Over $2,000 was raised at a recent fundraiser where tasty pork steaks, chicken and ribs sold, and even baked goods offered for a free-will offering. One volunteer explained: “We do these barbecues to bless a ministry that is doing important work for our Lord's Kingdom. We appreciate what you do at CFNA and are happy to be a support to your ministry.”

Whether it be equipping New Americans with practical skills for everyday life or the fact that CFNA helps people in the name of Jesus, John and Juliana Tilden demonstrate how being volunteers at CFNA makes a difference in the lives of the very neighbors Jesus is sending to our neighborhoods!

Our new address will be 5515 S. Grand (the Midwest Bank Center), as we are moving from our current 4019 S. Grand location. CFNA will now have better space for community gatherings, both inside and outside of the building. A lighted parking lot and easy access to I-55 will make volunteering much more comfortable. Space is also available in the building for future opportunities for service and education for New Americans. 

Designed to equip congregations to engage meaningfully with their immigrant neighbors, this resource includes video modules, discussion guides, personal reflection prompts, and tools for forming ministry action plans. The curriculum is now available for use by churches and ministry groups nationwide, for Bible studies and/or small group study!

A group of eight New Americans, along with three volunteers, recently had the opportunity to explore potential career paths in carpentry, thanks to a tour set up by Warren Greaff, an ESL volunteer.

The verse, “We love, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) came to mind as recent activities at the Peace Center unfolded. Isn’t this our calling, our way of life? We love our neighbors as ourselves because we have been deeply loved and showed what true patience, kindness, and selflessness looks like.

“Witnessing the students grow and learn to love Jesus and each other is a highlight. These students work so hard on their school work and the results are so evident — they are some of the brightest!”

An idea that started as a ‘what if’ in the fall, bloomed into an incredible service project. Several teams visited 6 refugee homes to construct and install bunk beds. The children were full of excitement as they carried in the materials while the men and boys assisted with the construction and the women hospitably served tea.

Epiphany first connected with the Mulumba family through a partnership event between CFNA and Epiphany Hair & Care Salon. It was here that Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley brought the family to receive hair care and join in for worship.

Readers will be awestruck by the intentionality of God, and how a small piece of advice, an unexpected encounter, and a willing heart ultimately leads to His perfect plan – a plan that continues to reach all nations.

Christian Friends of New Americans welcomed a record number of trivia players to Abiding Savior Lutheran Church on March 29th for the 18th annual Trivia Night and Silent Auction. 

When CFNA reached out to seek support from our fellow believers because of an urgent need experienced by refugees, the response from our churches and supporters was overwhelming. New arrivals within the last 3 to 6 months were hard pressed as they struggled to make ends meet. Your impact cannot be overstated!

Through events that encouraged teamwork and camaraderie, teaching classes about geographical phenomena and animal life found in select national parks, education was multiplied as were relationships, key skill learning, and the overall equipping and empowering of CFNA students!

That same gospel, that same good news. is yours today. It is yours in your baptism because God himself took action and drenched you in his love, as it were, through water and his word. He made you his own. Like everything else God has done on our behalf, that may sound too simple and too easy; but that is how God has decided to work. And who better to do it than God himself?

“I’m blessed to have the opportunity to work with fabrics and sewing at CFNA. I’m always amazed by the love, hospitality, and generosity the Afghan women and the other volunteers share. I love the smiles the women wear when they come to class.”

Service has a great, everlasting impact. The outpouring of love from staff has deeply resonated with children; in response, they are now living vessels for Christ’s kingdom. We can only praise God and ask that you, too, consider serving at CFNA for His greater purpose. The culture of service fostered at CFNA overflowed through partnerships into young leaders immediately seeking to bring joy to others.