Dr. Al Senske - Associate Of The Month

CFNA Associate of the Month

Dr. Senske with Sunday School Children in liberi

Dr. Al Senske occupies the middle layer of five generations of teachers in Lutheran schools. From his initial year of teaching forty-one 3rd and 4th graders (Denver, CO, 1951), he culminated his education career as the Asst. Sec. of Nonpublic Schools, U.S. Dept. of Education. In between he was an elementary school principal, was on the faculty of Concordia-River Forest, IL, served the LCMS as Secretary of Schools, and assisted in the accreditation of international schools in Asia. Other administrative positions included Vice President of Administration and Acting President of Concordia Publishing House.

As the Director of LCMS Lutheran World Relief, 1987-1995, Al assisted LCMS mission stations world-wide in the coordination of  their work of evangelism with human care. After having personal experiences working with refugees in Africa and Eastern Europe, he brings a unique experiential background as he and his wife, Ruth, work with CFNA and our new Americans in St. Louis.

Besides engaging in various activities at The Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens and Christ Community Lutheran School, Al is also a driver for Meals On Wheels and the Shepherd Center. He also serves as a volunteer for a number of community activities and venues.

Concordia Seminary Comes to the Peace Center

Faculty members Andy Bartelt and mike redeker (on ladder) provide some overdue tree trimming.

What a delight to see the work of the Peace Center first hand and even make a modest contribution to the support of the physical building. The occasion was one of many options within the annual servant event by the new students at Concordia Seminary, part of the orientation week activities. Faculty and staff, residential and distance students, graduate and international students all worked together in completing some repairs and cleaning, both inside and out. And God gave us a nice hot day to offer a little “sweat equity.”

seminary faculty members and students discuss the event with Al and carol buckman

The real joy was learning more about the work of the Center itself. Many of us in the area have long known and supported the ministry of CFNA, but being there along with students whose own background and ministry now engage various ethnic and immigrant mission opportunities brought blessed conversations about reaching out and connecting God’s love and grace and truth to those who are literally seeking to find their way. For some students this is a new experience. For an increasing number, it is further encounter with the realities of the social culture in which the people of God give witness to the rule and reign of God amongst us.

The work of the Center is known to you readers, but the simplicity of the mission model to connect to newcomers, to reach out as a bridge and to engage them toward congregational life was important to hear, and its effectiveness speaks for itself in the impact that the Center is making. We’ll be back, and we pray God’s continued blessing on this important mission work, in Christ’s name.

By Andrew Bartelt Professor of Exegetical Theology Concordia Seminary

Baptism & Confirmation Celebration

damber bhattarai with daughter alisha

Damber Bhattarai was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church located at Morgan Ford and Chippewa, on Sunday, the 16th of August. It was the culmination of a journey she began seven years earlier over 7800 miles away in a refugee camp in Nepal, where she first heard of Christ through the preaching of a Nepali pastor. She was married and had a 6 month old daughter at the time. Having heard the Gospel, she had considered baptism but was dissuaded by the antagonistic stance of her husband’s family.

rev. Tanney with member lynne foster, alisha and mother damber battarai

After her 2010 arrival in St. Louis she learned of a church that was attracting a lot of her Nepalese friends and neighbors. This church featured an outreach effort that included the use of a bus to transport prospective members of the growing St. Louis Nepali community. Though the pastor provided no instruction regarding baptism, Damber nevertheless joined a growing number of Nepali refugees who were being baptized.

However as the Nepali members gradually moved to other parts of St. Louis and beyond, the Nepali portion of this church’s ministry gradually diminished until finally it was discontinued. One day shortly thereafter as Damber and her husband were walking past the Peace Center they were greeted by Rev. Eddie Mekasha, who was serving with CFNA as a missionary among St. Louis refugees. He successfully introduced them not only to CFNA, but also to St. John’s Lutheran Church where Damber and her her family began attending worship.

Shortly thereafter, the pastor at St. Johns, Rev. Michael Tanney, enrolled Damber in an instruction class that covered the entire catechism including especially, the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. On Sunday, August 16 Damber was confirmed and she had Rev. Tanney baptize her six year old daughter Alisha as well.

Please pray that husband Tara finds a job, and a commitment to Jesus in his heart as well.

By: Richard Leigh Photos by: Lynne Foster

PRE-CNA

practicing the art of taking blood pressure

Earlier this year, during one of the advanced ESL classes taught at the Peace Center, some of the students voiced concerns about finding jobs. In particular, they expressed an interest in becoming certified nursing assistants (CNAs), but feared the difficult English textbooks. After conversations about who and when, the first 10 week Pre-CNA course was scheduled for Saturday, April 25th. Its main goal: teach the chief vocabulary and concepts needed to boost the understanding and confidence of those entering the CNA or home health care field.

Thirteen students signed up from six birth nations including: Jordan, Nepal, India, Sudan, Afghanistan, and D.R. Congo. Each paid $20 for the course workbook which they needed, as the vocabulary included very challenging English, even for Americans! As anticipated, some students dropped out. However, six made it to the end and received Certificates of Completion for Part I. Four of these six committed to the second half of the course, with three completing a full, 40 hours of class time and taking the final exam.

jane hewitt with successful students

CNA courses are usually taught by a nurse, but in our case, it seemed more appropriate that an ESL instructor fill this role, which I was pleased to do. Gina Hass, a pre-med student provided valuable assistance. The class may be considered a success in that three of the students either found employment or have gone on for more advanced CNA training. Additionally, all of the students expressed their appreciation for the course. Student Jazmein Modi probably spoke for the rest with her comment, “This class really helps in understanding medical terms and concepts.”

Any discussion about patient care touches on the spiritual and provides opportunities to share Christian beliefs. Course topics included living wills, death and dying, and respecting an individual patient’s religious preferences. This raised further discussion about what happens after death: where do you go? And why? These topics create natural, un-forced opportunities for frankly sharing the Gospel message. And that makes the class a joy to teach!

By Jane Hewitt

Camp Comes to the Peace Center

By Pastor Matt Clark

Activity time

For one Saturday morning, the CFNA Peace Center was transformed into rustic Camp Discovery. A sign welcoming children to camp framed the front door. Trees, mushrooms, and flowers lined the halls. Chester the squirrel talked to children from his tree trunk in the chapel area. All of this was part of a fun-filled, one-day Vacation Bible School for children who are new Americans.

Approximately twenty eager volunteers from Ascension Lutheran Church, as well as three CFNA high-school scholarship students, set up and oversaw the program. A total of 34 children from 5 different nations participated. Children ranged in age from 6 to 12 years old. Divided into three groups, they rotated to different stations throughout the morning, including a “tree-mendous” opening, treetop storytelling, Big Timber Bible Challenge, campfire snacks, and wilderness crafts.

outdoor games

The theme for the event was “Jesus Saves Me,” and children heard the account of God's deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace. The key Bible verse the children memorized was Daniel 3:17, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us.” Children learned that the same powerful God who saved the three men from the fire of the furnace also saves them from sin and death. At Camp Discovery, through Jesus' death and resurrection, children of all nations can truly say, “Jesus saves me!”

Education's MISSION

Lutheran Hour Ministries, in the July-August 2015 edition of The Lutheran Layman, published a special article featuring the role of Education in Mission, and specifically how CFNA is doing just that. Here is an excerpt from the article, but be sure to click the link below to get the full story!

Saraswoti needed help getting started. She found it at the Peace Center, the ministry center of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) here. She regularly attended After School Tutoring classes twice a week and met volunteer teachers who helped her learn English. They “helped me finish hard homework,” she adds. As a result, Saraswoti says she “made many new friends from different ethnic backgrounds.”

She also found “singing in the chapel, learning God’s Word, and being with people that are Christian” brought a very formative and satisfying experience. As a result, Saraswoti, together with the members of her family as well as a growing number of recent Nepali arrivals, are attending Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis and its Nepali language satellite named New Life Fellowship.

Download the full article!

2015 Adopt a Student Graduates

John okine

Secando Kaka

Four of our Adopt a Student scholarship students are quickly approaching a new set of challenges as they begin the next stage of their education following their graduations in May.

John Okine, a new American from Ghana, graduated from Lutheran High School South in May. In addition to his college prep curriculum heavy on math and science, John was a four-year member of the track and field team, running sprints and relays. In his first several years, he was also a member of the math team, which was quite successful in state and regional competitions. Each year he has also volunteered to work with a Special Olympics athlete during the competition hosted by Lutheran South.

John will be going to Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, where he is planning to study mechanical engineering. John is a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, where his father is the pastor.

Three new freshmen will join the nine Adopt a Student scholarship recipients currently enrolled at Lutheran South and Lutheran North. David Mulat, a Word of Life alum from Ethiopia (via Sudan and Israel) and Karina Ferguson, a Green Park Lutheran alum from Honduras, will both attend Lutheran South.

Secondo Kaka, a Word of Life alum from Eritrea (via Sudan and Ethiopia), will attend Lutheran North. He will be a mentor in the Kitebridge program, where he will live with international exchange students from Asia.

Our sincere thanks to those who, through their donations, have made the scholarships possible. Should you be inclined to consider the possibility of a contribution, please be in thouch with me at judithwmeyer@gmail.com.

By Judith Meyer

David mulat

Karina ferguson

Reaching Out Through Sports

tim schrader

Tim Schrader has been involved with CFNA in ministry among New Americans for the past 10 years, much of it in sports. Here he shares some of his recent observations and activities. Read below as Tim describes this ministry:

I have been involved with soccer and basketball since I started with CFNA 10 years ago, and it has been great fun. Playing soccer with the refugee kids on Sunday afternoons as part of the New Dimensions Soccer League has been especially exciting. The kids really get up for the games, and on game day I always get a barrage of phone calls asking when I am coming.

Many of the players are Muslims and I am often able to develop good relationships not only with them, but also with their parents – with whom I sometimes have the opportunity to share the Gospel. Usually I get one shot at it, and thereafter they are not interested in hearing much more about it. Nevertheless, they still want my friendship, and I am glad to provide it.

a game in progress

With basketball it is different. We are not part of a league so I just arrange to access the gyms at Timothy or Ascension Lutheran Churches for pick-up games once or twice a month. At the end we do a short devotion and then someone always volunteers to say a prayer, and they can say some nice ones.

These days the kids are bombarded with unchristian messages from many sources, and while driving to and from our games I try to give them a biblical perspective on important matters like staying away from drugs, alcohol and waiting for marriage. They don’t always listen, but I keep trying and also keep on praying for each of them.

I remain most grateful for these opportunities.

Webster Partners with CFNA

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

CFNA Children at VBS

CFNA Children at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church VBS

Having fun

Titi Dabi, one of the refugee kids who attends the After School tutoring program at Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) phones in with the request- “Can we pick up Sembetu Bibi and bring her to the VBS.” Her request has to be politely declined because both the registration time and first day of VBS are over; and even though she is disappointed for her friend, she is at least happy that she can come.

The occasion that caught Titi’s interest was the Vacation Bible School at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church from June 15-18. The congregation’s children, volunteer teaching staff and pastoral staff made it comfortable for Titi and her other CFNA friends to learn and enjoy time in God’s Word. In between all the Bible learning activity, action songs and teamwork building games, the theme, “Thailand Trek”, taught the participants about God’s presence being not only real, but also worldwide. Clearly, this cross-cultural theme worked well for CFNA’s 12 New American kids here as refugees from Eritrea, Ethiopia and Liberia. For them it was not only an opportunity to engage with Americans of similar ages, but also an opportunity to see Christ’s love and acceptance in action through the generosity and sharing of the children and Christ Memorial members.

absorbed in the moment

The last day of VBS concluded with a lunch for family and friends in which the CFNA kids participated as welcome guests. This was truly a special moment for the 12 New American children who could be seen singing, dancing, mingling and hugging their new friends. In short, through the facilitation of this cross-cultural VBS, Christ Memorial Lutheran Church responded with Christian love in heeding Christ’s call -“And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matt 18:5).

For this sharing and Christian leadership, CFNA thanks Christ Memorial Lutheran Church led by Senior Pastor Rev. Jeff Cloeter, and others including its Director for Christian Education, Mr. Daniel Meyer. Special thanks also to Timothy Lutheran Church for providing their van for transportation, and also to Mr. Hank Saeger and Mr. Tim Schraeder for serving as drivers.

By Rev. Stanish Stanley

1st Annual Walk-A-Thon

A Walk with Our Friends…

some of the youngest walkers

The 1st Annual Christian Friends of New Americans Walk-A-Thon was held on Saturday, May 30th at the beautiful Lutheran Senior Services campus at Laclede Groves. The one mile path included the Trail at Laclede Groves, and provided a wonderful setting for the celebration and promotion of the mission of CFNA!

The over 100 participants included numerous LCMS members, as well as CFNA volunteers and staff. They also included several New Americans, as well as residents of Laclede Groves.

participants with their new friends

In addition to highlighting the mission of CFNA and promoting friendship with New Americans, the Walk-A-Thon also provided an opportunity to gather funding through participation fees and gifts. With a matching grant from Thrivent, $4,000 was raised in support of CFNA and its caring services among New Americans!

We extend our sincere thanks to Lutheran Senior Services for having provided the venue, and to the eight volunteers who helped organize the event. The 2nd Annual Walk-A-Thon is tentatively scheduled for May 21, 2016! We will be most pleased to have you with us, and will provide additional event information in the near future.

By: Harold Melser

Vern Gunderman - Volunteer Of The Month

Volunteer of the Month

REV. VERN GUNDERMANN

rev. vern gundermann (left) with dr. john lautenschlager at the cfna walk-a-thon.

As a pastor of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, Reverend Vern Gundermann has served parishes in Arcadia, IA, Madison, WI, Plymouth, MN and Kirkwood, MO. Presently he serves as the administrator of Pastoral Care for Lutheran Senior Services.

His more than 50 years of service include nearly 10 years as a CFNA Associate. Here he shares his experience as a volunteer reaching out to New Americans.

“My paternal grandparents arrived in America in 1886, and were welcomed by Christian friends and relatives. We descendants are committed to be as welcoming as they were welcomed.

“Those grandparents would also welcome 13 children into this new land from the farm they settled in Fulda, Minnesota. I was born in that farm house as well. My brother still farms that land, and they are now welcoming new Americans from many places into this rural area.

“How much more significant is it that we welcome new Americans into our great city. It is a joy for me to serve on the steering committee, provide some of the devotions and Bible Studies at the Peace Center and to be in support of activities like the golf tournament to help fund our efforts serving as Christian Friends of New Americans!“

Thanks Vern, for your commitment and your service! 

An Ascension Celebration

By Pastor Matt Clark

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ And when He had said these things, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight.” Acts 1:8-9

The action in this reading from Acts 1 takes place at Jesus’ ascension. Sadly, Ascension Day has been called the “forgotten festival” by some. Jesus’ ascension up into His Father’s presence forty days after Easter is often overlooked, and few congregations hold worship services to celebrate this event.

But there was recently much celebrating on Ascension Day at Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis! There, a special Ascension service was held, sponsored by three St. Louis congregations: Ascension, St. Johns, and Timothy. The service was held outdoors, under the same sky into which Jesus ascended.

What made this service truly special was the baptisms of twelve Nepalese new Americans and the confirmations of 14 Nepalese new Americans. The baptisms and confirmations were administered by Pastor Matt Clark with Pastors Michael Tanney, Bill Wilson, and Chris Agne assisting. Nepali Evangelist Gagan Gurung translated the rites of Baptism and Confirmation into Nepali. In partnership with CFNA, these new Americans have found a home at Ascension and a home in the family of God as baptized brothers and sisters in Christ.

On Ascension Day 2015, it was moving to witness the Gospel of Jesus Christ being spread “to the ends of the earth,” right here in St. Louis!

Special thanks for photos provided by Sarah Gibbs!  Click HERE for more wonderful photos!

Rev. Allan buckman standing to the left of gagan gurung, who serves as the nepali ministry facilitator. with them are some of those who were baptized and/or confirmed on ascension day. the others were baptized and/or confirmed previously, and all have been recipients of services provided by CFNA.

Ethiopian/Eritrean Bible Fellowship

Some of the members of the Bible fellowship. Rev. Workeneh is in the back row, second from the right.

We are an Ethiopian and Eritrean Evangelical Church of Mekane Yesus (The Lutheran Body in Africa) first generation American immigrant fellowship body. At the heart of our Mekane Yesus Church is the foundation of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ that cannot be earned, bought, or produced; it is given to us freely and without any strings attached. We celebrate this love that surrounds and fills us individually every day, and through our fellowship program each Saturday from 5:00- 6:30 pm at the CFNA Peace Center. These weekly gatherings provide the opportunity for earnest Bible study, prayer, mutual encouragement and service.

Our Purpose is to connect Ethiopian and Eritrean members of the Mekane Yesus Church now living in St. Louis for purposes of spiritual nurture, Bible study, encouragement and service.

Our Vision

1. Reach Ethiopian and Eritrean people in and around St. Louis with the Word of God, readying them for the fulfillment of their great commission and for the expansion of the His Kingdom.

2. Plant at least one Ethiopian and Eritrean congregation in St. Louis.

3. Nurture the children of God through preaching, teaching, and training.

4. Serve the people of God according to their ages, spiritual level, and spiritual gifts.

5. To serve the greater community through holistic ministry, especially as regards the betterment of children and disadvantaged people, for purposes of deepening their identity in Christ.

For more information please contact Pastor Theodros Workeneh 571-340-5047 tedypsycho@yahoo.com

After School Tutoring 2014-2015

tutors and students. our thanks to thrivent for their support of this event

The 2014-15 tutoring year came to a close on Tuesday, May 19, with more than 70 New American students and tutors participating in a closing devotion at the Peace Center. This was followed by a five block walk to Ted Drews where delicious frozen custard was enjoyed by all. After returning to the Peace Center, special awards of encouragement and affirmation were presented to the students.

students enjoy some great ted drews frozen custard!

Sixty four tutoring sessions were offered this academic year, with an average of 30 New American students in attendance per session. They represent numerous birth nations including Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Yemen and more. More than 100 New American students participated, of whom 70 percent identify themselves as Christians. Of that number 38, together with their families, now regularly attend Lutheran congregations in the vicinity; primarily Ascension and Timothy Lutheran Churches. In addition, students from the Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist communities were also regular participants.

Many thanks and much appreciation go to the approximately 25 volunteer tutors, including several Concordia Seminary students, who offered their services throughout the year. Several of these are now multiple year participants, which has brought much needed stability to this ministry. Our thanks also to the 25 Pastors from numerous area Lutheran congregations who provided thoughtful, interesting and Bible based devotions throughout the year.

Rev. Stanish Stanley, CFNA Executive Director, served as the coordinator for this ministry for a second year in a row. His outstanding servant leadership assured the continuing high quality of this program. We extend our sincere thanks to him, and to the members of his very fine family.

(from information provided by Sandy Gerber)

Samuel Neal

On Sunday, April 19, Samuel was baptized into the Christian faith at Timothy Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO, where he is now a member.

Samuel was born on May 5, 1998 in Monrovia, Liberia. He grew up there with his parents, attended school faithfully and played soccer – his favorite sport. Earlier this year he came to America, arriving in St. Louis on February 10.

He came to get a better education and attends Roosevelt High School in St. Louis city. Of course, he plays soccer and that is how he became part of the CFNA network, having joined the team organized by CFNA Associate, Tim Schrader.

Tim invited Samuel to worship at Timothy Lutheran Church, an invitation Samuel accepted. It should be noted that Samuel is only one of many New Americans to have received an invitation from Tim. Indeed, there are now several young New Americans attending Timothy who have travelled the same route.

Tim describes Samuel as, “always smiling and friendly. He lets his light shine wherever he goes.” Samuel’s plans include completion of high school and after becoming a US citizen, joining the Marines. Please join CFNA in welcoming Samuel to Timothy, St. Louis and the Lutheran community.

From information provided by Tim Schrader.

After School Tutoring Workshop

Tutoring workshops, capably led by Rev. Stanish Stanley, have done much to strengthen the growing After School Tutoring (AST) program at the Peace Center located in South St. Louis city. Even though CFNA has been blessed with a sizeable number of capable volunteer tutors, it is always in the process of recruiting more as student participation continues to grow.

Approximately 100 New American elementary and secondary school students from eight different birth nations (Nepal, Bhutan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Yemen) participate in the AST program. They are tutored and mentored by volunteers from LCMS congregations, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis University, Vianney High School and elsewhere. All of the tutors recognize this as an excellent opportunity to share their academic knowledge as well as their faith. All of them also appreciate these opportunities to personally get to know and befriend these New American students.

These workshops have been offered on a regular basis, most recently on February 15th and March 22nd. They serve as excellent venues to meet, greet, share tutoring experiences and provide critical insight for the improvement of this ministry. Encouragement and fellowship are definitely a part of these gatherings, all of it very much enhanced by pot luck suppers complete with ethnic specialties.

Skill giving, capacity building and new ideas are always a part of the workshops. For example, the “parachute game” recently suggested by Marge Schrieber quickly caught on with the students (see video below!).

No workshop would be complete without expressions of appreciation for the work of these committed servants. To be sure, CFNA remains deeply grateful for the services of these gifted and generous people.

From information provided by Rev. Stanish Stanley

Timothy & Immanuel Servant Event

Thank You Timothy & Immanuel!

Helping sort and catalog documents

On Sunday April 19th, confirmation age youth from Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Festus joined forces to provide some service for Christian Friends of New Americans. It is a great time of year to do a little spring cleaning, and that is exactly what these youth did.

Youth from both churches blended together to get to know each other, and fulfill the tasks at hand. They swept and mopped floors, cleaned banisters and bathrooms, organized files, and did an amazing job sprucing up the art room. In just two hours the youth made a remarkable difference. Moreover, three of the students were themselves New Americans who had been beneficiaries of programs offered at the Peace Center. They had come to add their contribution and “payback”.

It was also a great opportunity to learn about the Lord’s mission at Christian Friends of New Americans. As the groups arrived, they were taught about the role of CFNA in the community, and they were able to greet some of the people who were assembled for an afternoon worship service. The experience was certainly one that allowed the youth to see the Lord at work through them, and in the life of immigrant families. Thank you, Lord, for what you do at CFNA. Thank you, youth, for serving in the Lord’s name.

By: Rev. Kyle Castens

Richard Leigh - Associate Of The Month

CFNA ASSOCIATE OF THE MONTHI was born in 1947 in Pasadena, California to unchurched parents, though my mother was a closet Christian having answered an altar call less than a decade earlier. With no objections from my father, she followed her parents’ practice by sending me to the nearest Sunday school in the neighborhood. This, however, did not last beyond my ninth year. Shortly thereafter I decided for atheism, while a small urge for Christ still remained somewhere in my heart.

I was as yet unbaptized and having been encouraged by one of my cousins, I began to read the Bible. I was finally to come to faith when at the age of eleven my mother took me and my two sisters to the nearest church, St. Paul’s Lutheran in Monrovia, California. There I heard the call to baptism, which I heeded. After marriage and the start of our family, we transferred our membership to a neighboring LCMS congregation.

My college education began at a community college, followed by a B.A. degree in behavioral science from California Polytechnic University. Later I received an M.A. in historical theology from the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago (LSTC). Throughout my college career I enjoyed working with foreign students, and assisted several with English as a Second Language instruction, so that they might better prepare their class lessons.

While working as a case manager for Preferred Family in St. Louis I formed an instant relationship with Rev. Eddie Mekasha, who introduced me to CFNA. After my retirement in 2013 I began working with this mission agency on a steady part time basis. Because CFNA serves many nationalities, this has been an excellent place to further utilize my case management skills – primarily by assisting New Americans with medical assistance and government paperwork issues. I also help them resolve problems with utility companies and landlords, and from time to time I help provide transportation.

I find most fulfilling however, opportunities to help teach home Bible studies, and anything else having to do with the growing relationship between many New Americans and Jesus Christ.

Andy Lonigro

IN MEMORIAM

Andy was born November 6, 1957 in Saint Louis, Missouri, and was raised on “The Hill” by his parents Rose Marie and Sam Lonigro. He attended St. Louis Public Schools and graduated from Southwest High School in 1975.

For several years, Andy worked for his father as an insurance agent. He loved sports of all kinds, but especially hockey. A patient person committed to helping others, he was always there to listen and love without judgment.

Andy became a confirmed member of Ascension Lutheran Church on Sunday, July 14, 2013; an event he regarded as a highlight of his life. He came to feel truly accepted there and often remarked that when he was feeling down, the three things that always made him feel better were prayer, going to church and volunteer service.

Andy was a regular at the Peace Center where he served on Tuesday evenings as a volunteer tutor for the After School Tutoring program. There and at Ascension he became acquainted with several of the New Americans from Nepal, and he always enjoyed their company. Indeed, their "We Love You" card remained predominantly displayed on the wall of his apartment, along with his Ascension confirmation certificate and his CFNA certificate of appreciation.

Having battled cancer and other health issues for an extended period, on Sunday, March 8, Andy passed safely into the arms of Jesus. He will be missed.