Every year CFNA seeks to make contact with 200 never previously served New Americans through its outreach activities and service programs. When COVID struck, however, it turned everything upside down, as it severely disrupted the normal programming and outreach efforts of every CFNA ministry.

Nevertheless, we determined to provide a helping hand to New Americans in need. At the end of the year, when we reviewed the CFNA Contact List, we were most pleased to learn that, by God’s grace, connections had been established with 407 New Americans representing 28 birth countries. Interestingly, this was the highest number ever, of new contacts for CFNA in a single year.

Examples of assistance include food aid to over 130 refugee families by serving 8,000 meals four days a week for 15 weeks during the shutdown, distributing COVID safety kits to 75 families, organizing three “Give-Aways” of house-use and COVID safety items, teaching sewing & ESL lessons, providing bikes and laptops to refugee kids, and by providing driving lessons and tutoring sessions to those who sought them. In other words, in an environment of social distancing, CFNA continued to connect with and serve hurting New Americans throughout the pandemic

Volunteers were vital to making all of this happen and their efforts were inspiring. In addition to numerous LCMS congregations, they came from places like Concordia Seminary, St. Louis University, and Lutheran High School South. When asked why, many responded with something like, “you guys are probably the only ones open during this pandemic, and we want to serve.”

The numerous New American beneficiaries were grateful for the help. Amal from Sudan, who received a month’s rent assistance commented, “CFNA people are very good. They help me with my problems and teach me English for citizenship during the COVID time. Thank you.”

Recently arrived (9 months ago) student Nziza from Rwanda who received a bike, had this response in Swahili – “God bless you.” As CFNA celebrates this impactful mission achievement, we praise God, and thank the more than 175 volunteers and staff who were part of the effort,

It should be noted that of the 407 New Americans with whom CFNA linked last year, between 35 and 40 are now active in LCMS congregations. Others found church homes elsewhere. We praise God for all of it, and request His continued blessings during this new year and beyond.

By Rev. Stanish Stanley with Rev. Al Buckman

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Serving in the Midst of COVID!