Ethiopian Night

Preparing Traditional Ethiopian Coffee

The CFNA Community Health Committee hosted an Ethiopian night on August 28. Fifty people gathered at Carondelet Park in St. Louis to enjoy a wonderful home-cooked Ethiopian feast! Nepali and African refugees/immigrants, as well as Americans who have been here for a while, were blessed to participate in this wonderful dinner and gathering! Not only was the dinner wonderful, it was also very healthy.

CFNA’s East African facilitator, Rev. Teddy Workeneh, his wife, Ayni, and Salemawit Borsamo prepared many traditional Ethiopian dishes, including a special coffee and dessert. They know firsthand how immigrants and refugees can be bombarded in American grocery stores with many processed and unhealthy food options. He and Anyi volunteered to make an Ethiopian dinner to illustrate many health benefits from the traditional injera - a teff flour bread, to lentils and other foods.

Tsion Endakachew, an Ethiopian immigrant and public health professional, explained the specific nutritional values of certain Ethiopian foods. In addition, Dr. John Lautenschlager provided insights as well.

All is ready!

The Lord blessed the event with good weather, good food, good company and a relevant devotion by Rev. Mark Hass!

CFNA’s Community Health committee plans to host another healthy eating dinner event in the near future. Stay tuned!

By Laura Brink Ascension Lutheran Church