These multiple blessings perfectly illustrate CFNA’s ministry and role in urban St. Louis, which is to connect recently arrived refugee families with Lutheran congregations and their well-established families in the greater St. Louis area.

I am constantly amazed at how the Lord can use any skill, whether it be technology or something else. My time at CFNA has been “happy chaos” with a jumble of languages, cultures, and people. Sometimes I feel like a world traveler who hasn’t left home!

This time becomes a beacon of hope and renewal, guiding us toward a new chapter filled with possibility and purpose. It is a reminder that transitions are not endings, but rather beginnings, infused with the promise of growth and resilience. As we approach this pivotal moment, let us embrace it with gratitude and anticipation for the journey ahead.

Al and Carol Buckman have been selected by the faculty of Concordia Seminary to receive the Christus Vivit honorary award at the seminary’s commencement ceremony to be held on May 17, 2024.

Hugely generous support from church congregations and individuals in 2021 provided a one-time fund to help cover the needs of Afghan refugees in St. Louis, MO. These donations have led to over one hundred dental appointments to address Afghan refugees' dental needs. People who could not eat regularly due to daily pain can eat again!

To date, CFNA has assisted 23 refugees with car grants. Many were for the purchase of a car identified by HumanKind STL, another organization that assists with the resettlement of refugees. HumanKind secures the vehicles from local dealerships and both organizations provide the funds required for the purchase.

We never know what surprising new thing God will do or what new challenges and opportunities He will place before us as people from around the world come into our midst, creating opportunities for CFNA to exemplify the love of Christ in word and deed. Another missionary motto, “Be flexible,” has played a pivotal role in CFNA's ability to adapt to evolving demands and opportunities. We do not want to lose that flexibility.

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!