Devoted Family was created to encourage, strengthen, equip and inspire families who follow Jesus. We are sharing lessons we have learned and are continually learning, and would love for you to join us on this journey.
I was born and raised in South Africa in a German-speaking family and grew up passionate about tennis. After a serious car accident, doctors said I might never walk again, but by God’s grace I recovered and earned my first ATP point at 15. I later moved to the U.S. to play Division 1 tennis at the University of Arkansas, where I studied Chemical Engineering and grew in my faith.
After working as an engineer, I transitioned into consulting focused on software and data analytics. I married my incredible wife, Crystal, and today I focus on family, faith, investing, and building entrepreneurial ventures.
I grew up in South Africa, where golf and music defined much of my early life. Golf gave me incredible experiences and a free college degree, and I graduated with a Finance degree in 2012 before playing professionally. After a family tragedy, I realized God was calling me to something different, which led to several jobs and cross-country moves.
I returned to Oklahoma to earn my MBA in 2018 at Oklahoma State University and now work as a Financial Analyst at ExxonMobil in The Woodlands, TX. Outside of work, Manfred and I enjoy pursuing projects and ministries, and we’re excitedly expecting our first baby boy in July!
We first met at a Bible study in fall 2016. I (Manfred) noticed Crystal’s passion for Jesus and her heart for mission, and over the next few months, we crossed paths at church events and through The Porch, a young adults ministry she brought to Tulsa even with a broken foot! Serving alongside her showed me her authenticity, joy, and love for people.
We were friends for a while until St. Patrick’s Day 2017, when I helped her move a friend’s apartment. That night, after hours of conversation, laughter, and worship, I asked her out and knew she was the one I would marry.
The following months were filled with adventures, service, and shared growth from trips to South Africa, Dallas, and Arkansas, to getting lost in London. By November, we were engaged, and now we’re married and expecting our first son in July.
Our relationship is rooted in Jesus. We strive to live authentically, love deeply, and serve wholeheartedly. Together, we want to make an eternal impact and walk through life side by side, following God’s plan for us.
Finding the ring took longer than the proposal itself 42 stores in five days because I wanted something meaningful and aligned with my faith. I finally bought it just three hours before proposing.
On November 4th, I told Crystal I had a soccer game and tickets to a “fancy” event. In reality, the event was her proposal. After dinner by the river, I shared a Saturday Sermon titled “What If Marriage Wasn’t About Us?” Then I blindfolded her and took her to a candle-lit gazebo by a pond, filled with worship music.
As “It Is Well With My Soul” played, I read from Ephesians, got down on one knee, and asked her to marry me. She said yes. We prayed, danced, laughed, and cried then surprised her with friends and family waiting to celebrate. Gratitude and joy define this journey.
I suspected something was coming, but not how thoughtful it would be. After dinner, Manfred blindfolded me and led me into a candle lit gazebo with music and a fountain I was overwhelmed
He asked me to marry him, and I said yes (more than once). The ring symbolized two lives intertwined under God. Then came one more surprise: a celebration at home with friends and family.
I always said I’d say yes no matter how he asked but this was perfect. He crushed it. And the best is yet to come.
