Word of Life’s After-School Tutoring Program

Janey menner and primary student

For the last several years, teachers at Word of Life Lutheran School have been providing a tutoring program for New American children several afternoons a week. The program is supported with funds from the Lutheran Foundation and serves students who are receiving scholarships from CFNA and also from the Today and Tomorrow Scholarship program. More than 30 students participate in the program.

Mindy Hanke, the first grade teacher, oversees the whole program. Mindy is assisted regularly by Janey Menner, a special education teacher, and by Laurie Jones, who knows all the older children well since she teaches 5th through 8th grade history. All of Word of Life’s teachers assist these teachers by communicating directly about students’ academic needs. This communication makes a real difference in the effectiveness of this program. The tutors know the background of the students and the challenges they face at home, including responsibility for younger siblings.

An example of the value of that communication among the teachers is the work that everyone engaged in last spring to help two fourth grade boys who were having lots of behavioral issues. Everyone worked together to develop stronger personal relationships with them so that the boys would see Word of Life as a safe place for them. This year the boys are thriving academically and are also participating actively at Timothy, where they are regular acolytes.

The children want to learn and do well in school, but they continue to face challenges. Many of them do not speak English at home—in fact, some speak more than one language at home. Their parents, although supportive of their educational efforts, often cannot help with homework, because they have limited English capability. In addition, many of the parents work night shift jobs, so they are not home to help with assignments.

The students are very supportive of each other—the older children often volunteer to help younger children during the tutoring sessions. And the teachers really care about these students and their futures, which is why they work together and communicate with each other about each student, giving of their time and God-given gift of teaching.

By Judith Meyer Timothy Lutheran Church

Trivia Night

Trivia players

CFNA held its seventh annual Trivia Night on Saturday, November 15th, at the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens. Pastor Joel Christensen welcomed the attendees who enjoyed a delicious moscacioli dinner. Salad and bread was provided by Rich and Charlie’s. Homemade cookies were baked by members of a women’s Bible study group from Concordia Lutheran Church.

bingo players

Following the meal and fellowship, trivia competition and bingo games began. Joanie Harwell and Stanish Stanley read this year’s trivia questions. Jerry and Joyce Birk served as bingo callers. Throughout the evening, a silent auction offering baskets, gift certificates, and a wonderful assortment of other items was held.

Many helping hands contributed to the success of the evening. Volunteers sought and picked up donations, prepared food, organized registration, sorted auction items, set up tables and chairs, and served in countless other ways. Six New American scholarship students from Lutheran High School South were on hand to welcome attendees, direct people to their places, help with gathering Trivia answers and passing out door prizes.CFNA is especially grateful to the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens for the use of their facilities and for their helpful support. Appreciation is also expressed to several Thrivent chapters, Christ for Youth Charity Foundation (matching funds), and to other generous donors for their support. With 312 recorded guests, it was the biggest Trivia Event to date!

Thanks to all who gave, all who came, and all who served!

Napali singers

By: Bonnie Matzat (Concordia, Kirkwood) // Photos provided by Ron Virus

Thanks Bill Matzat Servant Team!

John lautenschlager, eric gjelvik, bill matzat, bob gill, pete joyce

During the early part of October Rev. Bill Matzat and team members mostly from Concordia, Kirkwood, completed yet another Servant Event at the Peace Center – their eighth during the past few years.

Their most recent effort gave the Peace Center entrance a new look. Enhancing what had been a rather bland and not entirely inviting appearance, they installed wooden seating and attractive signage that clearly informs all who pass by, who we are and what we do.

Previous projects included the installation of glass block windows in the front, basement and rear of the building, and the construction of a student friendly play area as well as a nicely enhanced parking pad at the rear of the building. Their first project was the almost complete renovation of the fellowship area on the upper level of the building.

Our sincere thanks to Rev. Matzat and all the servants from Concordia and elsewhere, who assisted in these projects!

John Lautenschlager - Volunteer Of The Month

Dr John Lautenschlager

Volunteer of the Month

Born in Idaho, John grew up in California. A near neighbor and the missionary she married became role models and by age 11, John knew he wanted to become a missionary. This commitment stayed with him through high school, college and eventual enrollment at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

During his first year at the seminary John, acting on a desire to serve as a medical missionary, applied for admission to the St. Louis University School of Medicine, and was accepted. Following four years of medical studies and two years of supervised post graduate general practice, John and wife, Bobbie – they had been married four years earlier – accepted a call to serve as medical missionaries in Nigeria with LCMS World Mission. They, together with two year old son David and one year old daughter Katrina, arrived in 1970.

Medical mission service included 15 years in Nigeria as part of an evangelistic missionary team working among the Ukele people, plus an additional four years in Sierra Leone serving with yet another missionary team among the Kono people. After returning to the USA, Dr. Lautenschlager served for 20 years as an outpatient primary care doctor for the St. Louis County Department of Health. For most of these years he also served as a volunteer physician at Concordia Seminary.

During the past five years John has served with CFNA as a volunteer medical consultant for the Health and Wellness Screening program – a service very much appreciated by the volunteers, including several nurses, who staff this ministry. As a nurse, Bobbie also served as a medical missionary in her own right, during their 19 years in West Africa. Her service as a volunteer nurse with CFNA also continued for an extended period of time until, having battled cancer for several months, she was called home to be with her Lord in August, 2012.

In addition to being a gifted physician, John is also a gifted craftsman, having provided many repairs and “fixes” to the Peace Center over the years.

We take this opportunity to honor as our volunteer of the Month, Dr. John Lautenschlager, as well as the memory of his beloved Bobbie.

From information provided by Dr. John Lautenschlager.  

Welcome Ministry

Santosh, tika, aaiti, sandip and mani gurung

Having flown directly from Nepal via Europe, Mani and Aaiti Gurung together with sons Santosh and Sandip as well as daughter Tika, arrived at Lambert International Airport at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2014. They were met by four carloads of near relatives together with an International Institute worker who transported them to elder brother Harka Gurung’s home on Montana St. in south St. Louis. Here they were to stay for almost four weeks, thereby increasing the number of residents in Harka’s two-bedroom apartment to 12.

Mani and Aaiti both confessed to mixed emotions as their plane approached St. Louis. They were joyful at the prospect of being reunited with long separated family members, and at the same time fearful about living in a country where, among other things, they didn’t know the language. As they approached the baggage claim area, they were met by family members with what can only be described as total jubilation. Aside from family reunification, consideration for their children’s future sustained them through their uncertain journey. Both Mani and Aaiti knew their children would have far better opportunities in this country than in Nepal.

Aaiti has many family members in St. Louis including three brothers, four sisters-in-law, eight nephews, four nieces, and one grandniece. Upon arrival, their greatest immediate need was a place to stay. Pre-arrival attempts by family members to find a suitable apartment had been unsuccessful, hence the need to say with Harka’s family. Four weeks later they relocated to another relative’s flat. Less than a week thereafter they moved to their current residence, the first of their very own.

Mani and Aaiti will be quick to tell you that worship at Ascension Lutheran Church, primarily through New Life Fellowship which meets both at Ascension and the Peace Center, definitely counts as part of their family reunification experience. These have been joyful moments for the entire extended Gurung family, most of whom have become, or are in the process of becoming, members of Ascension.

When asked, they will also be quick to tell you that the church (Ascension Lutheran) and the International Institute have been the most helpful to them. Their greatest need at the moment is to learn English and “to get a simple job.” Since their arrival, CFNA has provided them with a welcome gift, aided them with their Health and Wellness screening and enrolled their children in the After School Tutoring Program at the Peace Center.

Should anyone know of a job opportunity, please be in touch with Gagan Gurung at 314-708-9554 or Richard Leigh at 314-315-7084.

By: Gagan Gurung with Richard Leigh

Yassah Harry Family - New Americans Of The Month

New American of the Month

Yassah harry

On Sunday, October 5, Yassah Harry was baptized at Timothy Lutheran Church. Yassah's family was connected with Timothy church through CFNA Associate Tim Schrader and the CFNA sponsored monthly Health and Wellness Screening. Briefly, Yassha’s friend Mary, having attended the Clinic, put Yasssah in touch with Tim, who extended the link to Timothy.

The mother of eight children, Yassah grew up in a small Liberian village. Approximately 15 years ago the devastating Liberian civil war tore through that village and several others. Having watched her husband be executed by rebels, she fled to nearby Ivory Coast. After a period of time she and her family members were resettled in the USA, with St. Louis as their final destination.

By God’s grace, Yassah and her family have been blessed with friends and a better life since their arrival in America. Nevertheless, their troubles have not ended entirely. A little over a year ago son Morris was shot three times when he happened to be in the wrong part of town at the wrong time one night. Now almost fully recovered, he is able to play basketball during open gym night at Timothy. He is also a student at Forest Park Community College.

Yassah earns a living by cleaning offices most evenings. She and her family realize they will probably never have any real control over their lives, and have put everything into the hands of God. They also regard the members of Timothy and the associates of CFNA as among those who have helped them the most, especially during the past few years.

Information provided by Tim Schrader (Timothy Lutheran Church)

Reflections on the 2014 CFNA Golf Benefit

jerry wendt, merle freitag, david schmidt, charlie caciano

There were many good things about the Second Annual CFNA golf benefit! The weather on October 1st perfect for a late summer day! The Quail Creek Golf Course was in great shape. Their staff was very accommodating. The dinner was superb!

eric erkkinen makes another great shot

Over sixty golfers attended, all in a competitive mood! Some shots got cheered. Some shots were endured. Winners were announced and affirmed. Traveling trophies were distributed.

The “silent auction” items stirred up the good competition; the center pieces that Carrol Virus designed and crafted were lovely; the pictures that Ron Virus took provide a lasting memory.

rev. vern gundermann MCs the dinner banquet

But the very best part was a group of men and women who came together to support a ministry that is determined to help New Americans find their way in a foreign land. These CFNA Supporters want New Americans to feel at home here. They want them to come to know Jesus, and the forever home He has prepared for them and for us.

It was a very good day!

By: Rev. Vern Gundermann Photos by Ron Virus

Leader Formation Through CFNA

rev. ron rall and some of the students

Paul once wrote to Timothy, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). In the same Spirit of Paul’s command, CFNA is committed to raising up New American leaders for the Church, including a course of study to prepare potential candidates for professional Church work.

A couple of years ago, CFNA’s Chairman, Dr. Al Buckman and Pastor Ron Rall decided to implement a successful strategy they had utilized in their respective overseas mission fields. Crossing cultural boundaries to make disciples for Jesus involves raising up new leaders within the target culture, so they began a weekly leaders Bible study at the Peace Center, with about a dozen New Americans of diverse ethnicities—Eritrean, Ethiopian, Burmese, Burundi, and Bhutan Nepalese—to name a few. These students were being equipped to serve as evangelists and leaders of home Bible studies and fellowships.

A natural next step was to consider how this program might be developed to provide more focused training that would encourage some of these men and women to become professional church workers—pastors, deaconesses, or teachers. Therefore, in August, Dr. Buckman, Pastor Rall, and Pastor Michael Zeigler met with Dr. John Loum from Concordia Seminary to discuss this vision. Dr. Loum directs the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT) for the Seminary. The group decided to begin teaching a curriculum that would equip participants with basic knowledge of the Old and New Testament, along with Christian Doctrine, while preparing interested candidates to enter the EIIT program. We are eager to walk alongside these students and witness how God continues to shape them for continued service in His Kingdom. If you’d like to sit in sometime, the class meets at the Peace Center on Fridays at 4:30 pm.

By Pastor Michael Zeigler, PhD Coordinator, CFNA Leadership Formation Ministry 

Where Are They Now?

Lutheran South New American Graduates 

Petra orascnannin

Over the past six years, the Adopt a Student Ministry has been supporting young New Americans at Lutheran High School South. All of the students we supported early in that Ministry have graduated and gone on to college.

Nadum Member-Meneh is a junior at the University of Missouri, Columbia. He is studying biology, and intends to apply to medical school next year.

Goka Member-Meneh, Nadum’s sister, graduated a year after Nadum. She is attending Saint Louis Community College, Meramec Valley, taking general education courses, in anticipation of becoming a nurse.

Eve Okine, who graduated two years ago, is a second-year student in a six-year program to prepare doctors at the University of Missouri Kansas City. She is taking general education courses, including a lot of science courses, but she also gets to take some introductory medical courses. She is also a member of the Student National Medical Association, which is useful as she gets ready for her career as a doctor.

eve okine (center) with friends at her lhss graduation

Petra Orascanin is also a sophomore, studying at St. Louis University. She is majoring in Business and Psychology, preparing for a career in the non-profit sector. Through Firm Foundation, a Christian organization, she is tutoring two immigrant children.

Mary Passawe has transferred to Columbia College, where she continues to work on her general education requirements. She is looking for a job and is taking the ASVAB, an aptitude test, to help her decide what she might do if she enlists in the army.

By: Dr. Judith Meyer, Scholarship Assistance Coordinator

Theodors (Teddy) Workeneh

New American of the Month

Teddy was born and raised in Ethiopia, East Africa and was baptized as a member of the Coptic Church of Ethiopia. His spiritual journey began with that church body and as an Orthodox believer, actively participated in their Bible School program. As such, he was well on his way to becoming a deacon, and perhaps a priest. On the evening of June 15, 1994, during a house prayer meeting however, he experienced what he can only describe as a very strong presence of the Holy Spirit. Thereafter, his life was forever changed.

Subsequently, Teddy became involved in a movement of spiritual renewal within the Coptic Church, but when this came to the attention of the church authorities, he was given the choice of leaving the renewal movement, or leaving the church body. Shortly thereafter, he left the Coptic Church and subsequently became a member, and later an ordained Pastor, of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekana Yesus (the Lutheran Church in Ethiopia). Interestingly, this large and rapidly growing denomination is now giving consideration to the possibility of becoming a Partner Church with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

A holder of a Bachelor of Theology degree from the Evangelical Theological College of Ethiopia, Teddy enrolled in the Addis Ababa University and in 2008 was granted an M.A. degree in Counseling Psychology. The focus of his thesis was the “Trafficking of Women and Children for Sexual Exploitation”, a subject which still causes him deep concern.

Currently, Teddy is an STM student at Concordia Seminary with the intention of undertaking PhD studies there as well. He also serves with CFNA as their East African Facilitator. His primary responsibility is working with New American students from East Africa enrolled in the CFNA scholarship assistance program. During the past few months however, Teddy has also provided significant assistance with the recruitment of East African New Americans for participation in the Health and Wellness Screening and After School Tutoring ministries.

Please join us in welcoming Teddy, his wife Aynalem (Ayni) Tadesse and his son Kibur Bezabih to St. Louis and to CFNA.

From information provided by Rev. Teddy Workeneh

Messiah's Nepali Fellowship

By Rev. Mike Okine, Messiah Lutheran Church

Nepali participants

On Saturday August 16, 2014, the first Nepali Fellowship was held at Messiah Lutheran Church. It was the culmination of efforts made by the church to reach our new neighbors from Bhutan/Nepal. Several of them had been baptized and received into membership at Messiah, and they worship regularly on Sundays. But they were yearning for a service where they could hear the Gospel in their own language and sing songs in their own language.

That desire was fulfilled that Saturday. The Scripture readings were done in Nepali. Welcome messages were given in English and translated into Nepali. So was the sermon. The fellowship will take place once a month. It is our prayer that as word gets around more will join in the fellowship.

There are many people to thank for where we are right now. I would certainly like to thank the CFNA under the leadership of Dr. Buckman, and the tireless outreach efforts made in past years by Pastor Mekasha. Pastor Sam Thompson deserves a lot of credit for using his knowledge of the culture to help us understand a little bit more than would have otherwise been possible. The greatest thanks belongs to God the Holy Spirit who has worked and continues to work mightily among all people to draw them into the family of God.

It will really be great and awesome on that day when the great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages stand together with the angels and praise God for the salvation won for by the Lamb!

Blessing of a New Home in a New Place

By Rev. Matt Clark

Nepali believers at the house blessing

Purchasing and moving into a new home is a significant landmark event for any family. But imagine how much more exciting a move into a new house is, when that house is in a new nation! I recently had the privilege of sharing in the joy of Chattra and Shiva Gurung as they and their children—Saraswoti and Samuel—moved into their new home not far from Morgan Ford Road.

The family graciously invited me to their housewarming party specifically to bless their home. As Christians, the Gurung family recognized the importance of their new home being blessed by the Word of God and prayer. The Word of God we read together was from Matthew 7, where Jesus gives a picture of a wise man who built his house on the rock. It’s a fitting reminder of the importance of a family’s home, and lives, being built on Jesus and His words.

I wasn’t the only one invited to this celebration. The new home was filled with family members as well as others from CFNA and Ascension Lutheran Church. We sang together, laughed together, and many of those at the event ate together. With the help of our Nepali Ministry Facilitator, Gagan Gurung, we also prayed together in English and Nepali. We prayed, “Lord God Almighty, bless this home. Drive from here the evil one and send Your holy angel to guard all who dwell here. Mercifully hear their prayers and, when their last hour comes, grant them haven in Your heavenly mansions; in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

A Special Visit

Dr. Dale Meyer with board and staff members

Recently the Concordia Seminary Board of Regents paid a one hour visit to the Peace Center, this as part of a day-long tour of mission sites in urban St. Louis.

Two years ago the seminary launched its Mission Shift program designed to build awareness and capacity for mission outreach in multi-ethnic urban settings. This well designed program enables seminarians and congregation members to successfully come to grips with the realities of ministry in these challenging environments.

Those interested in the possibility of enrolling in this exciting new program should contact Rev. Jeff Thormodson at 314-505-7168 or missionshift@csl.edu or visit www.missionshiftstl.org.

Thanks Board of Regents, for the honor of your visit!

Thank You Dorinda!

Dorinda with new american students

The CFNA After-School Tutoring program will soon open its doors for the eighth consecutive academic year. Last year more than 130 New American students were served, with approximately half that number in attendance on a regular basis. They, together with their families, arrived in St. Louis during the past few years from seven Asian and African nations (Bhutan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Liberia, Nepal, Sierra Leone and Sudan). Presently, 14 are enrolled at Word of Life Lutheran School through the CFNA scholarship assistance program.*

Dorinda Werner served as a tutor for the past couple of years. Now residing in Houston, TX she shares the following reflections.

“My prayer friends would often hear me say, ‘please pray for PEACE at the Peace Center!’... especially on Monday afternoons when I used to head for St. Louis from O'Fallon, IL, to help with tutoring approximately 30 children of immigrants from a variety of countries. Volunteering at the Peace Center was the highlight of my week because I felt like I was instrumental in bringing God's peace and love into the lives of these children who are relatively new to our country and in great need of God's peace.

“The Peace Center on South Grand in St. Louis is designed to help bring PEACE into the lives of immigrant families... to help meet their physical and educational needs... but most importantly, their spiritual needs. True and lasting PEACE comes only through knowing JESUS who can give us His peace. He offers His peace to ALL of us ‘PEACE I leave with you; my PEACE I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’  John 14:27

“Do YOU want to share God's peace and love with people from different countries? Prayerfully consider getting in touch with Rev. Stanish Stanley (314-724-4664) or Rev. Al and Carol Buckman (314-517-8513) to begin volunteering at the Peace Center! You are NEEDED and you will be a great blessing to these children and their families!”

Thanks for your service, Dorinda, and our Lord’s blessings be with you as you undertake your new mission responsibilities with LINC Houston.

*from information provided by Sandy Gerber

Bilingual Disciple Making

By Pastor Matt Clark

Recently confirmed Nepali members and their children

The baptism of 21 Nepali refugees at Ascension Lutheran in St. Louis on January 12 was undoubtedly an important part of making disciples, but it certainly was not the conclusion of disciple making. Jesus is clear in His “Great Commission” that teaching the faith should accompany baptizing.

For those newly baptized Nepali individuals who are junior high age or older, this teaching took place in the form of weekly bilingual confirmation class. Around one dozen Nepali students met on Saturday afternoons at CFNA’s Peace Center to receive instruction in the basic teachings of what Lutheran Christians believe. The main resource was Luther’s Small Catechism. Most participants received two copies—one in English and one in Nepali. While I led the class, Gagan Gurung (Ascension’s Nepali Ministry Facilitator), and Dolma Gurung translated what I taught into Nepali. CFNA’s Richard Leigh also facilitated discussion and provided transportation. What a wonderful partnership!

After covering the six chief parts of the catechism, a total of eleven Nepali students were well instructed and eager to be confirmed. On the first Sunday of July, their confirmation took place during worship at Ascension. The event was a celebration of the Lord’s work through our congregation’s partnership with CFNA, making it possible to raise up more, and stronger, disciples from all nations!

After School Tutoring

Completing assignments

The past two years I have been blessed to work with all the students that we call English Language Learners (ELL) at Word of Life Lutheran School. In the process, I have had the opportunity to teach the students and help their families, forming a bond that will forever impact my life! I have visited their homes, enjoyed some delicious African meals, and shared in prayers of joy and thanksgiving over the successes that we all have achieved.

The program that Mindy Hanke and I run on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons is a support system for these students. In the upper grades the students are given an opportunity to receive help with any of the homework they may have. They also may use Google chrome resources to help with research for projects, or get information for current assignments. In the lower grades extra reading and math help is provided, along with assistance with their memory verse for the week. Both classes also have time for a little fun, such as math races, board games, and, of course, computer games. The kids seem to look forward to these days and many have told me the extra help has given them an opportunity to do better on their work, therefore achieving higher grades in their classes.

During the two years this program has been up and running we have experienced many emotions. We are thrilled to see the students beginning to grasp the knowledge they need to succeed, but disappointed by all the frustration students have with understanding why they have so much work. We are tired from all the extra work we are putting forth, but also energized as we see improvements with students that were struggling with a concept. We are sad that at times these students feel so disconnected from our learning environment, but thrilled that we have been given the opportunity to turn them into successful, happy Word of Life students. We pray the funding and support from Christian Friends of New Americans and the Lutheran Foundation will continue so this program can remain in place to help current and future ELL students.

In Christ, Debbie Weltmer, AST Program Tutor Word of Life Lutheran School

Serving With Those Who Serve

By Karen Robertson

Servant Team, Our Shepherd, Avon, IN

Team Members with New Americans

The adventure began in December 2013, when a team of 18 people signed up for a Mystery Mission trip. Only a few leaders for the trip knew the destination—the rest of the team, including 6 high school youth, signed up to go wherever God was calling them to serve.

The team was told the destination in late February and then 3 members of the leadership team came down to speak with the Buckmans and other key volunteers at CFNA to plan and schedule the tasks we would complete on our week at the Peace Center.

concordia seminary visit

God had chosen the perfect team to conquer the tasks that were given on this trip. When God picked the team He chose medical people to help with the monthly medical clinic; He chose fantastic cooks to plan and lead the Volunteer Appreciation dinner; He chose men with good construction skills to complete difficult tasks (like a fan installation in the 2nd floor bath), and He supplied many hard workers with willing hearts to complete whatever tasks arose. Yes, He especially chose those who learned and completed tuck pointing all week!

What a wonderful week we had serving at the Peace Center! We completed many construction, organizing, and painting tasks but each member of the team would agree that the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, VBS, and the Health Screening were the highlights of the week. We really enjoyed interacting with the volunteers of CFNA, teaching the children more about Jesus, and meeting the adults the Peace Center serves.

It was a humbling week, serving in ways that stretched us, but always seeing God provide the resources, skills, endurance, and attitudes needed to complete each endeavor. We realized each day that we are the ones who were blessed by the experience and service. We have new perspective: we truly have seen that “all things are possible with God” as we saw Him provide for our every need. We also have been changed by meeting the New Americans and faithful volunteers at CFNA.

Seeing the regular volunteers working tirelessly as God’s hands and feet, pouring out His love and hope to those who are new to our country is inspiring. We are already wondering when we will take our next trip to serve at the Peace Center!

Family to Family

By Kristy Hutchison

Looking back, we had no idea what to expect with our new commitment to CFNA. We had asked for a family ministry opportunity, but what we got was so much more. By God’s grace, my young family of four was welcomed into the home of Nepali refugees this past March and “Family to Family Ministry” was born. The goal? Make authentic connections with new Americans. The strategy? Teach them English in their home. Several months into our adventure, we’ve found that God has given us more through our new friends than we could ever hope to offer them through ESL. Without ever leaving our hometown, this has changed the way we see the world and deepened our convictions.

With multiple generations under one roof, it requires teamwork and a little planning to coordinate simultaneous lessons to meet everyone’s needs. The challenge has been fun for us, however, and it has kept our twin ten-year-old boys engaged. They are the perfect age to teach the younger children phonics while we adults work on some reading. Not wanting to leave anyone out, we bring the sweet grandma and aunt into all of our games and songs. We try to keep the lessons to about an hour and thanks to the grandma’s prompting, we always close in prayer. For fun, we try to incorporate lessons that are culturally relevant… such as birthdays and bubbles! Pictured to the right is an example of one of our “field trips” outside to learn how to blow bubbles in the wind.

As we think about how this ministry can grow, we are encouraged by the simplicity of this model. The commitment can be owned by a family or shared by a few. All it takes for it to work is the willingness of both sides to risk a little and trust someone new. Admittedly, the toughest part for us was taking that first step, but the sincere love and joy that greet us each week make staying connected a breeze.

CFNA After School Tutoring

Reaching out and Engaging Our Needy Neighbor: CFNA After School Tutoring

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1: 22).

Christian witness to the world around us is what the Word of God exhorts us to do. For Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA), witnessing to their immigrant and refugee neighbors is the calling they have received in Christ. So, this academic year 2013-2014, the CFNA volunteers reached out with the love of Christ to their New American neighbors who, seen through socio-economic parameters, are the ‘least’ among us.

Operating in the city of St. Louis, and working with its model of ‘draw-bridge-home’, CFNA was able to reach out to New American kids through its After School Tutoring program on Mondays and Tuesdays from its location at the Peace Center, 4019 South Grand. Around 150 students from nations such as Eritrea, Ethiopia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan, were served through this ministry.

In this cross-cultural sharing of God’s love, CFNA was blessed to have the commitment and partnership of local LCMS pastors who regularly provided faith building devotions. It was equally blessed by the large number of committed believers who volunteered their expertise, energy and time as they worked with these New American kids. Most of the 50 volunteers who helped throughout the year as their schedules permitted, were LCMS members - including several students from Concordia Seminary. We were also blessed to have the assistance of students from Saint Louis University.

There were many moments when the entire exercise seemed difficult and challenging, however, every tutor stuck to the task, while displaying both concern and commitment. On the last day (May 27), 52 young students along with 15 tutors, walked the five blocks to Ted Drewes to celebrate the end of tutoring for the academic year - the culmination of much committed effort. Through this ministry of service, CFNA continues to reach out to New American families and welcome them into local LCMS churches where many have found a faith-strengthening church home.

Interested in the possibility of serving in this ministry? Please contact me at 314-724-4664 or stanleys@csl.edu.

Rev. Stanish Stanley (AST Coordinator)

Fantaye Zerihun

CFNA Ministry Facilitator

Hi, My name is Fantaye Zerihun. I came to St. Louis, MO with my two daughters Kedamawit and Simret from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on August 29, 2007. My husband Eddie was already in the USA. He had been here for five years before us. He was a pastor at a local Lutheran church. A year after we got here he got a job at CFNA as a chaplain.

In 2009 I started college for the second time to get a degree in medical technology. I have been in school since 2009. From 2007 Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) has given my two daughters the opportunity to go to a Lutheran school with a scholarship. We are very glad for the fact they have the chance to be surrounded by wonderful people in a Christian environment.

Earlier this year my husband got another job in Council Bluffs, Iowa, so in September he moved there. My two daughters and I decided to stay in St. Louis for the remainder of the school year seeing as all three of us were students and we were in the middle of a school year.

When Eddie left, I got a job at CFNA as a facilitator to help other East African immigrant families. CFNA has helped us in many ways since we got here. I cannot express how thankful I am for their help and support.

By Fantaye Zerihun