CFNA Concludes After School Tutoring 2022-23!

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After an entire academic year, CFNA concluded its 2022-23 After School Tutoring (AST) ministry on Tuesday, May 16th. “Pastor Stanish, I will be home at 3.30 pm from school…can you please pick me up for the tutoring party?” This was Joyce’s request as I told her about this special event. 

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Joyce, a refugee from the Congo who was resettled to St. Louis last August, along with her parents and two siblings, had been a regular at the tutoring program since September last year. On the day of the event she, and her younger brother joined 36 others at St. Trinity Lutheran Church. Around 20 volunteers, including friends from Vianney High School, helped organize the activities, which ran from 5 pm -7 pm. Facilitated by AST supervisor Mrs. Jennifer Janssen, the event included bike rides, basketball, volleyball, Lego construction, and more at the St. Trinity gym. The fellowship also featured children and volunteers enjoying a light meal topped off with ice cream dessert.  

Every Tuesday and Thursday for the past nine months, approximately 65 children from 10 birth countries were served weekly by more than 35 volunteer tutors representing numerous Lutheran, as well as some non-Lutheran, congregations. Throughout the year, all of the students were blessed with nutritious meals provided by Umetulisha Food Ministry (Restore St. Louis).  

Additionally, Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Inter-professional (IPE) unit organized career fairs to educate the kids about various future career opportunities. “Tutoring at CFNA is such a blessing. It is wonderful for us as American Christians to engage with New American kids over homework and other academic needs while sharing Jesus,” was the observation of Mrs. Jennifer Janssen. The feeling was mutual for the kids as well… “I really liked coming to tutoring this year… I will come again next year,” was Landry’s (from Uganda) comment as I dropped him off at home after the party.

CFNA is grateful for the many hands and hearts that came together to support this mission activity. We especially acknowledge and thank our tutoring supervisors – Mrs. Jennifer (Tuesday) and Mrs. Amy (Thursday) for their leadership; Ms. Sandy – who has served as registrar for several years; the many volunteers who gave their time and skill for our kids; and Umetulisha. Our special thanks also, to St. Trinity Lutheran Church for warmly hosting us at their facility for our year-end closing party.

By Pastor Stanish Stanley
Executive Director, CFNA