New Dimensions

mutumpe Ngoyi with certificate

Editor’s Note: Four months ago, with funds provided by a generous grant from the Grace Lutheran Foundation of Destin, FL, and under the supervision of Rev. Teddy Workeneh, CFNA launched a new ministry called the Skill Enhancement Program. Here Carla Hagan tells about her experience serving as the tutor and mentor for the first class.

When I was asked to teach a Home Health Aid class for New Americans, I said “Yes” to the CFNA offer in the blink of an eye. However, this article is not about me. Rather, it is about how God blessed a group of people recently arrived from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Congo, and Somalia to learn how to better care for others.

As soon as it became available, 15 students quickly enrolled in a 72 hour online Home Health Aid class. During our weekly meetings, they were engaged and inquisitive, asking many questions having to do with the provision of patient care in multiple settings; home, hospital and nursing home. Though from several nations, they gradually formed into a single learning community. As their tutor and mentor, I was blessed to have had the opportunity to guide the process, as well as to provide the necessary medical information.

On Friday, August 10 thirteen students received their HHA certificates, having passed the online final exam. In his comments to the graduating class, Rev. Workeneh shared the following: “The diploma you hold in your hand not only provides access to a better job opportunity, it also strongly endorses your efforts to be successful in your professional career.” Student Mutumpe Ngoye (Congo) shared that her plan is to register for the online CNA course as soon as CFNA can make it available.

Let us join others in wishing these successful students our Lord’s richest blessings.

Carla Hagan, RN Christ Memorial Lutheran Church

hha class

graduates with certificates: rev workeneh, back row furthest left. Carla hagan, back row, third from right.

New American of the Month

Matuda Osman

matuda osman

The oldest of six siblings, Matuda arrived in St. Louis 10 years ago with her parents as refugees from Ethiopia, having been displaced by the fighting, civil strife and turmoil in that country. Now 17 years old, Matuda is a junior at Soldan International Studies High School. Shortly after her arrival, she and her sisters accepted an invitation to visit the Peace Center from Rev. Eddie Mekasha. She has been a regular participant ever since and has now told us about her experience.

E-News: You have been coming to the Peace Center on a regular basis for most of the past 10 years. Why?

Matuda:  Because it is a safe place where I can meet new people. I have always enjoyed meeting people from different countries, and trying to understand them. I also enjoy trying new things.

E-News: Why does the Peace Center matter to you?

Matuda: People make me feel like they want me to be there. Also, there are interesting things to do there. I like the After School Tutoring Program, and I really like the dance class. The place has given me a sense of hope.

E-News: What have you enjoyed the most?

Matuda: I like the computer classes with Mr. Gary, and I really like the dance class led by Miss Diana. What I have liked the most, however, are the Bible studies. Because of them, I have been able to come closer to God. They have given me a sense of hope. I also enjoy helping at the Peace Center, like babysitting kids when parents come for the ESL classes.

E-News: Who has helped you the most?

Matuda: Several people have helped me including especially, Pastor Stanish. The person who has helped me the most, however, is Miss Diana. She helped me to know Jesus, and it has changed my life. Note: Diana Wolf serves as the Dance Class Coordinator.

E-News: What are your future plans?

Matuda: I want to go to college, and study to become a nurse. I want to help make a change in the lives of other people like people are doing at the Peace Center.

Regarding Matuda, Diana Wolf puts it this way: “Through dance, Matuda found something she was good at and enjoyed. Through the discipline of dance and the spiritual discovery of Jesus, she began to have hope and developed self-confidence. She also learned how to focus on a goal and work to achieve it. I watched as the Holy Spirit transformed her from an uncertain and sometimes angry person into a caring and take charge person who thrives on helping others, especially little children and babies.”

Rev. Allan Buckman with Matuda Osman and Diana Wolf

GIVEAWAY!!

aminata (center) and pat leigh (right) with a recipient

On July 3rd, CFNA hosted a giveaway to provide support and encouragement to several of our most recently arrived New American families. In the last month, over ten new Congolese families have started attending Drivers ESL classes; i.e., classes to assist students preparing to take their drivers license exam! To welcome them into the CFNA family, they were all invited to come to the Peace Center for a giveaway featuring numerous useful household items.

Volunteers from CFNA guided them around the Peace Center to pick out soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, dishes and much more. The chapel was filled with donated clothes and shoes available for the new families to take if needed. Twelve families in all were served on Tuesday night; seven new Congolese families and three new Syrian families. Additionally, several Congolese families who were not able to make it on Tuesday received items later in the week.

Throughout the evening, volunteers were able to converse with the recipients, and many expressed an interest in having someone pray for them, and in learning more about Jesus. The giveaway was a huge success and showed these new families what CFNA is and who it serves, the Almighty God of Grace who sent His Son to die for all of us, free of charge.

some of the items

A special thank you to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund for having donated many of the items included in the giveaway. A big thank you also, to all of the volunteers who made this happen!  Volunteer Aminata Sesay, also a CFNA scholarship student at Lutheran High South, shared, “It was great to see their excitement when they were choosing their gifts, and then hear their words of appreciation. It was a fun event!”

Please keep everyone at CFNA in your prayers and especially all these new families, that they may come to know more about the love of Christ through CFNA.

By Jacob Barber Lutheran Young Adult Corps

Talent Show

folk dancers

On Sunday, June 24th, CFNA hosted its first-ever talent show! The chapel was transformed into the theme of “starry night,” complete with a stage curtain and a red carpet. There were 11 acts and 24 young participants from five birth nations (Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Nepal and Syria).

The audience enjoyed a variety of performances including songs, dances, and even skits. Highlights included singing performances by Anisha, Deepshyas, and Sanjaya Gurung, and a solo by Merwa Ali. A self-choreographed, solo folk dance by Matuda Osman to the tune “Habibi Yaeni” was coached by Diana Wolf.

The dynamic duo, Juju Tahir and Sara Wana, performed a dance to “Rolex”. Sara even gave an encore performance at the end! There were several fabulous group dances as well. Aleka Tuka, Gojam Tuka, Adaga Wawi, and Aluda Dabi performed a dance to “Keke Taught Me”. Adaga Nitti, Gojam Tuka, and Aseida Haile performed a dance to “Juju on that Beat”. Sima Alhafiz, Nour Alfhafiz, Hajar Alhosni, and Lamise Alhafiz produced a phenomenal performance as they stole the show with their group dance to “Let Me Love You.” Especially touching was the duet, Shresti & Sanjay Basnet singing “Jesus Loves Me.”

The grand finale was provided by the New American Folk Dancers, CFNA’s own dance team, coached by Diana Wolf. To the delight of the audience, they performed two of their best dances: “The Jesus Song” and “Ole-Salamat.” The team, composed of Matuda Osman, Bariam Osman, Titi Dabi, Senite Wawi, Amri Seleman, Aluda Dabi, Adaga Osman, and Adaga Wawi had been practicing all year. The Talent Show was a great opportunity for them to show off their talent, and they made the most of it.

the entire cast

As Diana put it, “The talent show gave the children the opportunity to shine on their own. They were happy just to stand on the stage and hear everyone clap for them.”  Congratulations to everyone who performed in CFNA’s first ever Talent Show!

By Riley Schelp Concordia, Kirkwood

iServe

(L to r) Lowell grev, jacob barber, rev. stanish stanley. tim ellis, jollah bolay, mel vasel, rev darrell zimerman

Editor’s Note:

More than 100 iServe volunteers at the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens work diligently for the benefit of others in their community and beyond. During the past seven years they have completed dozens of hands-on service projects and recently they came to the Peace Center. Here Kirk Mattes tells the story.

At a recent iServe board meeting a proposal to reach beyond LCWG’s immediate community was brought up for discussion. Under consideration was a plan to renovate the entire lighting system at CFNA’s Peace Center. We determined to enhance their lights there so that they can better bring the light of Jesus to many from around the world!

Twelve volunteers, nine of which were from LCWG, replaced dozens of dim and malfunctioning light fixtures with brighter more reliable lighting. Other working fixtures were greatly improved with more advanced bulbs. All new fixtures and bulbs were LED which will save energy, reduce maintenance and provide a brighter environment for sharing the light of Jesus to our international friends. Upon completion, Rev. Allan Buckman, CFNA Board Chair, exclaimed he had never seen the chapel look so good in his 12 years at the Peace Center.

Having completed Phase I, work will soon begin on Phase II, which will have iServe partnering with the Daughters of Charity Foundation to retrofit seven classroom and office doors with glass panels required for safety and security. Through a generous grant, Daughters of Charity has made available all the funding necessary for this next step. iServe will provide the skilled volunteers required for the installation of these enhanced doors compete with the much-needed viewing panels.

In addition to those pictured here, Tim Grev, Chuck Dreessen, Rick Holtz, Gabriel Martinez and Kirk Mattes also participated in this project. To learn more about iServe Ministries, please contact Tim Ellis at Tim@webstergardenschurch.org.

By Kirk Mattes Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens

Identity Youth Week

June 4–7 hosted the second annual Identity Youth Week—a time that targeted youth from all over the South City area of St. Louis to learn about their intimate, loving God and how to intimately love and serve their neighbors. Identity started with breakfast in the mornings, followed by worship and then teaching by DCE Julie Keeley.

Each youth was assigned to a group with a mentor, who led them through meaningful conversations and thought-provoking questions to provide insight into identity in Christ. Afternoons were filled with group activities that allowed for further discussion while youth interacted with one another and the community. Each day was different.

CFNA had two roles. The first was an increase in participation of CFNA youth in 7th–12th grade. About 20 of the 80 youth involved in the entire event were once (or currently are) connected to CFNA. One junior boy stated, “It was good to engage with friends from all different schools, churches, and cultures. This is a rare space.” Identity Week was another way to reinforce God’s relentless love of each one of these youth while they hung out and gave back to South City through mission projects.

The second role was provided by the Peace Center itself as it was a host site to one of the missional projects for the youth. During the afternoons, teams traveled to share camp songs, illustrations of Christ’s love and forgiveness, crafts, snacks, and games with the CFNA children in grades K–5.

“I enjoyed how easily the children allowed us to be a part of their community and excitedly worked with us to do the crafts,” commented one 8th grader who was delighted to find that her team would be returning to CFNA for the second year of Identity.

Plans are already being made for Identity 2019, as many of the youth have asked, “May we serve at CFNA again next year?” It is partnerships such as this that make our city strong, weaving together the people of God as they live in His image.

By Amy Zeigler Epiphany Lutheran Church

Recovering From Violence

bal and dil gurung

Born in Bhutan, Bal Gurung traveled as a refugee to Nepal, where he lived for several years in the Goldap Refugee Camp, located approximately 300 miles from Katmandu. On September 11, 2009, he, and his wife, Dil, were resettled in St. Louis.

Having been baptized in Nepal, both Bal and Dil became involved with CFNA shortly after their arrival and became members of Ascension Lutheran Church, along with 50 or 60 other members of the Nepali community.

Three months ago, while returning home one evening from a shopping trip, he was stopped by another vehicle and robbed at gunpoint. When he hesitated to hand over his wallet, he was shot; the gunman fled, leaving Bal gravely wounded. Bleeding severely and unable to make a phone call because his phone had been taken, he drove three miles to a relative’s home, who called 911.

Rushed to SLU hospital with his life hanging by a thread, he was promptly given emergency care and remained in the hospital for 13 days. Three months later, Bal is much improved, though he still experiences episodic pain. This has prevented him from returning to his previous employment, though Dil does work part-time as a housecleaner in one of the St. Louis hotels.

Bal and Dil are profuse in their thanks to the members of Ascension Lutheran Church, New Life Bible Fellowship (Ascension satellite), and CFNA for their prayers and help with rent, utilities, and groceries. One family from Webster Gardens Lutheran Church even provided a car—used, but in excellent condition. The transfer process was greatly facilitated by Rev. Ted Wuerffel, a longtime CFNA volunteer.

As he continues his recovery with Dil’s help, Bal solicits your prayers. Any financial assistance you may wish to provide for Bal, Dil, and their four children (Guman, Munoj, Anish, and Joel) should be directed to Ascension Lutheran Church at 5347 Donovan Ave., 63109 or CFNA at 4019 S. Grand Blvd., 63118.

By Rev. Allan Buckman with Rev. Ted Wuerffel

Natalie Bishop

natalie, jake and the children

Introducing the New English Language Coordinator

Growing up in a pastor's family, Natalie watched and experienced ministry happen in different contexts among people from rural North Carolina, the north side of St. Louis, and in a small town in southern Illinois. While studying at Concordia University Chicago to be a high school chemistry teacher, she had the opportunity to teach English in China for a summer. This experience clearly demonstrated how powerful it is to serve another person by sharing the English language. It also demonstrated how powerfully God will work through small details and relationships.

After teaching junior high for a few years, Natalie enrolled at Wheaton College, where she earned an MA in Intercultural Studies along with a TESOL endorsement (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Sometimes, English is a New American's third or fourth language!) While completing that program, she also worked as an English language facilitator with the International Student Ministry (ISM, Inc). Instead of returning to China, she continued her service among those from China and elsewhere who had come to complete graduate and post-graduate study programs in Chicago-area colleges and universities.

Natalie and her husband, Jake, moved to St. Louis five years ago with two girls, who are now attending St. Louis Language Immersion School (SLLIS; Chinese program). Two younger boys keep their mom busy at home while Jake works as a computer programmer.

Serving with CFNA will give her a new chance to connect New Americans with volunteers who are working to serve God and love their neighbors. She is eager to support English programs that meet the needs of New Americans learning to use English as they navigate a new country, thereby reflecting the love of a God who created and saved each of us for a purpose.

Alicia Maners

CFNA Associate

alicia maners

I originally connected with CFNA through my summer internship with ILAD (International Literacy and Development), an organization dedicated to helping marginalized people groups though literacy and development (https://ilad.ngo). ILAD is currently partnering with refugee communities in three strategic cities (Dallas, San Diego, and St. Louis) through literacy development and job creation. This summer, I am working in South St. Louis City and South St. Louis County to research the viability of a business as a mission effort that would benefit the economic development of specifically Arabic-and Kurdish-speaking refugee communities.

One way ILAD can help these underserved people is by creating jobs for refugee women. CFNA already recognizes and provides for many needs of refugee women through ESL classes, driving courses, Heart-to-Heart ministry, and, ultimately, a community of believers dedicated to sharing the love of Christ. Therefore, I approached CFNA with the opportunity to start a sewing class that will teach skills needed for a job in the dry cleaning business or as a seamstress. Perhaps some of the women might decide to start their own businesses! Each class will start with a Bible study, followed by a shared meal. Our goal is always to draw refugees into a community of believers, and a sewing initiative will help accomplish this while enabling women to provide for their own families.

I am an English with licensure major at Harding University. I’ve also added a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certification and a linguistics minor. In addition to my academic studies, my study-abroad and mission-work experiences have molded my passion for refugee communities. Through travel, I have been exposed to many ethnic groups and have learned how to work with and serve them. With this internship with ILAD and work as a CFNA associate, I’ll be able to use these relational skills while interacting with the Arabic-and Kurdish-speaking refugee communities in St. Louis.

Grace and Peace, Alicia Maners CFNA Associate

FREEDOM RUN

winners: seminarian anthony deliberto (3rd), kontale tuka (1st), prof. jim marriot (2nd)

they’re off

anticipation

On Saturday, April 28, CFNA held its 4th Annual “Freedom Walk & 5K Run” on the beautiful campus of Concordia Seminary. Good weather, special T-shirts, and a diverse group of participants including more than 50 New Americans, served as the key features of this special event.

Indeed, many New American kids and families who participated in last year’s event were also looking forward to this one as. Marbati Nitti an eight-year-old from Ethiopia reminded me to, “make sure you pick me up… I am going to beat Kontale and win the race.” Marbati was convinced he could beat 13-year-old Kontale Tuka also from Ethiopia, who last year placed 3rd.

By 10 am, a host of runners and walkers stood ready, as Prof. Dan Mattson from Concordia Seminary brought a warm message of welcome. After event Emcee and race organizer Jacob Mohnke provided instructions, the “Freedom Run & Walk 2018” was on its way. The results: Kontale Tuka was the winner, with Concordia Seminary’s Prof. James Marriot finishing 2nd and Seminarian Anthony Deliberto placing 3rd. In the girls’ section, Adaga Nitti from Ethiopia finished 1st followed by Gojam Tuka and Aleka Tuka (also from Ethiopia). Among the youngest racers (ages 6-10), Etando Mmowe from Congo finished 1stfollowed by Marbati Nitti and Seleman Tuka (from Ethiopia).

For the over 120 participants, the event served to express solidarity and commitment to sharing Jesus with recently arrived refugees in St. Louis. Accordingly, the event brought together Concordia Seminary students and faculty along with pastors and members of numerous LCMS congregations, as well as a significant number of New Americans. All were treated to a special performance by New American Folk Dancers.

waiting in line

CFNA extends its thanks to Concordia Seminary for again hosting this special event, as well as to the Event Committee and Co-Chair Harold Melser for their good efforts.

Prepared by Pastor Stanish Stanley Photos by Ron Virus

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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