Summer Interns

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During the past several summers CFNA interns have been very much involved with outreach and service programming for refugee children and adults. This year CFNA was blessed with the service of three young men; Joel Hoehner, Charles Nshimiyimana and Micheal Shukuru.

For Joel, a graduate of Lutheran High South, service and ministry run deep in family. The son of a Lutheran pastor, he felt compelled to serve with CFNA, as had both of his parents previously. Reflecting on his experience, Joels shares, “The most rewarding included VBS at Concordia Kirkwood, ESL/Driving Classes and the brief time I helped out at St. Trinity with the basketball ministry.

“At VBS I met a couple of awesome little girls that were full of energy and brought so much joy to my week. At Driver’s Ed/ESL I worked with a couple young Afghan ladies who would diligently study and learn all the new road signs and rules. At St. Trinity it was a joy to share God’s love through playing basketball and spending time in God’s word with Vicar Donney. Throughout my ministry I have gained a greater appreciation for all the time and effort that goes into coordinating events and serving hundreds of refugees. This service opportunity has been amazing and I wish God’s blessings on all the great leaders that make this ministry possible.”

Unlike Joel, who has his roots in America in the context of his Lutheran heritage, Charles Nshimiyimana came to CFNA in 2016 as a refugee from Uganda. Born into a Congolese family, Charles overcame the dislocation and trauma of war with his mother and three brothers to start a new life in America. A member of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, Charles found faith and strength in Jesus. Having found faith and strength in Jesus, Charles’s service orientation led him to help refugee families with furniture donations and basketball ministry among youth.

“I really enjoyed and was blessed to be part of the basketball and bike program for kids.  The opportunity to bring my friends together and connect them to Jesus during devotions were the highlights for me.” Looking forward to a career in IT and doing ministry among African youth in the future, Charles has returned to Concordia University, Nebraska to finishing his “IT & Theology” degree, and play football.

Like Charles, Micheal Shukuru, also comes from a Congolese family that was resettled in St. Louis from Uganda. Micheal also fondly reflects on his engagement with VBS, Soccer Camps and Basketball ministry this summer. “I really enjoyed my time with kids, as well as being involved with mission teams from various parts of the country who came to serve with CFNA.  The acceptance and friendships that our refugee kids developed with American Christian youths from these mission teams taught me there is something common among us….our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.”  

Empowering young Christian leaders of tomorrow is a mission goal for CFNA. Providing a platform of real-life experience for the engagement of American and New American youths for the purpose of service, witness and the development of leadership skills highlights the value of its Summer Internship program. Appreciative of the work done by Joel, Charles and Micheal, CFNA extends words of thanks and best wishes to each of them as they continue to serve as torchbearers of Christ in an increasingly post-Christian world.

By Pastor Stanish Stanley
Executive Director, CFNA with
Rev. Al Buckman
Board Chair