Serving, Singing, and Sharing Jesus
/Hope Lutheran Youth at CFNA
For the 9th consecutive year, youth from Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, Missouri, returned to Christian Friends of New Americans to spend two afternoons, July 7th & 9th, serving at the Peace Center. Joined by pastor Rev. Jason Wagner and youth ministry leader Ms. Terri Strande, the group consisting of around 10 youth continued a tradition of sharing Christ's love through friendship, service, and joyful fellowship with refugee children.
On the first afternoon, around 12-15 refugee kids gathered for a special Vacation Bible School program centered on Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand (Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9; John 6). The Hope youth told the children the story by presenting a short skit, and then taught the children several dances to Christian songs. The fun continued with a relay race and a highly competitive game where two teams threw bread and fishes at each other. Through their engagement, Hope Lutheran youth created an afternoon filled with laughter, learning, and opportunities to grow together in faith.
11-year-old Victoria, who came to St. Louis from the Congo, especially enjoyed the friendships she made that day. "I really like my new friends who came from far away. They taught me crafts and also taught me songs about Jesus." The joy was shared by the Hope youth as well. "I loved how enthusiastic the kids were during the songs and games," said Westley; while his friend Kevin shared, "I love being able to show Jesus' love to such wonderful kids."
The afternoon also included several crafts and snacks for the kids provided by Hope youth group. The youth also organized bracelet and necklace making, coloring activities, and played impromptu games with the kids.
The second afternoon focused on serving around the building and grounds of the new CFNA Peace Center. The youth worked alongside CFNA staff to complete yard work, picked up trash, painted, did some general cleaning, and assembled art supply boxes for future children's programs. Our visit concluded with a tour of the new facility and a vision of the planned improvements to this new ministry space for service among New American families.
The Hope youth reflected on how much they enjoy returning to CFNA each summer. "Helping out at CFNA is always fun! The kids are a joy to be around, as well as the staff and volunteers. It's a great experience," said Anna. Elijah echoed this sentiment: "Every time I help out, I have an awesome time! The kids are great, and I love seeing them every year."
CFNA is a wonderful, welcoming place, and the youth from Hope truly enjoyed sharing God’s Word, and they grew in their own faith by serving others.
By Terri Strande
Hope Lutheran, High Ridge – Youth Ministry.
