Light of St. Louis
/CFNA Recognized with Pathfinder Church “Light of St. Louis” Award
Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) was recently honored by Pathfinder Church in Ellisville, St. Louis, through their annual “Light of St. Louis” award. The award recognizes organizations bringing the light of Christ and compassionate service into the St. Louis community. Pathfinder 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.
Since 2022, Pathfinder Church has selected local ministries each year for this special recognition. This year, CFNA joined ‘Helping Hand Me Downs’ and ‘Our Lady of Perpetual Help’ as the three organizations highlighted for congregational voting during weekend worship services on May 16-17. Each ministry received recognition along with a financial gift based on the congregational voting process.
Earlier this year, Pastor Doug from Pathfinder Church, along with his family, began engaging with CFNA through our After School Tutoring program and various summer activities, learning more about the ministry and relationships being built through the Peace Center among New American families in St. Louis. Pathfinder also created and shared a special video introducing CFNA’s mission and ministry to the congregation.
CFNA’s current and former Board Chairs, along with the Executive Director, represented the ministry during the May 17th worship service, where all three organizations were recognized. Following the event, Pastor Dion and Kaitlyn from Pathfinder Church visited CFNA’s new Peace Center building and presented a generous $12,000 financial gift through the “Light of St. Louis” award. Reflecting on the partnership, Pastor Dion shared, “Pathfinder is honored to partner with CFNA and the other organizations in the impactful work that God is doing through your agencies in bringing the light of Christ to those places that need it here in our city.”
CFNA Board Chair Judith Meyer also expressed gratitude for the recognition. “It is really encouraging to see larger Lutheran congregations like Pathfinder noticing the work of CFNA and supporting it through this recognition. Especially as we have moved into a new ministry space for more impactful service and outreach, this encouragement means a great deal to our Board and ministry.”
As we thank Pathfinder Church for their encouragement and reflect on this recognition, we give thanks to God for the partnerships He continues to build throughout St. Louis. We are reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
By Pastor Stanish Stanley
CFNA Executive Director
