Our love story began in 2017 through John’s family when Noks started her MA studies in Theology and Spiritual Care at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. John’s late dad, Rev. Dr. Loum, a seminary professor at the time, helped Noks find a church in the area. He then introduced Noks to his wife, Hannah, who later became Noks’ supervisor at the seminary’s Re-Sell It (a second-hand store for sem students). Through Hannah, Noks was introduced to the rest of the Loum brothers, Hans, Cyril, and Don. Hannah, Cyril, Sunita (then Cyril’s best friend and now his wife), and Noks partnered in ministry, serving the Lord in the East St. Louis area. John lived in San Diego. After two or more months of Noks being part of the family, John’s name started to come up frequently. John recalls, too, that Noks’ name came up frequently when he received calls from St. Louis. Noks was introduced to John through FaceTime, and Hans suggested they exchange numbers to call each other since their birthdays were coming up in October. Noks on the 2nd and John on the 5th. And that, my friends, was the beginning of a journey that has brought you to this site. You might need popcorn. The couple met for the first time in December 2017 when John came home for Christmas. They officially began courting each other in late March 2018 after John asked permission from Noks’ father to pursue her to the altar. Who is cutting onions? In 2019, John flew with Noks to South Africa to meet Noks’ family and to finish the already-begun dowry negotiations. John was welcomed like a son. On July 27th, Noks’ family hosted a braai (B.B.Q) to welcome John to the family. John seized the opportunity and proposed to Noks after collaborating with Noks’ sisters. John left South Africa in early August of that year with the hope of seeing Noks in March of the following year. It was not until August 2022 that the couple reunited. We will spare you the sob stories of the impact of COVID-19 on their visa applications and the despair in between. But, we will tell you of the faithfulness of God, who kept them together even as they were thousands of miles apart. The Lord was with them. From a courtship that started while they were states apart to an engagement that lasted three years while being continents apart, it is evident that the Lord, Jesus Christ, who remains the same yesterday, today, and forever, has been at the center of their relationship and has glued them together in him, keeping them sane as they waited for their breakthrough. You will get to witness a glimpse of this breakthrough on December 16th as they publicly declare their love and commitment to each other before you and the Trinity. Many of you held them up in prayer all these years of waiting, anticipating, and sometimes disparity, and they are so thankful to God for you all. So come, let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. We look forward to celebrating with you and giving all the glory of God, who gives us victory through Jesus.