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!”

By God’s grace, the evening was a great success, raising over $22,000 to support CFNA’s ongoing ministry. We give thanks to all who participated and made this night a meaningful expression of working together in mission - “For we are co-workers in God’s service…” (1 Cor. 3:9)

Through Health and Wellness efforts, CFNA seeks to bless the community by helping individuals care for their overall well-being. In these simple yet meaningful and concrete moments of care, we see how God brings health and hope to our community as we continue caring together.

Joy overflowed at Epiphany Lutheran Church on Sunday, April 20, 2026, as Nathalie and Nanette Kue were baptized into the family of God. This baptism was more than a single event—it was a glimpse into the continued work of the Holy Spirit through CFNA. God is using this ministry to build relationships, nurture faith, and bring people into His promises.

“We love CNFA because it gives children from around the world the opportunity to rebuild their lives in the United States!” Discover how Ed and Julaine use their every-day God-given lives to do extraordinary things for New Americans! 

With each gathering, relationships continue to grow and the ministry becomes more familiar to others in the community. What may seem like a small event represents many hours of service, conversation, and connection within the church community. During the event, the youth who had their hair braided also worked on Bible Activity Sticker Books, learning the entire story of Scripture!

Through both service and presence, the Concordia Texas “Can-Do” missions team reminded us of the beauty of shared life in Christ, where strangers become friends, and simple acts of love become seeds of good news and hope.

Through faithful instruction, patient encouragement, and growing resources, CFNA’s ministry programs, especially Driver’s Ed., continues to move New American families from uncertainty to stability, and from dependence to independence, demonstrating how taking simple action which demonstrates Christ’s love for our neighbors leads to a lasting impact for generations and even eternity!

“Every New American student deserves the opportunity to succeed both in and out of school…” Discover how this belief by Gus and his mom led them to take simple actions which led to lasting impact!

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.”