Service & Witness
/The Lutheran Jr. Honor Association of St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Des Peres recently had the opportunity to fulfill its mission of service and witness by volunteering at the Christian Friends of New Americans storage facility in south St. Louis City. They spent two Saturday mornings sorting donations and assisting refugee families as they selected badly needed household items, shoes, and coats.
This was meaningful for all of us, but especially for those who have never experienced a need for life’s basic necessities. Lauren, an LJHA member shared, “This experience helped put things in perspective, and reminded me there are a lot of people who need help, which has inspired me to serve and want to do more.”
CFNA volunteer John Tilden, who drove an Afghan family to the storage facility, was excited about the large number of volunteer participants, as well as by the large number of items CFNA is making available for Afghan refugee families. He said, "What you at CFNA are doing for these families is truly commendable. Thank you for including me in your attempts to help these refugees." The look of appreciation on the faces of those who came to pick up free household necessities spoke volumes about the needs of these families. It made the entire experience truly rewarding.
Nasir, an Afghan refugee who came with his wife and three kids said, "This is very good for me and my family. All these children and parents are here to help us. God bless them for all that they are doing." He was elated to receive a bicycle that had been donated to CFNA, as this would serve as his transportation to his job.
The approximately 30 students and parents from St. Paul’s LJHA were moved and blessed by this opportunity to be of service to these refugee families. It was a great learning experience for all of us.
By Cristyn Cannon
St. Paul’s Lutheran School
