Lutheran Hour Ministries Feature CFNA
/In the May-June 2014 issue of THE LUTHERAN LAYMAN, the cover story featured the Ministry Among New Americans. Read the article!
Health and Wellness
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Dolma gurung (ascension Lutheran Church) serving as nepali interpreter for judy streufert, Rn (concordia kirkwood)
The threatening weather held off, and the Lord provided a beautiful morning for our March Health and Wellness screening. We continue to be blessed by the many willing volunteer workers that make our screenings possible.
Pastor Stanish opened the morning with an encouraging devotion based on Jesus’ feeding thousands with limited bread and fish. In addition to the spiritual needs, Jesus was concerned about the physical needs of the people. Pastor Stanish reminded us that we too, by helping the refugees at the screening, provide assistance for the physical needs of our fellow man. Our service is helpful, needed, and following Christ’s example.
Making multiple trips, four dedicated volunteer drivers brought most of the clients to the screening (the average is now between 25 and 30 per screening), and took them home afterwards.
Four volunteer translators, refugees themselves, helped to translate for our Nepali-speaking clients. Such assistance is invaluable for all—the clients, the registrars, and the practitioners. Gagan Gurung was available for translation help throughout the morning as well.
With welcoming smiles, three individuals helped with registration. Two of these volunteers are students at Saint Louis University.
Barb hartung (Ascension lutheran church) Rn, and client
Five dedicated practitioners—one physician and four nurses—volunteered their time to examine the clients. The practitioners’ insight affords clients information about their health and enables us to assist in accessing follow-up care.
After the screening, working in partnership with the International Institute and various local schools, we are able to refer identified needs, and initiate medical appointments for those seen at the screenings.
Of course, without the diligent efforts of Gagan Gurung and Richard Leigh, we would not have many clients to serve. They meet and make connections ahead of time with many of the families and individuals that come to the screenings. This initial contact enables the screening process to run more smoothly than it otherwise would, and connects them to Christian Friends of New Americans.
We look forward to our upcoming screenings. Audiologist Amy Krueger, Hear USA, will continue to assist in providing hearing screenings. Dr. Kriendler, Intero Health Care, will provide bone scans at our May screening.
By: Laura Brink (Ascension Lutheran Church)
Heart to Heart Sisters Meet at the Peace Center
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The nepali singers
Fun, fellowship, ethnic appetizers and a Bible study, “Naomi, Ruth and Me” was the agenda followed as thirty-one ladies from twelve countries gathered on January 18, 2014. A light snowfall, beautiful ethnic dresses, laughter and smiles, Nepali music and singing mixed with a medley of accents marked the first Heart to Heart Sisters meeting at the Peace Center
Heart to Heart sisters
.Heart to Heart Sisters is the branch of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) that focuses on welcoming immigrant, refugee, and minority group women and encourages them to share their faith journey, their rich heritage, and their spiritual strength. Many of these women have gone through the fires of persecution, loneliness, and tragedy. They are strong women that will encourage and enrich our church. We are honored by the presence of these young women, these moms, and these matriarchs. We are honored, too, by the presence of a sprinkling of LWML ladies with “international hearts” joining these friends from around the world.
By Carol Buckman
Twenty-One Baptisms and One Adult Confirmation of Nepali Christians Celebrated
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One of the main aspects of the season of Epiphany is the recognition that Jesus Christ is the Savior who has come for all nations. This wonderful truth was very much evident at Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis on Sunday, January 12 during the congregation's 11 am service where 21 Nepali worshipers were baptized and one adult, Gagan Gurung, was confirmed.
Over the past three years, Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) helped connect these new Americans from Nepal to Ascension for Word and Sacrament ministry. Thanks to the dedication of many lay volunteers, 20-25 Nepali worshipers get a ride to and from worship at Ascension each Sunday morning. At Ascension, Nepali Christians participate in a bilingual Bible study, worship, and enjoy fellowship.
The partnership between CFNA and Ascension is reminiscent of the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”
Individuals from CFNA, Ascension, and the Nepali community have labored among this group of immigrants, and yet God is the One who has given this growth. May the Lord of the harvest continue to bless the work of CFNA and the congregations with which they partner!
By: Rev. Matt Clark, Ascension Lutheran Church
Photos by LCMS Communications/Eric M. Lunsford
See all the pictures at the LCMS Photo Site.
Christmas at Holy Cross
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Mandira Tamang, Buddhi Tamang, Beki guragai
There was joy. Resounding, loud, wild, excited joy filled the hallways and old classrooms of the school building at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. The world was there in all sorts of accents and colors—and there was joy.
Approximately 70 children and adults gathered on Monday December 16th to celebrate the Joy of the Christ child with Christmas festivities. Warm food and drink started the evening off as youth and adults visited, sharing conversation and even some sharing their dinners. Youth divided into age groups and created ornament crafts as well as playing games and transforming friends into tissue paper Christmas trees!
Joy continued as the group marched over to the Holy Cross sanctuary, pouring itself out in songs and scripture readings. Pastor Bob Bernhardt shared a message of hope and trust reflecting on the good plan of God to send a Savior to our broken world, and someday restore our full joy in His New Creation. Children cheered as heartfelt thank yous were shared with tutors and leaders of CFNA. The evening closed as children received gifts donated by Village Lutheran Church and SLU’s Filipino Student Association, and then skipped away with siblings and chaperones taking joyful hearts home to share!
The Lord has come and the Lord is coming—Joy to the World!
By: Sarah Bernhardt
Nepali Singers Surprise TRIVIA NIGHT Attendees
/By Bonnie Matzat — Photos by Ron Virus
CFNA held its sixth annual Trivia Night on Saturday, November 16th, at Webster Gardens Lutheran Church and with approximately 225 participants; it was their largest Trivia Event to date. Significant for CFNA, the number of New American participants was also the largest – perhaps 30 or more. To the delight of everyone, Nepali Singers led by Gagan Gurung sang Thy Loving Kindness in Nepali and in English, and captured the essence of CFNA.
Pastor Joel Christiansen welcomed the attendees who enjoyed a light supper of chili and snacks. Following the meal, trivia competition and bingo games began. Joanie Harwell and Stanish Stanley read this year’s trivia questions. Jerry and Joyce Birk served as bingo callers. Throughout the evening, a silent auction was held. There was a grand offering of sale baskets, gift certificates, and an assortment of useful and interesting items.
Many helping hands contributed to the success of the evening. Volunteers sought donated items for the silent auction and picked them up, prepared food, organized auction items, managed ticket sales, set up tables and chairs, and served in various other ways. CFNA extends its sincere thanks to each and every one of them.
CFNA is especially grateful to the congregation of Webster Gardens Lutheran Church for the use of their facilities and for their helpful support. Appreciation is also expressed to the Christ for Youth Charities Foundation and to several Thrivent chapters providing matching funds.
Thanks to all who came, all who served, and to other generous donors!
After School Tutoring
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Tuesday, May 21 marked the last day of class for the 2012-13 After School Tutoring program. During the past nine months 218 students (22 more than last year) between grades K and 11 participated at least once in the twice weekly classes. Six students were in attendance more than 50 times each.
These students were from 17 birth nations, with Nepal claiming the highest number (81). Other countries with larger numbers include Liberia (18) Eritrea (17) and Ethiopia (10).
The overwhelming majority - more than 80% - arrived in St. Louis (and the USA) within the past five years. Of equal interest to the mission minded, of the 97 students who declared their religion, 52 identified themselves as Christian (28 Lutheran, very few of whom arrived St. Louis as members of the Lutheran community), 34 Hindu and 11 Muslim. The remaining number (121) did not identify their religion.
The high point of the last day of class, and perhaps the entire year, was a walk to Ted Drewes located just four blocks away for some delicious frozen custard. Eighty seven – 65 students and 22 tutors – made the trip. (See group photo.)
We wish all of the students, and the more than 30 volunteer teachers who participated in this ministry, the very best and look forward to seeing them again in September at the beginning of the next academic year.
Family Literacy Night
/By: Diane Meyr
As part of its participation in Family Literacy Night held on Thursday, January 31st, 2013, Word of Life Lutheran School held a “penny war” and accepted book donations for Christian Friends of New Americans. The $512.00 that was collected was used to buy books from a Scholastic Book Fair that was also held on the 31st. Four large boxes were filled to the brim, all of these books to be donated to CFNA.
Word of Life was very excited to have collected these books and donated them to CFNA for its ministry among New Americans. The purpose, of course, was to help kids new to the USA to learn how to read and then to stay excited about reading.
ENGAGE, Enjoy, Enhance the Experience
/The Tutor Training Workshop, February 10, 2013
Many of out students are from Nepal and their families are hindu. Rev. Stanish Stanley, a ph.d student from india and his wife, beena, shared insights regarding the hindu faith and culture
Tutors met to visit, discuss, laugh, learn, and enjoy a supper menu of African and American cuisine. As our After-School Tutoring program grows and expands in a variety of ways, there is a real need to meet together and increase our skills and our procedures in a consistent manner.
Rev. Stanish Stanley, a Ph.D. student from India & his wife, Beena, shared insights regarding the Hindu faith and culture. Hindus believe that there are many paths to Salvation and choice of God depends upon the individual believer. There is also good and evil in the world that needs to be dealt with and worship of Hindu gods is a way of keeping oneself protected from evil and also for rightful ethical conduct and practice (karma).
Salvation is seen as the escape of individual soul (atma/n) from the cycle of birth and rebirth (reincarnation/samsara) to joining with the Supreme Soul - Brahman (Moksha, liberation).
Hindus draw a clear distinction between the ‘sacred’ and the ‘profane’. This means that there are appropriate behavioral practices that need to be followed in the ‘sacred’ space. E.g., display of reverence towards the idol and holy books, humility, non-consumption of alcohol, etc.
Spiritual cleanliness and bodily cleanliness is a central concern in Hindu custom and practice. E.g., shoes are considered unclean and are left outside the Hindu home. Before daily prayers before the house shrine/idol the house will be swept clean and baths taken by the individuals. Beef eating is considered a taboo and pork considered unclean.
Hindu family is patriarchal by nature. The father is the head of the household but the mother exerts strong influence upon the kids. The girl/mother is seen as dependent in different stages of life (as daughter dependent upon father, as wife on husband, and in old age/widow upon eldest son!)
Respect for elders is important. Kids are supposed to respect elders and especially be obedient to parents, teachers, and elders in the family.
Kids do not call their elders (even brothers and sisters) by name. Other elders are supposed to be called Uncle or Aunty. Also Vidya (knowledge) is considered the most important of all wealth.
Teacher is the ‘Guru’ who is to be trusted and obeyed in everything concerning education. This is conceived as a ‘Top-down’ learning method. Traditionally Hindu teaching method is based on ‘rote-memorization’ rather than critical thinking.
Christianity traditionally is seen as an ‘educating religion’ and more in tune with modern lifestyle. It can witness to the Hindu woman as a way of life where the girl is seen as not a dependent rather as a child of God, loved, created uniquely and just as important as man.
Christian stories and teachings of interest to Hindus: The life of Jesus as that of a ‘teaching Guru’. The parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15- teaches the pitfalls that await kids who disobey parents); parable of lost coin (shows women’s selfless giving- Lk 15); the beatitudes (Mt 5- for its egalitarian concern towards the least). Jesus as one with the Father (Jhn 10: 15ff- realizing that His atman is Brahman!). Some Hindus have also interpreted Jesus to be an Avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu.
Robyn Moeller then presented her workshop on "ENGAGING" BEHAVIOR FOR TUTORS which included the following points:
ATTITUDE
a) Have the mindset that you’re coming to interact with students b) Don’t wait to be asked to do something c) Proactively think about what you could be doing and take initiative
KNOW YOUR COMFORT ZONE WITH CHILDREN prefer one-on-one or a small group
a) Start where most comfortable
social worker and experienced tutor, robyn moeller presented “engaging” behavior for tutors
b) If one-on-one: seek out one or two & go sit by them; ask about what they’re doing or suggest an activity. Or as a student enters the room, ask to sit by you & help them with homework or an activity
c) If prefer a group: start a spelling bee, friendly math competition, etc.
AREAS OF INTEREST
Younger grades or older students? Math, social studies, reading, computers, etc.?
a) Seek out students working on something in your area of interest b) If a student is not doing anything, suggest one of the activities you enjoy c) Become familiar with the resources the Peace Center has (books, worksheets, activity pages) d) Bring things from home that you think would be helpful (ABC puzzle, matching game) e) Start an activity such as a puzzle, game or reading a book & ask students to join you
Encourage Student Participation
Instead of - “Do you want to…?” Say - “Let’s...” or “We’re going to…”
If student refuses an activity, then ask them what they would like to do or suggest another activity. Let students know they’re expected to participate in an activity
It’s fun to engage the kids by being a little silly (contributed by college daughter who worked as a counselor at Camp Wartburg for past two summers & helped with the craft at the CFNA Christmas party)
Learn Names of the Students and about them
What grade are you in? What’s your favorite subject? Do other siblings come with you to tutoring? What country are you from? Do you remember living there? How long have you been in US?
Sit next to/between students in chapel
a) Have the children sit toward the front in chapel b) Talk with the children while waiting for chapel to begin
Recess
a) Think ahead about which activity you prefer b) Get involved (air hockey, ping pong, jump rope, Frisbee, hula hoop) - doing or supervising
Remind of Appropriate Behaviors
NO gum chewing, unkind names, pushing
USE please & thank-you
