Satya, a young man from India, shared how the shift from merely a “giveaway” to a night of community building impacted him: “Community Night was fun and gave me a sense of belonging and warmth during the holiday season. Being away from family, this event helped me feel supported and welcome. This event helped me meet new people, have meaningful conversations.”

One thing changed the annual CFNA Christmas party from a typical children’s party with games, presents, yummy food and treats: the camaraderie that comes from a shared language and culture in an adopted country.

Time was divided into Jubilee periods, each of which spanned 50 years. In thebook of Jubilees, chapter 50:4 says that “From creation to the entry into Canaan, 49 jubilees had passed,” meaning 2,450 years had elapsed. There were then ten more Jubilee periods until redemption, implying another 500 years’ wait. That gives a total of 5,000 years, and so the Messiah was expected to come somewhere between 20 BC and 20 AD. 

This month’s Volunteers of the Month, the Beck family, share the impact this experience has had upon them and those whom they are serving: “The best part of serving with CFNA is simple: the people. We treasure the relationships we’ve built, and many CFNA families now feel like family to us!”

After 3.5 years of faithful service to CFNA, Debbie McBride is retiring from being ESL Driving Coordinator. Debbie shares, “This journey that God put before me was certainly unexpected, but so very interesting and rewarding. CFNA will always hold a special place in my heart in so many ways.”

What made this market truly special were the people behind the booths. Each table was run not only by CFNA volunteers and staff, but also by community members and families who CFNA’s ministry has touched.

Every Wednesday at the Peace Center, CFNA volunteers gather with a group of Afghan women and their children for an afternoon of sewing, fellowship, and friendship. Volunteers share their skills, provide childcare and transportation, and help create a welcoming space for these New Americans. Alongside these practical efforts, volunteers share the message of the Gospel, engaging in meaningful conversations about faith and life. The ministry has also been showcased at several local churches, where generous community support continues to strengthen and expand this outreach.

Sheryl Mattes describes how her involvement with the Sewing ministry at CFNA helps New Americans get acclimated and develop key skills which help them with their futures.

On a day which included a variety of opportunities to help others, middle school students from Immanuel Lutheran School in Valparaiso, Indiana served by teaching New Americans English, others helping prepare the all new peace center to welcome clients and volunteers as they enter and much more!

Let’s dive into an historical study of the attempt to answer the question, “Why is there a difference in when the Passover and Crucifixion took place in the book of John versus the other gospel books?” 

“God is with us everywhere we go. He doesn’t stay in the U.S. and watch from a distance; rather, He is an ever-present God, faithful Father, and the One who strengthens our souls.” We are at Christian Friends of New Americans because we have experienced what our refugee students are experiencing, and we want to continue building connections with African students and other internationals. We are thankful that God has brought us to CFNA, and I look forward to seeing how we can be a blessing to those who come through our doors.

Recently, a local congregation chose to designate CFNA as one of the service locations to help get projects completed in preparation for our open house event at our New Location! Dig in to learn more how these volunteers helped connect so many who are participating in what Jesus is doing in and through CFNA!

The Golf Benefit is meant to be a fund-raiser AND a friend-raiser. There are many golfers who return year after year, and there are always some new golfers who are not as familiar with CFNA. One of those golfers this year was Ken Mersmann. When asked about his experience, he said, “It was my first time playing in the CFNA Golf Benefit. What a great group of people, super well-done event, and all for a great cause! I didn’t know much about CFNA beforehand but was really impressed. Jesus calls us to action, and caring for refugees is such an important ministry!”

Discover how Pastor Ted’s time with CFNA in volunteering blessed both he and his wife Abby, and many more as they contributed to “Christ to the Nations” right next door!

Though I have worked with many non-Lutheran Christians in the past, I recently began working with a man who is Ethiopian Orthodox. I’d like to share with you aspects of this very interesting and ancient form of Christianity. 

People from many different nations, education levels, financial backgrounds, and life stories come together to be neighbors serving one another in Jesus’s name. Like the tributaries flowing into the Mississippi, CFNA is a center for cultural confluence, a place where, when joined together, we are filled with more life and love.

CFNA’s open house and dedication brought many people to the new building! Everyone was excited not only to see the new location, but many also discovered afresh how the ministries of CFNA are impacting the community. After signing in and getting a name tag, attendees were given a “passport” that listed all of CFNA’s ministry areas. Refreshments from all over the world helped attendees truly get a taste of what happens every week at CFNA!