We Gave It All Away (Almost)!

Elsie Vamboi

The first appeal was launched on Wednesday, March 25. Since then 120 donors provided all that was needed to provide gifts of between $200 and $500 to 140 of the neediest of New American families. All of them had members who had been laid off or had their work hours reduced. Six had members who had been infected with the coronavirus. One family had three members under quarantine!

A small amount, less than 10 percent, remains in the fund and has yet to be donated. No doubt more requests will be received. None of the donations have been used to cover administrative costs, nor have any been set aside for this purpose. In other words, with the exception of the small remaining balance, we gave it all away!

Ascension, Messiah, Trinity, and St. Johns Lutheran Churches played a key role in this distribution. CFNA sent the money to them, and they gave it to the New American families deemed to be most in need. Several of the recipient families are members of these congregations, but many are not. Either way, this translates into approximately 700 New Americans linked in some way to these four congregations.

Many expressions of gratitude have been received from the beneficiaries. Mahawa Jewel Fofana, a refugee from Sierra Leone, West Africa said, “I want to send my profound appreciation to Timothy Lutheran Church and CFNA for remembering me in both my spiritual needs (for all your prayers) and my financial/basic needs (I received $200 from Mr. Brewah on your behalf) during these trying times. My heart is full of gratitude. May God continue to bless us all and replenish the givers in Jesus' name. Amen. Thanks so much. Jewel.”

Elsie Vamboi, also from West Africa sent this message. “I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who gave their resources to help immigrants like us. The support came just at a time I needed it most to take care of myself, my daughter, and grandkids. Indeed, people like you make God become real in our world. I truly appreciate you all. On behalf of my family I wish to say thanks to you all who gave and are praying for us and our world. May God continue to bless and prosper you.”

Families under quarantine still need our help and no doubt additional cases will be brought to our attention. If you want to help you may make a donation via the “donate button” below or make a check payable to CFNA. Write COVID-19 on the memo line and mail it to CFNA, 4019 South Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63118.

By Rev. Al BuckmanBoard Chair, CFNA