New Beginnings at Donore Farm

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Since 1843, the Donore Farm has been devoted to community and love. Built by Irish immigrants as a family home, tragedy struck in the form of cholera, leaving only the wife and one son to keep the homestead in order. The matriarch began to provide housing and raise over 40 individuals needing care through her lifetime at the farm. The cholera epidemic, the Civil War, the Depression - none could stop this house from being a home. Donore Farm has seen decades of change, but its purpose continues thanks to the care of a couple from New Beginnings Lutheran Church. 

The farmhouse is currently under restoration. Recently the property hosted an afternoon of fall delights, bringing over 40 individuals from New Beginnings and CFNA to its hills to enjoy food, fellowship and a hayride. “It warmed my heart to hear some Afghan girls share that they grew up in a rural context in Afghanistan and being at the event, seeing the cattle in the pasture, reminded them of that time in their life,” said New Beginning’s Mission Director Travis Torblaa. 

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“Seeing kids of New Beginnings and CFNA playing together, adults talking with one another while experiencing new foods reminded me of Revelation 7 where God paints a picture of a multitude from ‘every nation, tribe, people and language’ gathered before the throne. I trust this was one small part of God’s intentions to reconcile the world to Himself through Jesus Christ.” 

In this historic place, many moments that will continue to live on in memory were made. It was the first time for many of our friends to enjoy a hayride, eat a s'more, learn to rope a rubber cow, play bean bag toss and see a tractor. For some, it was their first time since arriving in the U.S. to see the country - they couldn’t even believe we were still in Missouri! Henok, a new student in our driving class, and his two sons joined us for what he called, “Our first US trip.” He further stated, “We loved exploring the farm, savoring delicious food (especially the marshmallows) and making new friends. Sharing moments of faith and connections with fellow believers was truly special. A heartwarming experience we’ll treasure forever.” 

Thank you, New Beginnings Lutheran Church, for creating such a delightful afternoon, including the leadership of the congregation for having made time and space for us to be in community together. Thank you also, to the owners of Donore Farm, who were eager to share in conversation and willing to take another lap for the hay riders. The event was an atmosphere filled with the love of Christ. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) 

Want to gather your group together with Friends from CFNA? You don’t need to have a historic farm to do so… just a place in your heart to serve your neighbors. Please contact Amy Zeigler and she would be happy to come up with an engagement that suits your time and talents.

By Amy Zeigler
azeigler@cfna-stl.org