Welcome President Harrison!
/Over the years CFNA has been pleased to welcome numerous visitors to the Peace Center. On Tuesday, September 29 however, we were pleased to welcome a very special guest, Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod!
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He came to learn more about how this mission society manages to link with over 200 refugees every year and extend these links into relationships that reach into several LCMS congregations in urban St. Louis. He also came to provide encouragement to those who have been involved in this multi-ethnic urban ministry.
The visit included an opportunity to sit in on a discussion with faculty and student representatives from St. Louis University (SLU). They were there to put in place a plan for the participation of SLU students in the After School Tutoring (AST) program at the Peace Center.
Additionally, there were opportunities to interact with teachers and students involved in the Driver’s Ed and ESL classes at the Peace Center, as well as with several elementary school students, together with their teachers and mentors, who serve in the AST program.
Because much of what happens at CFNA takes place away from the Peace Center, the visit also included a time of sharing with those who lead various ministries. This included the Scholarship Assistance Program led by Dr. Judith Meyer. Now in its 14th year, this ministry has provided assistance for the annual enrollment of between 25 and 30 refugee students in Lutheran elementary and secondary schools. Carol Buckman also shared information regarding the rapidly growing sewing classes for Afghan women and Amelia Oesch and Marlene Schroeder provided an interesting summary of the recently established Friend-a-Family ministry.
Additionally, Rev. Matthew Clark summarized the dynamic LCMS mission/church relationships that have developed between CFNA and several LCMS congregations of which many New Americans are now members. Business Manager Kerry Pozaric provided a helpful summary of the current state of CFNA financial affairs.
CFNA Executive Director Rev. Stanish Stanley, who gave President Harrison a tour of the Peace Center and acquainted him with some of the activities on-site, had this to say about the President’s visit, “For the President of the LCMS to take time off his busy schedule and come to spend quality time at CFNA, listening to staff and participants alike about the service and witness rendered in our Lord’s name, was indeed a blessing and very encouraging. We are grateful for his support and the commendation of our work.”
President Harrison offered this endorsement after his visit:
“CFNA is an official partner of the LCMS and reaches out to refugees and immigrants through acts of witness and service. The destination for everyone they serve is the Church and by so doing, this dynamic mission society has facilitated the baptism and/or confirmation of more than 250 New Americans, primarily refugees.”
Indeed, we were pleased to have had President Harrison as our guest for this extended visit and wish him our Lord’s blessings as he continues with his many responsibilities as President of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
By Rev. Al Buckman
Board Chair, CFNA
