Lutheran High School South donated over 25 iMacs and desktops to the Peace Center for distribution to New American families. The computer donations were in popular demand. “Pastor, can you please give me one more iMac for my friend Monila” was Sumitra’s (Nepal) request as she picked up one for her family. She added, “This is a good machine for online study. My young sister will use it, and so will I.”

What impact has CFNA made for the Kingdom of God in the last decade? Join us as we ponder this powerful reality: Since 2010, we have seen more than 250 baptisms and/or confirmations of 217 people! This includes more than 100 Nepali New Americans born in either Bhutan or Nepal.

Our most recent staff recruit, Lydia Knorp will be with CFNA for the summer to assist with programming related to ministry among refugees and immigrants. Her passion for ministry has enabled her to quickly feel at home at CFNA. This has everything to do with serving in the company of kindred souls, those who are equally passionate about the mission. As Lydia put it, “It is incredibly meaningful to work with a team that shares my passion.”

In this informative and practical webinar, hosted by LCMS Urban & Inner-City Mission, CFNA’s Carol Buckman presents what it looks like to reach the heart of the refugee woman! You are invited to watch and see how anyone, and everyone, can play an important part in sharing Christ’s love with refugees!

Spontaneous or Planned…learn ways to share the Gospel in Meaningful Relationships! “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care! Listen to this special podcast where Sarah Seying hosts CFNA’s Carol Buckman on this always-important topic!

Join us in welcoming Gary Uhlemeyer, new board member for CFNA! Gary looks forward to lending his considerable experience to CFNA and its ministry among New Americans.

“Pastor, give me the trash bag…I want to go pick up trash and clean the place,” was Congolese participant– Jacqueline’s request. Volunteers proceeded to move up and down S. Grand Blvd. including the alleys around the Peace Center picking up trash, mowing lawns, and cutting weeds. Volunteers from Extreme Faith, a CFNA partner ministry, joined in the event as well. Extreme Faith leader Kevin Mennel was pleased to be part of it. “Thank you for inviting us to the event…this is why we exist…we love to serve others.”

23 New Americans from five birth nations were vaccinated. Heather and Deborah, registered nurses from SLU Nursing School were glad to help with all necessary arrangements. “It is our mission to help vaccinate as many people as we can in this fight against the pandemic, and we are glad to help your friends here as well.”

CFNA’s service ministries are enhanced enormously by partnerships with like minded organizations. Dr. Heather Wade of St. Louis University’s School of Nursing shares her recent experience through Health and Wellness service through Christian Friends of New Americans.

On May 6, 2021, the St. Louis Community Foundation held its 8th annual Give STL Day, generating $4.8 million for St. Louis regional non-profit organizations. Give STL Day is a 24-hour online day-of-giving event, designed to ignite the spirit of giving across the region. CFNA was one of these organizations who benefited!

The Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens warmly welcomed our virtual trivia benefit on April 9th and April 17th. Representing friends from more than 43 different countries served by CFNA, an online auction that sold 120 items, and a lively game of Trivia including a round of international questions from our facilitators made for a great evening that benefited the ongoing ministry of CFNA!

Less than two years ago, 30 members of the Nepali Anugraha Fellowship were confirmed as members of St. Johns Lutheran Church. Here, we learn how these 30 brought 50 more for a large, vibrant Easter celebration at St. Johns.

More than 20 youth from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, IL, came to the Peace Center to serve with smiles during their Spring Break! After a year of COVID restrictions and fewer groups able to serve during that time, the Peace Center was due for some spring cleaning.

NEW VIDEO! Jesus said: “Now I call you my friends!” Learn what is happening at Christian Friends of New Americans in 2021!

As a growing number of partners provided an increasing amount of PPE (masks, gloves, face shields, gowns, etc.) the number of visitors to our Health and Wellness program increased! This was due in no small part to our community facilitators, who successfully recruited a growing number of clients.

Ezekiel Jr personifies what the CFNA Adopt a Student Scholarship Program is all about. Now a sophomore at Lutheran High South, he has received scholarships since he was a first-grader at Word of Life Lutheran School. Ezekiel came to the United States with his family from Sierra Leone when he was a young boy.

Immigrants and refugees arrive in their respective countries with virtually no resources to sustain them. This is where CFNA comes in! Learn more about CFNA in this special video presentation!

While the tutoring center has not had to completely close its doors, it has had to drastically reduce the number of student participants. Nonetheless, efforts have been persistent in keeping the After School Tutoring program running during COVID!

Recently, the Community “Carry Out” Fund, hosted by the St. Louis Community Foundation, stepped forward to help tip the balance in favor of needy New Americans.