Food For The Holidays

Group SHot

As the holidays approached, Olivia Lopez wondered if there was any way to help new Americans. Lopez is a recent graduate of the social work program at Southeast Missouri State University. Her friend, Conner, works at his family’s business, Proffer Wholesale Produce, which was recently awarded a grant to help with food distribution in the wake of COVID-19. Lopez was familiar with Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) through her congregation, Ascension Lutheran Church, and wondered if perhaps a food distribution event could be coordinated with CFNA.

Working with CFNA’s Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley, Lopez arranged for the delivery of 100 wooden crates of food to be delivered to the CFNA Peace Center on Saturday, December 19. Each crate weighed approximately 25 lbs. and contained produce, dairy, and meat products. In the course of two hours, food was distributed to dozens of new American families as well as a handful of local residents in the Dutch Town Neighborhood.

Those who helped with the distribution included staff and regular volunteers at CFNA. In addition to this, over ten volunteers from Ascension helped as well, many of them visiting the Peace Center for the first time. This service event proved to be a blessing not only to those who received food but also to those who distributed it. Volunteers were able to see the Peace Center in-person and witness the numerous ways in which CFNA cares for both the physical and spiritual needs of refugees and New Americans.

During the past 10 years, Ascension has partnered with CFNA for mission outreach among New Americans. During this time more than 50 New Americans, mostly Nepalese, have become members of Ascension Lutheran Church. For this we praise the Lord!

By Rev. Matt Clark
Ascension Lutheran Church

Doing the Heavy Lifting

Giving it Away