Say What? (Part 1)

As we begin to wrap up the summer here at CSM, we wanted to give you a moment to share about your time in the city. Have an experience you want to share?? Email us!

The following are answers to the question "What did you learn?" from a group that served in Chicago with CSM:

"I feel as if God showed me again the importance of being part of his plan to restore creation. This is his vision. The image of seeing a group of people "sent' to love others was eye-opening. In addition to that, I have come to realize that mission does not just refer to loving people whose name we do not know, but living lovingly to those around us. I saw community form in our group which is also an image of the Kingdom of God which we are called to be a part."

"This week I realized that God’s purpose is for all Christians to be like Jesus and to do God’s will. This week has allowed me to open my heart and listen to what God is trying to tell me. I felt God at work in my heart by putting a desire there to bring our mission work home to Gardner and to continue to help those in need."

"God’s purpose is simple, yet complex, and truly the complexity comes through our on sin. God’s purpose is to further the kingdom on earth. When we sin we distance ourselves from our neighbors across the street, in another part of the town, our families and those around the world. Our “us” vs. “them” mentality builds systems of separation in government agencies, the military, social-economic structures, even religious groups. These systems of separation put many in the judgment seat on a daily basis. We can all work to change these systems through small acts of kindness and mercy such as lending an ear, seeing and responding to needs around us. We can also take a stand by undoing systemic injustice in policy and community life (bigotry, socio-economic status and cultural discrimination) and how we treat all people. God made all people. God sees the good in his creations and loves all people. God expects us to do the same. We need to think more about “We” as a community in this way."