Growing Friendships, Encouraging Mission
/CFNA at Faith Lutheran, Chicago
On October 17–18, Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) was blessed to share its mission story with the congregation of Faith Lutheran Church in Lake Forest, Illinois. At the invitation of Rev. Jim Buckman, CFNA Executive Director Pastor Stanish preached at the Saturday evening and two Sunday worship services and led a Bible study highlighting CFNA's ministry among New American neighbors in St. Louis.
Faith Lutheran is no stranger to serving its neighbors in Christ's love. The congregation has been walking alongside public school students on Chicago's north side through educational scholarships and has recently begun outreach among Hispanic neighbors in the Chicago area. As part of this growing ministry, Faith is also supporting the leadership development of Hispanic men through a program connected with Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Reflecting on these ministries, Pastor Stanish preached from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 where the Apostle Paul, giving thanks to God for the Thessalonian believers, remembers their "work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" (v 3). As Paul encouraged the early Christians in their faithful witness, the message from CFNA was also to give thanks for Faith Lutheran's work of faith and labor of love among its neighbors, and to encourage the congregation to remain steadfast in the hope we have in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Jim shared why he wanted his congregation to hear CFNA's story- "Our congregation is doing a lot of good work in Chicago, but our people need to hear they are not alone - how believers are coming together to be in mission at CFNA…is an encouragement to us in our faith and mission journey together."
Throughout the weekend, CFNA shared how congregations, volunteers, and New American friends are building relationships and creating opportunities for Gospel witness through the various ministries at the Peace Center. An information booth provided opportunities for members to learn more about CFNA, explore ways to serve, and consider supporting the ministry in St. Louis. One congregation member expressed what the weekend meant to him - "Pastor Jim has never disappointed me with mission speakers! It was great hearing of the work that God is doing through CFNA ministry. Thank you for this work…you inspire me to do more at Faith among the different ministries that we have."
What a blessing it is when congregations can encourage one another in the work God has entrusted to them! Although our ministries may serve different communities and neighborhoods, we share the same hope in Christ Jesus and the calling to love and serve our neighbors.
We thank God for Pastor Jim Buckman and the members of Faith Lutheran for their warm welcome, their faithful service in Chicago, and their interest in CFNA's ministry. We pray that this new friendship will continue to grow, opening doors for mutual encouragement, partnership, and new possibilities to share Christ's love with our neighbors.
By Pastor Stanish Stanley
CFNA Executive Director
