Testimonials

CFNA is an official partner of the LCMS and reaches out to refugees and immigrants through acts of witness and service. The destination for everyone they serve is the Church and by so doing, this dynamic mission society has facilitated the baptism and/or confirmation of more than 250 New Americans, primarily refugees. If you are considering a ministry among refugees and immigrants and are uncertain about how to begin, a good next step might be to reach out to CFNA.

I became involved with Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) in 2006, as one of the Facilitators for the Scholarship Program. During this period the annual influx of refugees into the US from across the globe was significant and St. Louis was already home to a huge chunk of the immigrant and refugee population. As an immigrant from Sierra Leone I know that Immigrants and refugees arrive in their respective countries with virtually no resources to sustain them. It was with this in mind that we at CFNA sprang into action by providing a host of services to enable immigrants and refugees resettle, thrive and become productive members of the St. Louis community.

We believe that CFNA was established by the will of God. 

They have helped the Kunama people who are refugees from Eritrea by providing clothes, food, English language classes, driver’s education, citizenship classes and more. We especially appreciate how they have helped us find jobs. 

CFNA matters even more because they have also helped us to grow spiritually and inherit the Kingdom of God.  We thank God for them, and the friendship they provide.  If it were not for CFNA, the Kunama people would have to face some very big problems alone.

None in St. Louis are impacting lives more than CFNA. Their work in refugee resettlement provides the “long-welcome'“ needed for refugees to fully integrate into the community. More importantly, CFNA is proclaiming the Gospel that overcomes every barrier that divides. The LCMS has a long and vibrant history of welcoming the stranger, CFNA is doing it right here in St. Louis, inviting each of us to be a part. Join us. The rewards are eternal.

There are over 270 million immigrants and refugees in the world. The United States has accepted over 51 million, more than any other nation. This is a beautiful, God-given opportunity for Christians to begin to put His greatest attribute—unconditional love—into practice. Christian Friends of New Americans has been doing just that here in St. Louis for over 20 years. The Bible is unambiguous about welcoming the stranger in our midst and extending hospitality. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). What a blessing CFNA has been to so many “strangers in our midst,” who have come among us from around the world, seen, experienced and heard about the love of God in Christ Jesus. This ministry is most worthy of our support.

Ascension’s partnership with Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) has given our members the opportunity to take an active role in works of mercy and witness with refugees. It is a joy for our congregation to see the Holy Spirit at work as new Americans find a church home at Ascension where they can take part in Word and Sacrament Ministry. I have had the privilege of baptizing over 35 Nepali individuals, most of whom came out of the darkness of Hinduism or Buddhism and into the Light of Christ. Many children have been reached with the Gospel as well, with 8 new American students from Ascension attending our Lutheran elementary school, Word of Life. We are happy to support the vital ministry of CFNA as we work together to care for new Americans holistically, in body and spirit!

It has been a privilege to work alongside CFNA in their ministry to refugees and new Americans. They serve as a model for how to love your neighbor through service and witness. CFNA has a structured approach to ministry that can be used in any of our major cities, but is also flexible enough to adapt to changing needs or context. It has been a joy to see how they show mercy in a way that gives dignity. They empower others by helping them to help themselves, and involve local leaders through collaboration. CFNA truly values their partnerships in the Gospel and seek God’s kingdom first in all things. They truly have transformative ministries that seek to reach the least and the lost from all nations.