Both CFNA and Epiphany Lutheran Church are filled with joy as recently six of Cedric’s children: Cedrick, Natasha, Evina, Jeannette, Mishu, and Myanda, ranging in age from 12 years old to just 2 weeks old, were baptized! From hair-washing to sin-washing, God has been working through means, including CFNA and Epiphany - cleansing, claiming, and calling these children His own.

Witness the power of community and the transformative impact of sharing our gifts with others! Currently, 17 volunteer instructors, all high school students, are teaching 20 CFNA children at the CFNA Peace Center every Saturday morning. The music lessons cover various instruments (Piano, Violin, Cello, Flute), and the curriculum for this program has been thoughtfully structured by Elizabeth, a junior at Ladue High School.

Meeting the most basic needs of our neighbors with Christ-like care results in stories like this: Recently, a client who received a basic eye exam discovered she needed reading glasses to improve her vision. The clinic maintains an assortment of reading glasses in varying strengths, and she was very pleased that we were able to provide her with a pair that allowed her to read fine print clearly again.

“Growing up in a cross-cultural household shaped my understanding of how challenging it can be to navigate language systems and culture in a new country. Because of that, CFNA’s mission to support and walk alongside refugees and other New Americans resonates deeply with me.”

“We love the opportunity to help people from various countries and backgrounds. That happens when we tutor and lead devotions with After School Tutoring and when we get to teach them how to drive in preparation for acquiring their license.”

Afghan friends offered greetings and words of gratitude, expressing a beautiful expression of community and belonging. “This space is such a blessing. All our people are mostly staying in the city, and this is very convenient for gathering our friends and sharing time together. CFNA has helped Afghans so much, and this new space is a great blessing, not only to your work, but also to our people, because you allow us to use it.”

Pastoral formation does not happen only on the Seminary campus. Some courses are intentionally designed to give students firsthand experience of what it means to serve as pastors and missionaries in real world contexts. During this two-week intensive course, both students and professor visited CFNA, to learn from leaders and volunteers how pastors and congregations can faithfully serve their members and surrounding communities with the Gospel.

While not only celebrating the achievement of students, but also focusing on health and well-being, providing families with essential medical supplies, this special event highlighted how adults attending the English and Driving classes find community and support through the care of thoughtful volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of others. And this is exactly what CFNA is all about!

“We have enjoyed serving and meeting many New Americans and other fellow volunteers at CFNA. We have been blown away by how many people volunteer and by the dedication and commitment of Staff & Volunteers to this work. The fact that CFNA ministers to people from other countries and cultures, and shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them, is very inspiring.”

Satya, a young man from India, shared how the shift from merely a “giveaway” to a night of community building impacted him: “Community Night was fun and gave me a sense of belonging and warmth during the holiday season. Being away from family, this event helped me feel supported and welcome. This event helped me meet new people, have meaningful conversations.”

One thing changed the annual CFNA Christmas party from a typical children’s party with games, presents, yummy food and treats: the camaraderie that comes from a shared language and culture in an adopted country.

Time was divided into Jubilee periods, each of which spanned 50 years. In thebook of Jubilees, chapter 50:4 says that “From creation to the entry into Canaan, 49 jubilees had passed,” meaning 2,450 years had elapsed. There were then ten more Jubilee periods until redemption, implying another 500 years’ wait. That gives a total of 5,000 years, and so the Messiah was expected to come somewhere between 20 BC and 20 AD. 

This month’s Volunteers of the Month, the Beck family, share the impact this experience has had upon them and those whom they are serving: “The best part of serving with CFNA is simple: the people. We treasure the relationships we’ve built, and many CFNA families now feel like family to us!”

After 3.5 years of faithful service to CFNA, Debbie McBride is retiring from being ESL Driving Coordinator. Debbie shares, “This journey that God put before me was certainly unexpected, but so very interesting and rewarding. CFNA will always hold a special place in my heart in so many ways.”

What made this market truly special were the people behind the booths. Each table was run not only by CFNA volunteers and staff, but also by community members and families who CFNA’s ministry has touched.

Every Wednesday at the Peace Center, CFNA volunteers gather with a group of Afghan women and their children for an afternoon of sewing, fellowship, and friendship. Volunteers share their skills, provide childcare and transportation, and help create a welcoming space for these New Americans. Alongside these practical efforts, volunteers share the message of the Gospel, engaging in meaningful conversations about faith and life. The ministry has also been showcased at several local churches, where generous community support continues to strengthen and expand this outreach.

Sheryl Mattes describes how her involvement with the Sewing ministry at CFNA helps New Americans get acclimated and develop key skills which help them with their futures.