12/20/2025
Dear Church Family and Friends,
It is with heavy hearts that we share heartbreaking news about our supported missionaries, Matt and Savannah Gardner.
This year, in 2025, our church family was privileged to take the Gardners on for monthly support as they followed the Lord's calling to the mission field in Uganda. Their deep love for the Lord Jesus Christ and their burning desire to reach the lost souls of Uganda with the Gospel was truly encouraging and evident to all who met them. I remember sitting with Matt right here in Lumberton at Whataburger, fellowshipping over a meal, talking ministry, and hearing their vision to continue preaching the Gospel and planting more Bible-believing churches among the people there.
Tragically, Matt and Savannah were involved in a terrible accident. Savannah was immediately called home to be with her Savior. Matt is currently in the hospital with multiple injuries, and we praise the Lord that their two young children were unharmed in the accident.
Though our hearts ache at this sudden loss, we rejoice knowing that Savannah is now in the presence of the Lord, free from pain and sorrow, worshiping at His throne. The Scripture assures us in Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints". Her life was a testimony of surrender to God's will, and her homegoing challenges us all to live sold out for Christ and the Great Commission.
Please join us in fervent prayer for Brother Matt as he recovers, for their children as they grieve, and for the extended family during this difficult time. Pray also that the Lord would use this trial to draw many to Himself and strengthen the work in Uganda.
We serve a sovereign God who makes no mistakes. Let us hold fast to His promises and continue supporting missions with renewed zeal, knowing the fields are white unto harvest.
God is always good.
Please be in prayer for the family of Matt and Savannah Gardner, BIMI missionaries in Uganda, East Africa. Today, as the Gardners were traveling on one of the main streets in Kampala, a train crossed the road and hit their vehicle. Savannah went to Heaven instantly. The two sons are completely fine. Matthew sustained internal injuries and is presently in the hospital. Please pray for Matthew to heal quickly, and for the two sons, Jedidiah (age 4) and Mason (1 year old). We praise the Lord that there is a large group of BIMI Africa missionaries there who are assisting them at this time. If you would like to help the Gardners financially, you may send an offering to BIMI and designate it “Matt Gardner” (Account #1623). Thank you for your prayers!