Grace Place Wellness

THANKS, GRACE PLACE WELLNESS!

Dr. John Eckrich and Gagan Gurung (translator) with the Nepali group

Recently the leadership of Grace Place Wellness provided a Wellness Retreat for a large number of New Americans from the CFNA network. Here Dr. John Eckrich shares his observations regarding this special event.

“Forty New Americans from the four corners of the earth were hosted at the CFNA Peace Center to a Grace Place Wellness morning retreat on Saturday, December 12.

“Dr. John Eckrich, MD, shared a whole health backpack for our Pilgrim Journey covering our prayer life, the importance of our family in ministry life for accountability, guides to good nutrition and exercise, and the importance of rest and proper sleep. He also provided insight into the value of the ministry team and the gifts each member brings, and finally the importance of generosity as integral to financial health.

Some of the event participants

“Rev. Dr. Darrell Zimmerman, program director of Grace Place Wellness, shared many ideas of enhancing personal devotions and daily prayer around God's holy Word as well as participation in corporate worship and the Sacraments.

“Finally, Eustolio Gomez from Concordia Plans Services shared dynamic skills and strategies to keep our financial health stable and free, thereby strengthening church workers for lives of dynamic service.

“Our Nepalese friends received these presentations through wonderful translation provided by Evangelist Gagan Gurung. All the participants shared many questions and received the health news with great enthusiasm.”

By: Dr. John Eckrich, Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood

CFNA Folk Dancers

CFNA Folk Dancers with Santa. Taken after their Christmas Party presentation at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Fenton, MO

Blessed to Serve

Middle Schoolers busily assembling Welcome Packages

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace,” 1 Peter 4:10. This Bible verse is the 2015-16 school year theme for Zion Lutheran School in Harvester, MO. We are Blessed to Serve, and a few junior high students who came to tour the Peace Center and Christian Friends of New Americans witnessed just how that extends into the local Lutheran community.

Our project began in October as part of our service learning with a walkathon by which Zion students raised money to support CFNA’s scholarship program. For our Christmas Service Project, students donated socks and stuffed animals, packing them with toiletries and goodies purchased from other walkathon funds. We were able to supply CFNA with 180 Welcome Packs that they may use in their ministry to new immigrants in the St. Louis Area. More than 90 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders wrote encouraging messages with Bible verses to go in the packs they made. Then six volunteer students and two teachers went to the Peace Center one evening to deliver the packs and see what CFNA is all about.

Zion Middle Schoolers with Rev. Stanish Stanley, and two After School Tutoring students - Abel and Ammanuel

On our visit, Zion students met kids from Sierra Leone, Eritrea, and Nepal and a grandma from Liberia. They saw loving volunteers who take their time to tutor and visit with children, giving them the gift of time and friendship. One mom made an impact on our young people as she shared her story of volunteering with her 10-year-old and eight-year-old children every week to worship, tutor, and play with Peace Center kids. What an amazing way to show God’s love! Zion is excited to be a small part of such a wonderful ministry with our donation so that CFNA can continue to touch the lives of many more families and open the door to hear the love of Christ.

By Susan Riemenschneider 6th grade teacher Zion Lutheran School, Harvester, MO

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Christa Earl and Jennifer Janssen

Approximately 50 children from the CFNA After School Tutoring ministry converged on Epiphany Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 15th to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Festivities began as students were shuttled to the event by drivers and tutors. They were met with cheerful Christmas music and equally cheerful volunteers, who helped create handprint ornaments for our CFNA cardboard Christmas tree, made by student volunteers Addie and Ben Janssen. They dressed up in crazy hats and accessories for a Red Carpet Christmas photo shoot with volunteer Deaconess student, Laura Jostes, and also played a ball toss game with volunteer Christa Earl.

A delicious dinner provided by Trinity Lutheran Church, Soulard, was very well received. After dinner, we celebrated Jesus’ birthday with cupcakes and a boisterous rendition of “Happy Birthday, Jesus.” Several folk dancers, members of a class led by volunteer Diana Wolf, also performed for the children.

The highlight of the evening was the chapel service, where Pastor Michael Zeigler shared the story of Ruth in a dramatized, spellbinding monologue. Mesmerized, the children were totally drawn into the story of a woman who like them, lived in a land not her own. Nevertheless, her constant loyalty and obedience resulted in a great blessing many generations later; the Messiah, Jesus Christ. These students love listening to a great storyteller.

Students and Tutors

Finally, the children were blessed with Christmas presents, provided by members of Village Lutheran Church, Ladue and Christ Memorial.   After thanking the volunteers and leaders, they re-grouped with their drivers and headed home, carrying wrapped presents, and the knowledge that the greatest present ever, Jesus, had once been a refugee, just like them. Happy Birthday, Jesus!!

By Jennifer Janssen (Event Leader)Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waterloo, IL

Lezoghia Member – Meneh

Lezoghia came to St. Louis 12 years ago with his family as refugees from Nigeria. He is the son of Tsaro and Flora Member-Meneh. Formerly members of the Lutheran Church in Nigeria, the entire Member-Meneh family joined Messiah Lutheran Church shortly after their arrival here.

Lezoghia has been a CFNA scholarship student for six years, and is now a senior at Lutheran High School South. He is also a member of the LHSS varsity basketball team.

During a closely contested game with Lutheran High School North (South won, 64-62), Lezoghia scored his 1,000th point as a member of the varsity team. He is only the 13th player to do so in the 50 year history of LHSS. To commemorate this milestone, the referees stopped the game and an announcement was made which was received with much applause.

A diligent student, Lezoghia looks forward to attending college next year with the thought of studying physical therapy – possibly at Loyola University. Please join CFNA in wishing him the very best!

Lezoghia receives congratulations from CFNA Chairman, Dr. Allan Buckman.

Loved and Sent!

dawn martin and matuda osman (l) and gemilla osman (r)

On Saturday, October 10, a group of 10 individuals from Christ Memorial Lutheran Church and Reliant Church spent time living out two words at Christian Friends of New Americans. We were part of a bigger event in the congregation where over 450 individuals were sent to serve at 28 different sites in the greater St. Louis area. Why? Because these two churches are driven by the words “Loved” and “Sent.”

While at the CFNA Peace Center, our group cleaned the facility and organized books and other supplies in storage. Two men worked at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church to consolidate furniture donated to CFNA for its home furnishing outreach. The group at the Peace Center also had the valuable opportunity to meet and spend time with 15 neighborhood refugee children. Everyone discussed with the children Jesus’ parable about the wise man who built his house on the rock, and the foolish man who built his house on the sand.

Christ Memorial and Reliant want to give a special thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Buckman, Pastor Stanish, Robyn Moeller, and Richard Leigh for their help and guidance with the group’s time spent at the Peace Center. Members of these churches appreciated the opportunity to learn more about CFNA’s ministry and the refugee community it serves. And an extra special thanks to some of the children who helped sweep and clean the center for a bit!

By Dawn Martin, Christ Memorial Lutheran Church

Trivia Night 2015

Event Chairman Rick Holtz with In-Coming CFNA Business Manager, Marjorie Schmeerbauch.

Some of the Trivia players

The New American Folk Dancers

CFNA held its eighth annual Trivia Night on Saturday, November 14th, at Webster Gardens Lutheran Church with almost 300 in attendance. They were welcomed by Pastor Geis and enjoyed a delicious mostaccioli dinner. We thank Rich and Charlie’s for their donation of salad and bread, and Peace and Concordia Lutheran Churches for the delicious homemade cookies. Following the meal, trivia competition and bingo/bunco games began. Joanie Harwell and Stanish Stanley read this year’s trivia questions. Jerry and Joyce Birk served as bingo callers. Marge Schreiber led the bunco games. Throughout the evening, a silent auction offering baskets, gift certificates, and a wonderful assortment of other items was held.

Many helping hands contributed to the success of the evening. Volunteers sought and picked up donations, prepared food, wrote trivia questions, organized registration, sorted auction items, set up tables and chairs, and served in countless other ways. New Americans Folk Dancers, under the direction of Diana Wolf, entertained the attendees during one of the trivia breaks.

Some of the Trivia players

CFNA is especially grateful to the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens for the use of their facilities and for their helpful support. Appreciation is also expressed to our generous donors and sponsors for their gifts. Thanks to all who gave, all who came, and all who served!

By Bonnie Matzat, Concordia, Kirkwood Photos by Rudy Blank

Thanks Carrie!

Carrie duesenberg

Though we are not saying goodbye, Carrie Duesenberg will be stepping away from her CFNA Business Manager responsibilities. She has been serving in this position with distinction almost three years and prior to that, as the CFNA Treasurer. She is expecting their third child soon, and will be taking more time to meet the needs of a growing family.

Carrie’s future CFNA involvement will consist primarily in helping facilitate one or two key events, as well as assisting with some of our more challenging tax matters; thereby enabling her to draw upon her CPA skills yet further. We wish Carrie, husband Keith, daughter Natalie, son Christian and soon to arrive family member our very best!

Welcome Marjorie!

marjorie with husband Aaron and son abram

Christian Friends of New Americans is pleased to introduce Marjorie Schmeerbauch as its new Business Manager. Marjorie, a St. Louis native, is a member of Timothy Lutheran Church. At Timothy, she has been involved in the Young Families in Christ program, and previously taught ESL and Sunday School.

Marjorie was most recently employed as a project manager at Beltservice Corporation in Earth City. She enjoys spending time with her husband Aaron, one-year-old son Abram, and rescue dog Lilly. Marjorie is fluent in Spanish and enjoys travel and photography. In her words, “I am ecstatic to be working with CFNA!”

Please join us in welcoming Marjorie!

Thank You Abiding Savior!

Abiding savior servant event group

The Peace Center was blessed with the arrival of 20 eager SendMe volunteers from Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in South County (4355 Butler Hill at I-55) on October 24. Cheerful children and skilled adults were a wonderful team of workers for much of a great autumn Saturday. Among the tasks they accomplished during the visit were building sturdy storage shelves in the lower level, fixing blinds and wall board, installing a bathroom cabinet, painting doors, sills, steps, and more, trash pick-up, as well as, giving the whole Peace Center a good cleaning.

The Abiding Savior team was joined by several others who serve at the Peace Center, including one man from the Zomi fellowship (refugees from Burma who worship at the Peace Center). At the noon time lunch break SendMe volunteers joined in a Bible study on prayer and heard about the work of CFNA.

Soon after the Peace Center work was done, the SendMe team, together with CFNA leaders and five young Nepali Singers, went to Abiding Savior for a delicious dinner and worship time. More than 200 shared this dinner since the crowd included 20 more SendMe teams and their visitors. Following dinner and remarks by people from the ministries which received servant teams, the group thoroughly enjoyed the songs of the Nepal Singers. SendMe volunteers, young and older, then shared stories of their day in answer to the question, “How did you see God at work today?”

This was the 8th SendMe event at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. In recent years, CFNA has regularly received one of the many teams of volunteers to work at the Peace Center. It has always been an enjoyable day, with lots of work accomplished and lot of fun together.

Thank you, Abiding Savior members, we appreciate your help and the love you share! As you serve at the Peace Center, you are a great blessing to us.

By: Ruth Mattson, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church

Nepali Baptisms and Confirmations at Messiah

back row: neelam, kamala, pankaj and man rai; front row: prasanna rai

Thanks and praise be to God for continuing His saving work among the Nepali community in St. Louis. On Sunday, September 27, Man Rai, Kamala Rai, Pankaj Rai and Prasanna Rai were baptized at Messiah Lutheran Church on South Grand. Man, Kamala and Neelam Rai (Neelam had previously been baptized) were also confirmed during the same church service.

The family moved to the United States from Nepal about four years ago. Like many of the Nepalese, they come from a strong Hindu (Keerath religion) family. Their conversion to the Christian faith was not without struggles. Through the faithful witness of their daughter Neelam, other Christian relatives (including Tara and Meena Basnet), Pastor Sam Thompson, Pastor Mike Okine, the Nepali ministry at Messiah and especially, the Messiah-linked Nepali Home Bible Study, the Rai family has been adopted as God’s children.

Please pray that God continues to encourage them and strengthen them in their Christian faith, in their knowledge of the Word and in their trust of Jesus Christ, who for their sake and for ours and for the whole world, died and rose again so that one day we will live with him in perfect peace and joy forever.

By: Rev. Michael Okine, Pastor, Messiah Lutheran Church

A Unique Partnership

pukar running with two friends

On a sunny warm late September afternoon, more than ninety 6th--8th grade students at Zion Lutheran School on Harvester Road in St. Charles walked many miles around their campus and church cemetery to raise money to support the ministry of Christian Friends of New Americans. Their annual walk-a-thon has raised money for Operation Christmas Child and Lutheran World Relief in the past, but this year they chose to support a local mission opportunity.

Walking with the Zion students were Kalkidan and Pukar, eighth grade students at Word of Life Lutheran School. Between the two of them they completed 43 laps or 14 miles! Pukar ran many of the laps with several new friends, while Kalkidan and her new friends walked.

The walk-a-thon raised almost $4000, which will support scholarships to Word of Life for Kalkidan and Pukar and another student at Word of Life.

kalkidan and girls

The additional funds will be used to purchase items for the junior high school’s Christmas service project. The students will be preparing Welcome Packages for CFNA to distribute to new individuals who come to the Peace Center for health screenings, furniture deliveries, and the other “entry” level services provided by CFNA to newly-arrived New Americans. The students will provide some of the comfort items for the packages, and the walk-a-thon funds will provide some of the basics, such as soaps, that are always included in these packets.

Besides getting some exercise, both Kalkidan and Pukar mentioned enjoying the afternoon because they met some new friends. Perhaps those friends will help deliver the welcome packets to the Peace Center and connect again with Kalkidan and Pukar.

By Judith Meyer, Timothy Lutheran Church

From Ghosts to God in Enga Land

93-year-old rev. otto hintze and his wife jill hosted some members of the gutnius lutheran chruch in enga who visited the united states recently.

CFNA Board member Rev. Dr. Hintze, together with his wife, Jill were among the first sent by The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod in the late 1940s to establish mission work in the large South Pacific island of Papua New Guinea. His recently completed book describes the challenges, opportunities and the presence of the Holy Spirit during the early years of this mission effort.

An article recently released by LCMS News and Information describes the book as a, “must read for Lutherans, especially those interested in the mission of sharing the Gospel with people of non-Western culture.” This of course, this is the same mission challenge now facing the Church in all the urban centers throughout the USA.

Dr. Hintze’s book may be purchased from Amazon.com. Book signings have been scheduled for Saturday, November 14 at 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday, November 15 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 5347 Donovan Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109.

Read about current events in Papua New Guinea here.

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Aaron (right) with team members

On Friday, October 9th, The Men’s Group at Timothy Lutheran Church was honored to host CFNA’s annual volunteer appreciation dinner. The event program featured a time of sharing by several of the volunteers, as well as the honoring of long time volunteer Robyn Moeller.

The partnership between CFNA and Timothy is very strong, and we jumped at the opportunity to be involved. The event was also a great service opportunity for us, and a way to show our appreciation for the work that CFNA volunteers do in sharing the love of Christ with immigrants and refugees in urban St. Louis.

dinner participants

Planning for the event kicked off in August, and it included building the invitation list, planning the menu and food quantities, coordinating volunteers, and building a slide show. With all of that set, the Men’s group assembled the night before the event to clean, chop, slice, dice, simmer and roast all of the food. On Friday evening, we put the finishing touches on the meal of Caesar salad, ham with apricot and cherry chutney, roasted red potatoes, green beans, and apple pie. The Men’s group had a great time working together and serving the volunteers of CFNA.

Since the theme of the evening was to show appreciation for volunteers, I would be remiss if I didn’t offer my appreciation to the great volunteers that helped plan, prepare, serve, and clean-up for the event: Richard Mutka, John and Carla Hagan, Mark and Luca Thompson, Tim O’Neill, Pastor Ron Rall and Pastor Bill Wilson. Extra thanks goes to Rudy Bertarelli who led the menu planning and food preparation.

By Aaron Schmeerbauch, Timothy Lutheran Church

A Day To Remember

jim and vicky dankenbring

On October 13, 2015, CFNA held its 3rd Annual Golf Event at the Norwood Hills Country Club. Approximately 60 golfers participated, including Rev. Vern Gundermann, who shares his reflections below. Photos by Ron Virus, Concordia, Kirkwood.

Many of us have many a “day to remember.” For those of us who played in the CFNA golf tournament, we have another one!

It is a “day to remember” for us because the weather on the 13th of October was perfect!

It is a “day to remember” because the venue was so good. The staff at Norwood Country Club went out of their way to make our time there so comfortable.

It is a “day to remember” because many of us renewed long time relationships and made some very promising new ones.

It is a “day to remember” for the cause we affirmed – helping to make it possible for the Lutheran churches in the St. Louis area to welcome those who are new to America – and, even more importantly, to become acquainted with our Christ.

We are so grateful to our Lord for this “day to remember.”

mike tanney, tim petsch, ron rall, andrew armstrong

By Rev. Vern Gundermann, Concordia, Kirkwood

charlie caciano making a great shot

LCMS Young Adults Serve

vbs participants with lcms young adults

Growing numbers of LCMS young adults are getting involved in short term mission efforts in the USA and beyond. Here Jessica Bordeleau shares the experience of a group of 30 young adults who recently served in urban St. Louis.

On August 13-16th, a group of 30 young adults gathered from Texas, Wisconsin and Missouri to take part in LEAD SERVE LOVE: LCMS Young Adult Servant Event. The event was designed to give young adults in their 20s the opportunity to serve others and develop their leadership skills in the name of Jesus. This summer marks the fourth year that the young adults have worked with CFNA.

The group spent their first day cleaning, painting and doing repair work at the Peace Center. The next day they gathered at St Luke’s Lutheran Church to move furniture for the International Student Ministry furniture give-away ministry. On Saturday a group of almost 40 refugee children took part in the VBS day-camp that the volunteer group planned and facilitated.

The event also included evening Bible studies, leadership training, and worship to equip the young adults for their service. One of the fellowship highlights was a multi-ethnic meal that they helped prepare, under the direction of Beena Stanley. This National LCMS event was supported by local congregations including: First Immanuel in St Charles, Mt Calvary in Brentwood, Concordia in Kirkwood, and Timothy Lutheran Church in St Louis.

By Jessica Bordeleau

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