CFNA’s open house and dedication brought many people to the new building! Everyone was excited not only to see the new location, but many also discovered afresh how the ministries of CFNA are impacting the community. After signing in and getting a name tag, attendees were given a “passport” that listed all of CFNA’s ministry areas. Refreshments from all over the world helped attendees truly get a taste of what happens every week at CFNA!

An evening filled with laughter, food, music and much more, 60 CFNA volunteers, Board members, staff, and summer interns gathered together in Ascension Lutheran Church’s basement for the annual Volunteer Appreciation Night. Ministry coordinators expressed their sincere thanks to volunteers for their diligence and hard work.

13 refugees received eye exams (including 11 receiving new glasses!) recently as Dr. Cheryl Davidson performed eye exams as the new Peace Center. As a part of their eye exam, patients had the opportunity to choose a new pair of prescription eye glasses that fit their style, free of cost.

Starting their journey as participants of CFNA’s Trivia Nights to now actively helping with event logistics, engaging in the coat drive for Afghans, handling donations, driving refugees, and moving items into the new Peace Center, the Maddens show how big a difference volunteers can make!

CFNA invites you to join us as we dedicate our new building to the ministries God has prepared for us in serving our New American friends on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Open house available from 2-4:30 pm with building dedication at 2:30 pm. All happening at 5515 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63111

Pastor Jeff Cloeter of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church charged the Reverend Doctor Stanish Stanley and CFNA to “walk back into the future!” by remembering our past as we move forward at the August 10th installation service for Rev. Stanley. Many members of the CFNA community, including 19 pastors, participated in the installation of Stanish Stanley as the Executive Director of CFNA. 

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!