Friday, March 31, 2006

CSM Experiences!

Look what we've stumbled upon!
"For that past week or so, 19 missioners from our church were sent to serve in downtown Washington, D.C. with the Center for Student Missions. They served in senior adult centers, homeless shelters and kitchens & helped run a day camp WITH the Glorious Church, a small, struggling, all-black congregation (just to name a few of the places)..." Click here to read on!
Anyone else have a good CSM experience they want to share? Email us! We love to hear your stories!

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Reflecting on an Inspirational Life

My dad died suddenly at a very young age. Although I don't remember anything about him other than what has been relived through my family, his life taught me one thing that I will never forget. You can't take life for granted because you never know when your last day might be...
click here to continue reading
-Tara McPherson, Toronto Associate City Director

Monday, March 20, 2006

Compassionate Listening

What was the most compassionate thing anyone has ever done for you? The most compassionate times in my life have involved friends staying by my side when I have been heartbroken. I cannot recall any of their advice or sympathy cards. Their presence and listening ears are all I remember.
Here in Los Angeles, there are many people talking about the poor; however, there are few people talking to the poor. Youth groups that come on CSM trips typically have an opportunity to get to know some of the homeless by name. Some groups invite the poor to lunch, others hand out socks and blankets. These are small acts. But they are small acts done with great love!
And this compassionate love is what the poor remember. Last week, Nina, a homeless woman, approached my group and asked, "Are you guys the ones who come to listen to people?" Her comment made me cry. I am so happy that CSM groups are known for their listening ears. When the poor are ignored all day long by passersby, perhaps sitting down and hearing their stories is the most compassionate act we can do. May we continue to be known for small acts done with great love!
-Jason Porterfield, CSM City Host, Los Angeles

Friday, March 10, 2006

Spring Madness in DC

Despite the 8 inches of snow on the ground, we're gearing up for the spring season in DC. We have 1 more weekend group before our own version of March (and April) Madness begins: 42 days straight of groups, from March 3 - April 14. We'll have a brief breather before another 2 weeks of mission trips, one or two groups in May, and then it's on to summer! Before we know it, we'll be training summer staff and searching for mysteriously opened fire hydrants to help cool off.
We've got plenty of work before we get there, though. This spring, we're looking forward to introducing 15 groups from all over the country to our nation's capital. Our summer schedule is fairly regular: groups come in Sunday evening, and depart Saturday morning. The spring, however, is anything but regular. There are variations in arrival days, departures, group age, numbers, the weather, other groups in town, ministry site openings and closings, etc. With all this craziness, it's important that we rely on the Lord to sustain us. Please be in prayer for our hosts & staff (42 days of groups means 42 days without a day off), the ministries we try to serve with consistency, and the groups coming in town: those that arrive in the 6th week are just as important as those that arrive in the 1st week.
Psalm 55:22
-Justin Hormel, Washington, DC City Director