Lutheran High School South/CFNA Swim Program

snack time

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

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

riley handing out certificates

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

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

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

mothers and students

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

By Pastor Stanish Stanley Executive Director, CFNA

Riley Schelp - Volunteer Of The Year

riley

CFNA Volunteer of the Year

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

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

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

riley and mace

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

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

Riley Schelp Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood, MO

Ethiopian/Eritrean Bible Fellowship

fellowship leaders

rev. teddy & aynalem workeneh

some fellowship members

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

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

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

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

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

A Shepherd You Can Trust

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

An Engaged Family

quiwonyen hollowanger

wayea hollowanger

ellen hollowanger

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

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

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

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

By Judith Meyer Timothy Lutheran Church

Christmas Giveaway

registration with dr. lee hagan and james geyeyou

staged items

Note: The December issue informed us of a gift of more than 6,000 household items provided by the staff of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. The article also referenced a “Christmas Giveaway” event to be held at the Peace Center on December 20 and 21. Here, Rev. Stanish Stanley tells us about it.

After staging the items during the morning of December 19 and 20, the Giveaway took place the evenings of the 20th and the 21st. Distributions were made to ethnic communities, and the response from all these New American friends was both enthusiastic and contagious. Francis Nkenyere from the Congo, on seeing his gift bag that included washing detergents, soaps, shampoos, hygiene items, paper towels, toilet paper, clothes, and blankets, exclaimed, “Ahh... this is very good. My family will love this!”

A total of 79 families from seven ethnic communities came to the Peace Center for the Giveaway as per the following: Nepali (17); Eritrean-Ethiopian (8); Liberian-Sierra Leone (9); Congolese (6); Syrian (12); Sudanese (2), and Afghan (25). Together, they counted for over 400 New Americans. More than 25 volunteers, including the Missouri District president, Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan, and his daughter, Caroline, turned out to help with arranging and distributing the items. All who participated were blessed in their own special way, as Mrs. Candy Redel confided: “It was a blessing for me to serve at CFNA... Thank you for all you do!”

For bringing Christmas cheer into the lives of our New American families, CFNA remains thankful to our generous donors and all our volunteer participants, one of CFNA’s primary strengths. In their various roles, they represented the “gifting spirit” of our Lord during this past Christmas season. As we give our thanks to them, we also thank our Ministry Facilitators for working to ensure that members of their ethnic communities were among the recipients.

Most of all, we thank our gracious Lord who came to live with us, so that we might live with Him.

Prepared by Pastor Stanish Stanley Executive Director, CFNA Christ Community Lutheran Church

all the volunteers

distribution

Sleeping Bags

a happy nepali recipient

distributing in minus wind chill

Just When They Were Needed the Most

recently arrived sudanese family recipients

On Friday, December 29, CFNA received 72 cartons of sleeping bags from the ALPS Brands Company of New Haven, Missouri. Each carton contained two double sleeping bags, each of which can be unzipped into singles, or even blankets. That’s 288 sleeping bags or blankets! It should be noted: these are top-end, high-quality products with a sale price of $180 each on Amazon. They arrived just when they were needed the most.

The last few days of 2017 were very cold, with sub-zero temperatures and winds chills between -20 and -25 degrees. For recently arrived refugees from the tropical regions of Africa and Asia, this weather could only be described as brutal.

CFNA Executive Director, Rev. Stanish Stanley, working with the six CFNA Ethnic Ministry Facilitators, quickly put together a distribution team. In just two days, by the evening of Sunday, December 31, almost all the sleeping bags had been distributed. Recipients were families from nine birth nations, including Nepal (27); Liberia and Sierra Leone (11); Congo, Rwanda, and Sudan (7); Syria (4); Afghanistan (5); and Ethiopia (5). Together, these families consist of more than 300 people. Additionally, some of the sleeping bags were given to St. Trinity Lutheran Church for distribution among needy people in their neighborhood.

The gratitude expressed by the numerous recipients was heartfelt. Speaking for many others, Maureen Mutsigushi, who with her father and three siblings are recent refugee arrivals from Rwanda, said, “Thank you for the big blankets. They help us a lot during this winter weather.” Mr. Khaliqui, who together with his wife and four children are refugees from Afghanistan, put it like this, “The winter is so cold. Your gifts arrived just when we needed them most.”

In addition to ALPS Brands and the approximately 15 volunteers and CFNA Ministry Facilitators who distributed these gifts, we also extend our thanks to Pastor Bill Zastrow of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, who brought this gift to our attention in the first place.

By Rev. Allan Buckman with Rev. Stanish Stanley

Fashion Show

doing the walk

friends

completely ready

all of the participants

On Sunday, January 21, a group of 20 girls from Lutheran High School South hosted a Girls’ Day and fashion show at the Peace Center for approximately 40 New American girls for the second year in a row. Thanks to many generous donations, the high school girls were able to collect more than 200 dresses for the New Americans girls to choose from, as well as more than 150 bottles of nail polish and several pairs of shoes.

The event began with New American girls of all ages and several birth nations congregating in the chapel to learn a dance. Afterwards, they moved to their first of several stations. At the different stations, girls had the opportunity to pick out and try on a dress, take pictures in the photo booth, get their hair, makeup, and nails done, and head upstairs for a snack. Once each girl had been to each of the stations, they congregated in the chapel for a message from Faith Reed, a youth group leader at St. Louis K-Life. She shared a message about being confident in the role God has given you in the Church.

Finally, at the end of the day, the girls participated in a fashion show. One by one, they were escorted by one of three senior boys from Lutheran South down the runway wearing their new dresses and showing off their new makeovers. Each participant also got to walk up to the stage as the song of their choice was played.

“Seeing the smiles on the girls’ faces as they walked down the runway made my day!” said Lutheran South senior Peyton Anderson.

“I am so thankful to everyone who donated to make this event possible. It will be a day these girls will never forget!” said Avery Starnes.

Riley Schelp has planned and organized the fashion show for the past 2 years, but because she will be going to college next year, she has passed the baton to Abigail Hanson and Avery Starnes.

Editor’s Note: We wish Riley, Abigail, Avery, and all the other members of the National Honor Society at Lutheran South the very best. Well done!

By Riley Schelp Concordia, Kirkwood

Who Is Jesus?

John 10:27-32

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?”

A story of love and intolerance. That’s what this portion of John’s Gospel could be called. Jesus brings love’s stories; the Jews, stones. The Lord’s enemies do not tolerate Jesus’ affirmation that He comes from the Heavenly Father. The Jews’ blindness did not allow them to see the origin of Jesus’ works.

Open your eyes. Do you want to see Jesus’ good works, which point to the Father? Jesus healed a blind man, a paralytic, ten lepers, and another leper; he raised a little girl, Lazarus, and a boy in Nain; he fed thousands; he had compassion on thousands; he forgave a paralytic, an adulteress, Peter after he betrayed him, and even his enemies who crucified him; he walked on water and calmed a storm as well as his disciples’ fear; he was patient with the Emmaus disciples and explained the Scriptures to them. Jesus did all of this, and much more, so that we might see and believe that he comes from the Father.

The Jews could not tolerate Jesus’ affirmation of who he was. They could not understand the way Jesus explained the Scriptures! Do you doubt the Holy Scripture? The Bible came from God the Father! Is it hard for you to believe that God is compassionate and loving towards his children? No need to doubt. God has given you many signs that he loves you more than anything. He sent Jesus to die on a cross to pay for your sins. Now you can believe his promises to forgive you and to give you eternal life. God is good. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are witnesses of God’s love.

Hector Hoppe St. Louis, MO

JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME!

The first line of a beloved Christmas carol, “Joy to the World,” declares “the Lord is come.” What an interesting word choice the hymnist makes: “is come.” The hymnist could have declared, “Joy to the World, the Lord has come.” The birth of God’s Son was announced by angels and confirmed by the shepherds and Wise Men who worshiped Him. He grew in stature and wisdom, walked among His people, ministered to the poor and weak, suffered at the hands of unholy men, died the death of a lowly criminal, was buried in a borrowed tomb, rose from the dead on the third day, and ascended into heaven… all according to the Father’s plan. These are past events, recorded for us in the Holy Scriptures. Yes, joy to the world, the Lord has come!

The hymnist could also have proclaimed, “Joy to the World, the Lord will come.” As His beloved children, we have the blessing that this Messiah, God’s beloved Son, will come to earth again. He who now reigns in glory with His Father will return at God’s appointed time to take us and all believers to live with Him eternally. We do not know when that glorious reality will be ours; it’s a future promise. Yes, Joy to the World, the Lord will come!

However, in the meantime, we raise our voices and sing, “Joy to the World, the Lord is come.” While celebrating that He did indeed come and claiming the promise that He will come again, we live in the present joy that He “is come.” Today and every day He comes with His grace and blessing. In our joys and sorrows, our triumphs and failures, He comes to give us peace beyond all human understanding. He is indeed our present King! Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

By Bonnie Matzat

Thank You LCEF!

lcef and cfna staff getting ready to unload

Editor’s Note: Recently, the Nurture Committee of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund collected over 6,000 household items for distribution among people in need. When asked why Christian Friends of New Americans was chosen as the recipient of this huge gift, President, and CEO, Rev. Bart Day replied:

“CFNA has been working tirelessly in St. Louis to help resettle refugees and connect them with congregations and the gospel of Jesus. LCEF wanted to be a part of that great work of resettlement. This is a small way to welcome these new Americans and assure them they have a place here with us.”

LCEF Senior Content Writer, Demian Farnworth, shares the following:

“On Dec. 5, 2017, employees from Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) unloaded thousands of essential household items from a 17-foot long moving truck.

some of the more than 6,000 household items

“These items—which included 3,772 rolls of toilet paper, 1,329 packages of toothbrushes and toothpaste, 540 bars of soap, 406 large laundry detergent bottles and scores of shampoo bottles, bundles of paper towels, blankets and more—were donated to the non-profit organization Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA).

“To collect the household items, the Nurture Committee, an LCEF group in charge of employee events, planned a Thanksgiving Holiday Drive. Ministry Support Coordinator, Allison Rose, organized the collection and delivery. The department that donated the most goods would win a lunch prepared by President and CEO, Rev. Bart Day.”

Please Note: Because of the sheer size of this gift, CFNA has organized a “Christmas Give-Away Event” to be held at the Peace Center on December 20 and 21. Numerous recently arrived refugee families will be invited to the Peace Center for the distribution. Please check the January issue for an update!

Rev. Teddy Workeneh Installation

installation service. l to r: dr. tim saleska, dr. stanish stanley, rev teddy workeneh, rev. bill wilson (officiant), dr. allan buckman, rev. bill geis

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Math. 9:37–38)

On Sunday, December 17, Rev. Theodros (Teddy) Workeneh was installed as an Evangelistic Missionary of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) at Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis. Pastor Teddy graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 2017, and had been pastoring for more than 20 years previously in Ethiopia. In 2013, he came to the United States to serve for a year as an associate pastor in a Washington D. C. congregation of the Ethiopian Lutheran Church. Thereafter he was enrolled as a graduate student at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

While a student, he served with CFNA part-time as a facilitator for work among Ethiopian and Eritrean people. This resulted in the establishment of the small, but continuously growing Ethiopian/Eritrean Bible Fellowship. Pastor Teddy and his wife Aynalem (Ayni) have two children, Kibur and Leyu, and are members of Timothy Lutheran Church.

rev. workeneh and family. l to r: anaylem, leyu, kibur, rev. workeneh

The installation was a milestone event for the Workeneh family, CFNA, Timothy Lutheran Church and the LCMS Missouri District; all of whom have joined together to support this very focused mission initiative among the people of this substantial ethnic community. Clearly, this commitment to dynamic mission outreach represents a step into the future. As immigrant believers become members of established churches, or form their own Bible Fellowship as satellites of established congregations, they bring with them their unique characteristics. These include a passion for relationship-based evangelism, multi-generational koinonia, servant-based fellowship and discipleship.

In Pastor Teddy’s words, “The installation service was a moving and inspiring event, for which I am utterly grateful. Moreover, the presence of representatives from CFNA and the LCMS Missouri District, along with numerous friends and families, including those from the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities, made it even more special. On behalf of my family and the members of the Ethiopian/Eritrean Fellowship, I offer my sincere thanks to CFNA and Timothy Lutheran Church for their friendship, fellowship, and generous hospitality.”

By: Rev. Teddy Workeneh, with Rev. Allan Buckman

Penny Drive!

riley with happy recipients shresti and sanjay

two very happy recipients

with a congolese family

The National Honor Society (NHS) at Lutheran South hosted a penny drive in which classes competed against one another to see which could donate the most. Together they raised more than $1,600 and decided to use the funds to provide Christmas gifts for six CFNA families. Eighty NHS members worked together to count pennies, shop, wrap presents, sort gifts and more! On Tuesday, December 12th, the NHS members visited the adopted families and delivered more than 80 Christmas presents.

"It was incredible to get to visit these recently arrived families from Nepal, Congo and elsewhere, and to be welcomed into their homes. It was so fun to see the kids open their gifts. “The service project was a lot of hard work, but it was all worth it in the end when we saw their smiling faces," says LHSS senior Hunter Hickerson. Senior Lauren Chong says, "I am so blessed we got to be God's messengers and were able to share His love this Christmas season."

The National Honor Society looks forward to continuing their work with CFNA in the years to come. God truly worked in a big way this year!

By Riley Schelp President, National Honor Society, LHSS Member, Concordia, Kirkwood

Christmas Party

“Pastor Stanish are you coming?… we are waiting,” said Charles Nshimiyamana as I picked up his phone call on the evening of Tuesday, December 12th. The occasion was the CFNA After- School Tutoring Christmas Party to be held that day at Epiphany Lutheran Church, Holly Hills.

The excitement was contagious as other New American kids also made sure they were picked up for the evening. By the end, over 30 American volunteers were joined by approximately 70 refugee kids from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Congo, Mexico, Nigeria, Nepal, Sudan, and Syria for the party, several of them of Muslim origin. Managed by CFNA volunteer tutor, Mrs. Jennifer Janssen, and the event registrar, Ms. Sandy Gerber, the kids enjoyed a special evening of games and art projects, as they celebrated the birthday of baby Jesus, complete with a beautiful birthday cake. Additionally, the meal graciously provided by the Trinity (Soulard) Women’s Bible Study group, facilitated engaging conversations between kids and their mentors gathered around numerous dining tables.

The meal and the games were followed by a dramatized version of the birth of Jesus provided by Pastor Michael Zeigler in the church sanctuary. After the close of the worship service, the students offered a loud and prolonged cheer of appreciation for their volunteer tutors. As the entire program drew to a close, the kids were invited to take Christmas gifts with them on their way home. In their own way, gifts serve as a reminder of God’s gift of His Son, Jesus.

participants

For these gifts, CFNA thanks partners: Village Lutheran Church, Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, New Beginnings Lutheran Church, and Lutheran High School South who collectively provided the more than 140 gifts that were distributed. (See “Penny Drive” for the distribution of the LHSS gifts!) Likewise, CFNA celebrates and greatly appreciates the committed service of its volunteer tutors and drivers. Fifteen-year-old Maureen Kayesu from the Congo observed, “all these American friends are helping us with our studies and now with gifts for our families... thank you for Christians and Christmas.”

CFNA offers its gratitude to all who helped make this party such a special event!

Prepared by Pastor Stanish Stanley 12.16.17

worship service

busy kitchen crew

Pastor Bob Coffey - Associate Of The Month

some very attentive students

CFNA Associate of the Month

The English as Second Language (ESL) ministry, one of the oldest CFNA outreach programs, continues to deliver great impact! When the previous ESL facilitator, Mrs. Christa Wilson Earl, moved to Connecticut with her husband Rev. Brian Earl and newborn baby, CFNA began a search for a replacement. Pastor Bob Coffey (popularly known as Teacher Bob!) quickly became the obvious choice.

A CFNA volunteer ESL teacher for the past six months, Pastor Bob was born in Amarillo, Texas. After retiring from the Illinois Department of Transportation, he became more involved with church ministry and teaching. Baptized at First Christian Church, Belleville, IL in 1977, he later served that congregation as elder, deacon and chairman of the board. Eight years ago, he graduated with a degree in Adult Ministry from St. Louis Christian College, and began serving as guest preacher in the United Church of Christ (UCC). Around this time, he also received a Masters in TESOL from Lincoln University, and started volunteering at the International Institute as an ESL teacher. He is married to ­­­Carolyn, a retired teacher, and has three daughters and three grandchildren.

bob coffey and class

Pastor Bob began service with CFNA after visiting its website and having a conversation with Mrs. Carol Buckman. He is presently teaching Adult ESL at Nahed Chapman Academy, and does ESL testing in the St. Louis Public Schools. Even though teaching English to refugees can be very challenging, he relishes interacting with people from different cultures and confides that “working with refugees in St. Louis gives me a wider vision of the world than what I had in the past.”

For this, Pastor Bob sees CFNA as a facilitator of Christian witness. “CFNA’s service matters because the Lord has brought all these people from various countries to our doorstep who normally would not hear the Gospel… and we don’t have to spend the money to travel to faraway places to share the message… we are provided with the opportunity to be part of our Lord’s mission to the world.”

We wish Pastor Bob the very best as he takes up this responsibility to teach and touch the lives of New Americans by teaching the language of their new home country.

Prepared by Rev. Stanish Stanley 11/13/17

Trunk or Treat!

gathering candy

puppets and candy

having a great time!

Trick or treating is a big part of American culture in the fall. The National Honor Society (NHS) at Lutheran High School South wanted to provide a safe area for the kids at CFNA to go trick or treating while sharing the love of Christ with them as well.

Approximately 65 CFNA kids, together with 20 or more volunteers, came to the Lutheran South parking lot on buses and spent the evening collecting candy, playing games, and forming relationships. More than 80 students of Lutheran High School South teamed together to decorate 27 trunks. Each trunk had a theme, costumes, and passed out different candy. There was also a campfire, s’mores, a movie, and a photo booth. The Affton Fire Department was also there, passing out candy, letting children climb in the fire truck, and sharing fire safety tips. At the end, the NHS lead a short devotion in which they compared the Christian faith to a Jack-o-Lantern.

To come together like this in Christian fellowship was a great experience for both the students of Lutheran South and the children of CFNA. “Trunk or Treat was so fun! We worked really hard to get it organized and I'm so glad it turned out so great. I'm grateful that I got to build a deeper relationship with so many great New American kids through something we could both enjoy,” said Avery Starnes, a Junior at Lutheran South and a member of the NHS executive board. “I think it was a great experience overall for everybody involved, and I can't wait to do it again next year.”

By Riley Schelp Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood

Trivia Event 2017

Artist vesna delveska and friend

CFNA held its tenth annual Trivia Night on Saturday, November 11th, at The Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens with over 300 in attendance. They were welcomed by Pastor Joel Christensen and enjoyed a delicious chili dinner. Thanks to Rich and Charlie’s for the donation of salad and bread as well as to Frandeka Meat Market for the chili meat. Homemade cookies were provided by bakers from Peace, Christ Memorial and Concordia Lutheran Churches. Appreciation is expressed to Linda Marshall and her small group Bible study helpers from Webster Gardens for preparing and serving the food.

Following the meal, trivia competition and bingo games began. Joanie Harwell and Rev. Stanish Stanley, CFNA Executive Director, read this year’s trivia questions which were written by Dorothy Rodriguez. Jerry and Joyce Birk served as bingo callers. Throughout the evening, a silent auction offering baskets, gift certificates, and a wonderful assortment of other items was held. Also included in the auction was a beautiful oil painting created by Vesna Delevska during the evening.

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 American Folk Dancers, under the direction of Diana Wolf, entertained attendees. Bingo players were also entertained by a balloon creation maker and a clown.

kitchen crew

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. Proceeds from the event assist CFNA in reaching out with the Gospel message to immigrants and refugees in our area. Thanks to Committee Chair, Carol Buckman and all the Committee members for their hard work, as well as to all who gave, came, and served!

By Bonnie Matzat Concordia Lutheran Church

more than 300 participants

New american family with balloon art

CFNA Loves GOLF

“Chip shot”

Grace – By God’s GRACE, we have a myriad of opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ Jesus. All levels of golfers, from novice to veteran, from high to low handicapper, from hacker to ringer showed up to play on October 10th at Norwood Hills on a cloudy day. No matter. The event drew more than 75 linksters. By God’s grace we all braved a brief shower and finished on time.

Outpouring – No, I am not referring to the precipitation that watered the verdant greens and fairways. Rather the OUTPOURING of generosity by the participants who supported the Christian Friends of New Americans ministry. A portion of the green fees, sponsorships, auction items, and outright donations was simply amazing. A total of more than $30,000 was raised to support this valuable ministry as CFNA seeks to assist legal immigrants and refugees in getting a fresh start.

(l to r) rev. A. buckman, aminata sesay, alimatu sesay

Love – There are many motivations for doing what we do. One of the most powerful is LOVE. As Christ’s followers, we are moved by His love to serve others, particularly those who suffer. Love was demonstrated at the CFNA Golf Tournament in so many ways; from those who sacrificed hours and energy to plan, organize, and implement each aspect of the tournament to the sponsorships and donations, to the actual “hands-on” ministry done at CFNA.

fellowship time

Fun – Without a doubt, the tournament and subsequent banquet were FUN. Our Lord desires that our lives are abundant with fellowship, friendships, and fun. Hard work and good planning resulted in a successful event. Aside from the fun aspect, there was great joy in knowing that CFNA makes a difference in the lives of people. A marvelous presentation by Alimatu and Aminata Sesay told the story of how CFNA changed the lives of their family in a dramatic way. We who know God’s Grace, respond with an Outpouring of Love while having Fun…GOLF. 

By Rev. Eric Erkkinen Concordia, Kirkwood

Thank You Christ Memorial!

Pastor momoh, jill harmon and lauren anderson paint the basement ceiling.

ann anderson and edie liebel wash floor mats.

On Saturday, October 7, a group of 10 people from Christ Memorial Lutheran Church and its Reliant community spent the day at CFNA. This group was part of a bigger event for Christ Memorial, the 4th annual Loved + Sent Servant Event where 415 individuals served at 35 sites across St. Louis. For the 4th year in a row, Christ Memorial chose to send a group to CFNA.

The major accomplishments of the day included tuck-pointing the south exterior wall, painting the ceiling in the basement dance room, removing paint and repainting a corner of the chapel, washing dance mats, and painting the north door framing. Thrivent Action Team dollars funded the supplies for the day, while Matt Barnes of Reliant provided expertise to train group members.

"We are a community loved deeply by God, and sent into the world to show that love to other people. Today we showed His love in tangible ways for the physical building. We know CFNA is consistent with their work to minister to the community, and we hope our improvements will uplift the people who use the building!"

By Dawn Martin Christ Memorial Lutheran Church

Life Throws Many Things At Us

2 Peter 3:14 – “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”

Someone once said, “Proper prior planning prevents poor performance.” Planning is absolutely vital these days. How do you prepare for the future? Of course, that depends on what events are pending. Life can throw so many things at us.

Years ago, I played Little League Baseball. One of my early coaches gathered all the players on our team together and told us the obvious. “Guys, every time you take the field, ask yourself one question… ‘what if the ball comes to me?’” That is a good question for many aspects of life. What will you do if the ball comes to you?

Peter writes in his second letter to the church, “make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace” with our Lord. Those three efforts are a wonderful pattern for our lives. So many things come at us in this life. Change is all around us, unexpected events occur, and crises can overwhelm us. How do we handle it?

With prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, we make every effort to live as one who is a child of God and disciple of Christ, spotless and blameless. And because Christ suffered, died, and rose again victorious over sin, we live in total peace with our Lord. We cannot do this by our own efforts. Christ Jesus makes us spotless, blameless, and gives us peace. Now we can face the future fearlessly.

Rev. Eric J. Erkkinen Chaplain, U.S. Army (ret.)