About UsWelcome to the SAFC!We are located in the heart of Chicago’s Little India—an ethnically diverse neighborhood on the north side of Chicago. Our community is comprised of many Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, Christians, and more.
It is our desire to express the love of Jesus Christ with our neighbors- reaching the family unit from our home to theirs. We do this by providing on-site and in-home tutoring, English classes, kids activities, Biblical hospitality, and so much more!
If you are from our community and are looking for welcoming neighbors, or if you are a church who would like to learn more about us email us at office@safcchicago.com. If you would like more information about us and what we believe, click the link below:
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What we offer
The South Asian Friendship Center has been called “the best place to make friends in Little India.” The SAFC is a great place for conversation, questions, and connections with families in the neighborhood. Our team is comprised of a dedicated group of followers of Lord Jesus who are available to listen to your questions and concerns, help where we can, and pray with you in times of need.
The South Asian Friendship Center works with university-educated tutors to provide tutoring for your kids. These tutors are ready and willing to travel to you when needed. Space is limited and lessons are extremely affordable, email or call us for more details!
Contact us for more information at homeworkcenter@safcchicago.com
Everything from kids activities to family events – the South Asian Friendship Center has wholesome activities for the entire family. Contact us for more information.
Contact us for more information at homeworkcenter@safcchicago.com
English teachers are available from 2 to 3 PM. We also offer one-on-one English learning for men and women. Schedules are determined by student and teacher availability. Lessons are extremely affordable, making space very limited. Email esl@safcchicago.com for more details!
The SAFC, along with our partner Family Empowerment Centers, are a part of the Envision program. Envision is a ministry of the C&MA focusing on sending short term teams to urban areas with a focus on cross-cultural ministry. If you are interested in sending a short-term team to the SAFC and want to learn more, visit the Envision Chicago site here. Click here!
Enjoying company over a homemade cup of chai is just one aspect of our resource center. We also offer Bibles and Christian media in a number of South Asian languages. As a service to our community, we offer such materials free of charge. Call or email us to schedule a time to stop in! Can’t stop in, but looking for resources in South Asian languages? Visit: Multi-Language Media.
Feel free to join us for our weekly gatherings and devotions to Lord Jesus. Email satsang@safcchicago for more information and times!
Email: president@safcchicago.com
“Dr. Naaman, a Pakistani-born American, is the President of the South Asian Friendship Center. He is also a professor at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He lives with his wife and two sons in suburban Chicagoland.”
Email: director@safcchicago.com
Rev. Eric Mason currently serves as Executive Director of the SAFC. He is also the host of the international Podcast “Muslims want to know.” He and his wife, Beth, live in the neighborhood and are thankful to be serving with and leading this great team.
Email: beth.mason@safcchicago.com
Beth Mason, CWM, is the Director of Youth Ministries at the SAFC. Beth is passionate about serving the many children and families in the Little India neighborhood. Beth and Eric are also site associates with the Envision program, a ministry of the C&MA.
Email: asha@safcchicago.com
“Sunita has served the SAFC since its inception! She has helped to develop many of our services over the years. She has a heart for meeting and developing relationships with women in the community as well as mentoring young women in ministry.”
Email: women@safcchicago.com
“Born and Raised in Chicago, Susy lived in India for 19 years with her late husband, Vijay. She enjoys speaking in Hindustani, as well as indulging in South Asian foods. Baingan ka burta is her favorite!”
Email: bookstore@safcchicago.com
“Before coming to Chicago, Doug and Margaret lived in Pakistan for 18 years. They both speak Urdu fluently, and are happy to be living in the South Asian culture of Little India.”
Email: esl@safcchicago.com
“Before coming to Chicago, Doug and Margaret lived in Pakistan for 18 years. They both speak Urdu fluently, and are happy to be living in the South Asian culture of Little India.”
Email: esl@safcchicago.com
Jamie is a graduate from Moody Bible Institute. She started her time at the SAFC helping with our after-school program and is now in charge of communications at the Friendship Center. She looks forward to growing in her role at the SAFC, and to connecting more with our community.
