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"It Was His Love," the musical ministry of Becky Dolinger and Chris Roe, began after their first meeting 15 years ago.

In spite of having multiple sclerosis, they have performed together more than 200 times.

"Our advice to others with MS," said Roe, is "We want to wear out, not rust out. Keep going as long as possible."

Dolinger and Roe learned 18 years ago they had MS. Both have a positive outlook and great faith, which has played a great part in moving them forward.

They share their Christian faith through singing, piano, and testimonies about their faith.

They speak to churches of all denominations, senior groups, mission groups, retirement centers.

They have also spoken at the annual MS meeting in Greensboro and performed for mother-daughter banquets and women's retreats.

Additionally, they are on the speaking circuit for Stonecroft Ministries, which includes Women's Connections, Christian Women's Clubs, After Five groups and Moms on the Run.

Dolinger, the singer, and Roe, the pianist, met by accident.

Roe read a newspaper article about Dolinger. Roe immediately identified with her and wanted to meet her.

"I could have been reading about myself," recalls Roe.

They had a "blind date" at Café Pasta in September of 1993 and hit it off immediately.

"We still try to go to the restaurant at least once a year to remind ourselves of God's amazing love and how he brought us together," Dolinger said.

"We believe in the power of prayer in our lives," Roe said. "We pray together before each meeting /performance. " Sometimes the audience includes people who have just been diagnosed with MS.

Dolinger learned she had MS in January of 1989, although she had several "events" three years earlier, which were probably MS symptoms.

"When told I had MS, my first reaction was that I had no time for MS," Dolington said. "It didn't fit into the grand plans I had for my family or me."

"Looking back," she said, "I can see that God's plan was so much better -- because he knows the beginning and the end."

Both Dolinger and Roe now have relapsing/remitting MS and indicated they have their shares of up and downs with the disease, literally and figuratively.

When asked her advice to other people with MS, Dolingter said it is important to make sure anyone with the disease has a good doctor who truly understands the disease. Also, the person should contact the local MS Chapter at 2211 W. Meadowview Road, Greensboro 27407, 299-8877.

Roe said the great support person in her life is her husband, Ron Roe, a local dentist. "We have been married 39 years this Dec. 20. He has been right beside me during my bad times with MS as well as the good experiences. During our MS Walks, he has been my 'motor.' " The Roes also receive great support from their church family at Rankin Baptist Church.

Roe's parents, Roy and Helen Thornberry, have also given her great support with their faithful prayers. For the first few years of their musical ministry, Helen Thornberry would go with Dolinger and Roe to carry their music and help them set up.

Roe has one daughter, Kimberly, who is married to Barry Barnes. They have three children, Mackenzie, Luke and Madelyn.

Dolinger and her husband, Tom, have been married almost 36 years. "For richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, Tom has always been there for me," Dolinger said.

He has been caretaker, encourager, and best friend. They are members of Westover Church.

The Dolingers' daughter, Christy, is married to Jonathan McNeal. They have a son, Ethan, who is 1 year old. The McNeals expect another baby boy in April. Their son, Tom, is married to Leah and they have blessed Dolinger with two granddaughters, Denise and Hannah.

"The love and support of my family has been immeasurable. They are my cheerleaders. I am truly blessed," Dolinger said.

Dolinger and Roe continue to participate in "A Cleaner World MS Walk" sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

"I've lost count as to how many years I've been a participant," Dolinger said, "but the last couple of years my wonderful family and I have gone to the walk at the N.C. Zoo in Asheboro, which is great fun for kids of all ages and does a lot of good." Dolinger said each year she also tries to increase her pledge, which comes from concert donations and other sources, such as family, neighbors and speaking engagements.

Roe said her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:6, which says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to the Lord."

Dolinger said her favorite verse is Philippians 4:7, "And the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

"All I can say to that," said Dolingter, "is amen."

If you would like to contact Becky Dolinger and Chris Roe, call 855-8982 or e-mail RBDolinger@triad.rr.com or RGRoeDDS@bellsouth.net

To contact Peggy Longmire, e-mail her at rlongmire@triad.rr.com or call her at 288-9040.