Don & Alicia’s Faith Story
From Believers to Followers: Don & Alicia’s Journey of Faith, Forgiveness, and Community
When Don and Alicia Collins first met, their story didn’t begin in a church pew—it started in the most ordinary way: at work. Both employees at Georgia Pacific, they connected when Don helped Alicia move because he had a truck. “The rest is history,” they both joke. After enduring previous marriages, the two have now shared twelve years together—finding not only love with each other, but eventually, a shared love for Christ.
Family, Life, and Love
Don has two grown daughters: one, a teacher living in Madison, WI, and the other pursuing her dreams as an actress in Brooklyn,NY. Alicia, too, has two children—a daughter living in Luxembourg, WI from whom she’s estranged, and a son, who’s a young father navigating the ups and downs of adulthood. Recently, Alicia and her son have rekindled their relationship, a blessing she credits partly to her rediscovered faith.
A Grandmother’s Legacy and a Turning Point
Alicia’s journey back to faith had an unlikely spark: her grandmother. In February 2025, Alicia received a call that her grandmother was dying. Despite their rocky relationship, she went to say goodbye. As she held her grandmother’s hand, Alicia asked what legacy she wanted to leave behind. Her grandmother replied, “You need to forgive—and if you can’t, ask God for help.”
Those words struck deep. Alicia realized that forgiveness had always been a struggle for her, but that moment—one of grace, honesty, and vulnerability—opened a door in her heart. “It's amazing when you see God at work -- a woman who I wasn't very close to actually lead me back to church with her dying breath,” Alicia shares. “That was in May—and that’s where my faith journey began anew.”
Her grandmother’s funeral message centered around forgiveness, and not long after, Alicia began attending Green Bay Community Church (GBCC). What started as a visit quickly became a new way of life.
A Journey Shared
Like many of us, a friend's invitation brought the couple to GBCC. Don admits he hadn’t planned to return to church life. “I like to sleep in on Sundays,” he laughs. “I grew up going to church, but it was more of an obligation than connection.” Yet something about the message, the warmth of the community, and the open, approachable style of teaching at GBCC drew him in.
What began as Sunday visits only turned into a regular commitment with more fellowship opportunities – together, they joined Alpha, then Navigate, and later, weekly Bible studies. “We went from believing to following,” Alicia explains. “We had a great marriage before, but bringing Christ into it made it even stronger. We didn’t know that could happen, but it did and it’s awesome.”
Faith Deepened Through Experience
As Alicia’s understanding of God grew, she began to see His presence in everyday life—even in her relationship with her son. When tensions rose during a difficult conversation, Don helped remind her, “God is in control and you’re not.” It’s become a mantra that keeps them centered when life feels chaotic.
Both Don and Alicia describe their faith as a shared path—one that balances their personalities. “Alicia likes to know and control everything,” Don smiles, “and I’m more laid back. But now, with God, we’re learning to give things up to prayer.”
Baptized Together
When Alicia felt called to take the next step—to be baptized—it was clear this would be another spiritual milestone. “I thought about my grandmother’s words,” she remembers. “I was ready to give everything to Christ. To become a follower, not just a believer.”
Don came that day simply to support her. But as he stood beside his wife, God moved his heart. “I didn’t plan to be baptized,” he says. “But I realized, I believe now—and I want to be saved.”
The experience was profound for both. Alicia describes it as overwhelming, sacred, and fleeting all at once. “I felt lighter, more at peace,” she says. Don adds, “It was cool and refreshing—a physical and spiritual renewal all in one. I felt the Spirit’s presence in my body and afterwards, I am more cognizant of Him in my life. I’m always looking to see Him now.”
Now, they both find joy in witnessing others take the same step—seeing the light in people’s eyes as they emerge from the water, reborn through faith.
Faith in Action
Through GBCC, Don and Alicia have embraced the idea that church isn’t about the building, but the community. “You can’t follow Jesus alone,” Alicia says. “We need each other. The world can be a mean place, but fellowship makes you feel safe—never judged.”
While Alicia is more outgoing, Don is definitely an introvert, at least until he gets to know you, so opening up wasn’t easy, but community has changed them. Their hope now is to continue growing in faith, helping others discover what they’ve found: that real transformation happens through love, grace, and connection.
A Message to Others
When asked what they hope people take from their story, Alicia doesn’t hesitate: “The basis of Christ is love. No matter how broken you are, God forgives and loves you. Don’t make it more complicated than that.”
Don adds softly, “And community matters. We’re stronger together.”
As they continue to walk with Christ—learning, growing, and mentoring others—Don and Alicia embody the legacy that started with a grandmother’s final words: forgive, love, and let God lead the way.
Written by Mary Deckert