Freedom

Charles (r) & Friend at CFNA 2019 5K Freedom Run

Charles Nshimiyimana came to America via a Uganda refugee camp in 2015. As a New American he has seen his share of struggles.

“When in the refugee camp I saw so much fighting. Other nationalities kept fighting with one another every day. I wanted to learn, to get an education, but it was so hard.”

Charles, the 2019 Scholar-Athlete-of-the-Year at Roosevelt High School, enrolled at St. Louis Community College to study Information Technology and play soccer. “I wanted to go to a four-year school but even with the scholarships they were offering, it still wasn’t enough.”

For most of the past year, Charles has been serving with CFNA as a Ministry Intern. As such, he assisted with the monitoring of classes in the computer room, the distribution of food to families affected by COVID-19, with servant events, and more. All of this, however, came to an abrupt halt when he himself came down with coronavirus.

Both Charles and his mother became victims and his mother’s hospital stay was lengthy. After observing quarantine restrictions, Charles “suspended” his study program to work longer hours and help provide for his family. He also sends some of his money every month to the Uganda refugee camp to help children with their education. “Knowing Jesus helps me to want to help others.”

Preparing Meals for Delivery

His outlook on life has not changed, “The freedom I have in America to go anywhere I want and to do anything I want is new to me. And my faith in Jesus gives me freedom to help others”.

As a member of Timothy Lutheran Church, Charles hopes to resume his studies in the fall. “CFNA has helped me so much. They helped me learn the true meaning of freedom and they helped me learn the culture of America. They always share Jesus.”

You can help us to help Charles and so many like him. Please send a gift today. Just click the DONATE NOW button. I thank you and so does Charles.

Rev. Stanish Stanley CFNA Executive Director