In 2023, CFNA was blessed to have linked with a total of 300 recently arrived refugees from 30 birth nations. Engagement activities at the Peace Center continued strong with ESL (130 students from 10 birth nations), Health & Wellness (79 clients at screenings, and coordination of 209 client medical appointments), and After School Tutoring (60 students from 11 birth nations). The Community Engagement Ministry connecting congregational volunteers with specific relationship-building events saw 100 new volunteers engage via 21 events organized in partnership with eight Lutheran congregations.

As the torch passes to new leadership, there is a sense of continuity and renewal. The transition is not merely a change in personnel but a testament to the enduring nature of the organization's mission. With fresh perspectives and a continued dedication to fostering a welcoming community, the new leadership will carry forward the legacy of the founders, ensuring that Christian Friends of New Americans remains a beacon of hope and support for those seeking refuge and a new beginning.

We have approximately 80 participants, including a few from Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands meeting for Bible Study. Questions include: “Why did Jesus suffer and die for us?” The idea of unconditional love is new to many of these people and they find it to be both encouraging and compelling. Another question has to do with, “What is expected of us as Christians?” For them and for all of us, the reality of salvation by grace alone through faith is especially important. 

Providing for real needs exactly when they are needed! That’s what the CFNA annual giveaway is all about! Household use and personal hygiene items, especially for recent arrivals, include blankets and winter clothing, laundry detergent, paper products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps, cleaning supplies, and more are all shared with our New American neighbors.

The annual Christmas Party celebrates numerous tutors who help with homework, mastering English, reading, writing, and basic number skills, etc. during tutoring sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the school year as well as the students who benefit from their servant hearts! More than 50 students, 45 volunteers, and special guests participated.

Rev. Dr. Allan and Carol Buckman have shared their decision to transition from the pivotal leadership roles they have held since the inception of Christian Friends of New Americans over two decades ago. Join us in prayer for this season of transition as Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt begins as Board Chair and the Lord Jesus continues to lead His Kingdom-advancing work done in and through CFNA!

What happens when American youth groups are brought together with New American kids? “No matter where we come from, we are all loved by God, and it was amazing to see how God was able to bring together this group in order to build relationships that glorify Him. I know they also had a lot of fun playing, laughing, and enjoying the day with the children!”

More than 130 men and boys worked together to assemble 1,000 meals for families in need! The Turkey Blessing was kicked off with a circle of 60 men and boys being led in prayer by 7-year-old, Chase Wehmeyer, who volunteered to do so from atop a stack of pallets.

After a life of being forced to flee the dangers of home during wartime and living as a refugee in Ethiopia where he for remained for 15 years, eventually moving to St. Louis and getting connected with area ministries including CFNA, this year, On April 26, Lewi accepted a call from St. Trinity Lutheran Church to serve as a pastor and missionary among New Americans in the St. Louis area and beyond!

The International Institute of St. Louis recognized CFNA as an organization who has worked to support immigrants and refugees being resettled in our city by awarding CFNA the Multiculturalism Advocate Award!

CFNA recently had opportunities to display a daily reminder of Christ's love for the refugee in their homes through special booths provided at multiple events, providing many with the opportunity to see and support our cross cultural ministry.

As Christians, we believe in the God who dwelt with man to show all how to use their hands, feet, eyes, and mouths in service to their neighbor and toward one another. In this special day of restoration provided by Christians seeking to serve refugees, relationships began that extend beyond a single day. Volunteers realized small but meaningful ways they could serve this refugee community.

This new skill of driving will not only provide them with independence, it also enables them to better serve the members of their family, and their respective communities as well. With approximately 400 students participating in our classes and behind-the-wheel instruction so far, this successful program (provided free of charge!) has brought students from more than a dozen birth nations including Afghanistan, Haiti, India, Congo, and more.

One golfer, Jerry Wendt, who has participated in the event since its inception, said: “We support what CFNA has done and continues to do in service to the opportunity to reach out to people who need to be supported in a myriad of ways while being focused on sharing the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Including students from 15 birth nations including Nepal, Bhutan, Kenya, Congo, Egypt, Guatemala, Korea, Albania and more, Word of Life Lutheran School was voted as the #1 Private School in St. Louis!is growing. None of this would be possible without the partnership of numerous congregations and organizations like Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) and the enduring presence of Christ among us. 

Joy was brought to all as 20 New American youth from Messiah Lutheran and their families helped our New American friends experience their first-ever game of bowling! Fashionable shoes were tied, digital scorecards completed, and pins were struck with a shared sense of accomplishment.