Who Is Served?

merwa & and peyton

rec time

devotions with rev. wilson

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

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

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

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

By Sandy Gerber St. Johns (City) Lutheran Church

Reflections

jaylynn bernhardt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Jaylynn Bernhardt Lutheran Young Adult Corps

A Special Partnership

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

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

ted and abby

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

secondo

---

selah, diane, tim, jonah

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

---

Dave, judith, joseph

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

---

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

harry

kibur, ezekiel

ellen

nabayet, elga

---

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

Resurrection Party

decorating cookies

completely engaged

watercolor craft table

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

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

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

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

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

Ben and Addie Janssen - Volunteers Of The Month

ben, addie, mother Jen (standing) and associate

marge schrieber

CFNA Volunteers of the Month

ben and addie

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

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

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

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

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

By Rev. Al Buckman

Stepping Up

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

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

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

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

the class

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

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

By Rev. Teddy Workeneh with Rev. Allan Buckman

A Heartwarming Experience During a Cold Winter Break

with the nepali furniture recipients

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

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

helping with after school tutoring

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

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

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

New Life Bible Fellowship

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

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

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

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

Why does CFNA matter to you?

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

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

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

• They enable us to gain skills. (Anna)

new life members

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

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

• They help us find employment. (All)

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

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

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

What is the purpose of New Life Bible Fellowship?

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

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

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

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

Confirmation of a Different Sort

Ev. bhim receives his certificate

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

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

reception for the bhim and nabin families

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

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

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

Lutheran High School South/CFNA Swim Program

snack time

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

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

riley handing out certificates

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

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

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

mothers and students

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

By Pastor Stanish Stanley Executive Director, CFNA

Riley Schelp - Volunteer Of The Year

riley

CFNA Volunteer of the Year

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

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

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

riley and mace

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

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

Riley Schelp Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood, MO

Ethiopian/Eritrean Bible Fellowship

fellowship leaders

rev. teddy & aynalem workeneh

some fellowship members

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

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

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

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

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

A Shepherd You Can Trust

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

An Engaged Family

quiwonyen hollowanger

wayea hollowanger

ellen hollowanger

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

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

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

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

By Judith Meyer Timothy Lutheran Church

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