With the help of CFNA, they received support, guidance and assistance as they adapted to their new culture and language. During this time a relationship developed with Pastor Tanney at St. Johns Lutheran Church. It was then that Nabin (and later Ratna) took the first step to learn the teachings of the Lutheran Church and be confirmed. With a hunger to learn more, leadership classes began and with the help of CFNA they prepared for admission to Concordia Seminary! 

CFNA welcomed over 200 trivia players to Abiding Savior Lutheran Church on April 6 for the 17th annual Trivia Night and Silent Auction. Twenty-one volunteers worked to make the evening a success, including CFNA staff people, students, and friends. One said, “I am so glad CFNA was so blessed with the night and wish God's continued blessing for the amazing work done and will continue to do.”

These multiple blessings perfectly illustrate CFNA’s ministry and role in urban St. Louis, which is to connect recently arrived refugee families with Lutheran congregations and their well-established families in the greater St. Louis area.

I am constantly amazed at how the Lord can use any skill, whether it be technology or something else. My time at CFNA has been “happy chaos” with a jumble of languages, cultures, and people. Sometimes I feel like a world traveler who hasn’t left home!

This time becomes a beacon of hope and renewal, guiding us toward a new chapter filled with possibility and purpose. It is a reminder that transitions are not endings, but rather beginnings, infused with the promise of growth and resilience. As we approach this pivotal moment, let us embrace it with gratitude and anticipation for the journey ahead.

Al and Carol Buckman have been selected by the faculty of Concordia Seminary to receive the Christus Vivit honorary award at the seminary’s commencement ceremony to be held on May 17, 2024.

Hugely generous support from church congregations and individuals in 2021 provided a one-time fund to help cover the needs of Afghan refugees in St. Louis, MO. These donations have led to over one hundred dental appointments to address Afghan refugees' dental needs. People who could not eat regularly due to daily pain can eat again!

To date, CFNA has assisted 23 refugees with car grants. Many were for the purchase of a car identified by HumanKind STL, another organization that assists with the resettlement of refugees. HumanKind secures the vehicles from local dealerships and both organizations provide the funds required for the purchase.

We never know what surprising new thing God will do or what new challenges and opportunities He will place before us as people from around the world come into our midst, creating opportunities for CFNA to exemplify the love of Christ in word and deed. Another missionary motto, “Be flexible,” has played a pivotal role in CFNA's ability to adapt to evolving demands and opportunities. We do not want to lose that flexibility.

In 2023, CFNA was blessed to have linked with a total of 300 recently arrived refugees from 30 birth nations. Engagement activities at the Peace Center continued strong with ESL (130 students from 10 birth nations), Health & Wellness (79 clients at screenings, and coordination of 209 client medical appointments), and After School Tutoring (60 students from 11 birth nations). The Community Engagement Ministry connecting congregational volunteers with specific relationship-building events saw 100 new volunteers engage via 21 events organized in partnership with eight Lutheran congregations.

As the torch passes to new leadership, there is a sense of continuity and renewal. The transition is not merely a change in personnel but a testament to the enduring nature of the organization's mission. With fresh perspectives and a continued dedication to fostering a welcoming community, the new leadership will carry forward the legacy of the founders, ensuring that Christian Friends of New Americans remains a beacon of hope and support for those seeking refuge and a new beginning.

We have approximately 80 participants, including a few from Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands meeting for Bible Study. Questions include: “Why did Jesus suffer and die for us?” The idea of unconditional love is new to many of these people and they find it to be both encouraging and compelling. Another question has to do with, “What is expected of us as Christians?” For them and for all of us, the reality of salvation by grace alone through faith is especially important. 

Providing for real needs exactly when they are needed! That’s what the CFNA annual giveaway is all about! Household use and personal hygiene items, especially for recent arrivals, include blankets and winter clothing, laundry detergent, paper products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps, cleaning supplies, and more are all shared with our New American neighbors.

The annual Christmas Party celebrates numerous tutors who help with homework, mastering English, reading, writing, and basic number skills, etc. during tutoring sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the school year as well as the students who benefit from their servant hearts! More than 50 students, 45 volunteers, and special guests participated.

Rev. Dr. Allan and Carol Buckman have shared their decision to transition from the pivotal leadership roles they have held since the inception of Christian Friends of New Americans over two decades ago. Join us in prayer for this season of transition as Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt begins as Board Chair and the Lord Jesus continues to lead His Kingdom-advancing work done in and through CFNA!