There was certainly much to celebrate. From September 2025 through August 2026, more than 500 volunteers engaged in CFNA ministry activities, walking alongside and serving more than 400 New American clients. Some taught English or helped with Driver’s Ed. Others tutored children, served in our health and wellness classes, helped with sewing, delivered furniture, supported summer programs, welcomed church mission teams, assisted with fundraising events, or simply offered friendship and encouragement to a newly arrived neighbor. 

Throughout the week, youth learned about small engines, bicycles, and Go-Karts. They disassembled machines, explored the tools, parts, and systems that make them work, and then put their growing knowledge into practice. Language and cultural differences did not matter once everyone gathered around the workbench.

God calls young and old alike, nurturing the gifts He has given us and providing opportunities to use them in service to others. Addie’s story here is also a beautiful picture of how God grows the gifts He places within His people.

For the Vaughns, serving at CFNA is a gift—not simply something they give, but an opportunity to meet new friends and share Christ’s love as they help new neighbors navigate life in a new place.

"I am so thankful to the LCMS Grant Office for providing me the opportunity to be part of this Convention," shared Pastor Lewi. "I was amazed to see so many of our church ministries doing gospel work here in our country and throughout the world." Pastor Lewi shared his story: arriving in St. Louis as a refugee from Eritrea, being welcomed and served through CFNA, preparing for ministry through EIIT, now serving as pastor of St. Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Louis.

The youth from Hope Lutheran in High Ridge, MO spent two afternoons serving, singing, and sharing at CFNA! Activities included bracelet and necklace making, coloring activities, and playing games with New American kids, serving by completing yard work, picking up trash, painting, cleaning, and assembling art supply boxes for future children's programs.

Nearly three dozen volunteers from the Lutheran Church Extension Fund dedicated a full day of service to helping improve the new CFNA Peace Center on June 17th! Including visitors from many states, the team’s work helped to prepare the Peace Center for multiple future ministry initiatives!

Shelby’s heart for sharing stories that point to God’s love and faithfulness are now being put to use in partnership with the mission of CFNA! Discover more about our newest staff member!

Jesus Door 2 Door is more than a ministry. It is a mission that brings people together with one purpose: to make disciples and share the love of Christ. Through friendship, training, fellowship, and evangelism, I saw God at work in the lives of both those who shared the Gospel and those who received it.

Founded in 2023 by the Member-Meneh family, themselves refugees who experienced firsthand the transformative power of community, TMF exists because organizations like Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) once extended a hand to their family when they needed it most. Today, the Foundation seeks to do the same for others by cultivating the next generation of refugee leaders through connection, compassion, and opportunity.

“The strong interest and encouragement shown at the convention affirmed the value of the sewing program and the meaningful opportunities it provides for fellowship, skill-building, and support.” —Sewing ‘Project’ creator Shirley Drown

“I love being a part of a group of people who are helping our new neighbors to assimilate into a new environment and culture. I love that we respect their background and religion while inviting them to learn more about ours.”

Mission Partnership, encouragement, and Kingdom impact in St. Louis were part of why the “Light of St. Louis” award was given to CFNA! Pathfinder Church selected CFNA for the award because of its life-giving work to bring the Gospel to immigrants and refugees in the St. Louis region through cross-cultural ministries, educational scholarships, and need-based relevant programming.

The joy and growth among New American children was on easy to see as around 45 children and nearly 30 volunteers joined to celebrate, marking the conclusion of another meaningful year for CFNA’s tutoring program, which served more than 75 students during the 2025–26 academic year.

What began as a school project soon became a meaningful opportunity to bless refugee children through books, service, and encouragement. Nico not only donated books, but he also helped organize the purchase and assembly of a bookshelf for the classroom so the books could be easily accessed and enjoyed by students.

“One young girl whom I tutor told me that I move just like her grandfather. She is an outstanding student on many levels. Volunteering at CFNA has been a rewarding and enlightening experience!”