Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood celebrated its 10th Annual Turkey Blessing event in three parts consisting of fellowship (Happy Hour on November 21st), packing (of cartons) on the 23rd and the distribution of turkey dinners on Sunday, the 24th. More than 50 dinners which were quickly distributed to refugees from Nepal, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Congo.

“Seeing kids of New Beginnings and CFNA playing together, adults talking with one another while experiencing new foods reminded me of Revelation 7 where God paints a picture of a multitude from ‘every nation, tribe, people and language’ gathered before the throne. I trust this was one small part of God’s intentions to reconcile the world to Himself through Jesus Christ.” — New Beginning’s Mission Director Travis Torblaa. 

Little did I know that over the course of time, strangers would become friends to share tea with and pray over as they dealt with life’s trials. These small, joy-led moments showed how much the Lord delights when every nation and tribe comes together to serve and uplift one another. 

On Sunday, October 6th, two children from a recently resettled family from Congo were baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Morganford Rd. The family arrived in St. Louis in March and had visited St. John’s which is located nearby. As Pastor Mike Tanney, recently retired, inquired further he was told by the father - Espoir (Hope) Ferdinand that they were Lutherans from a refugee camp in Zimbabwe and wanted to worship at a Lutheran congregation.

One of our favorite days of the year is the CFNA Golf Benefit – a day of golf, fellowship and fundraising to support the mission and ministry of CFNA. This year’s 12th Annual Golf Benefit was held on October 14 at Greenbriar Hills Country Club in Kirkwood. It was a crisp fall day with beautiful sunshine.

Jen has contributed countless hours at the Peace Center over the past 10 years. Ready with a smile to greet children and other volunteers, her clear voice carries our hearts and minds to Christ and his Creation.

I want to express my deep gratitude to all of you—the dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters—whose commitment and generosity have woven you into the fabric of Christian Friends of New Americans. This ministry, centered on serving our New American friends and reflecting Christ’s love, is fundamentally about people and relationships.

Donors from the CFNA community provided for 30 students to take a weeklong swim course. It was impressive to see the determination in the kindergarten through high schoolers’ eyes as they learned how to hold their breath underwater, blow bubbles, float, and the biggest joy for everyone - jump into the deeper water at the end of each class.

Why Be a Summer Intern? "CFNA matters to me because they have helped me find my place in this community. By helping New Americans with some of their needs I have gotten to know several of them. Some of them have become my friends."

More than 250 attended the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Anugraha Lutheran Church which featured uplifting songs, strong testimonies, and beautiful dancing. Rev. Samal’s message drew attention to the many blessings received from God during the past 10 years.

Josef Pieper said love is saying it’s good that you exist. As a volunteer, I watched New American students develop confidence while finding their place in a new country. I also watched friends grow beyond the trellis of support the Peace Center provides. As a summer intern, I have been blessed to join in welcoming my new neighbors in love. While driving to swimming, ceramics, citizenship, and math classes this summer, I am invited to exist in Jesus’ love with my friends. 

Making a Real Difference: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow! From 2007-2008, when 20 refugee children received elementary school scholarships to Word of Life and Christ Community Lutheran School, to 2023-2024, when 13 elementary and 18 high school students were attending four elementary and two Lutheran high schools, the program has served at least 104 refugee students. Almost without exception, these students made satisfactory academic progress and went on to quality post-secondary education or military service.

At CFNA, it is our joy to support our New American friends in so many of these development benchmarks. This summer, we got to witness 24 students enrolled in BWORKS, an organization that allows youth to Earn a Bike or Earn a Computer after attending six weeks of class. Safety, components of the tool, proper use, and responsible ownership are taught in both courses. 

As the new Coordinator for the CFNA Health and Wellness ministry, Gayle has said “yes” to multiple responsibilities having to do with the coordination of this significant CFNA ministry. These monthly screenings at the Peace Center require the services of a sufficient number of volunteers as well as translators, not to mention the availability of medical supplies, follow-up medical visits and more. 

A 10 year Anniversary and Thanksgiving celebration will take place at St. Johns Lutheran Church on Saturday September 14 beginning at 11:00 am. You are cordially invited to join with the Nepali Lutheran Community for a time of special music, a message of thanksgiving and prayers along with an event video. A very nice lunch will also be provided. 

Remember the fun and freedom days of summer as a youth? Days spent exploring, spending endless hours with friends, picnics, swimming, and more! CFNA has engaged many of our New American friends in such activities with the hope of expanding their experiences, growing their ideas, and providing a summer full of fun.