CFNA “Friend a Family” Ministry

Friending Afghan Families:  Over 50 people from six Lutheran congregations will be assigned to support seven new Afghan families in the next couple of weeks. CFNA’s partner at the International Institute reacted to this turnout by saying, “Wow! That’s amazing.” We thank God for the volunteers in this first cohort of Support Groups for the new CFNA Friend a Family program. 

(Details) CFNA Friend a Family Program 

Photo from the CFNA Heart to Heart fellowship where Christy Hoehner is joined by several women who will be participating in Friend a Family and other Afghan ministries.  For more about Heart to Heart Fellowship contact Carol Buckman at buckmancal@aol.com.

Even before they have been assigned to families, these volunteers have exhibited their dedication by attending orientations with both the International Institute and CFNA and completing the applications and other paperwork. We applaud their efforts and servant hearts. This experience is guaranteed to be both challenging and rewarding. God will be at work through them. 

We thank God for Marlene Schroeder from The Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens who has stepped up to help settle several Afghan families and will serve as a valuable resource for these Friend a Family Support Groups. Marlene has taken Afghan family members to the grocery store and local library to learn the computer, scoured donation sites and Facebook Marketplace for needed items, provided ice and a cooler to a family with a broken refrigerator, and helped one man write a resume and apply for jobs. Just this week, he had his first job offer! Perhaps most impactful is how Marlene has established herself as a humble and trusted friend. She finds this service addicting because of the deep joy it brings to everyone. 

If you are interested in being involved, please work with your local congregation to form or participate in a Support Group. Details about the program can be found here. The next International Institute training will be held in mid-February, so please register your team here by February 4 to be included in the next cohort.  Contact Christy Hoehner (choehner@cfna-stl.org), CFNA Friend a Family Coordinator, with any questions.