Jen has contributed countless hours at the Peace Center over the past 10 years. Ready with a smile to greet children and other volunteers, her clear voice carries our hearts and minds to Christ and his Creation.

I want to express my deep gratitude to all of you—the dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters—whose commitment and generosity have woven you into the fabric of Christian Friends of New Americans. This ministry, centered on serving our New American friends and reflecting Christ’s love, is fundamentally about people and relationships.

Donors from the CFNA community provided for 30 students to take a weeklong swim course. It was impressive to see the determination in the kindergarten through high schoolers’ eyes as they learned how to hold their breath underwater, blow bubbles, float, and the biggest joy for everyone - jump into the deeper water at the end of each class.

Why Be a Summer Intern? "CFNA matters to me because they have helped me find my place in this community. By helping New Americans with some of their needs I have gotten to know several of them. Some of them have become my friends."

More than 250 attended the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Anugraha Lutheran Church which featured uplifting songs, strong testimonies, and beautiful dancing. Rev. Samal’s message drew attention to the many blessings received from God during the past 10 years.

Josef Pieper said love is saying it’s good that you exist. As a volunteer, I watched New American students develop confidence while finding their place in a new country. I also watched friends grow beyond the trellis of support the Peace Center provides. As a summer intern, I have been blessed to join in welcoming my new neighbors in love. While driving to swimming, ceramics, citizenship, and math classes this summer, I am invited to exist in Jesus’ love with my friends. 

Making a Real Difference: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow! From 2007-2008, when 20 refugee children received elementary school scholarships to Word of Life and Christ Community Lutheran School, to 2023-2024, when 13 elementary and 18 high school students were attending four elementary and two Lutheran high schools, the program has served at least 104 refugee students. Almost without exception, these students made satisfactory academic progress and went on to quality post-secondary education or military service.

At CFNA, it is our joy to support our New American friends in so many of these development benchmarks. This summer, we got to witness 24 students enrolled in BWORKS, an organization that allows youth to Earn a Bike or Earn a Computer after attending six weeks of class. Safety, components of the tool, proper use, and responsible ownership are taught in both courses. 

As the new Coordinator for the CFNA Health and Wellness ministry, Gayle has said “yes” to multiple responsibilities having to do with the coordination of this significant CFNA ministry. These monthly screenings at the Peace Center require the services of a sufficient number of volunteers as well as translators, not to mention the availability of medical supplies, follow-up medical visits and more. 

A 10 year Anniversary and Thanksgiving celebration will take place at St. Johns Lutheran Church on Saturday September 14 beginning at 11:00 am. You are cordially invited to join with the Nepali Lutheran Community for a time of special music, a message of thanksgiving and prayers along with an event video. A very nice lunch will also be provided. 

Remember the fun and freedom days of summer as a youth? Days spent exploring, spending endless hours with friends, picnics, swimming, and more! CFNA has engaged many of our New American friends in such activities with the hope of expanding their experiences, growing their ideas, and providing a summer full of fun. 

Adapting to a new culture and environment was challenging, but CFNA played a significant role in my continuing transition. Connected to CFNA’s tutoring program for English through a friend, I grew academically and spiritually as I was introduced to the Living God and the Lutheran community in St. Louis.

What impact does VBS have on our immigrant/refugee friends? Deepshyas, a Nepali boy, shared: “I learned that God helps me to make good choices in my life and that bad choices can have negative consequences. Good choices please Him. When I make bad choices, He doesn’t give up on me and will forgive me.”

At CFNA, we strive to follow Jesus’s words to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your strength and with all your mind.” (Mathew 22:37) We try to model love, service and learning to our New American neighbors and celebrate when they engage in opportunities to do likewise. Students from our After School Tutoring program are participating in creative ways!

CFNA provides scholarships to three types of young people. Although most of the recipients are members of New American families, we have also supported some students whose parent(s) are studying at Concordia Seminary, or who work as missionaries to refugee and immigrant families. 

It has been a blessing to have the opportunity to meet and work with school-age children from many different countries and cultures. Each week as we help them learn, we have an opportunity to share Jesus. What a joy it is to see these young people grow in their understanding of who Jesus is, what He has done for them, and how much He loves and cares for them.