Serving, Singing, and Sharing

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Concordia-Texas Students Bless CFNA Community

The week of March 16th was Spring Break for many students across the country, but for some others it was a time of mission and service. During this week a mission team of students from Concordia University, Texas, chose to spend their time serving and sharing the love of Christ in St. Louis. Led by DCE and Director of “Can-Do” Missions - Pat Fick, three other students joined the mission team and visited several ministry locations, including CFNA’s Peace Center in St. Louis. At these ministry sites, the team engaged through joyful service and Gospel-centered activities.

On March 17th, the team visited CFNA’s new Peace Center and led a VBS-style Bible Time with around 15 CFNA children at the Peace Center. CFNA staff – Mrs. Amy and Mr. Gary, along with volunteer – Ms. Jennifer, helped organize this engagement activity. Through songs, skits, games, and time in God’s Word, the student mission team created a space filled with laughter, learning, and meaningful connection. Jaria, a New American student from Rwanda who arrived in St. Louis in 2024 and is part of CFNA’s tutoring program, shared her excitement: “I like the friends from Texas… they know a lot of songs. I enjoyed spending time with them during our Spring break.”

The team returned on March 19th for a workday of service, helping improve the Peace Center through painting, moving furniture, and preparing spaces at CFNA’s new ministry site for ongoing ministry. Reflecting on their time at CFNA, Pat Fick shared, “Our God is so big! Not only is He evident in Gary, Jen, and Amy, but He is so evident in these kids’ lives. They are so full of joy and laughter despite the difficult seasons of life they’ve gone through. It was an honor to be part of their story and plant seeds of God’s goodness through songs, skits, games, and the hugs goodbye! The Peace Center is such a blessing to these families, and you can tell God is moving in and through it!”

Through both service and presence, the Concordia Texas “Can-Do” missions team reminded us of the beauty of shared life in Christ, where strangers become friends, and simple acts of love become seeds of good news and hope. We give thanks to God for Pat Fick and the Can-Do mission’s ministry that seek to share Jesus with others. The work of Can-Do among us reminds us what Scripture teaches – “Let us not become weary in doing good…as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people...” (Gal 6:9-10, NIV)!

By Pastor Stanish in consultation with
Mr. Gary Schaefer, CFNA- Operations’ Associate