“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
PHILIPPIANS 1:9-11
2023 closed with one of our family’s greatest privileges. By God’s providence, our family was able to fly to the US and support the wedding of our friends and missionary partners, Luke and Hannah Buescher. I (Matt) was the best man, Noelle was a bridesmaid, Emma, Madeline, and Charlotte were flower girls, and Noah was a ring bearer. Unfortunately, because her adoption wasn’t finalized, Apio remained behind. During our trip, she has been in the loving care of our wonderful friends, Alan and Shillah Ocen.
Luke is loyal, faithful, fun, and inspirational. Luke has been my best friend for nearly two decades, and we have served the Lord together in three countries in many capacities. He inspired me to become a missionary and has been my example of what it looks like to follow Jesus. Luke’s bride, Hannah, is his ideal match. She served Christ for four years as a missionary to an Indian reservation in Montana as a grade school teacher. Hannah represents the joy and kindness of Jesus to everyone who comes across her path. During her six-month stay in Uganda, her intentional friendship with everyone challenged Noelle and me to new areas of growth. Despite being in Uganda for six years, I met a handful of people for the first time who already knew Hannah and considered her to be their close friend! May God bless their partnership.
Our family’s time in the US has blessed us with the opportunity to visit many of our friends and family and to communicate what God is doing in Uganda with many people. The hospitality and care we have received has been immeasurable. We have reconnected with old friends, made new friends, and reunited with our families. God has truly blessed us with a strong home team.
Thank you for your care. Even though it is altogether too short, our time with you has touched our hearts. May God bless each of you.