Serving as board chair of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) in 2024 was a profoundly enriching experience, showcasing God’s work through His people. CFNA’s mission to welcome and assist refugees and immigrants resonated deeply with me because of my conviction that God's mission often works through migration.

50 tutoring students and 45 volunteers gathered at Epiphany Lutheran Church to celebrate Jesus’s birthday. Games, crafts, food and activities helped to foster joy that was tangible, laughter that was voluminous, and all around, friendships were growing. 

The annual Giveaway provides an opportunity to reach out to our friends who are in great need of basic items upon arrival to the U.S. Beyond providing these necessities, volunteers and staff have a chance to share the love of Christ through followup conversations with attendees.

As refugees who once faced uncertainty and hardship, we understand firsthand the transformative power of education. Thanks to the support of our Lord and Savior along with organizations like CFNA, we overcame adversity and achieved our dreams. Now, we’re committed to paying it forward by founding the Member-Meneh Foundation, in partnership with CFNA.

For the past 25 years, Dr. Al & Mrs. Carol Buckman have committed their lives to sharing Jesus with immigrants and refugees. They have planted many seeds and have called others to work with them to water. Always, they have relied on God to make it grow. On November 9, 144 friends and family gathered to celebrate what God has done through Al & Carol at Christian Friends of New Americans. 

By the grace of God, five people received the gift of faith, were baptized, and committed their lives to Christ. This was definitely a highlight for the entire visit. Additionally, between 300-350 people stated interest in learning more about Luther’s teachings. They also received requests for assistance in establishing a school, as well as an orphanage. 

Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood celebrated its 10th Annual Turkey Blessing event in three parts consisting of fellowship (Happy Hour on November 21st), packing (of cartons) on the 23rd and the distribution of turkey dinners on Sunday, the 24th. More than 50 dinners which were quickly distributed to refugees from Nepal, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Congo.

“Seeing kids of New Beginnings and CFNA playing together, adults talking with one another while experiencing new foods reminded me of Revelation 7 where God paints a picture of a multitude from ‘every nation, tribe, people and language’ gathered before the throne. I trust this was one small part of God’s intentions to reconcile the world to Himself through Jesus Christ.” — New Beginning’s Mission Director Travis Torblaa. 

Little did I know that over the course of time, strangers would become friends to share tea with and pray over as they dealt with life’s trials. These small, joy-led moments showed how much the Lord delights when every nation and tribe comes together to serve and uplift one another. 

On Sunday, October 6th, two children from a recently resettled family from Congo were baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Morganford Rd. The family arrived in St. Louis in March and had visited St. John’s which is located nearby. As Pastor Mike Tanney, recently retired, inquired further he was told by the father - Espoir (Hope) Ferdinand that they were Lutherans from a refugee camp in Zimbabwe and wanted to worship at a Lutheran congregation.

One of our favorite days of the year is the CFNA Golf Benefit – a day of golf, fellowship and fundraising to support the mission and ministry of CFNA. This year’s 12th Annual Golf Benefit was held on October 14 at Greenbriar Hills Country Club in Kirkwood. It was a crisp fall day with beautiful sunshine.

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.