“And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29 ESV).

This simple question prompts the profound teaching of Jesus in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. After telling the parable, Jesus puts the man’s question back before him and then calls him to live accordingly.

“Which of these three, do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You, go, and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37 ESV)

 “Befriending Neighbors” is a video-based curriculum that prepares congregations to serve and empower immigrants. The curriculum presents four sessions that incorporate videos, discussion questions and group processing activities that pave the way for outreach.

The series chronicles the birth and life of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA), a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) based in St. Louis, Mo. CFNA is a model for how Christians can be neighbors to immigrants in their community. While CFNA’s story is beautiful and compelling, it is not the only way to engage our immigrant neighbors. The videos and discussion questions included in this curriculum are intended to help you explore the possibilities of befriending  neighbors in faithful ways. CFNA started small and has grown. You can do the same. Befriend your neighbors in a meaningful way and see where it leads and how it grows.

We are grateful to all those who have given of their time, talent and treasure to bring this series to fruition. This project has been an exercise in Christians living as neighbors as we rejoice in CFNA’s work of “Befriending Neighbors.”