More Than We Could Have Imagined
/One Year at the new CFNA Peace Center
It has been one year since CFNA dedicated the new Peace Center at 5515 S. Grand for ministry. When we moved from our longtime home at 4019 S. Grand in September 2025, we stepped forward with excitement, but also with many questions. Would our New American friends come to the new location? Would our volunteers continue to serve with us? Could we partner well with our landlord and ministry partner, Lutheran Development Group (LDG)? And could CFNA financially sustain a building nearly four times the size of our previous space?
One year later, we look back with gratitude and see God's faithfulness and provision in ways we could not have fully anticipated. Through the oversight of the CFNA Board, and the work of our staff and volunteers, the Peace Center is bustling with activity! Volunteer engagement has increased by at least 100 people, and CFNA finished the 2025-26 fiscal year in the black despite initially projecting a possible deficit. Each week, around 50 people participate in Driver’s Ed. and ESL- more than we were able to serve at our previous location. After School Tutoring is serving more children with improved space and resources, while our Sewing program continues to serve and build relationships with more Afghan women and children.
Perhaps the greatest blessing is seeing the Peace Center become a place where people gather and relationships grow. This year alone, CFNA has connected with 110 new immigrants from 25 birth nations (mostly through Driver’s Ed.), while more than 150 New Americans participate in ministry activities each week. More than 12 church and ministry teams served through work and service projects just this summer. The building has welcomed Afghan baby showers and a Christmas party, Congolese wedding receptions, pastors’ gatherings, Grand Markets and many other community activities. Relationships with Haitian friends coming through Driver’s Ed. and Sudanese Christians are also opening possibilities for Bible study and Christian fellowship.
And there is still more ahead. CFNA is preparing to open a new Thrift Store ministry, creating another space for New Americans and members of our churches to work, serve, and build relationships together. Lutheran Development Group is also preparing to construct six homes for refugee families adjacent to the Peace Center, creating new opportunities for us to walk alongside New American families as they establish their lives in St. Louis.
A year ago, we could not see all that God would do through this new place. Today, we all are reminded of St. Paul's words – “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus...” (Eph 3: 20-21).
The CFNA Peace Center is ultimately more than a building. It is a place where New Americans and longtime Americans meet, churches come to serve, children learn and laugh, friendships begin, and opportunities arise to share the love and hope of Christ Jesus. For all that God has done during this first year we give Him thanks and praise. With anticipation, we look forward to new possibilities God will provide us as we reflect Christ’s love and walk alongside the nations He has brought among us!
By Pastor Stanish Stanley
CFNA Executive Director
