Reflections

jaylynn bernhardt

Editor’s note: Jaylynn Bernhardt is among the first of the Lutheran Young Adult Corps workers and the first to have served with CFNA. Now near the end of her 10-month service commitment, she shares her reflections.

When I look back to May 2017, I remember God guiding me to join the Lutheran Young Adult Corps. I was in my first year of college, looking for long-term missionary opportunities, and very much wanted to serve in a different community while being surrounded by Christ-centered people with a heart for serving.

Having arrived in St. Louis during the first of August, I was immediately enveloped with love and support. My assignment took me to two locations, one of them being Christian Friends of New Americans. In a nutshell, my intern time with CFNA has really changed my perspective on life for the better, and it has made me fall in love with cross-cultural ministry.

At CFNA, I helped with Heart-to-Heart Bible Studies (with the kids), ESL Tutoring, the Ethiopian/Eritrean After-School Program, giveaways, and many events that the Peace Center puts on for those it serves. My most challenging experience has been getting to know how each ethnic community served by CFNA really works, as these clients come from all over the world (Nepal, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Syria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Congo, and more). The opportunity to develop friendships with many of these people has been a blessing.

CFNA has taught me so many lessons that I can’t put them all on one page. They have taught me patience, compassion, planning big events, Sales Force data entry, and sharing God’s love. They have also taught me how to give myself and my plans completely to the Lord as He guides my life. And they have taught me how to surrender myself more, live a life of simplicity, and love and serve those from other places.

I can’t even begin to express the gratefulness I have for everyone who has guided me in this place. You truly have brought me in as one of your own and made me feel a part of the CFNA family. I will never forget all that you have taught me, and I will share what you have done with many in the future. God bless you all and thank you for your never-ending love and support.

I pray this organization will continue to serve immigrants and refugees in a way that points to God, and I hope they never forget the impact they have had on these families. CFNA will always have a place in my heart.

By Jaylynn Bernhardt Lutheran Young Adult Corps