Afghan Christmas Party: Gathering around Christ!
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On Sunday, December 21st, nearly 150-200 Afghan women and families gathered for a joyful Afghan Christmas celebration, at the new Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) Peace Center at 5515 S. Grand Blvd., 63111. The celebration which ran from 1:00–6:00 pm, was made possible by CFNA’s new and expanded ministry space that allowed the community to gather, share a meal, and experience fellowship around the message of Christmas. Led by CFNA’s former Afghan Outreach Coordinator, Ms. Homa, the party was organized by her home health care agency: “Unified Health Services” and featured traditional Afghan food, conversation, laughter, and the sharing of Christmas gifts with families.
CFNA Founder Dr. Al Buckman offered words of Christmas encouragement to the gathering, which also included Lutheran church friends who have walked alongside Afghan families over the past couple of years since their resettlement in St. Louis. Alongside him, Mrs. Shelvi, a missionary among Afghans, provided an engaging Pashto-language devotion that evoked the audience’s appreciation, as she is a non-native Pashto speaker. Together, both speakers ensured that the good news of Christ’s birth was shared in ways accessible and welcoming to all. Afghan friends also offered greetings and words of gratitude, making the afternoon a beautiful expression of community and belonging. Reflecting on the gathering, Homa shared, “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.”
Guests and volunteers alike recognized the significance of the moment. Janel, a member of Concordia Lutheran, after enjoying some delicious Afghan food noted, “This is so nice that you can host so many people together at this time of Christmas, and that too, over such a beautiful meal. It is such a special occasion, and you can bless the community in a way now that was not possible before. This is wonderful.” Events like the Afghan Christmas party reflect how CFNA’s new ministry space is becoming a place where communities gather, relationships are built, and the Gospel is shared through presence and hospitality. As Scripture reminds us, “Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7).
by Pastor Stanish Stanley (in consultation with Homa)
CFNA
