by frequent fights, substance abuse, and chaotic household scenes. They described nights where “blenders were flying in the air” and video game consoles were tossed around. Both admitted to using alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms, a pattern that escalated as their daughter Ruby grew older. By the time Ruby was four, Marissa decided to quit drinking hard liquor, switching to beer in an effort to model sobriety for her child.

The Turning Point: Surrender and Sobriety

Marissa’s journey toward sobriety began with a chance encounter at an AA meeting, where a sponsor handed her a copy of *Jesus Calling*. Skeptical but desperate, she whispered, “I’ll try anything at this point,” and began praying, even questioning the relevance of Jesus. Over time, the practice of surrender grew stronger, symbolized by a bracelet she received that read, “God got this.” The moment she met a man named Father Tony, who handed her the bracelet and said, “God’s got you,” she felt a tangible sense of divine presence.

He reduced his drinking from hard liquor to beer, hoping to keep a clearer head. Yet the underlying marital tension persisted, especially as Marissa entered welding school, which intensified her drinking. The couple reached a breaking point, with Marissa praying, “God, I don’t care what you got to do. Get me out of this somehow, please.” This plea set the stage for a pivotal encounter at a local park.

Finding a ‘Church Without Walls’

While walking their Doberman, Maya, Marissa stumbled upon a lively gathering of children, music, and dancing in a park near Austin Park in Jacksonville. Curious, she approached the group and asked, “What are you guys doing?” The pastor, described as looking “like a gangster,” shared his own story of being set up for a life of crime before choosing a different path. The authenticity of his testimony resonated with Marissa, who felt the Holy Spirit “grab” her at that moment.

She and Brandon attended the “99 for One” church the following Sunday, later joining a small group invited by a friend’s mother. The community’s emphasis on a covenant marriage—viewed not as a legal contract but as a spiritual bond—provided the framework they had previously lacked. Marissa said, “We fought for a minute after that. And then she asked me, will you go to church with me? I said, yes, I’ll go to church with you.” This decision marked the beginning of a sustained transformation in their relationship.

Renewed Commitment and Family Healing

Since embracing the covenant model, the Brandons have reported a calmer household, with fewer fights and a renewed focus on their daughter Ruby’s well‑being. Ruby, who will turn seven in September, now grows up in a home where alcohol no longer dominates evenings. The couple attributes their stability to the supportive network of their church, which offers regular meetings, mentorship, and a “church without walls” that encourages open worship and community involvement.

Marissa’s testimony highlights the power of personal surrender combined with communal faith. She reflected, “The more I surrendered, the more I felt God’s hand guiding us.” Brandon echoed this sentiment, noting that the consistent presence of a faith‑centered community helped them move beyond past patterns of conflict and addiction.

Broader Implications for Faith‑Based Community Support

The Brandons’ story underscores the vital role that local faith communities can play in addressing issues of addiction, marital discord, and family stability. In Jacksonville, organizations like AA and “99 for One” provide not only spiritual guidance but also practical resources that can help individuals break cycles of substance abuse. Their experience suggests that when churches adopt a covenantal view of marriage—emphasizing mutual spiritual commitment over contractual obligations—they can foster healthier family dynamics.

As more couples seek alternatives to traditional marriage counseling, the Brandons’ journey offers a model of how faith‑centered mentorship and community involvement can serve as a catalyst for lasting change. Their narrative invites churches nationwide to consider how embracing covenant marriage principles might strengthen families and, by extension, the broader community.

The full episode of Get on The Ark is available on OBBM Network TV.