Jon Burroughs

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CFNA Volunteer of the Month

Editor’s Note: Jon has served as a volunteer for almost four years, most of it at the Peace Center, for 3 to 15 hours per week depending on the need. His exceptional skill range, friendly disposition, and service attitude assured acceptance wherever he went, especially among New Americans. As Fatima Batool from Afghanistan put it, “Jon is always willing to help with almost anything, including more storage for my iPhone as well as a better understanding of English. What I appreciate most is the encouragement and hope he is always willing to provide.” Here Jon tells us about his experience.

My name is Jonathan (Jon) Burroughs. I am an IT professional and member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO. I watched the US withdraw from Afghanistan in 2020 and the resulting impacts. About that time, my church partnered with Christ Memorial Lutheran (Pastor Jeff Cloeter) via the “Acts Alliance” to work together on mission outreach opportunities in the greater St. Louis area. 

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CFNA was featured in a presentation where I learned that many Afghan refugees would find their way to St. Louis, often with little more than the clothes on their backs. I imagined the challenges refugees face starting over in a strange country with a new language and culture. Jesus’ words from Matthew 25 echoed in my mind, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” and I contacted Pastor Stanish Stanley to see what I could do to help. Shortly thereafter, I found myself tutoring English and helping with driving instruction for newly arrived Americans.

Soon after starting, I noticed the state of the Peace Center’s technology. Equipment was aging, the Internet was unreliable, computers didn’t work, etc. It was clear people were frustrated and wanted more from technology. As a technology professional, I had ideas that could help. 

With support from CFNA leaders, I completed several projects to modernize the wireless networks, enhance building security, and improve access to computers at the Peace Center.  This has paid countless dividends. Faster networks allowed for sharing of the Gospel with native-language videos. New printers are used to produce instructional material. Access to computers has enabled applications for citizenship, passports, after school tutoring, and driver’s education. There are many other examples. 

There are so many ways that I’ve been blessed by volunteering with CFNA. I am constantly amazed at how the Lord can use any skill, whether it be technology or something else. My time at CFNA has been “happy chaos” with a jumble of languages, cultures, and people. Sometimes I feel like a world traveler who hasn’t left home! Working with such a diverse group of people requires patience, persistence, flexibility, and a little grace. There are challenges with language and culture, but the rewards are immense. 

The best lesson I learned? Be present, let the Lord lead, and do what I can. Working alongside like-minded staff and volunteers has increased my appreciation of the old lyric, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” Stick at it long enough and you’ll see the Lord’s hand at work in the lives of those you encounter. I certainly have.

By Jon Burroughs