Opening New Possibilities

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CFNA’s 14th Annual Golf Benefit Opens New Possibilities at the Peace Center

God blessed CFNA with another wonderful Golf Benefit on October 12 at Greenbriar Hills Country Club. Twenty-five teams, representing 100 golfers, gathered for a beautiful day of golf, fellowship, and generosity in support of CFNA's ministry among New Americans.

The day began with lunch and an opportunity for participants to reconnect with old friends and make new ones before heading out for 18 holes of golf. Following the game, everyone gathered for a time of hospitality and dinner. Pastor Idjon, who attends CFNA’s ESL & Ethnic Leadership class with Dr. Al Buckman, and his two daughters blessed the gathering with beautiful gospel songs. CFNA Executive Director, Pastor Stanish Stanley shared highlights of the ministry, while Amy Zeigler (Community Engagement) introduced an exciting new opportunity - the development of an outdoor patio at the Peace Center, supported by a $15,000 dollar-for-dollar matching challenge from Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF).

The response was remarkable. Before the end of the week, the entire $15,000 match had been received or pledged, unlocking the full $30,000 for the patio project. This generous response brings CFNA closer to creating a welcoming outdoor gathering space where New Americans, volunteers, and neighbors can connect through community events, fellowship, and opportunities to share Christ's love.

The Golf Benefit continues to be more than a fundraiser. It is also a “friend-raiser,” bringing together people who care about welcoming and serving our new neighbors. Jake, a longtime supporter of CFNA, expressed this beautifully: "My family and I are so glad to be a part of CFNA's mission and support it. Being here at this Golf Benefit with my friends is special. We loved it, especially the girls singing... We are happy to be a part of what God is doing at CFNA."

Although the event officially ended at 6:15 p.m., many participants stayed longer to enjoy fellowship and conversation - a wonderful reminder of the friendships that continue to grow through CFNA.

We are deeply grateful to all our golfers, sponsors, donors, volunteers, golf committee, and staff who made this year's Golf Benefit possible. Through their generosity, God continues to open new doors for friendship, community, and Gospel witness at the Peace Center.

On behalf of CFNA, I would like to personally thank our generous sponsors:

Golf Ball Sponsor: Al & Carol Buckman

Hospitality Hour Sponsors: Jim & Vickie Dankenbring; Gary Uhlemeyer; Lutheran Church Extension Fund

Lunch Sponsor: Gary Uhlemeyer

Closest to the Pin Sponsors: Crane Agency; Bayes Sports Medicine

Longest Drive Sponsor: LCMS Foundation

Beverage Sponsors: Andrew & Lucy Bartelt; Anheuser-Busch

Hole Sponsors: Alsco Uniforms; Andrew & Lucy Bartelt; Ascension Lutheran Church; Arrow Box Company; Christ For Youth Charities Foundation; Christ Memorial Lutheran Church; Christ Memorial Men's Club; Concordia Lutheran Church; Concordia Seminary; Dan & Ruth Mattson; Don & Karen Jubel; Douglas Landscapes; Evergreen Wealth Management; Faith Lutheran Church; KFUO Radio; Lutheran High School South; Lutheran Hour Ministries; Matt & Christy Hoehner; Ted & Terry Torgerson; Summit Seekers, Concordia Lutheran Church.

By Kerry Pozaric
CFNA Business Manager