A Journey of Suffering to Skating!
/Editor’s Note: CFNA and Taliban survivor, Zamzama (“ZZ”) Safi, were invited to Concordia Kirkwood’s Lunch and Learn where ZZ shared her story from Afghanistan to the United States. Though her journey has not been easy, her faith and connections have led to breakthrough moments and unexpected joys along the way. Carol Buckman, CFNA founder, recounts a recent, happy surprise ZZ received through the generosity of Lunch and Learn participants.
Sunny skies greeted us on January 16th after record-breaking days of snow and ice. To start off the new year, Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood hosted a Lunch and Learn gathering that invited CFNA and Zamzama (“ZZ”) Safi, a young woman from Afghanistan, to present her life story.
At the luncheon, ZZ shared her captivating story, highlighting her experience growing up in Afghanistan, and how personal interactions with the Taliban led to life-threatening situations. By God’s grace, however, ZZ encountered an LCMS military chaplain from England who shared Christ’s great love for her. Now, as a young woman living in St. Louis, ZZ is a Christ follower and member of Chapel of the Cross (LCMS) in St. Peter’s, Missouri. As Pastor Meggers from Concordia Kirkwood commented, “It’s a powerful story.”
ZZ is currently on staff at Monarch Immigrant Services, a not-for-profit focused on supporting refugees and immigrants in the Saint Louis region.
During the Q&A that followed ZZ’s presentation, one of the participants, Shirley Ostmann, asked if there is anything ZZ would like to do for fun. She answered by telling the audience that she wants to “learn to ice skate.” Her response surprised everyone, but this did not stop the Lunch and Learn committee from arranging free ice skating lessons for ZZ. After a couple of skating lessons, she exclaimed, “I love [skating] so much! It’s so relaxing!”
You can follow ZZ and learn more about her at https://www.zamzamasafi.com. You can also read her captivating story, “Angel in the Dark,” at https://www.zamzamasafi.com/never-give-up.
Additionally, production company, Norwine Studios, has a target date of December for premiering “Never Give Up,” a documentary of ZZ’s life.
CFNA extends heartfelt thanks to Concordia, Kirkwood’s Lunch and Learn for hosting our Sewing Table, showcasing beautiful handmade items by Afghan women who are sharpening their skills and have the opportunity to participate in CFNA-led Bible study sessions.
By Carol Buckman
CFNA Founder
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” -John 15:15b
