Three Again!

rev. sam thompson, jacob, seti and jasper rai, joel basnet rohan rai and rev. mike okine

There were three again! On Sunday, May 8th, 2016 three more Nepali children were baptized at Messiah Lutheran Church in the name of our God, the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The names of the children are Rohan Rai (12), Jasper Rai (4), and Jacob Rai (1). After living in South Dakota for two years, they moved to St. Louis four months ago with their mother Seti.Seti had already been baptized as an adult, and she did not believe that children should be baptized. She joined us in our Saturday Bible study and gradually came to believe that children also needed to be baptized because baptism is a gift of God for all people regardless of their ages. Instruction for the baptism took place at their home. It was led by Pastor Sam Thompson and Pastor Mike Okine.We praise God for continuing to work to bring people, especially a growing number of New Americans, into His eternal kingdom. That is His most important desire. And we thank Him for using people who are simultaneously sinners and saints to accomplish His goal.Forty-three recently arrived Nepali people now attend Messiah on a regular basis.Pastor Mike Okine, Senior Pastor, Messiah Lutheran Church

Who Is Served?

Jennifer Janssen with craft class students at the peace center

Several years ago, in preparation for one of our tutor training sessions for our After School Tutoring Program, we compiled a report entitled “Who is Served?” As we recruited tutors for the program, it became evident that it would be helpful for us to take a closer look at those we were serving and use that information to help us make decisions about how to improve our program. Sources of information included written registration forms and conversations with facilitators, drivers, tutors, and the children themselves.

During the 2015 – 2016 school year we had 94 children who registered for our After School Tutoring Program. Our largest group was the 12- to 14-year-old group. In past years we had very few students below grade 1, but this year we had 11 who were in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten. Our population was evenly distributed between male and female students. New birth countries represented in this year’s population included Congo, El Salvador, Rwanda, and Senegal. Approximately two-thirds of our children attend St. Louis Public Schools. When asked about religion or church affiliation, the majority of the registration forms showed that the children professed to be “Christian”. In other words, most of these students and their families have found a church home, with a little less than 20 percent now attending nearby LCMS congregations.

Each new school year is a new year for our After School Tutoring Program as well.  A number of children return to our program year after year, but there are always new children joining the program. Now you know a little bit about those who were served this past school year. Who will be served next year? We don’t know, but we will be planning over the summer for those whom God sends!

By Sandy Gerber St. Johns Lutheran Church (City)

Welcome Kerry!

KERRY POZARICWelcome to CFNA

Kerry Pozaric

CFNA extends a warm welcome to Kerry as she takes over Business Manager responsibilities from Marjorie Schmeerbauch, who will now focus primarily upon installing and implementing the CFNA SalesForce database.

Kerry grew up in St. Louis (attended Lindbergh High School) and then graduated from The University of Illinois with an Accounting Degree. She worked in Public Accounting with KPMG LLP for 18 years. Kerry has worked for Bonhomme Presbyterian Church for the past 6 years as their accountant.

Kerry has been married to Steve for almost 20 years and has two daughters. Elizabeth is finishing her Freshman year at Kirkwood High School and Madelyn is finishing 7th grade at Christ Community Lutheran School. The Pozarics are members of Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood.

When she's not working or driving her girls around to their various activities, Kerry enjoys exercise, tennis, volunteering, and Bible Study. She is also attending the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans as a Family Group Leader this July.

Again Kerry, WELCOME!

2016 Walkathon

New American walkers brave the elements with Christa Earl

Visiting the snack table

On the morning of Saturday, May 14, a brisk and windy day greeted our walkers for CFNA’s 2nd Annual Walk-a-Thon. The event was held on the beautiful campus of Concordia Seminary, and our thanks to the seminary leadership for allowing us to walk through their well cared for grounds. Dr. Dan Mattson welcomed us on behalf of Concordia Seminary President, Dr. Dale Meyer.

It was great to have some of our New American friends join in the fun! Of the approximately 90 participants, close to 25 New American children were present. Gerald Brewah, Teddy Workeneh, Stanish Stanley, and Christa Earl helped bring the students, with the assistance of the Webster Gardens van and driver, Dave Herd. Two siblings, one who attends Lutheran High South, came and helped direct traffic! Thank you to Karina and Spencer Ferguson.

We appreciated all of the volunteers and participants who helped make this chilly day another successful CFNA “friending” and funding event!

By Laura Brink Ascension Lutheran Church

Congratulations, Rev. Dr. Stanley

Rev. Dr. Stanley with wife Beena and daughters Riona, Alina and Catherine

Rev. Dr. Stanley

Rev. Stanish Stanley, who has been involved in coordinating CFNA’s After School tutoring activities on a volunteer basis, graduated with his Ph. D degree in Historical Theology from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis on the 20th of May, 2016. Rev. Stanley presented his Dissertation that researched the Gospel-Culture interaction between the natives and LCMS missionaries in Trivandrum, India from 1911–56, at his Forum on the 12th of May. CFNA wishes Rev. Stanley, his wife Beena and daughters—Catherine, Riona and Alina—God’s richest blessings in their future endeavor for our Lord.

God's Perfect Timing

Sandy gerber

On Tuesday evening the younger children from the After School Tutoring Program were outside during their recreation time. A group of them were playing four-square on the parking pad. A mother and her nine-year-old son happened to be walking by and asked about all of the activity. As it turns out, they live near the intersection of Meramec and Grand, and they are New Americans, having immigrated to the United States from El Salvador some time ago.

One of our volunteer tutors (I think it was Tim Schrader) brought them inside and introduced them to Pastor Stanish Stanley, who talked with them about what CFNA has to offer. The boy, Daniel, was interested in our program – not because he needs help with his homework, but because he doesn’t really have any playmates in the neighborhood. Pastor Stanish introduced them to me, and I sat with Alba (the mother) and helped her fill out the AST registration form for Daniel.

It happened that Pastor Michael Tanney from St. Johns was the chapel speaker for the evening. When he finished the Bible study with the teens, he came by and I introduced him to Alba. They were able to easily get acquainted with one another, as Pastor Tanney speaks Spanish fluently (having served as a missionary in Venezuela and Puerto Rico). The new family left, and we hope to strengthen our connection with them as Daniel comes to After School Tutoring and Alba comes to ESL classes.

As I reflected on these events, I could clearly see God’s hand in this situation. God brought Alba and Daniel to us at a time when some exuberant children would attract their attention. He placed our volunteer in the right position to bring them inside to find out about our CFNA programs. He knew that Pastor Tanney would be there to speak to Alba in her native language, which added greatly to her comfort level in this new situation. I hope that we will continue to see these little miracles as they happen around us and seize the opportunity to connect with people whenever we can!

By Sandy Gerber St. Johns, Morganford

Henry Manu - New American Of The Month

New American of the Month

Having lived as a small child in an impoverished village in Liberia, Henry came to St. Louis approximately 10 years ago as a refugee, and an orphan. With his mother having been killed in the Liberian civil war and his father in a refugee camp, where he remains until today, he was raised in St. Louis by his grandmother and an aunt – just a few years his senior.

Henry became connected with CFNA, and Timothy Lutheran Church, through Tim Schrader, a long time CFNA Associate. The primary link was sports, about which Henry is passionate. A soccer team coached by Tim was his first interest, but Henry became involved in other sports programs as well, including weight lifting. Just 18 years old, he is already able to squat over 350 pounds!

A devout follower of Christ, Henry learned what it meant to be a Christian first hand, living in the city where many of his friends became involved in the ways of the street at a young age. He learned to cling to the cross in his daily life, and despite being passionate about sports and now holding a job at Chick-fil-A, Henry stays connected to his church family. With his faith life driving other aspects of his life, he has brought several others to Timothy Lutheran Church.

Having been accepted into the International Students’ Dorming Program sponsored by the Lutheran High School Association, Henry was given the opportunity to study at Lutheran High South. This past fall he helped Timothy Lutheran Church launch a weekly Bible Study among the international students staying in dormitories while studying in Lutheran High Schools. The Bible Study reaches out not only to International Students, but also reconnects domestic students who have strayed from the church.

While grateful for his church home at Timothy, Henry nevertheless credits CFNA with having unlocked doors to opportunities he could have only hoped for, especially the opportunity to study at a private high school. His plans are to graduate from high school, and then a university graduating with a degree in psychology. His dream is to provide counseling for recently arrived New Americans. Please keep Henry in your prayers as he continues his journey of commitment and service to his Lord, and others.

By Tim Anas Student, Concordia Seminary Family Advocate, Timothy Lutheran Church

The Foreigner Among Us

This powerful video demonstrates how "all nations" are coming to our very doorstep, and what that means for mission!

Sharon Agne - Volunteer Of The Month

Volunteer of the Month

Sharon agne

Sharon Agne, a member of Ascension Lutheran Church, has served as a CFNA volunteer for the past eight years. Here she briefly shares her story.

During my 46 year career as a Registered Nurse I have had experience in staff nursing, staff development and administration. Currently and for the past 20 years, I have worked for Lutheran Senior Services in Hospice, which cares for patients with limited life expectancy. This has been very rewarding, if only because we help patients with their final phase of life’s journey. Not surprisingly, there have been many opportunities to share my faith, which has been strengthened whenever these opportunities arise.

My involvement with CFNA began when I was introduced to Carol Buckman, who quickly took my name and invited me to join the Health and Wellness Screening team. My CFNA volunteer work began shortly thereafter at the Peace Center, where I assist with this ministry on the first Saturday of each month.

The most rewarding facet of nursing has always been helping others, and at CFNA I have had the added privilege of serving among people of various cultures. Seeing their faces, often with a warm smile – especially when we exchange greetings – has been a regular source of encouragement.

The biggest challenge has at all times been communication. Though capable translators are provided, children may also assist on behalf of their parents. Because many refugees do not arrive with their medical histories, obtaining this information can be a challenge. Kindness, a smile, and prayers get us through each screening.

To be sure, all of this has been a source of great blessing, if only because we serve as a dedicated group of health professionals with an equally dedicated ministry coordinator. Together we guide New Americans through the screening process, into other CFNA ministries, and sometimes into one of the nearby congregations – mostly Lutheran - as well.

A suggestion:  Prayerfully consider giving three hours a month to driving clients to their medical appointments.

Joy Three Times

revs. Okine espinoza and thompson with nar katuwal and children salina and sahil

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16).

This power of the gospel continues to work in our time all over the world, including our own neighborhood here in St. Louis.

Sunday, March 13th was another day of joy at Messiah Lutheran Church. A family of three was baptized—Nar Katuwal (mother), Sahil Chimriya (son), and Salina Chimriya (daughter). Sahil and Salina have been attending the home Bible studies, the Nepali Fellowship/Worship, the CFNA After School Tutoring program, and church regularly. They had been asking to be baptized for over a year. Their mother, who was Hindu, came occasionally to the Bible study. She was not interested in being baptized; but she was not opposed to the children being baptized. She came for their traditional three days of prayer/mourning led by Pastor Mike Okine when a family member of theirs was shot and killed in Chicago.

We fixed a date in February for the baptism. A week or so before the baptism, she said she would like to be baptized as well. Her children had very much encouraged her to do this. So we pushed the date back to March. Pastor Sam Thompson met with her a few times for instruction when it was possible. Her schedule at the Marriot Hotel (Airport) changed quite a bit. Pastor Sam and Pastor Mike met with them for nearly three hours on Saturday, March 12th. The baptism took place the following day.

There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Now there is joy three times over in heaven! To God alone be the glory!

Pastor Mike Okine Messiah Lutheran Church

Celebrating New Citizenships

By Pastor Matt Clark

gagan gurung, arun gurung, rev. matt clark

Two different kinds of citizenships were recently celebrated by Nepali new Americans who became connected to Ascension Lutheran Church through Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA).

At the Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse in downtown St. Louis on February 26, Chattra and Shiva Gurung were naturalized as citizens of the United States of America. After living approximately six years in the US and passing the rigorous citizenship test, the Gurungs pledged their allegiance to their new country and were welcomed to their new home. Individuals from both Ascension and CFNA were present to celebrate this important occasion with them.

newly confirmed members if the rai and gurung families

A new citizenship of a different kind was celebrated at Ascension on March 6 for Arun Gurung, as he became a citizen of the kingdom of God through water and the Word. Through Holy Baptism, Arun is now a part of the body, and family, of Christ. At this same service, a total of eight Nepali men and women (including Arun) were also confirmed. These brothers and sisters in Christ pledged their allegiance to their Savior, and were welcomed to His Church. This celebration followed a period of bilingual instruction covering Scripture and much of Luther’s Small Catechism in both English and Nepali.

New citizenship on earth, and in heaven, is reason to celebrate and rejoice!

Partnership In Motion

enjoying the luncheon

What a joy it was for Lutherans In Medical Missions to partner with CFNA, Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood and LCMS Mercy Medical Teams in presenting an interactive community health workshop on March 12 at the Peace Center. The goal of LePSAS (a learning centered, action oriented approach to problem solving) teaching is that learners become teachers thereby facilitating spontaneous reproduction.

More than 50 participants, including many New Americans, learned about the LePSAS teaching method as a way to reach out to members of their communities, teaching and sharing how to lead healthier and happier lives, both physically and spiritually. Together they practiced what they learned, using skits and other activities to share signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke. In particular, this included three things that can be done to prevent these illnesses, and other diseases as well.

early arrivals

All of this was taken to heart by the participants. One (from India) shared, “I did not know I needed to exercise. People in our family have had strokes. Now I know I need to exercise.” Another New American shared, “Now I know how to buy better food for my family. I will go home and tell my friends about this.”

After sharing additional ideas for incorporating LePSAS methods in programs and day-to-day activities, the event ended with a delicious international potluck luncheon.

For more information about CFNA medical programs contact Laura Brink at 314-249-9219. 

By Rita Nickel LIMM Executive Director

Partnership with POBLO!

rev. Duane Maas

Christian Friends of New Americans are wonderful partners with People of the Book Lutheran Outreach as POBLO initiates new work in the St. Louis area. POBLO’s primary focus will be reaching the Muslim population. The two organizations can share information with one another to connect immigrants with those who can best minister in their language and culture. This partnership enables expanded sources for new contacts, sharing information, volunteer training and centers for helping immigrant populations.

POBLO Arabic speaking missionaries Hady and Vickie Matta have relocated to the St. Louis area from California at the beginning of this year. As experienced evangelists from Egypt, they have already made many contacts with immigrants and have identified recent converts and seekers with whom they will soon begin having Bible Study.

On February 6th Mrs. Cynthia Kahn led a training workshop at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO. Attendees received information about the development and effective work of International Friendship Centers (IFCs). St. John’s will be the location of the first of what we intend will be many IFCs in the area. IFCs offer various classes to help immigrants with needed skills in their new country. Social interaction and events are a vital part so that volunteers from area congregations build relationships with immigrants.

Anyone interested in volunteering or starting an IFC, scheduling presentations, Mission Sundays, classes on understanding Islam, or reaching Immigrants through personal relationships may call Duane Maas 636-294-5302 or Hady Matta 909-363-0030.

By Rev. Duane Maas POBLO Regional Coordinator

Reflections on Immigrant/Refugee Ministry

rev. ron rall (r) with rev. bill wilson after a baptism service

During his 30 years of ministry as Senior Pastor at Timothy Lutheran Church, Rev. Ron Rall has witnessed many changes. Here he offers his reflections regarding Timothy’s growing ministry among immigrants and refugees.

Timothy Lutheran Church has been richly blessed through our ministry to the immigrant and refugee community here in St. Louis. Our partnership with CFNA has been a key part of this ministry and we have been working together for many years. Clearly God has orchestrated what has happened in this outreach so that today we have 16 African nations represented in our congregation, as well as a number of other countries. Incorporating these nations into fellowship has been a joy and a challenge. It is truly a joy to see this multitude of nations join their voices in praise to God in our worship on Sunday mornings.

These New Americans come to this country and to St. Louis with very little and have significant needs. It is a huge challenge for them to navigate through the various social systems they encounter to meet the needs they have. Housing, transportation, education, health care, employment, and the English language are all issues that need to be addressed. If a congregation desires to bring the Gospel to the immigrants, it undertakes the responsibility of assisting with these and other needs. We have been blessed with the assistance of CFNA in addressing these needs and in the participation of many congregational members who have been using their spiritual gifts to serve the Lord and others in this ministry.

We now have almost 40 immigrant children attending Word of Life Lutheran School and almost all of them need transportation to get to school. We have a “fleet” of vans that carry out this important service every school day and also on Sundays. Together with Trinity Lutheran Church we have established Caring Ministries, which is dedicated to providing quality, affordable housing for our immigrant families by rehabbing homes that immigrants can purchase.

The New Americans enrich our congregation in many ways. They provide a diversity that gives us a glimpse of what heaven will be like. They also use their spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ so that together we can glorify our Creator and Redeemer. We pray that our partnership with CFNA will continue to prosper and enable us to reach those whom God brings into our community with the saving Gospel of Jesus.

Family2Family

salena, trenika, kelly and bishnu (grandma) katuwal

The CFNA Family2Family ministry, now in its second year, pairs a St. Louis family with a recently arrived New American family. Here Kelly Jacob shares her experience, especially as regards relationship building with a New American family.

“My name is Kelly Jacob. I'm a second year deaconess student at Concordia Seminary, as well as a second year student in the Masters of Social Work program at St. Louis University. This year I have been blessed to be working with Christian Friends of New Americans for what is referred to as field work in the deaconess program.

“That being said, as part of the Family2Family ministry I've been blessed and privileged to spend time visiting and getting to know a refugee family from Nepal. They have been so gracious in welcoming me and the Schelp family from Concordia, Kirkwood into their homes and lives. We have shared some special moments ranging from family photos to watching Nepalese shows together to reading books about Jesus and His love. These times have provided great opportunities to learn more about the family's needs as well as to connect them with other resources that CFNA has to offer, such as Adult ESL, After School Tutoring and health screenings.

“On Sunday - Valentine's Day! - I had fun sharing with the kids the Valentine's I made for them. It was neat to be able to talk about love - not only the love that people have for their spouses, families and friends, but also about God's love for them. I also was able to share that one of the reasons I visit is because it is a way I can show God's love for them, and my care for them as well.

“This has been a wonderful and enjoyable experience, and I greatly look forward to our meetings! I encourage anyone interested, to prayerfully consider participation in this ministry, as it has been a true blessing not only for the immigrant/refugee family but also for me!” If interested call Carol at 314-517-8513.

New Dimensions

Today the United States is the third largest mission field in the world. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (November 23, 2015), “Since 2002, nearly 800,000 refugees have resettled in the United States. More than 14,000 have come to Missouri… according to data from the U.S. /Department of States Refugee Processing Center. In that period, refugees have traveled to Missouri from 48 different countries; most have resettled in the city of St. Louis.” The growth of New Americans into St. Louis continues. CFNA, along with its partner organization, POBLO, play a major role in serving their new neighbors. In 2015 alone, CFNA had contacts with more than 150 New Americans.

The dedicated men and women who volunteer their time and talents to CFNA do an outstanding job of providing with the help of translators monthly medical screenings that include testing for issues having to do with vision, diabetes, hearing, blood pressure, nutrition, and more. There are follow up appointments and education.

On Saturday morning, March 12, Rita Nickel and her team will provide an exciting and practical approach to medical education. There will be no shortage of laughter as Rita shares her real life experiences! These are simple health lessons, to be facilitated by non-health care professionals containing culturally appropriate information about a specific health issues prevalent and troubling among those coming to CFNA’s screenings. The lessons are shared in such a way that the New Americans and the St Louis Americans participating in the classes can take what they learned back into the refugee families and communities, sharing and teaching friends and neighbors how to make much needed life style changes.

The four-hour workshop will explain and demonstrate the LePSAS Teaching Approach, designed for both health care workers as well as those with NO medical training. The goal is to positively impact the lives of those attending and those whom they in turn teach and mentor. The partnership of volunteers and New Americans, reaching outside of themselves and learning side by side, is a transformational experience that will alter everyone’s world view. More info at http://blogs.lcms.org/2015/webinar-missionaries-without-passports

Space is limited. Call early and pray much.

New American Folk Dancers

Gemila Osman, matuda osman, sambatu dabi, saraswoti gurung

From the beginning, CFNA has encouraged innovation in ministry as attempts are made to meaningfully reach out to New Americans. Here Diana Wolf, a member of Webster Gardens Lutheran Church and herself of Middle Eastern heritage, tells how dance is playing a role in the CFNA outreach ministry.

“The class was formed to attract young ladies to participate in the After School Program at the Peace Center. It is based on folk dances from North Africa and the Middle East, but will be influenced as students from other cultures come to St. Louis and share their dances from their homelands with us.

“Music and dance are a great way to get acquainted and form relationships with people from other cultures. Dance knows no boundaries and helps overcome differences. Through my teaching, I hope to build confidence and improve their posture and coordination. These dances are a celebration of a women’s power to give life. While western culture does not look at dance in this way, this dance teaches one to respect their body and to appreciate the gift God has given us in our power to give life. Dance requires energy, discipline and patience with one’s self.

“I hope to share with these young ladies the power and fun that comes with dancing. Of course the best part is the costuming, dressing up and sharing what they are learning with others. We are looking forward to sharing our dance in the coming year as a means of educating people and gaining acceptance in a society which differs greatly from their native culture. We thank God for the gift of dance.”

By Diana Wolf Webster Gardens Lutheran Church

New Americans Who Love to Sing

Betty Mulat: 1rst row, second from the right - diana wulu: 2nd row, 2nd from the right

Betty Mulat, born in the Sudan, and Diana Wulu, who was born in Liberia, are both juniors at Lutheran High School South. They have been singing in school choirs since they both attended Word of Life Lutheran School, and now are members of the elite Lancer Singers of Lutheran South. Both are CFNA scholarship students.

Betty enjoys singing together with her classmates, working together like a team to make music. She does not intend to pursue a career in music, but plans to continue singing, in college and in her church. This year at Timothy she is a member of Maranatha, the music group that sings modern upbeat music once a month.

Diana loves the experience of learning to read music and expand her musical expertise; she particularly enjoys the close harmonies of songs like the Three Madrigals, a song they sang at their Fall Concert. Speaking on behalf of Betty, Diana states that, “Having a scholarship from CFNA has opened new doors for me, and has given me new opportunities to meet people and learn new things. I am very grateful to CFNA and their donors.

Lancer Singers perform choral music appropriate for the advanced high school singer. The picture shows the 2015-16 Singers, which include 3 Asians who are part of the Kitebridge program which serves international students. Membership in Lancer Singers requires participation in four public performances and other performances in the community scheduled throughout the school year. All members are expected to participate in District choir auditions and solo/ensemble contests, all performances and tours.

By Judith Meyer Timothy Lutheran Church

Welcome Christa!

Please help CFNA welcome Christa Wilson Earl to the position of ESL Ministry Facilitator. In this ministry Christa will offer classes to New Americans - classes designed to greatly enhance their English language skills. Her interest in, “working with refugees and building cross-cultural relationships” (Christa’s words) played a key role in leading her to apply for and accept this position. Her extensive experience in cross cultural service outside the USA was also a factor.

Christa brings to her position a passion for linguistics and language acquisition, as well as a commitment to team ministry and the improvement of the literacy levels of New Americans. Previous experience includes extensive cross cultural service in Thailand and Korea. In addition to ESL, her skills include fluency in French, as well as a conversational ability in Korean, Thai and Spanish.

Christa is married to Rev. Brian Earl, an LCMS pastor who is presently finishing his Chaplaincy requirements at the VA hospital in St. Louis. Both are members of Chai V'Shalom Lutheran Church in St. Louis.

CFNA prayerfully submits the work of Mrs. Christa Earl to the guidance and grace of our God, so that its ESL ministry will serve the purpose of reaching more New Americans with the Gospel. We pray and hope that our well-wishers will uphold and support her work, and pray for the success of her leadership and CFNA’s ESL program. (View the current schedule of ESL classes HERE)

By Rev. Stanish Stanley

Partners in Mission

rev. khurram khan, executive director, POBLO

Rev. Duane Maas, Missouri Representative, POBLO

Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) and People of the Book Lutheran Outreach International (POBLO) have signed an agreement to better serve refugees and immigrants in the St. Louis area. In a unique partnership, the two organizations will share information and meeting space, partner in specific ministry efforts and proclaim the Gospel among New Americans arriving in St. Louis and beyond.

“The stream of refugees, especially into St. Louis, will grow; it’s already very substantial,” said CFNA Chairman, Rev. Dr. Allan Buckman. “We anticipate a large area of growth will be of Muslim people. A significantly increased flow would very likely over-stretch our capacity. POBLO will definitely help fill this gap, and their participation in this effort will therefore be most welcome and much appreciated.”

The aim of both mission societies is to provide skill giving and capacity building opportunities for New Americans and, as links with these newcomers intensify, to extend them to nearby churches, primarily LCMS congregations. Both organizations have demonstrated a capacity to dynamically link with growing numbers of these New American arrivals.

“CFNA is powerfully impacting the immigrant community through the tremendous services they provide, and the way in which they have brought the Gospel one-on-one to Africans, Nepalese, and many others,” said POBLO Chief Executive, Rev. Khurram Khan. “Now, POBLO International is beginning a new ministry in St. Louis, to specifically meet, serve, and witness to Muslims.”

The partnership represents a true milestone insofar as this is probably one of the few times two LCMS mission agencies have agreed to work cooperatively in a specific area within a specific population segment for the purpose of bringing New Americans into LCMS congregations.

To learn more about this agreement, to donate, or to volunteer, contact CFNA at mail@cfna-stl.org or POBLO at office@poblo.org.

By Marjorie Schmeerbauch and Rev. Dr. Allan Buckman

Rev. Dr. Allan Buckman, Chairman, CFNA

Rev. Stanish Stanley, Executive Director, CFNA