St. Andrew’s Parishioner Profile — The Buesing Family: Praying and Living out the Faith Together

If you talk with Derek and Kjersten Buesing for a while, you will soon realize that bringing prayer into family life doesn’t have to be formal or complicated. It’s those simple moments of praying before meals and bedtime prayers that make a difference.

Derek and Kjersten, who attend St. Andrew’s Parish, have two children — Devyn, 10, and Makenna, 7. Their family’s daily prayers can be as simple as a prayer from the pages of the book Prayers for Kids, which Devyn received as a baby — a gift from his grandma, Betty, who passed away in 2015. Devyn and Makenna love to pick prayers from the book.

For Derek and Kjersten, it’s the simple, everyday moments of faith that lay the groundwork for a lifetime of faith. They also believe that consistently attending Mass as a family is essential. Even back when they first had Devyn, they have always made Mass a top priority. They believe one hour, once a week, is the least they can do. When they are there at Mass, they give God their full attention.

“We all go together,” Kjersten says. “We sit together. We pray together.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Faith Formation classes went virtual with take-home work. At times, it was hard to keep up with the work. But the family continued to prioritize their children’s formation.

“There was so much worrying, especially working in farming and health care,” Kjersten says. “Our faith was what saved us. We grabbed onto our faith when times were really tough.”

Importantly, Derek and Kjersten strive to both live out and impart to their children a sense of gratitude.

“We are always telling them to be grateful,” Kjersten says. “Be appreciative of what you have. All great things come from God.”

Kjersten feels blessed to witness Devyn and Makenna as they model a strong prayer life. Makenna is always thinking of others who are sick or suffering and is quick to offer prayers up for them. Kjersten also encourages Devyn and Makenna to never go to bed with a “heavy heart.”

Derek and Kjersten Buesing feel blessed to witness their children, Devyn and Makenna, as they model a strong prayer life. With Derek and Kjersten working in farming, prayer is essential to their livelihood.

With Derek and Kjersten working in farming, prayer is essential to their livelihood.

With Derek and Kjersten working in farming, prayer is essential to their livelihood.

“If there is something on your heart or mind, you won’t sleep well,” Kjersten says. “I tell them, ‘Don’t go to bed angry. Give it up to God.’”

With Derek and Kjersten working in farming, prayer is essential to their livelihood. So much of farming is dependent on the weather. Kjersten looks to Derek as an example of faith when it comes to the farm.

“Farming is faith, family, blood, sweat, and tears,” she says. “Derek gives up his personal and family time. He could be doing something more fun. That’s a lot of trust and faith in God. He puts in long days, with the faith that it will come to something in five months. I am proud of him for that.”

Through all the ups and downs, Derek and Kjersten believe prayer and faith will continue to pull them through.

“God takes care of you,” Kjersten says. “He’s always been good to me, through all the tough stuff. You may not get the prayer answered the way you want it answered, but He will answer it in the way He sees fit. He knows my path long before I do.”