MARRIAGE AND SERVICE

Story: James Combs Photo: Nicole Hamel

The two most recognizable people at LakeHaven Church in Eustis often pray together.

Their faith bonds them, but so does another sacred devotion—marriage.

Shannon Carroll serves as pastor of the church, while his wife, Karin, is administrator. Combining entrepreneurship and marriage is not to make it work.

“Working together can be challenging, especially since we both have strong personalities,” Shannon says. “But we’re both busy and some days don’t even see each other.”

And when they arrive home each evening, they transition from work mode to family mode and spend time with their children, Danielle, 12, and Ethan, 10.

“We have dinner together almost every night,” Shannon says. “For us, family time with the kids is very important.”

The couple met while doing missionary work in their native South Africa and maintained a long-distance relationship. He lived in Johannesburg, and she lived in Durban, nearly 350 miles away.

Still, there was an undeniable spark.

“Our love for God and mission work was our initial attraction,” Karin says. “We built our relationship over the phone, but distance did not keep us from falling in love.”

They married in 2001 and three years later, moved to the United States. That same year, Shannon was hired at LakeHaven Church, then called Family Bible Church, as the missions and media pastor. He became lead pastor three years ago.

It’s a demanding job. He must meet the expectations of his congregation, make hospital visits and plan sermons. It’s the kind of work you’re married to, which is why being married to

“In Karin, I got the total package,” Shannon says. “She has such great character and has a genuine love for God.”

To strengthen their relationship, the Carrolls make annual trips to WinShape, a retreat in northern Georgia for married couples.

“After the weekend, we feel like that our marriage is refreshed,” Karin says. “We use the 10-hour drive time to talk and reconnect.”

A relationship with God

“We can love one another because God first loves us,” Shannon says. “When I receive unconditional love from God, then I’m able to give unconditional love.”