Clemson University and CFNA
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The Team
Editor’s Note: Eleven students from Clemson University’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes made a 1,300 mile round trip to St. Louis where they spent three days engaged with CFNA in painting, cleaning, leading devotions, Bible studies and more. Here they share their experience.
Clemson’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes had the privilege of coming to St. Louis and partnering with many different organizations throughout the city. After prayerfully considering different cities for our annual spring break mission trip, God made it abundantly clear that St. Louis was where he wanted us to serve. Our mission team felt burdened by the city of St. Louis, and eagerly accepted what the Lord had for us in the city.
While in St. Louis we had the unique opportunity to partner with Christian Friends of New Americans. Our group is made up of eleven college students ranging from freshmen to seniors. We have engineering majors, education majors, and everything in between! Leading up to this week we were very expectant of what the Lord had waiting for us on this trip.
It was very clear from the start that CFNA was an organization that prioritized the Gospel as well as building relationships and bearing one another's burdens, despite facing many language and cultural differences. We deeply admired the heart that CFNA workers have for the refugees of the St. Louis area. One of our group members said it best when they said “We could see the burdens the workers feel to be friends with those who feel like outcasts”. That made a very big impression on our group.
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Coming from South Carolina, our group was able to observe many different cultural and economic differences in St. Louis. Although it was so special to see the ways God has been moving in a place that is not known for the gospel, we did face some challenges along the way. The language barrier made things difficult when trying to teach the ESL class. Trying to help grown-ups learn basic English was such a blessing, but it also showed us how determined these refugees are to adapt in America. Hearing about the trauma and terror from which they escaped in the Middle East was heartbreaking. It really put into perspective how blessed we truly are, and how God can move even in the darkest of times.
This trip was such a blessing to be a part of. There are so many lessons we can take back to school with us. Another group member said “Seeing how well the staff and volunteers love on the refugees is a constant reminder of how God loves us”. A few things we can all take back with us is having compassion for those who do not know the Lord, being prayer warriors for those being affected in the Middle East, and so much more. Thank you for allowing us to be a small part in a ministry God has so clearly been a part of for many years!
By Cooper Gaskins
Clemson University, English Major
With Gary Schaefer,
CFNA Operations Associate
