Thanks Carrie!

Carrie duesenberg

Though we are not saying goodbye, Carrie Duesenberg will be stepping away from her CFNA Business Manager responsibilities. She has been serving in this position with distinction almost three years and prior to that, as the CFNA Treasurer. She is expecting their third child soon, and will be taking more time to meet the needs of a growing family.

Carrie’s future CFNA involvement will consist primarily in helping facilitate one or two key events, as well as assisting with some of our more challenging tax matters; thereby enabling her to draw upon her CPA skills yet further. We wish Carrie, husband Keith, daughter Natalie, son Christian and soon to arrive family member our very best!

Welcome Marjorie!

marjorie with husband Aaron and son abram

Christian Friends of New Americans is pleased to introduce Marjorie Schmeerbauch as its new Business Manager. Marjorie, a St. Louis native, is a member of Timothy Lutheran Church. At Timothy, she has been involved in the Young Families in Christ program, and previously taught ESL and Sunday School.

Marjorie was most recently employed as a project manager at Beltservice Corporation in Earth City. She enjoys spending time with her husband Aaron, one-year-old son Abram, and rescue dog Lilly. Marjorie is fluent in Spanish and enjoys travel and photography. In her words, “I am ecstatic to be working with CFNA!”

Please join us in welcoming Marjorie!

Thank You Abiding Savior!

Abiding savior servant event group

The Peace Center was blessed with the arrival of 20 eager SendMe volunteers from Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in South County (4355 Butler Hill at I-55) on October 24. Cheerful children and skilled adults were a wonderful team of workers for much of a great autumn Saturday. Among the tasks they accomplished during the visit were building sturdy storage shelves in the lower level, fixing blinds and wall board, installing a bathroom cabinet, painting doors, sills, steps, and more, trash pick-up, as well as, giving the whole Peace Center a good cleaning.

The Abiding Savior team was joined by several others who serve at the Peace Center, including one man from the Zomi fellowship (refugees from Burma who worship at the Peace Center). At the noon time lunch break SendMe volunteers joined in a Bible study on prayer and heard about the work of CFNA.

Soon after the Peace Center work was done, the SendMe team, together with CFNA leaders and five young Nepali Singers, went to Abiding Savior for a delicious dinner and worship time. More than 200 shared this dinner since the crowd included 20 more SendMe teams and their visitors. Following dinner and remarks by people from the ministries which received servant teams, the group thoroughly enjoyed the songs of the Nepal Singers. SendMe volunteers, young and older, then shared stories of their day in answer to the question, “How did you see God at work today?”

This was the 8th SendMe event at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. In recent years, CFNA has regularly received one of the many teams of volunteers to work at the Peace Center. It has always been an enjoyable day, with lots of work accomplished and lot of fun together.

Thank you, Abiding Savior members, we appreciate your help and the love you share! As you serve at the Peace Center, you are a great blessing to us.

By: Ruth Mattson, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church

Nepali Baptisms and Confirmations at Messiah

back row: neelam, kamala, pankaj and man rai; front row: prasanna rai

Thanks and praise be to God for continuing His saving work among the Nepali community in St. Louis. On Sunday, September 27, Man Rai, Kamala Rai, Pankaj Rai and Prasanna Rai were baptized at Messiah Lutheran Church on South Grand. Man, Kamala and Neelam Rai (Neelam had previously been baptized) were also confirmed during the same church service.

The family moved to the United States from Nepal about four years ago. Like many of the Nepalese, they come from a strong Hindu (Keerath religion) family. Their conversion to the Christian faith was not without struggles. Through the faithful witness of their daughter Neelam, other Christian relatives (including Tara and Meena Basnet), Pastor Sam Thompson, Pastor Mike Okine, the Nepali ministry at Messiah and especially, the Messiah-linked Nepali Home Bible Study, the Rai family has been adopted as God’s children.

Please pray that God continues to encourage them and strengthen them in their Christian faith, in their knowledge of the Word and in their trust of Jesus Christ, who for their sake and for ours and for the whole world, died and rose again so that one day we will live with him in perfect peace and joy forever.

By: Rev. Michael Okine, Pastor, Messiah Lutheran Church

A Unique Partnership

pukar running with two friends

On a sunny warm late September afternoon, more than ninety 6th--8th grade students at Zion Lutheran School on Harvester Road in St. Charles walked many miles around their campus and church cemetery to raise money to support the ministry of Christian Friends of New Americans. Their annual walk-a-thon has raised money for Operation Christmas Child and Lutheran World Relief in the past, but this year they chose to support a local mission opportunity.

Walking with the Zion students were Kalkidan and Pukar, eighth grade students at Word of Life Lutheran School. Between the two of them they completed 43 laps or 14 miles! Pukar ran many of the laps with several new friends, while Kalkidan and her new friends walked.

The walk-a-thon raised almost $4000, which will support scholarships to Word of Life for Kalkidan and Pukar and another student at Word of Life.

kalkidan and girls

The additional funds will be used to purchase items for the junior high school’s Christmas service project. The students will be preparing Welcome Packages for CFNA to distribute to new individuals who come to the Peace Center for health screenings, furniture deliveries, and the other “entry” level services provided by CFNA to newly-arrived New Americans. The students will provide some of the comfort items for the packages, and the walk-a-thon funds will provide some of the basics, such as soaps, that are always included in these packets.

Besides getting some exercise, both Kalkidan and Pukar mentioned enjoying the afternoon because they met some new friends. Perhaps those friends will help deliver the welcome packets to the Peace Center and connect again with Kalkidan and Pukar.

By Judith Meyer, Timothy Lutheran Church

From Ghosts to God in Enga Land

93-year-old rev. otto hintze and his wife jill hosted some members of the gutnius lutheran chruch in enga who visited the united states recently.

CFNA Board member Rev. Dr. Hintze, together with his wife, Jill were among the first sent by The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod in the late 1940s to establish mission work in the large South Pacific island of Papua New Guinea. His recently completed book describes the challenges, opportunities and the presence of the Holy Spirit during the early years of this mission effort.

An article recently released by LCMS News and Information describes the book as a, “must read for Lutherans, especially those interested in the mission of sharing the Gospel with people of non-Western culture.” This of course, this is the same mission challenge now facing the Church in all the urban centers throughout the USA.

Dr. Hintze’s book may be purchased from Amazon.com. Book signings have been scheduled for Saturday, November 14 at 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday, November 15 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 5347 Donovan Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109.

Read about current events in Papua New Guinea here.

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Aaron (right) with team members

On Friday, October 9th, The Men’s Group at Timothy Lutheran Church was honored to host CFNA’s annual volunteer appreciation dinner. The event program featured a time of sharing by several of the volunteers, as well as the honoring of long time volunteer Robyn Moeller.

The partnership between CFNA and Timothy is very strong, and we jumped at the opportunity to be involved. The event was also a great service opportunity for us, and a way to show our appreciation for the work that CFNA volunteers do in sharing the love of Christ with immigrants and refugees in urban St. Louis.

dinner participants

Planning for the event kicked off in August, and it included building the invitation list, planning the menu and food quantities, coordinating volunteers, and building a slide show. With all of that set, the Men’s group assembled the night before the event to clean, chop, slice, dice, simmer and roast all of the food. On Friday evening, we put the finishing touches on the meal of Caesar salad, ham with apricot and cherry chutney, roasted red potatoes, green beans, and apple pie. The Men’s group had a great time working together and serving the volunteers of CFNA.

Since the theme of the evening was to show appreciation for volunteers, I would be remiss if I didn’t offer my appreciation to the great volunteers that helped plan, prepare, serve, and clean-up for the event: Richard Mutka, John and Carla Hagan, Mark and Luca Thompson, Tim O’Neill, Pastor Ron Rall and Pastor Bill Wilson. Extra thanks goes to Rudy Bertarelli who led the menu planning and food preparation.

By Aaron Schmeerbauch, Timothy Lutheran Church

A Day To Remember

jim and vicky dankenbring

On October 13, 2015, CFNA held its 3rd Annual Golf Event at the Norwood Hills Country Club. Approximately 60 golfers participated, including Rev. Vern Gundermann, who shares his reflections below. Photos by Ron Virus, Concordia, Kirkwood.

Many of us have many a “day to remember.” For those of us who played in the CFNA golf tournament, we have another one!

It is a “day to remember” for us because the weather on the 13th of October was perfect!

It is a “day to remember” because the venue was so good. The staff at Norwood Country Club went out of their way to make our time there so comfortable.

It is a “day to remember” because many of us renewed long time relationships and made some very promising new ones.

It is a “day to remember” for the cause we affirmed – helping to make it possible for the Lutheran churches in the St. Louis area to welcome those who are new to America – and, even more importantly, to become acquainted with our Christ.

We are so grateful to our Lord for this “day to remember.”

mike tanney, tim petsch, ron rall, andrew armstrong

By Rev. Vern Gundermann, Concordia, Kirkwood

charlie caciano making a great shot

LCMS Young Adults Serve

vbs participants with lcms young adults

Growing numbers of LCMS young adults are getting involved in short term mission efforts in the USA and beyond. Here Jessica Bordeleau shares the experience of a group of 30 young adults who recently served in urban St. Louis.

On August 13-16th, a group of 30 young adults gathered from Texas, Wisconsin and Missouri to take part in LEAD SERVE LOVE: LCMS Young Adult Servant Event. The event was designed to give young adults in their 20s the opportunity to serve others and develop their leadership skills in the name of Jesus. This summer marks the fourth year that the young adults have worked with CFNA.

The group spent their first day cleaning, painting and doing repair work at the Peace Center. The next day they gathered at St Luke’s Lutheran Church to move furniture for the International Student Ministry furniture give-away ministry. On Saturday a group of almost 40 refugee children took part in the VBS day-camp that the volunteer group planned and facilitated.

The event also included evening Bible studies, leadership training, and worship to equip the young adults for their service. One of the fellowship highlights was a multi-ethnic meal that they helped prepare, under the direction of Beena Stanley. This National LCMS event was supported by local congregations including: First Immanuel in St Charles, Mt Calvary in Brentwood, Concordia in Kirkwood, and Timothy Lutheran Church in St Louis.

By Jessica Bordeleau

Dr. Al Senske - Associate Of The Month

CFNA Associate of the Month

Dr. Senske with Sunday School Children in liberi

Dr. Al Senske occupies the middle layer of five generations of teachers in Lutheran schools. From his initial year of teaching forty-one 3rd and 4th graders (Denver, CO, 1951), he culminated his education career as the Asst. Sec. of Nonpublic Schools, U.S. Dept. of Education. In between he was an elementary school principal, was on the faculty of Concordia-River Forest, IL, served the LCMS as Secretary of Schools, and assisted in the accreditation of international schools in Asia. Other administrative positions included Vice President of Administration and Acting President of Concordia Publishing House.

As the Director of LCMS Lutheran World Relief, 1987-1995, Al assisted LCMS mission stations world-wide in the coordination of  their work of evangelism with human care. After having personal experiences working with refugees in Africa and Eastern Europe, he brings a unique experiential background as he and his wife, Ruth, work with CFNA and our new Americans in St. Louis.

Besides engaging in various activities at The Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens and Christ Community Lutheran School, Al is also a driver for Meals On Wheels and the Shepherd Center. He also serves as a volunteer for a number of community activities and venues.

Concordia Seminary Comes to the Peace Center

Faculty members Andy Bartelt and mike redeker (on ladder) provide some overdue tree trimming.

What a delight to see the work of the Peace Center first hand and even make a modest contribution to the support of the physical building. The occasion was one of many options within the annual servant event by the new students at Concordia Seminary, part of the orientation week activities. Faculty and staff, residential and distance students, graduate and international students all worked together in completing some repairs and cleaning, both inside and out. And God gave us a nice hot day to offer a little “sweat equity.”

seminary faculty members and students discuss the event with Al and carol buckman

The real joy was learning more about the work of the Center itself. Many of us in the area have long known and supported the ministry of CFNA, but being there along with students whose own background and ministry now engage various ethnic and immigrant mission opportunities brought blessed conversations about reaching out and connecting God’s love and grace and truth to those who are literally seeking to find their way. For some students this is a new experience. For an increasing number, it is further encounter with the realities of the social culture in which the people of God give witness to the rule and reign of God amongst us.

The work of the Center is known to you readers, but the simplicity of the mission model to connect to newcomers, to reach out as a bridge and to engage them toward congregational life was important to hear, and its effectiveness speaks for itself in the impact that the Center is making. We’ll be back, and we pray God’s continued blessing on this important mission work, in Christ’s name.

By Andrew Bartelt Professor of Exegetical Theology Concordia Seminary

Baptism & Confirmation Celebration

damber bhattarai with daughter alisha

Damber Bhattarai was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church located at Morgan Ford and Chippewa, on Sunday, the 16th of August. It was the culmination of a journey she began seven years earlier over 7800 miles away in a refugee camp in Nepal, where she first heard of Christ through the preaching of a Nepali pastor. She was married and had a 6 month old daughter at the time. Having heard the Gospel, she had considered baptism but was dissuaded by the antagonistic stance of her husband’s family.

rev. Tanney with member lynne foster, alisha and mother damber battarai

After her 2010 arrival in St. Louis she learned of a church that was attracting a lot of her Nepalese friends and neighbors. This church featured an outreach effort that included the use of a bus to transport prospective members of the growing St. Louis Nepali community. Though the pastor provided no instruction regarding baptism, Damber nevertheless joined a growing number of Nepali refugees who were being baptized.

However as the Nepali members gradually moved to other parts of St. Louis and beyond, the Nepali portion of this church’s ministry gradually diminished until finally it was discontinued. One day shortly thereafter as Damber and her husband were walking past the Peace Center they were greeted by Rev. Eddie Mekasha, who was serving with CFNA as a missionary among St. Louis refugees. He successfully introduced them not only to CFNA, but also to St. John’s Lutheran Church where Damber and her her family began attending worship.

Shortly thereafter, the pastor at St. Johns, Rev. Michael Tanney, enrolled Damber in an instruction class that covered the entire catechism including especially, the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. On Sunday, August 16 Damber was confirmed and she had Rev. Tanney baptize her six year old daughter Alisha as well.

Please pray that husband Tara finds a job, and a commitment to Jesus in his heart as well.

By: Richard Leigh Photos by: Lynne Foster

PRE-CNA

practicing the art of taking blood pressure

Earlier this year, during one of the advanced ESL classes taught at the Peace Center, some of the students voiced concerns about finding jobs. In particular, they expressed an interest in becoming certified nursing assistants (CNAs), but feared the difficult English textbooks. After conversations about who and when, the first 10 week Pre-CNA course was scheduled for Saturday, April 25th. Its main goal: teach the chief vocabulary and concepts needed to boost the understanding and confidence of those entering the CNA or home health care field.

Thirteen students signed up from six birth nations including: Jordan, Nepal, India, Sudan, Afghanistan, and D.R. Congo. Each paid $20 for the course workbook which they needed, as the vocabulary included very challenging English, even for Americans! As anticipated, some students dropped out. However, six made it to the end and received Certificates of Completion for Part I. Four of these six committed to the second half of the course, with three completing a full, 40 hours of class time and taking the final exam.

jane hewitt with successful students

CNA courses are usually taught by a nurse, but in our case, it seemed more appropriate that an ESL instructor fill this role, which I was pleased to do. Gina Hass, a pre-med student provided valuable assistance. The class may be considered a success in that three of the students either found employment or have gone on for more advanced CNA training. Additionally, all of the students expressed their appreciation for the course. Student Jazmein Modi probably spoke for the rest with her comment, “This class really helps in understanding medical terms and concepts.”

Any discussion about patient care touches on the spiritual and provides opportunities to share Christian beliefs. Course topics included living wills, death and dying, and respecting an individual patient’s religious preferences. This raised further discussion about what happens after death: where do you go? And why? These topics create natural, un-forced opportunities for frankly sharing the Gospel message. And that makes the class a joy to teach!

By Jane Hewitt

Camp Comes to the Peace Center

By Pastor Matt Clark

Activity time

For one Saturday morning, the CFNA Peace Center was transformed into rustic Camp Discovery. A sign welcoming children to camp framed the front door. Trees, mushrooms, and flowers lined the halls. Chester the squirrel talked to children from his tree trunk in the chapel area. All of this was part of a fun-filled, one-day Vacation Bible School for children who are new Americans.

Approximately twenty eager volunteers from Ascension Lutheran Church, as well as three CFNA high-school scholarship students, set up and oversaw the program. A total of 34 children from 5 different nations participated. Children ranged in age from 6 to 12 years old. Divided into three groups, they rotated to different stations throughout the morning, including a “tree-mendous” opening, treetop storytelling, Big Timber Bible Challenge, campfire snacks, and wilderness crafts.

outdoor games

The theme for the event was “Jesus Saves Me,” and children heard the account of God's deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace. The key Bible verse the children memorized was Daniel 3:17, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us.” Children learned that the same powerful God who saved the three men from the fire of the furnace also saves them from sin and death. At Camp Discovery, through Jesus' death and resurrection, children of all nations can truly say, “Jesus saves me!”

Education's MISSION

Lutheran Hour Ministries, in the July-August 2015 edition of The Lutheran Layman, published a special article featuring the role of Education in Mission, and specifically how CFNA is doing just that. Here is an excerpt from the article, but be sure to click the link below to get the full story!

Saraswoti needed help getting started. She found it at the Peace Center, the ministry center of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) here. She regularly attended After School Tutoring classes twice a week and met volunteer teachers who helped her learn English. They “helped me finish hard homework,” she adds. As a result, Saraswoti says she “made many new friends from different ethnic backgrounds.”

She also found “singing in the chapel, learning God’s Word, and being with people that are Christian” brought a very formative and satisfying experience. As a result, Saraswoti, together with the members of her family as well as a growing number of recent Nepali arrivals, are attending Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis and its Nepali language satellite named New Life Fellowship.

Download the full article!

2015 Adopt a Student Graduates

John okine

Secando Kaka

Four of our Adopt a Student scholarship students are quickly approaching a new set of challenges as they begin the next stage of their education following their graduations in May.

John Okine, a new American from Ghana, graduated from Lutheran High School South in May. In addition to his college prep curriculum heavy on math and science, John was a four-year member of the track and field team, running sprints and relays. In his first several years, he was also a member of the math team, which was quite successful in state and regional competitions. Each year he has also volunteered to work with a Special Olympics athlete during the competition hosted by Lutheran South.

John will be going to Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, where he is planning to study mechanical engineering. John is a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, where his father is the pastor.

Three new freshmen will join the nine Adopt a Student scholarship recipients currently enrolled at Lutheran South and Lutheran North. David Mulat, a Word of Life alum from Ethiopia (via Sudan and Israel) and Karina Ferguson, a Green Park Lutheran alum from Honduras, will both attend Lutheran South.

Secondo Kaka, a Word of Life alum from Eritrea (via Sudan and Ethiopia), will attend Lutheran North. He will be a mentor in the Kitebridge program, where he will live with international exchange students from Asia.

Our sincere thanks to those who, through their donations, have made the scholarships possible. Should you be inclined to consider the possibility of a contribution, please be in thouch with me at judithwmeyer@gmail.com.

By Judith Meyer

David mulat

Karina ferguson

Reaching Out Through Sports

tim schrader

Tim Schrader has been involved with CFNA in ministry among New Americans for the past 10 years, much of it in sports. Here he shares some of his recent observations and activities. Read below as Tim describes this ministry:

I have been involved with soccer and basketball since I started with CFNA 10 years ago, and it has been great fun. Playing soccer with the refugee kids on Sunday afternoons as part of the New Dimensions Soccer League has been especially exciting. The kids really get up for the games, and on game day I always get a barrage of phone calls asking when I am coming.

Many of the players are Muslims and I am often able to develop good relationships not only with them, but also with their parents – with whom I sometimes have the opportunity to share the Gospel. Usually I get one shot at it, and thereafter they are not interested in hearing much more about it. Nevertheless, they still want my friendship, and I am glad to provide it.

a game in progress

With basketball it is different. We are not part of a league so I just arrange to access the gyms at Timothy or Ascension Lutheran Churches for pick-up games once or twice a month. At the end we do a short devotion and then someone always volunteers to say a prayer, and they can say some nice ones.

These days the kids are bombarded with unchristian messages from many sources, and while driving to and from our games I try to give them a biblical perspective on important matters like staying away from drugs, alcohol and waiting for marriage. They don’t always listen, but I keep trying and also keep on praying for each of them.

I remain most grateful for these opportunities.

Webster Partners with CFNA

replacing computer room furnishings

This summer, the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens expanded its “iServe Ministries” to include a primary focus on the St. Louis area. Thrivent Financial and The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis helped seed over 50 Webster sponsored grass roots service projects with multiple “Action Grants”.

With a focus on cross cultural ministries, the CFNA (Christian Friends of New Americans) ministry center in south City was selected for classroom and office renovation. Once the decision was made, the Webster Mission Team jumped into action.

Computers and furniture were moved, musty carpet pulled up, a crumbling wall patched, and durable new flooring and paint brought new life to rooms throughout the Peace Center. This effort involved more than 15 people from Webster Gardens over a 10-day period.

some new american friends help out

Webster Gardens’ history with CFNA goes back several years. We have partnered with them in their after school tutoring and VBS programs, a special Valentine’s party, through Sunday school offerings, providing scholarship assistance for refugee students enrolled in Lutheran schools, trivia night, the walk-a-thon and more. Our mission priority is to develop people and relationships as we proclaim the Gospel through acts of service.

The Peace Center was in need of some updates, and God had blessed our Mission Team with members skilled in building repair and renovation. They in turn, enlisted expert and ordinary helpers, coordinated a work schedule, and spent many hours sharing their time and talent, often working alongside new Americans from Nepal, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and elsewhere.

As we turned the computer room to a light yellow, we marveled at the group working together: American and Chinese college students, adults, retirees, and recently arrived refugees from Asia and Africa (including a seminary graduate student from Ethiopia; some with painting experience but some first-timers; all cheerful, cooperative, and friendly.

The four recently renovated rooms provide a refreshed environment thereby enabling CFNA to better engage the New American community through after school tutoring, adult ESL, health and wellness screening, chapel services and more. Webster Gardens’ Mission Team was blessed to have had this opportunity to reach out to “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and beyond” right here in Saint Louis!

By Rev. Bill Geis Webster Gardens Lutheran Church

CFNA Children at VBS

CFNA Children at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church VBS

Having fun

Titi Dabi, one of the refugee kids who attends the After School tutoring program at Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) phones in with the request- “Can we pick up Sembetu Bibi and bring her to the VBS.” Her request has to be politely declined because both the registration time and first day of VBS are over; and even though she is disappointed for her friend, she is at least happy that she can come.

The occasion that caught Titi’s interest was the Vacation Bible School at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church from June 15-18. The congregation’s children, volunteer teaching staff and pastoral staff made it comfortable for Titi and her other CFNA friends to learn and enjoy time in God’s Word. In between all the Bible learning activity, action songs and teamwork building games, the theme, “Thailand Trek”, taught the participants about God’s presence being not only real, but also worldwide. Clearly, this cross-cultural theme worked well for CFNA’s 12 New American kids here as refugees from Eritrea, Ethiopia and Liberia. For them it was not only an opportunity to engage with Americans of similar ages, but also an opportunity to see Christ’s love and acceptance in action through the generosity and sharing of the children and Christ Memorial members.

absorbed in the moment

The last day of VBS concluded with a lunch for family and friends in which the CFNA kids participated as welcome guests. This was truly a special moment for the 12 New American children who could be seen singing, dancing, mingling and hugging their new friends. In short, through the facilitation of this cross-cultural VBS, Christ Memorial Lutheran Church responded with Christian love in heeding Christ’s call -“And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matt 18:5).

For this sharing and Christian leadership, CFNA thanks Christ Memorial Lutheran Church led by Senior Pastor Rev. Jeff Cloeter, and others including its Director for Christian Education, Mr. Daniel Meyer. Special thanks also to Timothy Lutheran Church for providing their van for transportation, and also to Mr. Hank Saeger and Mr. Tim Schraeder for serving as drivers.

By Rev. Stanish Stanley

1st Annual Walk-A-Thon

A Walk with Our Friends…

some of the youngest walkers

The 1st Annual Christian Friends of New Americans Walk-A-Thon was held on Saturday, May 30th at the beautiful Lutheran Senior Services campus at Laclede Groves. The one mile path included the Trail at Laclede Groves, and provided a wonderful setting for the celebration and promotion of the mission of CFNA!

The over 100 participants included numerous LCMS members, as well as CFNA volunteers and staff. They also included several New Americans, as well as residents of Laclede Groves.

participants with their new friends

In addition to highlighting the mission of CFNA and promoting friendship with New Americans, the Walk-A-Thon also provided an opportunity to gather funding through participation fees and gifts. With a matching grant from Thrivent, $4,000 was raised in support of CFNA and its caring services among New Americans!

We extend our sincere thanks to Lutheran Senior Services for having provided the venue, and to the eight volunteers who helped organize the event. The 2nd Annual Walk-A-Thon is tentatively scheduled for May 21, 2016! We will be most pleased to have you with us, and will provide additional event information in the near future.

By: Harold Melser