Webster Partners with CFNA
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replacing computer room furnishings
This summer, the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens expanded its “iServe Ministries” to include a primary focus on the St. Louis area. Thrivent Financial and The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis helped seed over 50 Webster sponsored grass roots service projects with multiple “Action Grants”.
With a focus on cross cultural ministries, the CFNA (Christian Friends of New Americans) ministry center in south City was selected for classroom and office renovation. Once the decision was made, the Webster Mission Team jumped into action.
Computers and furniture were moved, musty carpet pulled up, a crumbling wall patched, and durable new flooring and paint brought new life to rooms throughout the Peace Center. This effort involved more than 15 people from Webster Gardens over a 10-day period.
some new american friends help out
Webster Gardens’ history with CFNA goes back several years. We have partnered with them in their after school tutoring and VBS programs, a special Valentine’s party, through Sunday school offerings, providing scholarship assistance for refugee students enrolled in Lutheran schools, trivia night, the walk-a-thon and more. Our mission priority is to develop people and relationships as we proclaim the Gospel through acts of service.
The Peace Center was in need of some updates, and God had blessed our Mission Team with members skilled in building repair and renovation. They in turn, enlisted expert and ordinary helpers, coordinated a work schedule, and spent many hours sharing their time and talent, often working alongside new Americans from Nepal, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and elsewhere.
As we turned the computer room to a light yellow, we marveled at the group working together: American and Chinese college students, adults, retirees, and recently arrived refugees from Asia and Africa (including a seminary graduate student from Ethiopia; some with painting experience but some first-timers; all cheerful, cooperative, and friendly.
The four recently renovated rooms provide a refreshed environment thereby enabling CFNA to better engage the New American community through after school tutoring, adult ESL, health and wellness screening, chapel services and more. Webster Gardens’ Mission Team was blessed to have had this opportunity to reach out to “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and beyond” right here in Saint Louis!
By Rev. Bill Geis Webster Gardens Lutheran Church
