Henry Manu - New American Of The Month

New American of the Month

Having lived as a small child in an impoverished village in Liberia, Henry came to St. Louis approximately 10 years ago as a refugee, and an orphan. With his mother having been killed in the Liberian civil war and his father in a refugee camp, where he remains until today, he was raised in St. Louis by his grandmother and an aunt – just a few years his senior.

Henry became connected with CFNA, and Timothy Lutheran Church, through Tim Schrader, a long time CFNA Associate. The primary link was sports, about which Henry is passionate. A soccer team coached by Tim was his first interest, but Henry became involved in other sports programs as well, including weight lifting. Just 18 years old, he is already able to squat over 350 pounds!

A devout follower of Christ, Henry learned what it meant to be a Christian first hand, living in the city where many of his friends became involved in the ways of the street at a young age. He learned to cling to the cross in his daily life, and despite being passionate about sports and now holding a job at Chick-fil-A, Henry stays connected to his church family. With his faith life driving other aspects of his life, he has brought several others to Timothy Lutheran Church.

Having been accepted into the International Students’ Dorming Program sponsored by the Lutheran High School Association, Henry was given the opportunity to study at Lutheran High South. This past fall he helped Timothy Lutheran Church launch a weekly Bible Study among the international students staying in dormitories while studying in Lutheran High Schools. The Bible Study reaches out not only to International Students, but also reconnects domestic students who have strayed from the church.

While grateful for his church home at Timothy, Henry nevertheless credits CFNA with having unlocked doors to opportunities he could have only hoped for, especially the opportunity to study at a private high school. His plans are to graduate from high school, and then a university graduating with a degree in psychology. His dream is to provide counseling for recently arrived New Americans. Please keep Henry in your prayers as he continues his journey of commitment and service to his Lord, and others.

By Tim Anas Student, Concordia Seminary Family Advocate, Timothy Lutheran Church