Reflections

Samantha

When I applied to join the Lutheran Young Adult Corps in December of 2017, I had no idea what I was getting into. I thought I was going to be doing ten months of rebuilding and urban renewal, using my time and power tool skills to serve the people of New Orleans. I was taken aback when I received my placement last April. Not only was I not going to Louisiana, but I also was being asked to do an entirely different kind of ministry from anything I had ever experienced before. I was both excited and apprehensive. It takes a lot to push me out of my comfort zone, but the idea of working with immigrants and refugees (and even children) definitely managed to do that. So it was with a combination of nervousness and excitement that I started working with my first English class on August 11, 2018.

One of the first lessons I learned through working at CFNA was the beauty of relinquishing control. I spent my first several weeks on the job anxiously trying to force things to go according to plan and schedule before I realized that God does so much more through us than we could have ever imagined. Driving people to job interviews was seldom as simple as I expected it to be. But in taking time to share meals and coffee with people in their homes, I was able to show them that I (and God, through me) cared about them personally.

Even more than that, I was astonished by how much people were willing to give in return. Most of the refugees I met are some of the kindest, most giving people I have ever encountered. I came down with pneumonia in October, and during the time I was sick, I was overwhelmed with gifts of tea, shawarma, falafel, soup, and other foods (that I never have been able to identify) from CFNA’s Arabic Muslim community. It was beyond humbling to see how people who have lost everything are so eager to give from whatever they do have.

Serving with the After-School Tutoring program and working with several of the families outside of normal programs was an incredible opportunity that I didn’t know I needed. Dealing with kids has never been my strong suit, but all of those bright and smiling (and sometimes screaming and crying) faces taught me patience, the importance of loosening up, and just what an honor it is to be able to pour into someone else’s life. Seeing the kids improve academically and open up emotionally made every frustrating minute worth it and reminded me that God gives us what we actually need, not what we think we need. We just have to be open to the journey.

Working with refugees and immigrants has taught me more than I ever hoped to learn about kindness, strength, hope, and resilience. Hearing people’s stories of the traumas they have experienced and seeing how they stay so positive both opened my eyes to how much suffering there actually is in the world and reassured me that God is still working in the midst of it. I was expecting to be placed here to serve others, but what I gave could never measure up to what I have received through the experience.

CFNA is a wonderful ministry, and I have seen firsthand how it changes lives. It has been an honor to be a part of that in some small way. As I move on to the next stage of my life, I don’t know exactly what I will be doing, but I pray that God will use the lessons I have learned and the person I have become as a result of my time here to continue to further His kingdom for the rest of my life.

By Samantha Hoyt  Lutheran Young Adult Corps

Emerging Church Leader (Part 2)

Nabin Samal

Nabin Samal

Editor’s Note: In the April issue we introduced Nabin and the “Nepali Anugrah (Grace) Church” to our readers. In this issue, Nabin shares more about his refugee experience.

After moving to St. Louis, Nabin and his family quickly learned one set of challenges had been replaced by another. Work, though available, was not easy for a refugee to find. Bus routes could be complicated and punctuality at any work site was expected. Accustomed to walking three, five, eight miles or more to shop or attend school, they had never imagined a vehicle could be regarded as a necessity. That quickly changed however, and the search was on. It took four months to find a vintage, high mileage, entry level vehicle they could afford.

And there were cultural challenges as well. For example, in the shame/honor society in which Nabin grew up, to make direct eye contact during a conversation was regarded as a sign of disrespect. In American culture however, anything less than direct eye contact could make a conversation awkward, or worse. Ditto for questions having to do with identity. Here Nabin learned that identity is determined pretty much by what you do. In Nepal on the other hand, you had no identity expect insofar as you were a member of a group.

Anugrah House Church

Shortly after arriving in St. Louis, Nabin began leading a small Nepali house church, which rather quickly began to grow. In need of more space, they reached out to St. Johns Lutheran Church located nearby, where they began meeting as members of the Nepali Anugrah Church. What began as little more than a commercial transaction, however, developed into a relationship, even as a bond with the pastor of St. Johns (Rev. Michael Tanney) began to grow.

The story of what became of the relationship between the Nepali Anugrah Church and St. Johns Lutheran Church will appear in the next issue of CFNA E-News.

TO BE CONTINUED…

By Rev. Al Buckman with Rev. Michael Tanney

Missouri Botanical Gardens

On the pathway

The opportunity to expand a student’s horizon is one of the great joys of working with the After-School Tutoring program. This year, we have been blown away by the many opportunities we have been given to introduce our kids to new activities and places. The most recent of these was an invitation to the Missouri Botanical Garden Family Night, thanks to Jennifer Hartley, Epiphany Lutheran Church member and manager of the Garden’s schools program.

On Thursday, May 9, 21 Peace Center students were accompanied to the event by 15 volunteers. They enjoyed dinner, educational opportunities, and free access to the grounds, including the popular Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden. Several of the volunteers were from Faith Young Adults, a group based out of Faith Lutheran Church.

“The Botanical Garden always makes for a great time, but it was the kids that really made this trip memorable,” observed Ben Lange, one of the group’s leaders. “They were so fun and excited. We could’ve visited just the Schnuck’s exhibit, and it would have been just as enjoyable because of the sheer joy and energy inside of them!”

On the log

The students were similarly thrilled with the trip. After an evening of climbing ropes and rocks and excitedly running through the gorgeous scenery, 11-year-old Jonathan Muhire summed up the sentiment expressed by everyone there: “When are we coming back?”

By Samantha Hoyt Lutheran Young Adult Corps

Freedom Run

Friends

Fun walk

Young runners get started

One of the greatest things about our Christian faith is the community that comes with it. God did not design humans to exist on our own—we all depend on one another for support and strength. It is the same with ministries.

At Christian Friends of New Americans, we make an effort to partner with other people and organizations to showcase what we do and provide opportunities for others to get involved. One of our steadfast partners is Concordia Seminary, who generously allows the use their campus for our annual 5K Freedom Run.

“The 5K was a great opportunity for Christian fellowship between the Seminary and Christian Friends of New Americans,” commented first-year seminary student Peter Deberny. Peter has been faithfully volunteering with our After-School Tutoring program since January and also served on the event’s planning committee. “It was a fun and exciting experience.

”The Freedom Run, held on Sunday, May 5, was a friend raiser and a fundraiser for CFNA. It also provided a chance for people of the seminary community to get a sense of our purpose and to interact with some of the people we serve. Eighteen competitive runners vied for prizes while 54 others, including a group of New American children, enjoyed the beautiful weather while either running for fun, walking, or volunteering. Adding to the festivities were walking tacos, served in conjunction with Restore St. Louis, and a performance by our New American Folk Dancers. In addition to being an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, the occasion raised over $3,000 to support various CFNA ministries. Our thanks go to Dr. Ben Haupt for his words of welcome on behalf of Concordia Seminary. We thank God for partners like this, as well as for everyone who made the day possible. 

By Samantha Hoyt Lutheran Young Adult Corps Photos by Ron Virus

The winners. Brian M (l. 1st) and Charles N. (r. 2nd)

They are off!

Emerging Church Leader

Nabin Samal

Nabin Samal

The “Nepali Anugrah (Grace) Church”, consisting of almost 50 members, has been worshipping at St. Johns Lutheran Church in urban St. Louis, for almost five years. It is led by Nabin Samal, and here is his story.

Nabin was born in the Bhutanese village of Kafley Tar in 1986. A few years later, at the age of five, Nabin and his family, together with 150,000 other Nepali ethnic Bhutanese, were forced to leave the country over personal freedom issues. They fled to Nepal where they were placed into seven refugee camps. Nabin and his family were sent to Beldangi 3 (Camp 3), where they remained for the next 18 years.

Though safety was no longer an issue, life in the camp was difficult. The refugees could not be employed outside the camp, so money was scarce as was food, along with all the basic necessities of life. Though there were only a few schools, education was free through grade 10, which is as much as any of the refugees could ever hope to receive.

Approximately a year after their arrival, Nabin’s mother became very ill, and the local shaman informed the family she would probably not live more than a week.  As the family was grieving over this a pastor happened to stop by and inquired why they were crying. Immediately he began to pray, explaining God could heal her, and invited them to church. God listened to their prayers and Nabin’s mother lived. Believing this to be a miracle, Nabin’s entire extended family (approximately 35 people) accepted Jesus as the Son of God and their Savior, and were baptized.

Though the refugees were Nepali by ethnicity, they were never well received in Nepal. During the early part of this century the Nepali government became actively engaged in the resettlement of these refugees to other countries. Nabin and his family arrived in St. Louis on October 12, 2009. The story of their acculturation to life in St. Louis, as well as their association with St. Johns Lutheran Church, will appear in the May issue of CFNA E-News.

TO BE CONTINUED…

By Rev. Al Buckman with Rev. Michael Tanney.

Partnership

Nepalese Lenten Service Participants

Birthday Party for 6 Year Old Rian

Blessing a Young Couple’s New Clothing Business

Confirmation Class in a Nepali Home

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippian 1:3–5

Partnership was the word Paul used with the church at Philippi. With prayer and thanksgiving he could say with joy, his work is not done alone but in partnership.

St. Johns Lutheran Church has had that vision as it has partnered with many organizations, schools, and worshiping communities while reaching out to those the Lord has placed in our midst. Partnership is in our vision statement. At first, it was with CFNA (Christian Friends of New Americans), later with Eagle College Prep Charter School, and now with Grace Nepali Church. Partnership began with renting the school cafeteria on Sundays for a Nepali worship service. Then two of their pastors wanted to become members, which began confirmation. Now, they worship in our sanctuary while we have Bible Study in the Fellowship Hall.

Because of God’s favor and the relationship that has been built up in the last few years, the Nepali church has asked that the whole congregation be confirmed. So, Saturday mornings with a translator and the Small Catechism in Nepalese, I stand before twenty people in a crowded living room and teach. At the same time, their pastors have been taking pre-seminary training with me on Sunday afternoons (doctrine, Old Testament, and New Testament). We have now partnered with CFNA, and they are continuing their studies with other Nepalese leaders.

One of the interesting moments of partnership is participating together. It begins with worship: our closing song and their opening song are sung together. We have also invited them to our Wednesday Advent and Lenten Services, which include Nepali prayers and readings. We have also invited their community to St. Johns for a member’s funeral. We have International Sunday School, rotating Nepalese teachers with our teachers. We have had many opportunities: preaching at their services, invitations to Nepali birthday parties, eating Nepali food, and blessing businesses. We will have our first joint service on April 7.

Rev. Michael Tanney Pastor, St. Johns Lutheran Church

Encouragement

Samantha Hoyt

Having a car is something many people born in America take for granted. But for a New American, a car can open a world of opportunities. It can mean access to better paying jobs, housing in safer neighborhoods, and more choice in education for their children. In the last several months, generous donors made all of these things possible for two CFNA women by making gifts of their old cars.

Hilai has not seen her home country of Afghanistan in 19 years. She spent most of her adult life in refugee camps before finally settling in St. Louis. As a single woman who does not speak English fluently, travelling to and from her job at night could be difficult or even dangerous. Receiving a car from Dawn Martin (a member of Reliant Church) offered her a measure of safety because she doesn’t have to navigate the bus system or walk alone.

Fayza, a married mother of three from Syria, went through the harrowing experience of having her car stolen last fall. Not only did this make it difficult for her to run everyday errands, such as shopping for groceries, but it also closed doors for her to attend English classes and job interviews, which could help improve her quality of life. But this winter, Fayza was blessed by an Ascension Lutheran member who wishes to remain anonymous. This is especially helpful because the family recently moved to a better neighborhood in South County, where stores and services are more spread out. Having a car gives her access to everything her family needs without being a burden on friends and neighbors.

We thank God so much for these donors and the impact of their gifts!

By Samantha Hoyt Lutheran Young Adult Corps, Intern

Sharon Agne - Volunteer Of The Month

Sharon AGne

Volunteer of the Month

Sharon has served as a volunteer with the CFNA health and wellness screenings ministry for the past ten years. Born and raised in St. Louis, she holds both RN and BSN degrees and has worked in hospital settings, including administration, as well as home health and hospice care for more than thirty years.

Her CFNA experience began with an invitation to the Lutheran Prayer Breakfast, where she met Carol Buckman, who encouraged her to get involved with the CFNA health and wellness screenings. Within a week, Sharon attended her first health screening and has been a mainstay ever since. Additionally, she recruited fellow Ascension Lutheran Church member and nurse Barb Hartung to participate in these screenings, which are held on Saturday mornings, ten times a year, at the Peace Center.

Sharon noted that while serving others, the practitioners are blessed to experience the cultures and personalities of those they serve. Additionally, she observed, “we are blessed with volunteers who are not only willing to identify the medical needs of each New American client but to befriend them as well. Those we serve are welcomed with a smile and are introduced to each volunteer. These introductions, however, are often met with smiles and apprehensions, which are relieved as we talk with them about their health issues. As the clients leave, they frequently offer a smile as well as a sincere thank you.”

For Sharon, the most challenging part of volunteering at the health and wellness screenings has to do with the many language barriers.  So she is thankful for the interpreters, who “play a very important part in the communication process.” These challenges, however, do not prevent her from visiting some of the clients in their homes for follow-up blood pressure readings. She also assists in driving refugees to their medical appointments.

Working with other volunteer nurses and practitioners has been one of her most enjoyable volunteer experiences. She also appreciates the opening devotions, as it reminds the volunteers they are making connections with people with whom they can share Jesus.

CFNA is blessed to have the faithful servant participation of volunteers such as Sharon!

By Laura Brink Ascension Lutheran Church

Making a Difference

The Irwin Girls

Naomi & Selumn

Naomi & Sara

Abby, Anna & Naomi

People who say you have to be an adult to make a difference have never met the Irwin girls. Anna (13), Naomi (12), and Abby (11) have been in ministry most of their lives. Growing up in Dutchtown, they have had plenty of opportunities to reach out to the underserved in their community. They volunteer at Kids Klub, a program run by their parents that reaches out to South City kids. Anna also worked at Rise Together Resale, which focuses on getting jobs for homeless people and other individuals who have a hard time finding employment. When they walked by the Peace Center two and a half years ago, they decided to check it out. There, they met the Janssen family. They have been an integral part of the After School Tutoring program ever since.

All three of the girls agree that the hardest part of tutoring is trying to figure out how best to help the kids. The challenges include having to reteach material so that the students can do their homework, trying to keep them engaged while still expanding their horizons, and working to understand the way that they think, especially since they have such different backgrounds. But the friendships the girls have formed and the growth they have seen in the students they tutor make everything worth it.

Anna and Naomi say that CFNA matters to them because they have fun ministering to the kids and they can see the impact it has on them. “All the kids that come need Jesus,” Abby adds. “So, if by going to CFNA I am helping the boys I tutor or anyone else come to Jesus, then I would do it every day.”

By Samantha Hoyt Lutheran Young Adult Corps - Intern

Equipping Leaders in Ethnic Communities

rev. clark and class with cfna associate richard leigh

If you come to the Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) Peace Center on a Saturday morning, you will find a group of seven Nepali men who are eager to become better equipped to lead and teach in their community. The students are members of one of three Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations in St. Louis City: Ascension, Messiah, or St. Johns Lutheran. Already leaders among Nepali Christians, these students, who are refugees, are participating in a “Leadership Class” to gain a better understanding of the Old Testament, New Testament, and Christian Lutheran Doctrine.

Another goal of the Leadership Class is to become a “pre-seminary” class for those who have the desire to continue their formal education through Concordia Seminary’s Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT). The EIIT is a specialized program for those who aspire to serve immigrant and refugee communities as Lutheran pastors.

The materials utilized for this class include Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation—2017 Visual Edition. It presents the catechism in an easy-to-navigate format with engaging illustrations. This valuable resource was generously made possible by Concordia Publishing House’s Concordia Gospel Outreach (CGO). Christian Friends of New Americans is grateful for this partnership with CGO in connecting ethnic leaders with the Gospel.

Speaking of partnerships, the instruction for this Leadership Class would not be possible without the partnership of four LCMS pastors working together. These pastors include Al Buckman of CFNA, Stanish Stanley of CFNA, Matt Clark of Ascension, and Michael Tanney of St. Johns. Please pray that the Lord would continue to equip current and future leaders in ethnic communities through the work of CFNA!

By Rev. Matt Clark Ascension Lutheran Church

Valentine’s Day Party

good times

friends

beauticians

water colors

This Valentine’s Day, the National Honor Society (NHS) students at Lutheran High School South (LHSS) decided, after much discussion, to host a party for the children of CFNA. The event consisted of four fun activity stations, a devotion, songs, and snack. The four stations included water coloring, heart-shaped cookie decorating, making Valentine’s Day cards, and a bingo station complete with candy hearts for game pieces. Our devotion for the tutors and the New American students was about how God gives us all valentines every day in many different ways.

The night was a blast with smiles and laughter everywhere, whether from the LHSS students or the New American kids. The decorated cookies and homemade valentines were fun to make and were enjoyed by everyone. We, at LHSS, would love to thank the Thursday night tutors and volunteers for helping make our night run smoothly and for helping out at each of the activity stations.

We love coming to CFNA multiple times every year and seeing new and familiar faces. Visiting and forming relationships with all the volunteer staff people and especially the New American kids is something special for all of us.

In the words of LHSS student Abby Mitchell, “It was the best party of my life! I'll never forget the excitement on all the kids’ faces.” We love coming to the Peace Center and being with these kids.

LHSS student Sophie Vandeloecht put it this way, “Volunteering at CFNA is a lot of fun and a great experience. Personally, I helped the kids make Valentine’s Day cards, and they were really fun to be around. I loved volunteering and helping out at CFNA, and I would definitely do so again.”

Everyone came together at the end of the evening to sing songs old and new. Indeed, we enjoyed coming to the Peace Center, and again thank all of the volunteers and tutors who helped make this event possible.

By Avery Starnes President, National Honor Society - LHSS Member, Concordia Lutheran Church - Kirkwood

Blessing Others

Have you experienced trouble, a time of need or a challenge that seemed beyond your ability to solve or overcome? Have you received a blessing of deliverance through a stranger who was willing to take the time to help?

I enjoy reflecting on life’s greatest challenges and circumstances. In retrospect, I often laugh out loud as I see how God, time and time again, provided a safe passage through my troubles, difficulties, or sadness. He is a God that delivers His people and provides safe passage (Exodus 14). At the time of crisis, things seem beyond my ability to overcome. I have often received God’s rescuing grace and mercy through others who lent a helping hand.

We live in a fallen world that has been broken by sin. The Bible says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and that the wages of sin is death and eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). We are unable to save ourselves from the wrath of God. We desperately need the love of Jesus. Praise be to God, even though we are sinners, in Christ we have the free gift of a safe passage home to heaven, redeemed and reconciled to God (Romans 5:6-8).

Charles Caciano St. Louis, MO

Maryville University Connects with CFNA!

Maryville Grad students and new americans

For the past several months, the Maryville University occupational therapy program has partnered with CFNA to offer graduate students the opportunity to interview CFNA clients and design a short program for these New Americans. Occupational therapists evaluate clients or groups of clients for occupational deficits, considering activities and skills they need or want to participate in, but currently do not. They often work in schools, hospitals, or clinic settings, but they also work with groups in the community, such as CFNA.

Refugee communities around the country often benefit from occupational therapy services, thereby enabling them to transition to a new culture, new language, and new occupations more successfully. At CFNA, we had the opportunity to interview a group of refugees who recently arrived. Through an interpreter, students asked the clients questions about their daily lives, especially including especially the struggles they experience. Following this evaluation of their needs, the students designed three, one-hour programs they hoped would reduce some of the stressors and barriers preventing participation in American life as identified by the refugees.

These included the following:

screening

1. Learning to sign their name using the English alphabet to better complete documentation,

2. Learning to speak their name and address in English in order to call 9-1-1 as needed, and

3. Sharing holiday traditions often celebrated in each person’s culture.

“It was wonderful to see so much laughter and so many smiles among the clients and the students. It was clear that everyone was feeling connected and enjoyed the time together,” said Eliza Prager (Maryville faculty).

fellowship

New American participants reported being pleased they could now recall and speak their address to an English speaker. Many were motivated to continue working on refining their signatures. Throughout the program, it was clear that clients longed to express themselves, who they are, where they came from, and their current frustrations and needs.

“Thank you for listening to us. Even if it’s hard to hear, and we know it’s a sad story, we are just glad to have someone listen,” said a client through a CFNA translator.

For their part, the Maryville graduate students also viewed this as a great learning experience. “Working with CFNA, I was able to see how the skills and knowledge I take for granted every day make such a difference in the safety and success of people’s lives when they are transitioning to this country,” said Trulie (student).

Maryville University is pleased to be of service to New Americans, in partnership with CFNA.

By Professor Eliza Prager Maryville University

Baptism

pastors andrew dinger (left) and teddy workeneh with ephrathah

For Ephrathah Olana and her parents, Olana and Bethlehem, December 18, 2018, was no ordinary day. It was the day that she became a member of God's covenant community, the Church, through Baptism.

Olana and Bethlehem are believers from Ethiopia and were members of Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Mekane Yesus. After coming to St. Louis, they joined the Ethiopian/Eritrean Bible Fellowship, which now has over 30 members and is established as a satellite of Timothy Lutheran Church. The EEBF meets weekly at the Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) Peace Center for worship and to learn more about God’s Word.

When they brought their child to be baptized, they were acknowledging that this child—like themselves and all of us—was born in sin and is therefore in need of the love and forgiveness that God offers everyone. Like all believers, Ephrathah’s parents take comfort from God’s promise that “whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). It was this promise that convinced them to bring Ephrathah to the church to be baptized.

We wish Olana, Bethlehem, and Ephrathah God’s richest blessings! Please join us in praising God for His promise and this miracle, and for the relationship with Him that He has established for each and every one of us.

By Rev. Teddy Workeneh Missionary, Christian Friends of New Americans

Ministry Through Drivers Education

Mani (driving) with rev. stanley

“You really helped me a lot.” These were the grateful words of Aynalem Kebede, an Ethiopian immigrant, when she passed her driver’s license test a few weeks ago. Having failed three prior attempts, she had been put on a 20-hour driver learning requirement. When she learned of CFNA’s Driver’s Ed/ESL program, she registered for the course. After four months of practice and with the assistance of several CFNA volunteers, she finally tasted success and got her license.

Aynalem was not the only one seeking a driver’s license. A few months prior, Nepali refugee Mani Gurung had approached CFNA for similar help. Mani, who also had three failed attempts and had been given the mandatory 20-hour learning requirement, was a much harried man. Unable to get his license and with limited English ability, he was stressed out with transportation challenges.

Having come to America three years earlier, he was badly in need of a license so that he might maintain even the modest income he needed to meet the needs of his family. CFNA volunteers Joel Gabbert, Mike Albers, Richard Leigh, Pastor Stanish, and Pastor Ted Wurffel all worked with him to help him get ready for the test. When Mani finally passed it, he was elated! “You gave me a big blessing with your help” was his comment. Worshiping with the Nepali Bible Fellowship that meets at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Mani remains grateful for the believers who helped him overcome a huge challenge.

The Driver’s Ed/ESL ministry was recently blessed with yet another successful client, Ikram Aftab from Afghanistan. Like Mani and Aynalem, Ikram also overcame the challenge of a new language, as well as the bewildering driving and testing system, to get his license. “This is freedom” was a common refrain from all of them. Undoubtedly, the impact of the Driver’s ED/ESL ministry is enormous in that it frees New Americans to work, be mobile, and build up their own capacities. This is a goal toward which this ministry strives.

Our thanks to Natalie Bishop and Samantha Hoyt for serving as instructors and to numerous volunteers as well. Through their efforts, Christ’s love continues to be made apparent to a growing number of New Americans.

By Rev. Stanish Stanley Executive Director, CFNA

The Ran Gurung Family

New Americans of the Month

ran gurung

The refugee camp was an improvement for Ran Gurung and his family. He and his mother, sister, and wife sought refuge in Nepal from the fighting in their native country of Bhutan in August 2008. In the camp, they had little money, no TV, a hard time getting clothes, and little freedom. They could only leave the compound to work and had to return immediately after, but at least there was good food, clean water, and a radio for entertainment. It was in that camp that Ran's wife gave birth to their son, Sanjay, and daughter, Shresti. In 2013, the growing family was given the opportunity to relocate, this time to St. Louis.

America has had its own difficulties for the Gurungs. The adults in the family are adjusting to the cold, a new language, and necessary parts of life in America, such as doctor’s appointments. But Ran believes that the blessings far outweigh the problems. He was connected to CFNA through the Nepali fellowship, and the ministry has assisted and enriched his family through the community, English assistance, food, furniture, clothes, a dishwasher, and education for Ran and his children.

They were also blessed to be involved in family-to-family ministry with dedicated CFNA volunteers Kristy and Matt Hutchison, their sons Caleb and Jacob, as well as Kristy's parents David and Karen Vaughn, who worked with the family on a weekly basis for over two years. During this time Ran learned of Jesus at the Peace Center. He and his entire family converted from Buddhism and were baptized in 2014.

Ran gurung family

CFNA holds a special place in Ran’s heart. He has learned, made friends, and enjoyed fellowship here. The Peace Center is his space. It has allowed him to work on realizing his dreams of knowing English, becoming an American citizen, and creating a better life for his children. He dreams of having a nice little house in the St. Louis area and watching his children get good jobs: Sanjay as a doctor or engineer and Shresti as an interpreter. Ran loves his new life and is filled with hope for the future, and we are thrilled to watch what God will continue to do for him and his family!

By Samantha Hoyt Lutheran Youth Corps Volunteer, Intern

By The Power of the Holy Spirit

We are Blessing Others!

Perhaps you have experienced unexpected blessings extended by God through others in your times of need. Jesus has placed love in our hearts so we may share the love of Christ with others.

Apart from Christ, we are unable to be obedient to God’s will, to do the things we ought to do. God’s plan includes calling Christians to be brothers and sisters of Christ, God’s Son and our Redeemer. As His redeemed people, God has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit at work within us, we are equipped to share the love of Jesus with others. The Bible says, even though we know not what to pray for, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf to God the Father (Romans 8:26-27). Much more than this, Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:34).

As we grow as Christians, we yield to the will of God more and more in our lives and rely less and less on our own power and talents. Relying on God’s will, we experience a great joy and peace that is beyond our understanding or imagination. That joy is experienced in sharing the love of Jesus with others. That joy is experienced in observing the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing many close to God (Romans 9:22-25).

Charlie Caciano Treasurer, CFNA St. Louis, MO

Give Away!

getting ready

dr. hagan assists with registration

pleased recipients

At CFNA, we believe that one of the of the greatest joys in life is bringing the joy of Christ to other people. Through the generosity of 16 volunteers and in-kind donations from the LCMS Missouri District Office, Zion Lutheran Church, St. Charles, the National LWML (Assembly of Readers) and countless other donors, we were blessed to be able to do that this weekend through our annual Christmas Giveaway.

Over two days, we provided 72 New American families (over 350 people) from 12 countries (Afghanistan, Bhutan, Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Liberia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Syria, Yemen) with basic necessities such as laundry detergent, blankets, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, bar soap and more. All of these were gratefully received by New Americans with little in the way of income and who are living on very tight budgets.

“I really enjoyed today when I was helping people to get their things,” one recpient stated. “My mom was so happy because she got to help a lot of people and I was happy too. It was a great day.”

We want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated their time and/or resources to this ministry. You are helping build the Kingdom of God on earth, even as we anticipate His coming this Advent season!

Samantha Hoyt Lutheran Young Adult Corps (Intern)