“God is with us everywhere we go. He doesn’t stay in the U.S. and watch from a distance; rather, He is an ever-present God, faithful Father, and the One who strengthens our souls.” We are at Christian Friends of New Americans because we have experienced what our refugee students are experiencing, and we want to continue building connections with African students and other internationals. We are thankful that God has brought us to CFNA, and I look forward to seeing how we can be a blessing to those who come through our doors.

Recently, a local congregation chose to designate CFNA as one of the service locations to help get projects completed in preparation for our open house event at our New Location! Dig in to learn more how these volunteers helped connect so many who are participating in what Jesus is doing in and through CFNA!

The Golf Benefit is meant to be a fund-raiser AND a friend-raiser. There are many golfers who return year after year, and there are always some new golfers who are not as familiar with CFNA. One of those golfers this year was Ken Mersmann. When asked about his experience, he said, “It was my first time playing in the CFNA Golf Benefit. What a great group of people, super well-done event, and all for a great cause! I didn’t know much about CFNA beforehand but was really impressed. Jesus calls us to action, and caring for refugees is such an important ministry!”

Discover how Pastor Ted’s time with CFNA in volunteering blessed both he and his wife Abby, and many more as they contributed to “Christ to the Nations” right next door!

Though I have worked with many non-Lutheran Christians in the past, I recently began working with a man who is Ethiopian Orthodox. I’d like to share with you aspects of this very interesting and ancient form of Christianity. 

People from many different nations, education levels, financial backgrounds, and life stories come together to be neighbors serving one another in Jesus’s name. Like the tributaries flowing into the Mississippi, CFNA is a center for cultural confluence, a place where, when joined together, we are filled with more life and love.

CFNA’s open house and dedication brought many people to the new building! Everyone was excited not only to see the new location, but many also discovered afresh how the ministries of CFNA are impacting the community. After signing in and getting a name tag, attendees were given a “passport” that listed all of CFNA’s ministry areas. Refreshments from all over the world helped attendees truly get a taste of what happens every week at CFNA!

An evening filled with laughter, food, music and much more, 60 CFNA volunteers, Board members, staff, and summer interns gathered together in Ascension Lutheran Church’s basement for the annual Volunteer Appreciation Night. Ministry coordinators expressed their sincere thanks to volunteers for their diligence and hard work.

13 refugees received eye exams (including 11 receiving new glasses!) recently as Dr. Cheryl Davidson performed eye exams as the new Peace Center. As a part of their eye exam, patients had the opportunity to choose a new pair of prescription eye glasses that fit their style, free of cost.

Starting their journey as participants of CFNA’s Trivia Nights to now actively helping with event logistics, engaging in the coat drive for Afghans, handling donations, driving refugees, and moving items into the new Peace Center, the Maddens show how big a difference volunteers can make!

CFNA invites you to join us as we dedicate our new building to the ministries God has prepared for us in serving our New American friends on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Open house available from 2-4:30 pm with building dedication at 2:30 pm. All happening at 5515 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63111

Pastor Jeff Cloeter of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church charged the Reverend Doctor Stanish Stanley and CFNA to “walk back into the future!” by remembering our past as we move forward at the August 10th installation service for Rev. Stanley. Many members of the CFNA community, including 19 pastors, participated in the installation of Stanish Stanley as the Executive Director of CFNA. 

This past year has been one of intentional change and diligent focus on the identity of CFNA: Who are we as a Christ serving organization? One such conversation demonstrated the answer: I asked, “Who is in that picture?” “Jesus,” the boy answered. “Who is with Jesus?” “I don’t remember all their names.,” he says, almost laughing. “Ok, but who are they?” I ask. “Jesus’s friends,” he says, smiling. “You’re right. And you know that you are Jesus’s friend, too. You’ve been chosen.”

Thanks to the generosity of Christ Memorial and Reliant Lutheran Churches, the swim program this summer has been a splash! 45 students have participated in lessons at the Pavilion in Lemay. Most of the students have left with the ability to swim the narrow length of the pool, and all have found the pool to be a cool experience. 

Warren is a great example of someone who chose to volunteer for a simple reason: he loves to help people! He recently began helping and befriending New Americans by volunteering to teach English as a Second Language.

“No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!” A group of pick-up trucks pulled up at the South City home of Shadrack to deliver and assemble seven beds for his children. Though drenched in sweat, the team of volunteers worked tirelessly to bring in and assemble the wooden boards, mattresses, and pillows.

Around 15 CFNA children from Congo, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Uganda, the U.S. were on the field! Soccer games are being organized every other Saturday (twice a month) targeting deeper engagement with refugee kids and their families.