Reaching Out

LCMS Mission Advancement Team

Every year during the Christmas and/or Advent Season, the people serving the Synod in LCMS Mission Advancement at the International Center in St. Louis choose a team service project. Mission Advancement intentionally chooses a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the LCMS to support. In 2019, the team wanted to support Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) in St. Louis.

“Our team was inspired after learning how Christian Friends of New Americans assists immigrant and refugee families make the transition to becoming a valued part of their new metropolitan community, helps them through the process of gaining citizenship, and coordinates skills and job training, and health care. But most important, we wanted to support CFNA because it deliberately and openly shares the Good News of Jesus in both word and deed. CFNA connects people to area Lutheran congregations, like my own. Thus, called by the Holy Spirit into a saving faith, these new Americans are given the opportunity to become disciples of Jesus for life, which many did not or could not have received in their birth country” said Mark Hofman, executive director of Mission Advancement.

One member of the Mission Advancement team who coordinated the collection and delivery of donated resources to CFNA said, “When people go about selecting items to give to a (humanitarian aid) nonprofit, most immediately think about food/pantry items. Rarely do people think about the household items that serve to make “a house a home” for families. CFNA shared that reality with us, and it gave us the opportunity to help fill some of that gap. It was nice to be given alternative donation suggestions that are so important: blankets, towels, cleaning supplies, etc.! We were pleased to have had the opportunity to partner with CFNA in this way for mission outreach among New Americans.”

By Mark Hofman Executive Director, LCMS Mission Advancement Member, Ascension Lutheran Church

Editor’s Note: The numerous household items received from the LCMS Mission Advancement Team will be combined with yet other donations for our next community-wide Give Away. These Give Aways enable CFNA to reach ever more deeply into the numerous ethnic refugee communities located in urban St. Louis.

Harold Melser

Harold_Std

CFNA Associate Harold Melser, fulfilled his work here on this earth on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the age of 77 with his loving family by his side. Read his obituary HERE.

Note this article from 2016:

Harold was named Volunteer of the Month in 2016 by the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission. The honor was bestowed on him in recognition of his service as at the Forest Park Visitor’s Center, as well as at conventions, conferences and shows at the America’s Center.

Since his retirement from Lutheran Hour Ministries as Director, Ministry Advancement, Harold has been volunteering as a CFNA Associate, Co-Chairing their annual Walkathon. He also serves as a member of the Lutherans in Medical Missions Board, and will soon join the Family Shield Ministries Board as well.

Congratulations Harold, for your honor, and for your excellent volunteer service.

ESL Kickoff Party

On January 11, an ESL class consisting of a dozen New Americans from five birth nations (Nepal, Afghanistan, Sudan, Congo, and Cuba) and staff had a party to kick off the new year.

Please know this class isn’t just about learning English. Rather, a twin goal is to provide students with the skills they need to be successful in their communities. Examples include the basics of money management and how to have a successful job interview. Drivers' education and cooking classes are offered as well as part of the curriculum.

Also, ESL is not just about the meaning of words, word order, or proper grammar. It is also about spiritual nurture where students are encouraged to share their concerns during prayer time. There is also great fellowship, and this is where the Kickoff Party comes in. If the purpose of the ESL class is to learn English, the purpose of the Kickoff Party was to help build relationships. And it is working. When asked why she enjoys coming to English class, one of the students replied, “I not only come here to learn to speak English better. I come here because I like the people. Everyone wants to help.”

Indeed—students, friends, and staff members enjoyed one another’s company over potato rolls and biryani: a rice dish with chicken, spices, and fruit (including oranges). This delicious dinner was prepared by a mother and daughter from Yemen with funds obtained through a Thrivent grant, provided by volunteer worker Christine Hoeman of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church.

ESL classes are offered at the Peace Center on Saturdays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon. More tutors are needed; if this interests you, contact me at KellyTeuscher@gmail.com or 314-604-5982.

By Kelly Teuscher Webster Gardens Lutheran Church

Student Update!

Although we tend to focus on New Americans who have initially settled in St. Louis City and the challenges they and their children face, CFNA is also supporting students who are attending suburban Lutheran schools. In 2019–20, New American children are attending Christ Community Lutheran School in Kirkwood and Webster Groves, Grace Chapel Lutheran School in Bellfontaine Neighbors, and Immanuel Lutheran School in Olivette.

At Grace Chapel, Ellen, a fifth-grader from Liberia, has been supported since she was in first grade, following in the footsteps of her older brother and sister, both of whom now attend Lutheran North. Billy, a fifth-grader from Uganda, and Iye, an eighth-grader who lived in both Liberia and Ghana, have been supported for two years with CFNA scholarships. Iye and her family are debating between Lutheran North and Cardinal Ritter for high school.Daniel and Yusseff, whose parents came from Egypt and are missionaries to Arabic-speaking families in St. Louis, attend CCLS, where they are in second and third grades. With help from their congregation, Epiphany Lutheran in St. Louis, they have received scholarships for three years. Thelma, whose family is from Liberia, is a seventh-grader who has received scholarships since she was in second grade. Webster Gardens and Concordia Lutheran Churches have helped support her as well as her brother, who is now a senior at Lutheran South.

Immanuel Olivette has taught CFNA scholarship students periodically over the last thirteen years of the program. A new student, Ruth from Ethiopia, has just enrolled in fourth grade for the spring semester; fortunately, CFNA could help make that possible with a scholarship. She is very happy in her new school, saying, “The students are a little bit nicer and the work is harder and we get to learn about God. Thank you so much.”

In previous years, Salem Lutheran School in Affton and Green Park Lutheran School in Green Park have also had New American children enrolled with support from CFNA scholarships.

The support that congregations and individual donors provide for the CFNA scholarship program is critical for allowing these children to attend high-quality Lutheran schools in St. Louis County, where few other scholarship resources exist to help these New American families afford a Lutheran education for their children.

By Judith Meyer Timothy Lutheran Church

Swim Event

Teaching & Learning

**This event was featured on KSDK, which you can view online HERE!**

This winter marks the fourth year in an ongoing program designed to teach the children of CFNA life-saving swimming skills.

The program began after Henry Manu, a student at Lutheran High School South, drowned while swimming in the Meramec River. Henry was an immigrant from Liberia, and he had never learned how to swim. Wanting to honor Henry, members of the Lutheran South swim team partnered with CFNA to host their first winter swim program, with the goal of preventing a similar tragedy from occurring.

Today, both swim team members and additional students from Lutheran South are serving as swim instructors to the kids. For some, it is their first time helping out at the event, but others have participated for years. One experienced volunteer, Abigail McGue, said about the program, “CFNA swim lessons are very joyful. Every volunteer and kid is clearly having an amazing time.”

One look into the pool during lesson time is enough to make that statement clear. After being sorted into one of four groups based on their ability and experience, the kids are led into the pool by their instructors. There, they spend one hour learning new skills, practicing swimming drills, playing water games, and sharing smiles.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing to see is the progress that the kids make. Though many kids are hesitant to get in the pool during their first lesson, by the end of the program, they are able to confidently move around in the water. Some even manage to navigate the deep end and are able to swim across the length of the pool. For the volunteers involved, witnessing this progress is part of what makes the event so meaningful. As McGue puts it, “This experience has had a very positive impact on me, and hopefully just as much, if not more, on the kids we serve.”

The lessons will continue every Saturday 10:30–12:00 through February 8.

By Stephanie Kolm

Having Fun

New Swimmers!

Health & Wellness News

As anyone with dental pain can attest, dental health is vitally important to overall physical well-being. We were able to reach out and serve more than 50 individuals at the free dental screening we hosted in November. Students from the AT Still University Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health provided oral screenings and fluoride varnish treatments to the children and adults. The dentistry students were also able to present an education piece on good dental hygiene practices to the After School Tutoring students earlier in the same week.

We will continue to highlight specific health needs this year. At our March 7, 2020, health and wellness screening, we will host the National Kidney Foundation. Representatives from the kidney organization will screen participants to assess their kidney function. In addition, individuals will be given a brief education on how to maintain good kidney function as well as why it is so important for their well-being.

Jane Delworth, National Kidney Foundation representative, noted, “Our KEEP Healthy kidney screening is a community based-initiative to educate about the kidneys, risk factors for kidney disease, and steps to take to keep kidneys healthy and reduce risk. 1 in 3 American adults, over 9,000 individuals in the St. Louis Metropolitan area, are at risk for developing kidney disease, and an additional 300,000 individuals have kidney disease but do not know it. It is our hope that through this screening we can find kidney disease at the earliest stage possible.”

We look forward to assisting refugees and immigrants to understand kidney function and determine their kidney health. The screening will begin at 9:30 a.m. and finish by 12:30 p.m. For interpreter and transportation needs, please call Laura at 314-249-9219, by March 1.

By Laura Brink CFNA Health & Wellness Coordinator

Giveaway!

District President helps fill a gift bag

Giveaway Items

A Recipient

Riley Schelp registers recipients

“You are here a half-hour early, and today is not your day for gifts,” was my answer to Fatima as she rang the bell at 5 pm on Wednesday, December 18, to get her Christmas blessings. “No, no, today is the day,” answered Fatima. “My family is here for the CFNA gift.”

My frantic pleas for Syrian friends to come at 5:30 pm the next day had no impact, as Syrian (10), Nepali (5), Afghani (30), Liberian (5) and Sudanese (7) families requested they be allowed into the Peace Center for the annual CFNA Christmas Giveaway. On the second day of the event, December 19, families from Eritrea (9), Congo (10), Nepal (15), Afghanistan (2), Sudan (3), and other Arabic speakers (5) participated. Refugee friends picked up items including clothes, winter coats and gloves, blankets, welcome packages, detergents, body soaps, shampoos, female hygiene items, toothpaste, paper towels, and toilet rolls. By the end of the two-day Giveaway, CFNA had blessed more than 100 New American families with household items, evoking multiple responses of joy and thankfulness.

“It was chaotic early on, and I did not know what I was doing. But as the evening went, I enjoyed serving a lot of people,” remembered Lloyd Stohler, a high school student.

Over 20 volunteers, including LCMS Missouri District President, Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan, and his family, helped with buying items, arranging displays, and distributing items on the day of the event. Donation support came from New Beginnings Lutheran Church (blankets, winter coats, etc.), Katie Luther League at Village Lutheran (bath and dish soaps), a Thrivent grant from Teresa Nelson (paper towels, toilet paper), and the LCMS Missouri District Office (blankets, etc.). Donation items worth around $1500 were also brought with funds from a grant from the LCMS Office of National Mission.

As we witnessed the joy and conversations from our New American recipients, we were gratefully reminded of all our friends who made this Giveaway possible. CFNA sincerely thanks and appreciates all our donors, volunteers, ministry partners, and facilitators for bringing the joy of Christmas into the lives of our New American families through this event. It was their generous participation and presence that incarnated the “giving spirit” of our Lord for refugees recently resettled in St. Louis.

Volunteers

Mr. Rich Schaeffer, one of CFNA’s longest-serving volunteers, who also served at the event, captured the feeling meaningfully. “Pastor, this was such a great blessing to me to be a blessing to others. Thank you for asking me to serve.”

By Pastor Stanish Stanley Executive Director CFNA, St. Louis

Christmas Party!

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” (Luke 1:46–47). Refugee students at the After-School Tutoring Christmas party heard this verse playing over the speakers as they arrived at Epiphany Lutheran Church for the annual event on Tuesday, December 10. About 80 people, including students and volunteers, gathered together to celebrate Christmas.

Several students used the Luke 1:46–47 verse of Mary’s song of praise to decorate the gift bags that students put together, which included diapers and brand-new baby clothes. Those gifts will be distributed to new mothers who come to the South County Pregnancy Health Center for help in the weeks to come.

“We want our kids to experience the opportunity to give to others,” explained Jennifer Janssen, who helped plan the event. “So, with the help of a Thrivent Action Team grant, we were able to purchase baby items for our kids to package, decorate, and give away.”

Students also made other crafts to take home with the help of volunteers who came to share Christmas with them. Sydney Kuergeleis and Charli Major, 6th-grade students who attend Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, IL, were first-time volunteers who came to help students with crafts during the event. Stephanie Kohm and Abbie McGue, LHSS students, also led table games and spent focused time with students throughout the evening.“Having extra hands and smiles, always makes a difference,” reported Addie Janssen, who volunteers at tutoring every week.

After an Indian-style dinner provided by Umetulisha, students went to the beautiful sanctuary at Epiphany to meet Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, who was waiting for them in the chapel. Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler told the story of Jesus’ coming from the perspective of Zechariah, in full costume.

“Students were mesmerized by his re-telling of the Christmas story, and when ‘Zechariah’ put on the blue shawl to share Mary’s song of praise, the whole event came full circle for me,” remembered Janssen.

Please join the CFNA After-School Tutoring team in wishing all of our readers a blessed Christmas and New Year!

By Jennifer Janssen Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waterloo, IL

Working Together

Zacharias

Participants

Chess

Rev. John L. Bush

Rev. John Bush

CFNA Development Associate

CFNA is pleased to announce that Rev. Bush will be joining the CFNA Leadership Team in January as Development Associate. In this capacity, Rev. Bush will provide CFNA with the leadership required for a significantly expanded development program.

Rev. Bush has been involved in direct marketing and development for almost his entire career: initially with Douglas Dunhill Inc., a direct marketing firm, and thereafter with United Airlines, among others.

In 1995, John joined the LCMS Foundation as Director of Marketing and Communication. While serving in this capacity, he also enrolled in Concordia Seminary and was certified for ordination five years later. He received a call to serve as Associate Pastor, then as Senior Pastor, of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Trenton, MI.

After twelve years in parish ministry, John returned to development and marketing when he received and accepted a call from Concordia University Ann Arbor to serve as Director of Donor Relations. Later, he received and accepted a call to serve as Executive Director of Seminary Support at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. John will retire from this position at the end of this year before beginning part-time service with CFNA.

Over the years, John learned many lessons, including the value of hard work and, most important, that God is always in control and that it is our role to constantly and consistently seek His will.

Please join us in welcoming Rev. Bush to CFNA!

By Rev. Al Buckman

Trick or Treat 2019

Sharing

Lutheran High School South hosted a Trick or Treat event for the Christian Friends of New Americans on October 29. The National Honor Society (NHS), under teacher Trey Fisk, invited the CFNA children and volunteers in for a night of fun and fellowship. With candy bowls heavy and the school hallways in full swing, Lutheran South students were prepared to meet their new friends. The Trick or Treat allowed the students and the members of CFNA to experience the Halloween season in a unique light of service and community.

What started as a Trunk or Treat event a few years ago has now developed into a recurring celebration inside the school building. The student volunteers gather materials and decorate door frames, each with a specific theme centered around a Bible verse. Thus, the Trick-or-Treaters get to witness a positive message while they also experience the joy of Halloween from the safety of the school hallways. That, arguably, is the most significant quality of the event. Though everyone may go home with their stomachs full of chocolate, they also leave with the promise of new acquaintances and joy in their hearts.

The students of Lutheran South also grow immensely in the spirit of community service. One student, reflecting on a favorite part of the event, commented, “I think the kids being able to experience all the Halloween fun in a safe environment is super awesome. It’s also great to see all the high schoolers who get involved because they enjoy it just as much.”

The Group

Oftentimes, the high school students set up games that the kids can play as they go about Trick or Treating. This year, some of the students bonded with the CFNA members over floor hockey. It was a great way for them to take a break from the Halloween duties in order to have fun together.

All in all, the Trick or Treat project hosted by Lutheran High School South has been a favorite event for all participants. NHS is pleased to have provided these New American friends the love and service this Lutheran community has to offer. For these residents of Saint Louis, Halloween has taken a new face. Instead of being about scary movies and haunted houses, the event brought together two groups of people with a focus on fun and fellowship. The National Honor Society is pleased to have been part of this and wishes our new friends the very best!

By Savannah Schmidt Faith Lutheran Church, Oakville National Honor Society President, Lutheran High South

Clowns

Snack Time

Trivia Night 2019!

Trivia 2019 was a record-breaker! With approximately 300 in attendance and more than $17,500 netted, CFNA has much to be thankful for. This twelfth annual Trivia Night was held on Saturday, November 16, and graciously hosted by Webster Gardens Lutheran Church.

After a welcome from Webster member Kathy Odegard, attendees heard a brief but inspirational story of Gagan Gurung, whose recently-published biography, The Unexpected Missionary, relates his journey from being a Hindu-Buddhist in Nepal to becoming a Christian and an American citizen. He and a group of young Nepali singers treated the audience to a musical presentation in their native language.

Trivia was, of course, the focus of the event with Joanie Harwell and Rev. Stanish Stanley reading this year’s questions. Throughout the evening, a silent auction offered baskets, gift certificates, and a wonderful assortment of other items, including Cardinals and other sports memorabilia. During one of the intermissions, Grace Ho, from Vietnam and a CFNA scholarship student attending Lutheran South, delighted the audience with her personal testimony.

Many helping hands contributed to the success of the evening. Volunteers sought and picked up donations, wrote trivia questions, organized registration, sorted auction items, set up tables and chairs, and served in countless other ways. The participants were the immediate beneficiaries. As multiyear participant Lisa Clark put it, “I love coming to the CFNA trivia night, as it is a great way to connect with my Ascension family as well as my CFNA family from around the area. This event is a great time to celebrate the incredible ministry of CFNA in connecting New Americans to all that they need—especially their need for Jesus.”

CFNA is especially grateful to the congregation of Webster Gardens Lutheran Church for the use of their facilities and for their helpful support. Appreciation is also expressed to our generous donors and sponsors for their gifts. Proceeds from the event assist CFNA in reaching out with the Gospel message to immigrants and refugees in our area. Thanks to all who gave, all who came, and all who served. It was a wonderful evening! 

By Bonnie Matzat Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood

Friends

Messiah LC table

Getting Started

Scholarship student, Grace Ho made everyone laugh uproariously when she told the story of her dedicated math teacher chasing her upstairs and downstairs to complete her math test only to have her give the wrong answer!

Turkey Blessing

Preparations

During the weekend of November 23 and 24, approximately 200 volunteer members of Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood, packaged and distributed 1,000 turkey dinners, which included a frozen turkey, stuffing, green beans, gravy, and potatoes—enough to feed five people: 5,000 people in all! Recipients included hundreds of individuals, churches, and organizations, such as Church of All Nations, Christian Friends of New Americans, Caring Ministries in the City, and more.

This was the Fifth 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 75 dinners distributed to CFNA alone were in turn distributed to New American families from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Nepal, and Bhutan. Some of these are countries heavily populated by Muslims.

The distribution took place on the Concordia campus; as the huge number of vehicles rolled through the distribution lines, each recipient was given the opportunity to make a prayer request. Several were received, so prayers were offered even while turkey dinners were being loaded into the vehicle.

This ministry is expanding, not only in terms of beneficiaries, but also in terms of participants. As Pastor Dave Meggers noted, “This year, we were joined by volunteers from Church of All Nations, CFNA, and Caring Ministries in the City. 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!

By Rev. Al Buckman

A grateful Nepali Recipient

A prayer request

Liberian and Sierra Leone recipients

Refugees to Citizens!

Gagan, Meena and Ethan

Gagan becomes a citizen

Gagan Gurung and Meena Rai lived as refugees in Nepal for over twenty years, even briefly in the same camp. But they had never met. That didn’t happen until shortly after their arrival in St. Louis five years ago. Earlier this month, they both became US citizens! Along with their marriage, Meena’s baptism, and the birth of their son, Ethan, this was a highlight of their lives in America.

Shortly after his arrival, and with the encouragement of his sister Shiva, Gagan became very much involved with CFNA as an evangelist, as he had served in a similar capacity while in Nepal. Indeed, through his leadership, the New Life Bible Fellowship was formed at the Peace Center and established as a satellite of Ascension Lutheran Church. It began with 25 members. Now, their Sunday morning meetings at the Peace Center and/or Ascension draw over 80 participants. Through Ascension, there have been 39 baptisms, 53 confirmations, and 7 children currently attend Word of Life.

In addition to working on her English language skills and managing a household, Meena works full time as a packager at the Volpi Food Company. Her biggest challenge, however, has been coping with the enormous amount of change that has taken place in her life. Her father has passed away, and her mother and brothers remain in Nepal. She, therefore, very much looks forward to the times she can gather with other Nepali people for special events at the Peace Center, such as the Sewing Class. These gatherings, including the New Life Bible Fellowship, provide opportunities for fellowship and encouragement and, along with it, a sense of well-being and hope.

Our congratulations to Gagan and Meena in their new identities as citizens of the US, as well as members of His Kingdom. Please join us in keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.

By Rev. Al Buckman with Gagan Gurung, and Meena Rai

Citizen Gagan

Meena becomes a citizen

Help and Hope

Jacqueline with Webster Gardens friends

Jacqueline and Rev. Stanish Stanley

“Pastor, I am tired. I am working hard, but I am struggling, and I need help to pay rent. I think I have diabetes, and I want to check with a doctor.” This was Jacqueline Danga’s explanation for why she was late for a CFNA-sponsored Health and Wellness Screening.

Life for a resettled refugee can be tough depending on how quickly they can learn English, find a job, and begin to keep up with the quick-paced way of life in America. Having recently suffered a debilitating illness and without an extended family to provide support, Jacqueline had fallen seriously behind on her rent and was pleading for help.

Born on October 20, 1961, in the Kasai Province of southern Congo, then called Zaire, Jacqueline’s life was normal until a civil war broke out in 1991 during a nationwide power struggle. Her husband was killed, and Jacqueline was forced to flee with the remnants of her family to the Nyarngusu Refugee Camp in neighboring Tanzania. She lived there for 14 years. In 2012, she was cleared for resettlement and came to St. Louis with her son and two orphan dependents. His daughter, Agnes, now 27, remained behind and now lives in Lubumbashi, Congo.A fluent speaker of French, Lingala, Kitetela, and Swahili, Jacqueline soon became a serious student of English. She also began looking for work and was soon employed as a housekeeper at St. Louis University Hospital. She now holds a similar position at Washington University.

A baptized Christian from birth, she began attending New City Fellowship shortly after arriving in St. Louis. More recently, she has attending Webster Gardens Lutheran Church with friends she met at the Peace Center. Interestingly, the rent assistance CFNA was able to provide was from an account established by funds received from Webster Gardens a year ago.

Since her arrival in St. Louis, Jacqueline’s greatest difficulty has been living apart from family members (her son now lives in Massachusetts), and the support they would normally provide. Her greatest joy has been meeting friends at places such as the Peace Center. Her dream is to become a citizen of the US and own a home.

We wish for Jacqueline a true sense of well-being including recovery from her diabetes. We also wish for her the peace which only our Lord and Savior can provide.

By Revs. Stanish Stanley and Al Buckman, with Jacqueline Danga

Seventh Annual CFNA Golf Benefit

A record-breaking attendance of 109 golfers enjoyed spectacular weather on the beautiful golf course at the Norwood Hills Country Club. More than 20 corporate and individual sponsors partnered with CFNA to support this special event to garner more than $35,000. We praise God for these blessings!

After golf, happy players and dinner guests gathered to enjoy the Hospitality Hour and a delicious dinner. Pastor Greg Smith welcomed all the participants and the evening program began. The first speaker, Don Juebel gave a strong Christian testimony telling of his dad’s exodus from Nazi Germany. This was followed by the moving and powerful testimony of Gagan Gurung (Click to see some of the current events in his life) reminding 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. The evening was made more special by the opportunity to purchase the newly printed biography The Unexpected Missionary which tells the story of Gagan’s life.

What a tremendous blessing to have the largest group ever gathered for this worthwhile benefit tournament that 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. The generosity and love of so many people is such a blessing. Who would believe that newcomers to America will receive the following assistance because of this benefit golf outing?

• Health and Wellness Screenings

• Life Skills Training

• Home Furnishings

• Tutoring

• English as a Second Language Classes

• And, many other helpful programs

Much planning, careful coordination, and many volunteer hours made for a successful and genuinely fun day. Many thanks to the Golf Committee and the leadership of Carol Buckman, Committee Chair.

Donations and gifts continue as this is being written. Once again, thank you all. Our hope and prayer is to continue this tradition next year and expand the wonderful ministry of Christian Friends of New Americans. As always, we trust our gracious Lord and Savior to bless this ministry in building His Kingdom.

By Rev. Eric Erkkinen with Carol Buckman Photos by Ron Virus

Team Wendt

More Friends

Friends

Deli Lunch

Vicar Lewi Jermiya

Vicar Lewi Jermiya

Jermiya Family

Arobat

The Unique Journey of an LCMS Vicar

Jermiya Wedding

“The day the soldiers came to arrest my father and mother before taking them off to jail was the worst day of my life. But God meant it for good.”

Then 17 years old, Lewi had been born and raised in Barentu, a town of approximately 35,000 in northwestern Eritrea. In 2000, during the Ethiopian/Eritrean War, the town was invaded and his parents were arrested and taken off to jail. A month later, his mother returned. He never saw his father again.

Lewi, together with many other Barentu residents including family members, fled to the Shimelba refugee camp in Ethiopia approximately 100 miles away. Established by the United Nations, the Shimelba Camp quickly grew to a community of approximately 10,000 Eritrean refugees.

Shortages of food, water, clothing, transportation, and just about everything else are Lewi’s lasting memories. Though work was scarce, at one time or another, he taught basic computer shills, served as an English to Amharic, Tigrinya, or Kunama translator for Doctors Without Borders as well as for the UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees). Pay averaged approximately 70 Birr ($2.00) per day.

Lewi is a third generation Lutheran, his grandfather and father having been members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eritrea. While in the Shimelba Camp, together with others, he managed to establish a Lutheran church. His responsibilities included preaching, teaching and training leaders for several home Bible studies. When he left for resettlement to St. Louis, this congregation had grown to almost 500 members. Prior to his departure, he met and married a lovely young lady by the name of Arobat. They now have a young daughter named Malidaya.

Shortly after arrival in St. Louis, Lewi was connected to the Ethiopian/Eritrean Bible Fellowship through the efforts of their leader, the Rev. Teddy Workeneh. With Rev. Workeneh’s recent departure for Atlanta, Lewi now provides servant leadership for this Fellowship. Interestingly, he serves them in much the same way he served the members of the Lutheran Church in the Shimalba camp in Ethiopia—through preaching, teaching, and encouraging emerging church leaders.

Earlier this year, Lewi applied for admission to Concordia Seminary’s EIIT (Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology) program. Having been accepted, he was accorded the status of Vicar in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. “I am both pleased and humbled to have been accepted as a seminary student and will do my best to complete these studies.”

Within days of his arrival, Lewi was assisted by the International Institute to find employment as a maintenance worker at the River City Casino. Though this enabled him to begin providing for the needs of his family almost immediately, he is now seeking other means of employment. As he continues the journey, Lewi asks that you keep him, Arobat, and Malidaya in your prayers.

By Rev. Allan Buckman with Vicar Lewi Jermiya

Kick Off

After-School Tutoring is Back!

Brainstorming

After a great summer vacation, one would expect kids to be a little lethargic about wanting to go back to school, and even more so about CFNA’s After-School Tutoring Program. But for New American Shresti Gurung (8 years) from Bhutan, the question was, “Pastor Stanish, when is Peace Center starting?” “Tuesday, September 3,” was my answer.

On that day, 30 New American youngsters and 10 volunteer tutors assembled to kick off the 2019–20 After-School Tutoring Program. For Shresti and her brother Sanjay, and many others like them, this was the after-school activity they had been waiting for: an opportunity to engage with American tutors and New American friends while finishing homework and learning more about Jesus.

Students and tutors

With a registration of 45 students from seven birth nations, this ministry thrives because of the commitment of many faithful volunteers. Almost 30 from various Lutheran and non-Lutheran congregations serve on Tuesdays and Thursdays, engaging New American youngsters academically and relationally. As Tuesday tutoring supervisor Jennifer Janssen put it, “The goal is to provide kids living in a violent neighborhood with a safe space where they can learn and improve their life skills while being surrounded by the love of Jesus.”

This goal was also affirmed in a Tutoring Kick-Off training event on Sunday, Sept. 15. Attended by 17 volunteers, the training included the sharing of tutoring strategies, brainstorming concerns, and student issues as well as encouraging one another through the sharing of skills, resources, and prayer. As CFNA Board Chair Rev. Dr. Buckman observed, “This meeting clearly exhibited the commitment of our tutors as they continue to participate in a challenging but life-changing cause for New American kids.”

As CFNA’s tutoring program heads into its 13th academic year, we are grateful for the many hands and hearts that come together to support this outreach activity. For the many volunteers who give of their time and skill, for the various churches that support this ministry with funds and school supplies, for Restore St. Louis as it continues to provide hot evening meals, for program leaders Jennifer, Klea, and Sandy (who organize, manage, and keep records), CFNA appreciates and thanks all for their Christ-centered service.

We hope and pray these New American students will be drawn closer to Jesus as they grow in their successful acclimation to American society. More significant, we are truly thankful that many of these students, together with their families, have found their way into nearby churches, including four or five Lutheran congregations.

Prepared by Pastor Stanish Stanley Executive Director, CFNA

Music Camp

Kathy and Friend

Paying careful attention

2019 Participants

Editor’s Note: Last year CFNA reached out to G.I.F.T.E.D. (God’s Intelligent Fortified Talented & Educated Dreamers)to provide our first ever music camp. It was a huge success and G.I.F.T.E.D. was asked to return. Established in 2009, G.I.F.T.E.D. is a 501 (C) (3) Nonprofit Music Mentoring Program. The program uses music as a form of intervention, assisting youth in accomplishing individualized goals, deterring negative behavior, promoting self-esteem and self- confidence.

During the week of July 29th to August 2, 2019, God's Intelligent Fortified Talented & Educated Dreamers (G.I.F.T.E.D.) partnered with Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) to host it 2nd Annual Music/Mentoring Camp.

Led by Founder and Executive Director Min. Kathy Horry, G.I.F.T.E.D. presented basic music theory, taught several new songs, demonstrated proper breathing techniques for singing, presented a brief history, as well as, a demonstration on the various types of guitars and drums. In addition, the youth were mentored on the importance of respect and believing in yourself. Attendance throughout the week fluctuated but 25 youth were present on Friday, August 2, 2019, for the Talent Explosion held at the Peace Center, St. Louis, MO.

The youth ended the week with several tangible things like a signature G.I.F.T.E.D. t-shirt, snacks, lots of new friends and more. They also left with a better awareness of their musical gifts, additional music knowledge and a sense of self-confidence. Several in attendance commented that the children "Never sounded better." When asked if they would like to do something like this yet again, all of the youth responded with a resounding "Yes!"

G.I.F.T.E.D. was honored to work with CFNA and looks forward to developing a long-lasting partnership.

By Kathy Horry with Rose Lucas

Ellie Mackowski

Ellie Mackowski

Editor’s Note: CFNA was blessed to have had Ellie as a Lutheran Young Adult Corps intern for 10 weeks this summer. From Scottsdale, AZ and currently attending Concordia University Nebraska, Ellie shares with us her reflections. Christian Friends of New Americans matters to me because I love children and I have really enjoyed getting to know all of the kids involved with the various programs CFNA offers. Clearly, all of the programs are designed to instill curiosity in unbelievers as well as deepen the faith of new believers by introducing them to the unconditional love of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I was also pleasantly surprised over and over again by the kind of God-loving, amazing staff and volunteers who have become involved with this ministry, and was so blessed to have had the chance to learn from them. Even though I was a stranger to Saint Louis, the people of CFNA welcomed me as one of their own, and I am so thankful for that love and kindness.

Highlights included the short car rides with many of the New American children which provided an excellent opportunity to get to know them in the context of their experiences, families, and passions. The Arabic and Nepali sewing classes were another genuine source of learning and enjoyment. Even though I did not know much about sewing when I started, the volunteer women serving this ministry were most helpful and patient with me and my lack of knowledge and skill. All of them were so pure of heart, and I will not forget the laughs and good times as we stitched beautiful articles of clothing together.

Working with Pastor Stanish Stanley and his family was another great part of working with CFNA, as they were especially welcoming and helpful when I needed assistance or some encouragement. The same may be said for co-interns Riley Schelp and Peyton Anderson, as well as other staff members and the volunteers who give so much to this organization.

My biggest challenge had to do with my lack of experience working in a cross-cultural setting. My time with CFNA provided me with lasting insights regarding the challenges and opportunities in this kind of ministry.

By Ellie Mackowski Lutheran Young Adult Corps

Wisdom Week

Watermelon Eating Competition

With a grant from The University of Alabama, Lutheran High School South graduates organized a sports and life skills camp for New American teens associated with CFNA. They called it “Week of Wisdom.” The goal of the camp was to inform and equip the participants to make wise choices even in the face of peer pressure. But that’s not all! What would a camp be without having a little fun?!

“There is a mission behind the fun,” said Riley Schelp, an intern at CFNA, who organized the event. “The key to working with teens and urban youth is drawing them in with something fun and then teaching them something along the way.”

Schelp, who runs track at the University of Alabama, applied for the grant from the University. She solicited the help of other Lutheran South graduates, including Cody Schrader, who plays football at Truman State University; Dawit Mulat, who will run for Lindenwood University this fall; Kritika Basnet, a premed student at St. Louis University, and Trevor Fiala, a Concordia University Nebraska student who plans to work in teen ministry. The graduates brought other collegiate athletes with them, including Megan Patton, who runs track at the University of Alabama and Jaden Barr, quarterback at Truman State.

Event Staff. (l _r) Megan, Riley, Amri, Sumitra, Aminata, Cathy.

The teens from CFNA met at Lutheran South daily for a healthy lunch and then listened to guest speakers who addressed topics like drug use, pornography, sex, and suicide. The heavy subjects were then followed by a little fun, including scavenger hunts and relay races. The teens participated in soccer, football, and even cooking instruction as part of the Week of Wisdom camp.

“They are talking about real stuff,” said Carol Buckman, advisor of education ministries at CFNA and founder of the organization. “And they are learning skills to cope with reality - the heart wrenching and the great.”

By Riley Schelp Sophomore, University of Alabama Member, Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood

Toilet Paper Relay

Meeting for Bible Study