Ben and Addie Janssen - Volunteers Of The Month

ben, addie, mother Jen (standing) and associate

marge schrieber

CFNA Volunteers of the Month

ben and addie

At regular intervals, Christian Friends of New Americans seeks to recognize volunteers who have served for longer periods of time. This month, we recognize Ben (age 10) and Addie (age 12) Janssen, both of whom are completing their fourth year of service.

Since the fall of 2014, Addie and Ben have been coming to the Peace Center every week with their mother, Jen, to assist with the After School Tutoring program. Jen serves as the Coordinator for the Tuesday evening classes. It all began when grandmother Marge Schrieber brought her daughter Jen and grandchildren to the first class. Since then, Ben and Addie have never looked back.

When asked why they keep coming, both Ben and Addie will tell you they just want to help and to tell others about Jesus. Their regular duties include setting up and serving snacks as well as helping to clean up the tables afterward. In addition, they help the younger kids with their homework, especially reading. They also like joining the New American children in games during recreation time.

For recreation, Ben likes to play chess or baseball, and he is getting good at both. His goal is to play professional baseball and/or become a Grand Master in chess. Addie enjoys reading, swimming, and soccer, and she has her sights set on designing apps, or perhaps becoming an entrepreneur in some line of retail sales.

Both Addie and Ben declare that what they are doing now is like being a missionary without having to leave home, and they love it. The family, including their father, Scott, are members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waterloo, IL.

By Rev. Al Buckman