Trivia!

new american folk dancers

CFNA held its eleventh annual Trivia Night on Saturday, November 10, at The Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens with over 275 in attendance. Pastor Joel Christensen welcomed attendees, who enjoyed a delicious dinner of mostaccioli and salad. Appreciation is expressed to Linda Marshall and her helpers from Webster Gardens for preparing and serving the food, to Rich & Charlie’s for the donation of salad, and to those who baked homemade cookies.

Following the meal, trivia competition and bingo games began. Joanie Harwell and Rev. Stanish Stanley 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 offered baskets, gift certificates, and a wonderful assortment of other items. 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, including several CFNA scholarship students, 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.

CFNA is especially grateful to the congregation of 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. First-time visitors Rev. Dan and Jan Gilbert recently moved to St. Louis from Illinois, where Dan concluded his ministry by serving as president of the LCMS Northern Illinois District. In Dan’s words, “We really enjoyed the evening, especially the trivia and the fellowship. We will be back!”

Proceeds from the event assist CFNA in reaching out with the Gospel message to immigrants and refugees in our area. Thanks to all who gave, all who came, and all who served!

By Bonnie Matzat Concordia, Kirkwood

bingo players

having fun

Turkey Blessing

Matt schelp & pastor meggers

prayer requests and turkey dinners

new american beneficiaries

During the weekend of November 17/18 approximately 200 volunteer members of Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood packaged and distributed 1,200 turkey dinners that included a frozen turkey, stuffing, green beans, gravy, and potatoes – enough to feed five people; some 6,000 people in all! In addition to hundreds of individuals, churches and organizations such as Church of All Nations, Christian Friends of New Americans, Caring Ministries in the City, POBLO and more were the recipients.

This was the Fourth Annual Turkey Blessing Event, the purpose of which was to extend Concordia’s ministries of service and witness into all parts of the Kirkwood community and beyond. As congregation President Matt Schelp noted, “The service and witness opportunities that form the key part of this ministry provide many of us with a real sense of fulfillment and affirmation.” Indeed, the approximately 60 dinners distributed to CFNA alone were in turn distributed to New American families from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Nepal, Syria, Sudan, Jordan, and Yemen. Several of these are Muslim majority countries!

distributing new testaments

This year the distribution took place on the premises of Meramec Junior College, and as the huge number of vehicles rolled through the distribution lines, each recipient received a New Testament, as well as the number of turkeys and fixings required for their household; one, two or three, or perhaps more. Additionally, each recipient was asked if they might have a prayer request. For those that did, prayers were provided as the turkey dinners were loaded into the vehicle.

This ministry is expanding, not only in terms of beneficiaries but also in terms of participants. As Pastor Dave Meggars noted, “This year we were joined by volunteers from Church of All Nations, CFNA, Caring Ministries in the City, POBLO and others. The fellowship that has become part of this effort is encouraging and even inspiring.”

Thank you, Concordia for this excellent ministry of service, witness and fellowship!

Nepali Baptisms

christina magar baptism

But when the goodness and kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4–5).

God continues to adopt people to be part of His family, regardless of where they come from or what they might have previously believed. In what may be considered by some to be mere ritual, God makes people His children. That is the sacrament of Baptism.

Five New Americans from Nepal, treasures found by Jesus, were baptized at Messiah Lutheran Church on October 7, 2018. Bir Gurung, Juna Rai, Inok Rai, David Rai, and Sophia Rai are all members of one family, and their home is one where many meet Saturday afternoons for Bible study. After a few months of study, they informed me that Juna was pregnant, would soon give birth, and was interested in having her baby baptized.

Though I indicated it would be an honor for me to do this, three months passed, and it still hadn’t happened. Every now and then, I would ask if they were still interested, and they always were. Nevertheless, a few additional months passed before we found a date acceptable to everyone. During that interval, we continued to study the Scriptures, especially the parts about Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

All of this is very interesting because earlier, we had a quick Baptism for Christina Rai, the daughter of Messiah members Chandra Magar and Buddha Rai Magar. Christina was born on August 18 and baptized on September 12. Clearly, all of this is completely in God’s hands.

Previously, all these people had been Hindu believers, but now they follow Christ and are members of Messiah Lutheran Church.

bir gurung, juna, inok, david and sophia rai with the extended family

To God alone be the glory!

By Rev. Mike Okine Messiah Lutheran Church

Thank You Christ Memorial and Reliant!

On Saturday, October 13, a group of 14 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 5th annual Loved + Sent Servant Event, where over 400 individuals served at 30 sites across St. Louis. For the 5th year in a row, Christ Memorial chose to send a group to CFNA.

The major accomplishments of the event included applying a sealant to the basement floor, painting Scripture passages in the bathrooms, security camera maintenance, touch painting the chapel, reapplying baseboards, organizing donated books, and general facility cleaning. Thrivent Action dollars funded the supplies for the day, and Matt Barnes of Reliant provided expertise to train group members.

Servant event participant Forest Engle offered this observation, “Christian Friends of New Americans is doing great things for immigrants and refugees in the St. Louis region—there is a tangible impact on people’s lives in a city that has so many needs. Having the chance to join them in their mission to share Christ’s love with the community is always a blessing.”

the completed scripture passage

On behalf of CFNA, Executive Director Rev. Stanish Stanley offered thanks for the services provided, as well as for the encouragement received through the Christ Memorial/Reliant partnership in mission outreach among New Americans.

By Dawn Martin Christ Memorial Lutheran Church

sealing the basement floor

touch painting the chapel

Something Special!

(l to r) Kibur bezabih, liniya kelifa, sama mohamed, daniel Daniel (not pictured)

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Shaping, equipping, and empowering children for the future is a core value for CFNA. Holding this as a primary value, CFNA, through the Ethiopian and Eritrean Ministry, is blessed to further connect four young adults to Timothy Lutheran Church through a recently established confirmation class.

When the people of Israel were released from captivity in Babylon after 70 years of slavery, those who brought the news of the release knew they were doing something special. Those who teach others, in this case New American youngsters, of how God arranged for their release from the bondage of sin are also doing something special. Watching how the Word of God shapes the lives of children to live according to His will is indeed something special and a blessing.

Through this ministry, we are able to fulfill our vision of reaching the second generation of refugees and immigrant families as His Word establishes a foundation for lifelong discipleship. My prayer is that as Jesus grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom and the grace of God, this class will do the same for these students.

May our Lord continue to bless the efforts of those involved in the Ethiopian/Eritrean Ministry, including the leadership of CFNA as well as the leaders at Timothy Lutheran Church (Rev. Bill Wilson, Rev. Dr. Erik Herrmann, DCE Mark Thompson), who are also assisting with this ministry.

By Rev. Teddy Workeneh with Rev. Allan Buckman

Sixth Annual CFNA Golf Benefit

way out there

dinner event

on their way

where is that going?

Christian Friends of New Americans welcomed 103 golfers to Norwood Hills Country Club for their Sixth Annual CFNA Golf Benefit on Tuesday, October 9. All the golfers appreciated the sunshine and warm weather as they took to the links for this great event. We had 45 new players this year, and we think they will join us again. We had seven generous corporate sponsors as well as seventeen individuals, congregations, and organizations sponsoring holes on the well-manicured golf course.

It was a tremendous blessing to have the largest group ever gather for this worthwhile benefit tournament, which will help resettle New Americans in the Saint Louis area. There are so many challenges as people resettle to a new country, a new language, and a new home.

After all the drives, chips, and putts were done, the teams and guests enjoyed sharing golf stories and fellowship at the hospitality hour and dinner at the clubhouse.

Pastor Greg Smith welcomed all the participants, and the evening program began.

registration table

A moving and powerful testimony by Pastor Mike Okine reminded all of us of the power of God’s love in Christ to change lives and empower people to reach out to those in need.

Donations and gifts continue to come in, and we do not have the total amount as of this writing. What we do know is that God has worked in the hearts and lives of all of us.

We hope and pray that next year we will continue this tradition and expand the wonderful ministry of Christian Friends of New Americans.

By Rev. Eric Erkkinen Photos by Ron Virus and Rev. Eric Erkkinen.

Generations Baptized and Confirmed

baptisms at the peace center

During the final weeks of summer, a group of twelve Nepali youth and adults met daily at the Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) Peace Center to learn more about what Lutheran Christians believe. It was wonderful to see parents and their teenage children learning side by side!

The class was led by Pastor Matt Clark from Ascension Lutheran Church, located in the St. Louis Hills Neighborhood. English to Nepali translation was provided by Gagan Gurung, an employee of CFNA and Nepali Evangelist at Ascension. Each weekday, the class spent two hours engaged in Scripture and Luther’s Small Catechism. Fortunately, the Bibles and catechisms were in both English and Nepali.

The Hindu background these students came out of presented challenges and opportunities. Since they were accustomed to a polytheistic religion that recognizes dozens of deities, faith in the one true Triune God shaped what was taught in class. An emphasis was placed on the Trinity as one God with three persons. Another common belief in Hindu culture is the reality of the caste system where some people are viewed as more important than others. It was wonderful to share that Jesus Christ loves all people regardless of social status, so much so that He laid down his life for all them.

confirmations at Ascension lutheran church

Following instruction, on Sunday, August 26, three Nepali adults were baptized in the backyard of the Peace Center - by immersion in an inflatable pool. This was a wonderful picture of drowning the old sinful self and raising again as a new person in Christ! One week later, twelve youth and adults participated in the Rite of Confirmation, becoming communicate members of Ascension Lutheran Church. It was a joy to see parents confess the faith next to their children during the confirmation service.

Thanks be to God for this generation of New American baptisms and confirmations!

By Pastor Matt Clark Ascension Lutheran Church

G.I.F.T.E.D.

getting ready

During the week of August 6-9, 2018, God's Intelligent Fortified Talented & Educated Dreamers (G.I.F.T.E.D) partnered with Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) to conduct a music camp for the many children and youth CFNA serves. CFNA serves refugees from many countries and ethnicities, most of which were represented at the camp.

Established in 2009, G.I.F.T.E.D. is a 501 (C) (3) Nonprofit Music Mentoring Program. Our program uses music as a form of intervention, assisting youth in accomplishing individualized goals, deterring negative behavior, promoting self-esteem and self-confidence.

Led by Founder and Executive Director Min. Kathy Horry, G.I.F.T.E.D. presented basic music theory, demonstrated proper breathing techniques for singing and mentored on the importance of various character traits including respect. The youth also learned several new songs. Attendance throughout the week fluctuated but 39 youth were present on Friday, September 10, 2018, for the Talent Showcase held at the Peace Center, St. Louis, MO.

The youth ended the week with tangible things like a signature G.I.F.T.E.D. t-shirt, snacks and lots of new friends. They also left with a better awareness of their musical gifts, additional music knowledge and a sense of self-confidence.

the concert directed by kathy horry

Several in attendance commented that the children "Never sounded better." When asked if they would like to do something like this again, many of the youth responded with a resounding "Yes!". G.I.F.T.E.D. was honored to work with CFNA and we look forward to developing a partnership.

“Together… Each One Can Reach One”!

My Journey

kritika basnet

Kritika Basnet

Editor’s Note: As a child of an immigrant family from Nepal, Kritika shares with E-News, some of the highlights of her journey from Katmandu to St. Louis, and from Hinduism to Christianity.

E-News: Please give us the backstory regarding your arrival in St. Louis and your involvement in the Lutheran community.

Kritika: I was five years old when my family immigrated to St. Louis from Nepal, where my father taught mathematics in one of the secondary schools, and my mother taught English. Shortly after our arrival, we were befriended by Rev. Eddie Mekasha who was with CFNA. He invited me to some of the activities at the Peace Center, and through him, I was offered a scholarship to attend Hope Lutheran elementary school. My parents being in favor, the scholarship was accepted.

E-News: What are your memories of your time at Hope Lutheran?

Kritika: Key memories have to do with my teachers, all of whom were very good, and especially the Choir Director (Rev. Stephen Rosebrock) whom we called Kantor. I loved singing in the church choir and the classes, together with the choir, drew me into the congregation. I was eventually baptized and confirmed. My parents, who remain part of the Hindu community, never objected.

E-News: While in school you memorized the Ten Commandments, as well as several Bible verses. What does Jesus mean to you?

Kritika: He provides me with a true sense of peace, especially during times of stress and uncertainty. This is something I have come to value highly, especially as I am now a student at a university where there is a lot competition, which can easily lead to stress, uncertainty and more.

E-News: You have been involved with CFNA for more than 10 years and remain involved as a volunteer on a regular basis even though you have a demanding study schedule at St. Louis University as a pre-med student. Why do you do this?

Kritika: When working with the children at the Peace Center I am very much reminded of the time I arrived as a very young New American, and of the people who reached out to help and encourage me. My commitment is shaped by my experience and besides, I love working with children, especially the very young. It is easy to be their friend, and they are always a source of friendship.

E-News: You were a 4.0 student at Lutheran High School South, and were offered scholarships from Mizzou, UM-KC and other universities. Why did you choose SLU?

Kritika: SLU has a very good medical program and is close to home. Additionally, I also enjoy helping out from time to time, with the work among New Americans and especially, participating in the Heart to Heart Sisters program at the Peace Center.

E-News: What is your dream?

Kritika: To become a pediatrician.

VBS Brings Together the Nations

having fun!

Abiding Savior Lutheran Church hosted two evenings of Vacation Bible School on July 24th and 26th. Attendees included church and community members as well as a group from Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA). Countries outside of the United States that were represented included Eritrea, Ethiopia, Nepal, Sudan, Syria, and the Congo.

members greet a new american guest

“We at CFNA greatly appreciate all the special efforts Abiding Savior made to transport, welcome and bless our kids and families. The arrangements made by Abiding Savior to transport and welcome refugee families, the friendship displayed by staff and volunteers, VBS and games led by youths and adults; touched the hearts of participating families,” said Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley, CFNA Executive Director.

VBS participants were served dinner by church volunteers and then the adults were a part of a Bible study while the children enjoyed games, crafts, and a story.

"This Church is so big and people are so good. Thank you for bringing me here. They are helping people like us... it is so good!" said Fatuma Nirumpe a 10th grader who attended both days with her mother and her five Congolese siblings.

“I have never been more proud to be the Pastor of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. I witnessed our members sharing the love of Jesus with each other and with guests, both from our community and from other countries. How often do you get a chance to do that?” said Pastor David McBurney of Abiding Savior.

Having more fun!

In addition to the VBS activities, a group of volunteers also assembled donated backpacks and school supplies to benefit students at Monroe Elementary in St. Louis.

Since 1982, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church has been a vibrant and growing missional LCMS church serving South County, St. Louis, and the surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.knowthesavior.org.

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