Andrew Norman spent the first four years of marriage working abroad, but this did not quell the passion he and his wife Donnette had for each other and the work of God.
After yielding to God’s call to return to Jamaica, Andrew volunteered as a full-time minister for 14 years and, with the support of his wife, has been able to impact many lives. This was a sacrifice, however, because it meant they had to depend on Donnette’s salary, but the Lord used this period to reinforce His ability to provide for them.
After 32 years of marriage, the two are still deeply in love and serve as role models for young people who are courting with the intention of marrying.
“We both were ordained as ministers at the Bible Teachers International Ministry in 1987, but before that, we grew up as youth leaders in the Church of God of Prophecy, and we have done extensive travel, extensive ministry. Ministry makes us accountable to others and to God, and therefore that time spent preparing, has really bonded us together,” Donnette told the Freedom Come Rain Newspaper.
The twoteach at Wolmer’s Boys and Wolmer’s Girls High schools and aretrained guidance counsellors and marriage officers. Passionate about students’ movements, they also serve as staff advisors for the national Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF).
THEY MET AS YOUTHS AT CHURCH
They met for the first time in person during a youth session that the Church of God of Prophecy was hosting at the National Arena in Kingston.
“I was excited about meeting her in person, after reading about what God had done in her church and through her, and what I read was so inspiring. When I met her, I was not disappointed by her personality; it was just what I had expected. I was really attracted to her simplicity, her love for the LORD, her love for people, and her love for ministry and just being a real person,” said Andrew.
Andrew’s personality also impressed Donnette. She was attracted to his passion for the LORD, and this attraction grew as they discussed what God was doing in each of their lives as students still attending high school—Donnette was at Holmwood Technical High and Andrew at Titchfield High.
Both were genuinely excited about God, and this endeared them to each other.
The two are now partners in ministry and currently lead several para-church groups, including Passion and Purity, Christian Teachers in Action, Marriage is Honourable, and The Eternal Church of Jesus Christ—The Record.
“I tell you; we have been walking hand in hand in relationship with Christ and each other and this has strengthened our marriage,” Donnette shared.
PARENTING
Andrew and Donnette enjoy each other’s company as they travel together, spend time with friends and family, and engage in varying ministry projects, but their relationship is not always smooth sailing.
One of the challenges they faced was not being able to have biological children, which led them to consider fostering. They are now proud foster parents of a six and 15-year-old.
“We were reminded that Boaz approached Ruth and God gave her conception, so the Word of God settled that in our hearts that only God can give conception, and therefore what God did was put in our hearts to directly foster two children [and] also to parent a young adult who is with us,” Donnette explained.
TAKING ADVICE FROM OTHERS
Andrew loves his wife’s natural ability to communicate, and Donnette loves that her husband is lovable and caring. But even though they have personality traits that make them very compatible in marriage, they advise couples to seek counselling before saying “I do.”
Despite being married for over three decades, they still value the advice of others and owe their success to the work of the many mentors God has placed in their lives over the years.
“We learn from the persons around us, and we also grow. The Word of God is law for our relationship, and we also talk to persons who are skilled in particular areas. We live a transparent life, and so we are open to correction and guidance from others,” Andrew said.