Baptism

pastors andrew dinger (left) and teddy workeneh with ephrathah

For Ephrathah Olana and her parents, Olana and Bethlehem, December 18, 2018, was no ordinary day. It was the day that she became a member of God's covenant community, the Church, through Baptism.

Olana and Bethlehem are believers from Ethiopia and were members of Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Mekane Yesus. After coming to St. Louis, they joined the Ethiopian/Eritrean Bible Fellowship, which now has over 30 members and is established as a satellite of Timothy Lutheran Church. The EEBF meets weekly at the Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) Peace Center for worship and to learn more about God’s Word.

When they brought their child to be baptized, they were acknowledging that this child—like themselves and all of us—was born in sin and is therefore in need of the love and forgiveness that God offers everyone. Like all believers, Ephrathah’s parents take comfort from God’s promise that “whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). It was this promise that convinced them to bring Ephrathah to the church to be baptized.

We wish Olana, Bethlehem, and Ephrathah God’s richest blessings! Please join us in praising God for His promise and this miracle, and for the relationship with Him that He has established for each and every one of us.

By Rev. Teddy Workeneh Missionary, Christian Friends of New Americans

Ministry Through Drivers Education

Mani (driving) with rev. stanley

“You really helped me a lot.” These were the grateful words of Aynalem Kebede, an Ethiopian immigrant, when she passed her driver’s license test a few weeks ago. Having failed three prior attempts, she had been put on a 20-hour driver learning requirement. When she learned of CFNA’s Driver’s Ed/ESL program, she registered for the course. After four months of practice and with the assistance of several CFNA volunteers, she finally tasted success and got her license.

Aynalem was not the only one seeking a driver’s license. A few months prior, Nepali refugee Mani Gurung had approached CFNA for similar help. Mani, who also had three failed attempts and had been given the mandatory 20-hour learning requirement, was a much harried man. Unable to get his license and with limited English ability, he was stressed out with transportation challenges.

Having come to America three years earlier, he was badly in need of a license so that he might maintain even the modest income he needed to meet the needs of his family. CFNA volunteers Joel Gabbert, Mike Albers, Richard Leigh, Pastor Stanish, and Pastor Ted Wurffel all worked with him to help him get ready for the test. When Mani finally passed it, he was elated! “You gave me a big blessing with your help” was his comment. Worshiping with the Nepali Bible Fellowship that meets at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Mani remains grateful for the believers who helped him overcome a huge challenge.

The Driver’s Ed/ESL ministry was recently blessed with yet another successful client, Ikram Aftab from Afghanistan. Like Mani and Aynalem, Ikram also overcame the challenge of a new language, as well as the bewildering driving and testing system, to get his license. “This is freedom” was a common refrain from all of them. Undoubtedly, the impact of the Driver’s ED/ESL ministry is enormous in that it frees New Americans to work, be mobile, and build up their own capacities. This is a goal toward which this ministry strives.

Our thanks to Natalie Bishop and Samantha Hoyt for serving as instructors and to numerous volunteers as well. Through their efforts, Christ’s love continues to be made apparent to a growing number of New Americans.

By Rev. Stanish Stanley Executive Director, CFNA

The Ran Gurung Family

New Americans of the Month

ran gurung

The refugee camp was an improvement for Ran Gurung and his family. He and his mother, sister, and wife sought refuge in Nepal from the fighting in their native country of Bhutan in August 2008. In the camp, they had little money, no TV, a hard time getting clothes, and little freedom. They could only leave the compound to work and had to return immediately after, but at least there was good food, clean water, and a radio for entertainment. It was in that camp that Ran's wife gave birth to their son, Sanjay, and daughter, Shresti. In 2013, the growing family was given the opportunity to relocate, this time to St. Louis.

America has had its own difficulties for the Gurungs. The adults in the family are adjusting to the cold, a new language, and necessary parts of life in America, such as doctor’s appointments. But Ran believes that the blessings far outweigh the problems. He was connected to CFNA through the Nepali fellowship, and the ministry has assisted and enriched his family through the community, English assistance, food, furniture, clothes, a dishwasher, and education for Ran and his children.

They were also blessed to be involved in family-to-family ministry with dedicated CFNA volunteers Kristy and Matt Hutchison, their sons Caleb and Jacob, as well as Kristy's parents David and Karen Vaughn, who worked with the family on a weekly basis for over two years. During this time Ran learned of Jesus at the Peace Center. He and his entire family converted from Buddhism and were baptized in 2014.

Ran gurung family

CFNA holds a special place in Ran’s heart. He has learned, made friends, and enjoyed fellowship here. The Peace Center is his space. It has allowed him to work on realizing his dreams of knowing English, becoming an American citizen, and creating a better life for his children. He dreams of having a nice little house in the St. Louis area and watching his children get good jobs: Sanjay as a doctor or engineer and Shresti as an interpreter. Ran loves his new life and is filled with hope for the future, and we are thrilled to watch what God will continue to do for him and his family!

By Samantha Hoyt Lutheran Youth Corps Volunteer, Intern

By The Power of the Holy Spirit

We are Blessing Others!

Perhaps you have experienced unexpected blessings extended by God through others in your times of need. Jesus has placed love in our hearts so we may share the love of Christ with others.

Apart from Christ, we are unable to be obedient to God’s will, to do the things we ought to do. God’s plan includes calling Christians to be brothers and sisters of Christ, God’s Son and our Redeemer. As His redeemed people, God has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit at work within us, we are equipped to share the love of Jesus with others. The Bible says, even though we know not what to pray for, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf to God the Father (Romans 8:26-27). Much more than this, Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:34).

As we grow as Christians, we yield to the will of God more and more in our lives and rely less and less on our own power and talents. Relying on God’s will, we experience a great joy and peace that is beyond our understanding or imagination. That joy is experienced in sharing the love of Jesus with others. That joy is experienced in observing the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing many close to God (Romans 9:22-25).

Charlie Caciano Treasurer, CFNA St. Louis, MO

Give Away!

getting ready

dr. hagan assists with registration

pleased recipients

At CFNA, we believe that one of the of the greatest joys in life is bringing the joy of Christ to other people. Through the generosity of 16 volunteers and in-kind donations from the LCMS Missouri District Office, Zion Lutheran Church, St. Charles, the National LWML (Assembly of Readers) and countless other donors, we were blessed to be able to do that this weekend through our annual Christmas Giveaway.

Over two days, we provided 72 New American families (over 350 people) from 12 countries (Afghanistan, Bhutan, Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Liberia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Syria, Yemen) with basic necessities such as laundry detergent, blankets, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, bar soap and more. All of these were gratefully received by New Americans with little in the way of income and who are living on very tight budgets.

“I really enjoyed today when I was helping people to get their things,” one recpient stated. “My mom was so happy because she got to help a lot of people and I was happy too. It was a great day.”

We want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated their time and/or resources to this ministry. You are helping build the Kingdom of God on earth, even as we anticipate His coming this Advent season!

Samantha Hoyt Lutheran Young Adult Corps (Intern)

Christmas Party

enjoying dinner

crafts

devotions

When spending time with a large group of children from all over the world, there's no such thing as a dull moment. But this Tuesday night, December 11, was special as over 100 of our After School Tutoring students and tutors gathered at Epiphany Lutheran Church to celebrate a good semester of tutoring and most of all, the birth of our Savior.

"Some things are just better shared with neighbors and friends or in a group, especially during the Christmas season," says Klea Cepele, the Thursday night head tutor of the program. "Tonight was special because in this church we had children from different places around the world. It was unique because different cultures were melded together to share the Christmas love!"

Students represented 11 birth nations, including Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, USA, Vietnam and Yemen. They enjoyed fun crafts, a delicious meal, good company, and gifts provided by members of Christ Memorial and Village Lutheran Churches. A special presentation from the Lutheran Hour Speaker, Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler reminded us that Christmas is more than the gifts and lights. It is about the love of Jesus, which can never be stolen from us.

By Samantha Hoyt Lutheran Young Adult Corps (Intern)

Welcoming New Americans

getting ready for assembly

Editor’s Note: For the third time in the past four years, the junior high students at Zion Lutheran School in St. Charles have provided CFNA with a substantial number of welcome kits. This year, the total was 160, each containing bath soap, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, a small toy, and a welcome message! Here, Jami Murray, project leader and a teacher at Zion Lutheran School, tells the story.

Every year, the junior high students at Zion Lutheran School in Saint Charles completes a large service project. Our goal at Zion is to motivate our students to see the world through different eyes and to inspire students to engage in service, both now and as they grow. We typically choose an organization in the summertime, and this year, we selected Christian Friends of New Americans. We have worked with CFNA in the past and had a wonderful experience. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve in the Saint Louis area and see the service project through from start to finish.

Our service project began in September when our students participated in a walkathon. They walked, ran, snacked, and enjoyed a beautiful day outside with their friends and teachers. They raised money based on how much they walked on that day. Some students ran or walked nearly thirteen miles! Through pledges and donations, our students raised over three thousand dollars. Half of those funds were donated to our Zion missionary in China, and half purchased the supplies needed to make 160 welcome kits for CFNA.

Next, we spent a morning assembling the welcome kits. It took a couple of hours, a massive assembly line, and lots of creative power to write encouraging notes to those who would receive the bags. The last part of our project took several of our sixth-grade students to CFNA to visit and deliver the many boxes to the center. As our new American friends arrive in this great nation, we pray the kits encourage them with our messages of welcome, safety, security, and Christ's love.

We are truly blessed with abundance in our school and community. We hope the act of giving to those struggling with such great changes—such as learning a new language, attending a new school, or trying to find work—makes this service project one students will remember as they serve in the future.

By Jami Murray Zion Lutheran Church, St. Charles

delivery to the peace center

assembly

A Season of Love

The Christmas season is stressful. There are presents to buy, parties to plan, and projects to finish before leaving work or school for the Christmas break. With so much going on, it's easy to push aside our faith and our loved ones until we've crossed a few more things off our to-do lists.

It's easy to forget what Christmas is all about—love. Our God loves us so much, He chose to come to this earth to live, to die, and to rise again for us. All this love was given to us to make us His own, so we can live as His children and spend eternity with Him.

Keep that love in mind as you're baking cookies this year. Your gift wrapping can wait while you spend some time sitting peacefully and prayerfully with your heavenly Father. "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). When Christmas shopping stresses you out, remember the most valuable gift you can give your family and friends is your time spent with them. Soon the Christmas things of this world are put away or thrown away, but love lasts forever. Merry Christmas!

Samantha Hoyt, LCMS Lutheran Young Adult Corps Intern St. Louis, MO

Trunk or Treat

friends

On November 1, Lutheran South’s National Honor Society hosted a “Trunk or Treat” event for the children of CFNA. The idea was to provide an opportunity for CFNA students to come and safely trick or treat and have fun with the students of Lutheran South. Trunk or Treat is an event where people decorate the back of their cars and pass candy out to trick or treaters. At the last minute, however, the event had to be moved inside due to weather. No problem! The people who were supposed to decorate cars ended up decorating doorways inside Lutheran South.

After the CFNA students arrived, they were brought into the cafeteria to enjoy pizza and apple slices with caramel. A generous and thoughtful family brought their apple press to the event and made fresh-pressed apple cider for the kids. In addition to the cider, lemonade and water were also served.

After eating, several Lutheran High students shared a devotional skit that focused on how God has a bigger and greater plan for each of us that we need to trust and follow. The children were then given bags and sent on their way to trick or treat at 20 decorated doorways. Additionally, there was a photo booth where the CFNA guests could dress up and use props to pose for photos.

The event was so fun to organize and plan but took a lot of work. President of the Lutheran South National Honor Society, Avery Starnes, noted, “It took a lot of helpers and planning to make it all come together, but it turned out to be a great success. Everyone involved had a smile the whole night!” Because of the many hours of preparation and numerous volunteers, the event turned out to be yet another great opportunity of fellowship between Lutheran South and the children of CFNA.

One of the trunk makers, Odessa Campbell, said, “I love being able to help out and make trunks for these kids. I had so much fun, and it warmed my heart to see all of the younger kids enjoying the night.” The smiles on the kids’ faces said it all, and we are so thankful they were able to enjoy this event.

By Avery Starnes President, National Honor Society Lutheran High School South Member: Concordia, Kirkwood

sanjay & shresti

matuda osman

Scholarship Students Give Back

kibur and joseph welcoming guests at the door

naomi receiving instructions from Mrs. buckman

patricia helped get tables ready for guests

Fifteen elementary students and fourteen secondary students are attending Lutheran schools this year because individuals, congregations, and schools have given generously to CFNA’s scholarship program. Their gifts are being matched by the Lutheran Foundation.

Contributions so far cover the first semester scholarships, but more gifts are needed to provide scholarships for the second semester. Hopefully, you will think about supporting the scholarship program. Contact Judith Meyer (judithwmeyer@gmail.com) for information.

As I visited the students at their schools in early November, I routinely heard from staff at the four elementary schools and two high schools how much they enjoy having these New American students in their schools. Many of them are involved in service projects through their schools, in addition to being involved in a variety of activities. They also support activities of CFNA. Grace, one of the students who is a leader at Lutheran South and volunteers frequently for CFNA, told me, “The CFNA Scholarship has made such a difference for me, allowing me to stay at South and continue to grow.”

The pictures show some of the students who volunteered at CFNA’s Trivia Night.

Judith Meyer Timothy Lutheran Church

aminata helped collect forms from the tables

grace helped with the silent auction

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.