Identity Youth Week

June 4–7 hosted the second annual Identity Youth Week—a time that targeted youth from all over the South City area of St. Louis to learn about their intimate, loving God and how to intimately love and serve their neighbors. Identity started with breakfast in the mornings, followed by worship and then teaching by DCE Julie Keeley.

Each youth was assigned to a group with a mentor, who led them through meaningful conversations and thought-provoking questions to provide insight into identity in Christ. Afternoons were filled with group activities that allowed for further discussion while youth interacted with one another and the community. Each day was different.

CFNA had two roles. The first was an increase in participation of CFNA youth in 7th–12th grade. About 20 of the 80 youth involved in the entire event were once (or currently are) connected to CFNA. One junior boy stated, “It was good to engage with friends from all different schools, churches, and cultures. This is a rare space.” Identity Week was another way to reinforce God’s relentless love of each one of these youth while they hung out and gave back to South City through mission projects.

The second role was provided by the Peace Center itself as it was a host site to one of the missional projects for the youth. During the afternoons, teams traveled to share camp songs, illustrations of Christ’s love and forgiveness, crafts, snacks, and games with the CFNA children in grades K–5.

“I enjoyed how easily the children allowed us to be a part of their community and excitedly worked with us to do the crafts,” commented one 8th grader who was delighted to find that her team would be returning to CFNA for the second year of Identity.

Plans are already being made for Identity 2019, as many of the youth have asked, “May we serve at CFNA again next year?” It is partnerships such as this that make our city strong, weaving together the people of God as they live in His image.

By Amy Zeigler Epiphany Lutheran Church

Recovering From Violence

bal and dil gurung

Born in Bhutan, Bal Gurung traveled as a refugee to Nepal, where he lived for several years in the Goldap Refugee Camp, located approximately 300 miles from Katmandu. On September 11, 2009, he, and his wife, Dil, were resettled in St. Louis.

Having been baptized in Nepal, both Bal and Dil became involved with CFNA shortly after their arrival and became members of Ascension Lutheran Church, along with 50 or 60 other members of the Nepali community.

Three months ago, while returning home one evening from a shopping trip, he was stopped by another vehicle and robbed at gunpoint. When he hesitated to hand over his wallet, he was shot; the gunman fled, leaving Bal gravely wounded. Bleeding severely and unable to make a phone call because his phone had been taken, he drove three miles to a relative’s home, who called 911.

Rushed to SLU hospital with his life hanging by a thread, he was promptly given emergency care and remained in the hospital for 13 days. Three months later, Bal is much improved, though he still experiences episodic pain. This has prevented him from returning to his previous employment, though Dil does work part-time as a housecleaner in one of the St. Louis hotels.

Bal and Dil are profuse in their thanks to the members of Ascension Lutheran Church, New Life Bible Fellowship (Ascension satellite), and CFNA for their prayers and help with rent, utilities, and groceries. One family from Webster Gardens Lutheran Church even provided a car—used, but in excellent condition. The transfer process was greatly facilitated by Rev. Ted Wuerffel, a longtime CFNA volunteer.

As he continues his recovery with Dil’s help, Bal solicits your prayers. Any financial assistance you may wish to provide for Bal, Dil, and their four children (Guman, Munoj, Anish, and Joel) should be directed to Ascension Lutheran Church at 5347 Donovan Ave., 63109 or CFNA at 4019 S. Grand Blvd., 63118.

By Rev. Allan Buckman with Rev. Ted Wuerffel

Natalie Bishop

natalie, jake and the children

Introducing the New English Language Coordinator

Growing up in a pastor's family, Natalie watched and experienced ministry happen in different contexts among people from rural North Carolina, the north side of St. Louis, and in a small town in southern Illinois. While studying at Concordia University Chicago to be a high school chemistry teacher, she had the opportunity to teach English in China for a summer. This experience clearly demonstrated how powerful it is to serve another person by sharing the English language. It also demonstrated how powerfully God will work through small details and relationships.

After teaching junior high for a few years, Natalie enrolled at Wheaton College, where she earned an MA in Intercultural Studies along with a TESOL endorsement (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Sometimes, English is a New American's third or fourth language!) While completing that program, she also worked as an English language facilitator with the International Student Ministry (ISM, Inc). Instead of returning to China, she continued her service among those from China and elsewhere who had come to complete graduate and post-graduate study programs in Chicago-area colleges and universities.

Natalie and her husband, Jake, moved to St. Louis five years ago with two girls, who are now attending St. Louis Language Immersion School (SLLIS; Chinese program). Two younger boys keep their mom busy at home while Jake works as a computer programmer.

Serving with CFNA will give her a new chance to connect New Americans with volunteers who are working to serve God and love their neighbors. She is eager to support English programs that meet the needs of New Americans learning to use English as they navigate a new country, thereby reflecting the love of a God who created and saved each of us for a purpose.

Alicia Maners

CFNA Associate

alicia maners

I originally connected with CFNA through my summer internship with ILAD (International Literacy and Development), an organization dedicated to helping marginalized people groups though literacy and development (https://ilad.ngo). ILAD is currently partnering with refugee communities in three strategic cities (Dallas, San Diego, and St. Louis) through literacy development and job creation. This summer, I am working in South St. Louis City and South St. Louis County to research the viability of a business as a mission effort that would benefit the economic development of specifically Arabic-and Kurdish-speaking refugee communities.

One way ILAD can help these underserved people is by creating jobs for refugee women. CFNA already recognizes and provides for many needs of refugee women through ESL classes, driving courses, Heart-to-Heart ministry, and, ultimately, a community of believers dedicated to sharing the love of Christ. Therefore, I approached CFNA with the opportunity to start a sewing class that will teach skills needed for a job in the dry cleaning business or as a seamstress. Perhaps some of the women might decide to start their own businesses! Each class will start with a Bible study, followed by a shared meal. Our goal is always to draw refugees into a community of believers, and a sewing initiative will help accomplish this while enabling women to provide for their own families.

I am an English with licensure major at Harding University. I’ve also added a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certification and a linguistics minor. In addition to my academic studies, my study-abroad and mission-work experiences have molded my passion for refugee communities. Through travel, I have been exposed to many ethnic groups and have learned how to work with and serve them. With this internship with ILAD and work as a CFNA associate, I’ll be able to use these relational skills while interacting with the Arabic-and Kurdish-speaking refugee communities in St. Louis.

Grace and Peace, Alicia Maners CFNA Associate

FREEDOM RUN

winners: seminarian anthony deliberto (3rd), kontale tuka (1st), prof. jim marriot (2nd)

they’re off

anticipation

On Saturday, April 28, CFNA held its 4th Annual “Freedom Walk & 5K Run” on the beautiful campus of Concordia Seminary. Good weather, special T-shirts, and a diverse group of participants including more than 50 New Americans, served as the key features of this special event.

Indeed, many New American kids and families who participated in last year’s event were also looking forward to this one as. Marbati Nitti an eight-year-old from Ethiopia reminded me to, “make sure you pick me up… I am going to beat Kontale and win the race.” Marbati was convinced he could beat 13-year-old Kontale Tuka also from Ethiopia, who last year placed 3rd.

By 10 am, a host of runners and walkers stood ready, as Prof. Dan Mattson from Concordia Seminary brought a warm message of welcome. After event Emcee and race organizer Jacob Mohnke provided instructions, the “Freedom Run & Walk 2018” was on its way. The results: Kontale Tuka was the winner, with Concordia Seminary’s Prof. James Marriot finishing 2nd and Seminarian Anthony Deliberto placing 3rd. In the girls’ section, Adaga Nitti from Ethiopia finished 1st followed by Gojam Tuka and Aleka Tuka (also from Ethiopia). Among the youngest racers (ages 6-10), Etando Mmowe from Congo finished 1stfollowed by Marbati Nitti and Seleman Tuka (from Ethiopia).

For the over 120 participants, the event served to express solidarity and commitment to sharing Jesus with recently arrived refugees in St. Louis. Accordingly, the event brought together Concordia Seminary students and faculty along with pastors and members of numerous LCMS congregations, as well as a significant number of New Americans. All were treated to a special performance by New American Folk Dancers.

waiting in line

CFNA extends its thanks to Concordia Seminary for again hosting this special event, as well as to the Event Committee and Co-Chair Harold Melser for their good efforts.

Prepared by Pastor Stanish Stanley Photos by Ron Virus

Who Is Served?

merwa & and peyton

rec time

devotions with rev. wilson

As we move into the later part of the month of May, another school year is rapidly coming to a close. That also brings to an end another year for our Tuesday/Thursday After-School Tutoring (AST) Program. It has been a busy year for our volunteers. The children who have come to us have provided us with many challenges as we have attempted to help them learn about Jesus and to get to know Him a little better.

Each student who comes to our tutoring program is asked to complete a registration form. With the help of facilitators, drivers, tutors, and family members, we had 72 children who completed the registration process. There were another 29 children who attended at least one tutoring session but who did not bring back their paperwork. On most evenings, we had 35 to 40 children in attendance, and there were some evenings when our attendance reached or exceeded 45.

Birth countries represented by these students include Bhutan, Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Nepal, Nigeria, Sudan, Syria, Uganda, and the United States. Ethiopia was the country with the largest representation (26 percent). Approximately 43 percent of our children stated that they were “Christian” or members of a specific Christian denomination, with 18 percent listing “Lutheran” as their church affiliation. LCMS congregations represented included Ascension, Epiphany, and Timothy. Most of our children (89 percent) are enrolled in the St. Louis Public School systems.

As we end another year of AST, we thank God for the children He has brought to us and the opportunities we have had to develop relationships with one another. We thank Him for the almost 30 volunteers who gave their time and talents in service to the children who came to us. We pray that God will bless and keep all the children safely in His care over the summer. We look forward to serving as many or more, New American children again next year.

By Sandy Gerber St. Johns (City) Lutheran Church

Reflections

jaylynn bernhardt

Editor’s note: Jaylynn Bernhardt is among the first of the Lutheran Young Adult Corps workers and the first to have served with CFNA. Now near the end of her 10-month service commitment, she shares her reflections.

When I look back to May 2017, I remember God guiding me to join the Lutheran Young Adult Corps. I was in my first year of college, looking for long-term missionary opportunities, and very much wanted to serve in a different community while being surrounded by Christ-centered people with a heart for serving.

Having arrived in St. Louis during the first of August, I was immediately enveloped with love and support. My assignment took me to two locations, one of them being Christian Friends of New Americans. In a nutshell, my intern time with CFNA has really changed my perspective on life for the better, and it has made me fall in love with cross-cultural ministry.

At CFNA, I helped with Heart-to-Heart Bible Studies (with the kids), ESL Tutoring, the Ethiopian/Eritrean After-School Program, giveaways, and many events that the Peace Center puts on for those it serves. My most challenging experience has been getting to know how each ethnic community served by CFNA really works, as these clients come from all over the world (Nepal, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Syria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Congo, and more). The opportunity to develop friendships with many of these people has been a blessing.

CFNA has taught me so many lessons that I can’t put them all on one page. They have taught me patience, compassion, planning big events, Sales Force data entry, and sharing God’s love. They have also taught me how to give myself and my plans completely to the Lord as He guides my life. And they have taught me how to surrender myself more, live a life of simplicity, and love and serve those from other places.

I can’t even begin to express the gratefulness I have for everyone who has guided me in this place. You truly have brought me in as one of your own and made me feel a part of the CFNA family. I will never forget all that you have taught me, and I will share what you have done with many in the future. God bless you all and thank you for your never-ending love and support.

I pray this organization will continue to serve immigrants and refugees in a way that points to God, and I hope they never forget the impact they have had on these families. CFNA will always have a place in my heart.

By Jaylynn Bernhardt Lutheran Young Adult Corps

A Special Partnership

Since the beginning of the CFNA Adopt a Student Scholarship Program, partnerships have been critical. The biggest partner is the Lutheran Foundation, which matches every dollar that is contributed toward scholarships that allow New American children to attend Lutheran elementary and secondary schools.

A number of individuals and families have also been important supporters of the scholarship program, often supporting the same students for multiple years.

ted and abby

For example, Ted and Abby have supported Secondo (from Eritrea) since 2011, when he was a student at Word of Life. He is now a junior at Lutheran North.

secondo

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selah, diane, tim, jonah

Diane and Tim have supported scholarships for Jonah and Selah at Word of Life, ever since their father came to study at Concordia Seminary. They are from Ethiopia.

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Dave, judith, joseph

Longtime supporters of the scholarship program, Dave and Judith have supported scholarships for high school students for years. For the past two years, they have supported a scholarship at Lutheran South for Joseph, who is from Sierra Leone.

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A more recent donor, Harry has been supporting several elementary students for the past two years. Recently Kibur and Ezekiel visited Harry at his home, where they talked about their countries, Word of Life, and Harry’s puzzle games. Other students he supports include Ellen at Grace Chapel and Nabayet and Elga at Word of Life.

harry

kibur, ezekiel

ellen

nabayet, elga

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By Judith Meyer Coordinator, Scholarship Assistance Ministry Member: Timothy Lutheran Church

Resurrection Party

decorating cookies

completely engaged

watercolor craft table

This spring, the Lutheran High School South National Honor Society (LHSS NHS) put together an Easter Resurrection party for the children of Christian Friends of New Americans. The party was full of fun, laughter, games, crafts, songs, and, of course, the Easter story. The NHS volunteers had a blast sharing the Easter story in a fun way, and the kids had a great time as well! In the words of Jen Wittmayer, a senior at Lutheran South, “It was really great to share the joy of Easter with the kids and see them having such a good time with all the activities we planned for them.”

Upon arrival at Epiphany Lutheran Church, the children were greeted by NHS members ready to play Easter Bingo–complete with prizes—after which snacks were served. The children were then split into five activity groups. Children could make and color an Easter puzzle, create a watercolor cross-project, frost and sprinkle sugar cookies, and decorate a popsicle cross station with jewels and colored cotton balls. A fifth station featured an “egg on a spoon” relay race.

Not only was the party great fun, but it also afforded an opportunity to share the Easter story with 40 to 50 New American children. And we were grateful CFNA could be part of this. Lauren Chong, an NHS executive board member, shared this parting comment: “Through CFNA, we can make a difference in our own community. The Resurrection Party was a way to teach the children about Jesus’ love and what He did through fun games, songs, and devotion. I always love working with these kids and seeing God work in both our lives and theirs.”

The children left with the Easter story in their hearts and a bag full of treats and crafts in their hands.

By Avery Starnes Member: NHS Executive Committee Member: Concordia, Kirkwood

Ben and Addie Janssen - Volunteers Of The Month

ben, addie, mother Jen (standing) and associate

marge schrieber

CFNA Volunteers of the Month

ben and addie

At regular intervals, Christian Friends of New Americans seeks to recognize volunteers who have served for longer periods of time. This month, we recognize Ben (age 10) and Addie (age 12) Janssen, both of whom are completing their fourth year of service.

Since the fall of 2014, Addie and Ben have been coming to the Peace Center every week with their mother, Jen, to assist with the After School Tutoring program. Jen serves as the Coordinator for the Tuesday evening classes. It all began when grandmother Marge Schrieber brought her daughter Jen and grandchildren to the first class. Since then, Ben and Addie have never looked back.

When asked why they keep coming, both Ben and Addie will tell you they just want to help and to tell others about Jesus. Their regular duties include setting up and serving snacks as well as helping to clean up the tables afterward. In addition, they help the younger kids with their homework, especially reading. They also like joining the New American children in games during recreation time.

For recreation, Ben likes to play chess or baseball, and he is getting good at both. His goal is to play professional baseball and/or become a Grand Master in chess. Addie enjoys reading, swimming, and soccer, and she has her sights set on designing apps, or perhaps becoming an entrepreneur in some line of retail sales.

Both Addie and Ben declare that what they are doing now is like being a missionary without having to leave home, and they love it. The family, including their father, Scott, are members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waterloo, IL.

By Rev. Al Buckman

Stepping Up

“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” (unknown source)

Educational attainment is especially difficult for New Americans, who are often limited by language, work schedules, and family commitments. Recognizing this not only as a problem, but also as a service opportunity, the Ethiopian and Eritrean Bible Fellowship recently launched a ministry called the Skill Enhancement Program (SEP). Designed for New Americans, Pastor Teddy Workeneh envisioned and developed the program. The purpose of this new program is to reach out to those who arrived in this country with certificates in key skill areas, only to learn that these certificates are not recognized. Examples would be the fields of nursing and home health care.

The first course to be offered is Home Health Aid (HHA), for which 17 people have enrolled. The course, which consists of 72 classes, is provided online, and students are tutored by an experienced and well qualified Registered Nurse. The goal is to complete all the classes, take the final exam successfully, receive the certificate, and then seek employment in this field. This is very compelling to skilled New Americans limited to entry-level employment due to the lack of proper certification.

A favorable feature is flexibility. Students complete the required assignments on their own time, allowing them to work around other responsibilities. The required weekly meetings provide an opportunity for assistance as needed. Devotions are offered with each class, often providing a link with the recently established but growing Ethiopian and Eritrean Bible Fellowship.

the class

This program has been made possible by a grant from the Grace Lutheran Foundation of Destin, Florida, as well as by significant leadership provided by CFNA colleagues. This “stepping-stone” opportunity means a great deal for New Americans seeking advancement. As Jean Konde (Congo) put it, “This program is something I have been seeking for a long time. I expect to complete the course and receive my certificate. Once certified, my career will change in a meaningful way.” Clearly, this course meets a real need and ignites hope.

We offer our sincere thanks to the members of Grace Lutheran Church and the Grace Lutheran Foundation. Without their prayers and financial support, this ministry would not be possible.

By Rev. Teddy Workeneh with Rev. Allan Buckman

A Heartwarming Experience During a Cold Winter Break

with the nepali furniture recipients

During our Winter Break (Feb 18-23) at Eastern Michigan University, I and three students took five days to do ministry, first at Chicago Hope Academy and Church with Pastor Jason Pankau in West Downtown Chicago.

Then, on Monday, we went to St. Louis and had the privilege of serving with Christian Friends of New Americans at their Peace Center. We spent Tuesday getting acquainted with the exciting and important outreach to refugees, and learned from Dr. Stanish Stanley about the ministry, its history and purpose. We then shared an amazing evening with 45 children of all ages and from several birth nations tutoring math, playing chess, sharing the Bible, playing games and just enjoying the experience of servants caring for these children and their families! I watched as Pastor Mike Tanney shared the amazing truth of Holy Baptism with two teenage Muslim girls and two other students in Bible Study, and then in the chapel with the other 41 students! It was an exciting time. Thank you to Jennifer Janssen and her amazing children Addie and Ben plus the other awesome volunteers that make this night so special each week!

helping with after school tutoring

We had an extraordinary time on Wednesday as we spent the morning cleaning the Peace Center. We cleaned, vacuumed and took out the garbage. Dr. Stanley treated us to an Ethiopian lunch and heard our waitress share with us how the Peace Center offers her driving lessons on Saturdays. We then picked up a dining table and chairs from a Lutheran widower who was downsizing, and delivered them to a family of refugees from Nepal. I am going to be visiting India and Nepal in October so this was an awesome opportunity to hear their story!

We are so thankful to CFNA Peace Center for hosting us as we spent these few days in St. Louis. We have POBLO here in Michigan so we know about this need, but it was so amazing to experience this wonderful ministry up close! May God truly continue to bless this ministry now and in the future!

Pastor Bryan Schindel Cross & Resurrection Church and The Chapel Eastern Michigan University

New Life Bible Fellowship

new life leaders (l to r): gagan, anju, anna, john

Evangelist Gagan Gurung serves as the leader of New Life Bible Fellowship. Begun four years ago with 25 members, New Life now numbers approximately 75, most of whom were formerly Hindus or Buddhists.

This growing Lutheran community worships Sunday mornings at the CFNA Peace Center. Services are in the Nepali language and normally last two hours, though longer services are not uncommon. Approximately 50 of those in attendance have been baptized and/or confirmed at Ascension Lutheran Church, where they all go for worship on the first Sunday of the month.

Evangelist Gagan, whom the New Life members regard as their pastor, recently stated that, “CFNA is the most important organization for refugees in St. Louis.” To find out why, we recently spent a Sunday morning in worship with New Life members, then interviewed their leaders including (in addition to Gagan): John Gurung (youth), Anna Rai (music) and Anju Gurung (Sunday School). Our discussion focused primarily on the following:

Why does CFNA matter to you?

• They provide a safe place for us to gather, especially for worship. (Gagan)

• CFNA has a kind heart. It is a place we can go for help with problems. (Anju)

• We see CFNA people helping us with things we need. (John)

• They enable us to gain skills. (Anna)

new life members

Why does Ascension Lutheran Church matter to you? (Note: New Life functions as a satellite of Ascension)

• It is a place we can go to feel accepted, and they make us feel like they want us to be there. (Anju & Anna)

• They help us find employment. (All)

• They provide new opportunities, like the enrollment of our children in Word of Life Lutheran School. (Gagan)

• It is a place where we can meet a lot of American people. (John)

• They helped us purchase a van, which was a huge answer to prayer. (All)

What is the purpose of New Life Bible Fellowship?

• Gather often for worship and prayer. (Note: In addition to Sunday worship, members also gather once or twice a week for singing and prayer.)

• To reach out to those who do not believe in Jesus, especially those seeking a new life.

 Members of New Life regard II Corinthians 5:17 as their favorite verse. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” Without exception, members feel they have been blessed with a new life. We wish them our Lord’s richest blessings as they continue their journey of worship, praise, prayer and mission outreach.

By Rev. Allan Buckman with Gagan Gurung and New Life Leaders

Confirmation of a Different Sort

Ev. bhim receives his certificate

Background: Leaders from spiritual communities of various cultures asked if they could hold worship services here at St. Johns Lutheran Church. As a result, during the past few years, three congregations (African, Nepalese, and Vietnamese) have been worshiping in our facilities. After several years of interaction with these Christian congregations, leaders of two of these churches showed an interest in being a part of our congregation and learning the Lutheran doctrine.

Process: With the desire to learn and lead their congregations, they partnered with us in the life and mission here at St. Johns. We began with classes in Christian doctrine using Luther’s Small Catechism. After the class, I asked if they wanted to be confirmed and become members of our church. They accepted, and on Sunday, February 25, the two pastors from the Nepalese church were confirmed, and a celebration brunch was served.

reception for the bhim and nabin families

The Hope: Having completed their preliminary pre-seminary Christian Doctrine course, all three received recognition certificates. For Ban Le (not pictured), it is hoped that he will go through the colloquy process and become a Lutheran pastor serving the Vietnamese church. For Nabin and Bhim, the hope is that they will begin to teach their congregation the catechism and, at the completion of the course, confirm their members here at St. Johns.

All in all, my hope is to train the leaders of these ethnic churches and partner with them as they evangelize those of their cultures and languages, which we aren’t able to do very effectively. As we incorporate them into our congregation, our prayer is that the next generations will raise up leaders to be enrolled in the seminary.

By Rev. Michael Tanney Pastor at St. Johns Lutheran Church

Lutheran High School South/CFNA Swim Program

snack time

“Pastor Spanish, I want to go swim today. You coming to pick me up?” screamed Merwa Jabir (Sudan) when she saw my car pull up near her house. Her enthusiasm was enough for me to disregard her misrepresentation of my name as I struggled to keep control over the six Sudanese and Congolese kids who were already jostling to get into my vehicle.

Learning to swim during winter is not the most appealing thing to do. Nevertheless, after convincing the parents of the importance of water safety, the swim program organized by Lutheran High School South for refugee kids enjoyed high demand. Undeniably, the enthusiasm of the New American kids was something parents took into consideration as they conquered their own fear of their kids being in danger. By the end of the four-lesson swim program, all 52 of these young participants had gained considerable confidence and ability.

riley handing out certificates

Ably led by Lutheran South National Honor Society president, Riley Schelp, more than 13 swim team members served as volunteers for this effort. Having placed the students into groups according to water familiarity and ability, they began teaching swim skills. By the end of the program, all the students had advanced one or more levels. All of them received Certificates of Achievement.

Bible-based devotions, together with friendly, caring mentorship by the volunteers, served as the basic building blocks for a meaningful witness of Christ’s love for each of us. As a result, youngsters from eight birth nations (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan, Bhutan, Nepal, and Congo) enjoyed fun and fellowship, even as they acquired swimming skills.

CFNA extends sincere thanks to Lutheran High School South and especially members of the swim team. Additionally, we thank Mary Anne Rall, Carol Buckman, and the LHSS students for having provided snacks (bagels and juice) for each session.

mothers and students

Clearly, these classes impacted these New Americans. As Bhumika Gurung (Nepal) put it, “Wow! Thank you for talking to my dad. Now I can swim. The swim teachers are so nice. I would like to come again.”

By Pastor Stanish Stanley Executive Director, CFNA

Riley Schelp - Volunteer Of The Year

riley

CFNA Volunteer of the Year

Editor’s Note: Only two months into 2018, CFNA has selected its Volunteer of the Year. Here, Riley Schelp, an outstanding young lady, shares with us her CFNA experience.

My name is Riley Schelp, and I am a senior at Lutheran High School South. I became involved with CFNA three years ago when I helped my dad and his Bible study group paint in the basement at the Peace Center. Soon after that, I became more involved. My family decided to participate in the adopt-a-family program, and we began visiting a Nepali family every week. We got very close to them, and this was an amazing experience. Since then, I have enjoyed tutoring at the Peace Center, along with participating in many other CFNA programs.

I serve as the president of the National Honor Society at Lutheran South. In this position, I was responsible for choosing an organization the Honor Society might serve, and I immediately suggested CFNA. We did many service projects with them over the past two years, such as buying Christmas presents for families, working at the annual Christmas Party, hosting a Valentine's Day party, hosting an Easter party, and hosting a Trunk-or-Treat at Lutheran South for the New American kids. We were also able to put together a “Girls Day” at the Peace Center for the past two years. Many girls from South came to help, and we had a great time! Being on the swim team, I also helped organize a four-week swim lesson program for the CFNA kids to enable them to learn basic water safety skills and to become more comfortable in the water.

riley and mace

What I love about CFNA is the joy that fills the entire community. All of the children are smiling and so thankful all of the time. Their positivity is contagious. I also love how open everyone has been to ideas and service projects. Anytime I come to Carol Buckman with an idea, no matter how crazy, she helps me make it happen! I am going to miss seeing the kids when I go to college next year; however, I plan on coming back to the Peace Center as much as possible.

Next year, I will be running track and attending the University of Alabama. I plan to study International Relations and Spanish. After college, when I return home, I would love to continue working with CFNA. I am so thankful for the ways God has worked in each of the different service projects. Along this journey, He has taught me so much. I am overwhelmed with the number of blessings God has shown me through working with CFNA.

Riley Schelp Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood, MO

Ethiopian/Eritrean Bible Fellowship

fellowship leaders

rev. teddy & aynalem workeneh

some fellowship members

God is definitely using Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) to draw, bridge, and connect New Americans, predominantly refugees, to LCMS congregations. By the grace of God, the Ethiopian and Eritrean Bible Fellowship was able to confirm five adults and baptize three infants within the past six months, all of whom have been connected with LCMS congregations. Our approach has been to establish meaningful relationships with these newcomers, utilizing the numerous resources available through CFNA. I am so grateful for the LCMS congregations who have opened their doors to these new members, helping them to feel comfortable and to also feel that they have made the right choice.

The Fellowship consists of two ethnic communities: the Eritreans, who worship primarily in the Kunama language, and the Ethiopians, who worship primarily in Amharic. Currently, our combined weekly attendance is a little over 30 people. The members, however, are committed to realizing a combined attendance of approximately 50 by the end of this year.

One of the pressing needs of both the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities has to do with work qualifications. Many have come to this country with qualifications in nursing, child care, home health care, and education. However, because their professional certificates are not recognized in the United States, many have only been able to secure entry-level employment. With the assistance of CFNA, the Fellowship is launching a Skills Enhancement Program to enable these recent arrivals to overcome this difficulty.

During the early part of his ministry, the apostle Paul had the vision of planting churches throughout Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Having received direction from God, however, he redirected his efforts to Macedonia (Greece) and elsewhere in the Mediterranean area (Acts 16:6–10). Please join us in praying for the members of the Ethiopian/Eritrean Bible Fellowship as they likewise seek God’s direction for their ministry in the St. Louis area and beyond.

By Rev. Teddy Workeneh CFNA Missionary to Ethiopian & Eritrean People

A Shepherd You Can Trust

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.  And I have other sheep that are not of this fold.  I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.  So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”  John 10:14-16Can you picture a flock of sheep grazing on a hillside, content and peaceful?  Can you picture a flock of sheep safe in a sheep pen from wild animals or thieves who want to harm them?  In a dangerous world, sheep need a good shepherd to lead them and protect them.  In a loud world with many false voices, sheep need to hear the calming voice of their good shepherd who knows them by name and loves them so much he will lay down his life for them.  They follow him because they trust him.Jesus lived in a dangerous world of competing religious voices, many seeking to take his life. As our Good Shepherd, he was sent by the Father to gather scattered sheep from all over the world into one flock.  He must lay down his life for the sheep.  He loves you, knows you by name and calls you into his flock now and forever.  Welcome to Jesus’ flock!Father, thank you for sending your only Son to be our Good Shepherd by his death on the cross and his resurrection from the grave.  AmenStephen J. Carter, Oakville, MO 

An Engaged Family

quiwonyen hollowanger

wayea hollowanger

ellen hollowanger

Editor’s Note: Now in its tenth year, the Scholarship Assistance Program is CFNA’s longest running ministry. Here we catch a glimpse of a Liberian family fully engaged in CFNA, Lutheran Schools and their congregation, Emmanuel Chapel.

A member of Immanuel Chapel Lutheran Church in Florissant contacted CFNA in the summer of 2012 about a family who moved to St. Louis from Liberia four years earlier; they needed help so their children could attend Grace Chapel Lutheran School. Thus began a relationship between the Hollowangers and CFNA that has expanded and continues.  Three Hollowanger children are now receiving scholarships to attend Grace Chapel and Lutheran High North, and Immanuel Chapel has helped support those scholarships each year, with their gift matched by the Lutheran Foundation.

Wayea and Quiwonyen started as fourth and third graders at Grace Chapel in 2012 and are now a sophomore and freshman at Lutheran North. They were joined by their younger sister Ellen in 2015; she was born six months after the Hollowangers arrived in St. Louis. This year, Wayea is on the LHSN soccer and basketball teams. Quiwonyen has jumped into life at Lutheran North, playing on the volleyball and basketball teams, singing in the choir and participating in the school’s musical. Ellen, who is in the third grade at Grace Chapel, also enjoys singing.

Wayea and Quiwonyen have both volunteered at the CFNA Trivia nights, along with the father and mother, “to show appreciation for the support that CFNA has provided for their children.”

By Judith Meyer Timothy Lutheran Church