This past year has been one of intentional change and diligent focus on the identity of CFNA: Who are we as a Christ serving organization? One such conversation demonstrated the answer: I asked, “Who is in that picture?” “Jesus,” the boy answered. “Who is with Jesus?” “I don’t remember all their names.,” he says, almost laughing. “Ok, but who are they?” I ask. “Jesus’s friends,” he says, smiling. “You’re right. And you know that you are Jesus’s friend, too. You’ve been chosen.”

Thanks to the generosity of Christ Memorial and Reliant Lutheran Churches, the swim program this summer has been a splash! 45 students have participated in lessons at the Pavilion in Lemay. Most of the students have left with the ability to swim the narrow length of the pool, and all have found the pool to be a cool experience. 

Warren is a great example of someone who chose to volunteer for a simple reason: he loves to help people! He recently began helping and befriending New Americans by volunteering to teach English as a Second Language.

“No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!” A group of pick-up trucks pulled up at the South City home of Shadrack to deliver and assemble seven beds for his children. Though drenched in sweat, the team of volunteers worked tirelessly to bring in and assemble the wooden boards, mattresses, and pillows.

Around 15 CFNA children from Congo, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Uganda, the U.S. were on the field! Soccer games are being organized every other Saturday (twice a month) targeting deeper engagement with refugee kids and their families.

At Messiah Weldon Springs, we were excited to welcome hundreds of children from our community to learn how to “Live Like Jesus!” – this year’s VBS mission. In an effort to expose children to different cultures, languages, and backgrounds, Messiah worked alongside Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA). 

One thing I’ve learned during my internship is how much effort immigrants and refugees put into adapting to a new culture. That has taught me patience and inspired me to work even harder toward building my own future.

Shirley’s involvement with the Sewing program at CFNA has been an opportunity to utilize not only her skills, but her gifting, the very things she loves to do, and her availability to love her neighbors!

Recent progress in the Gospel work of New American leaders “marks a milestone for the on-going development of [Kunama] ministry.” A 3-day conference at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chicago saw over 100 attendees, some of whom were from South Dakota, Iowa, Arizona, Nashville, Saint Louis, Atlanta, Columbus Ohio, and Canada. Through committed Christ followers such as Rev. Lewi Jermiya, we are able to hear of the wondrous works that the Father is doing in St. Louis and beyond!

May 2025 saw a record number of CFNA scholarship recipients graduate from the St. Louis Lutheran High Schools. The five young men and women mentioned below had significant success in their high school years and show great promise for the future.

Olivia’s story concludes with how, “I am thankful for CFNA kids and their unique perspectives that remind me of the promises of our gracious God…” which she received as a blessing during a day that featured swimming, a trip to the Magic House, and a slow drive home in rush hour traffic where God showed in the hearts of these special kids who are being discipled by (and discipling!) the team at CFNA!

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.