Wednesday, September 26, 2007

2nd Annual International Weekend of Prayer and Fasting for the Victims of Human Trafficking - Sept. 28—30, 2007

" He said, "Don't worry about it—there are more on our side than on their side."
Then Elisha prayed, "O God, open his eyes and let him see."
The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha! "
-2 Kings 6:16-17, The Message

This upcoming weekend (Sept. 28-30) is the 2nd annual International Weekend of Prayer and Fasting for the Victims of Human Trafficking. Hosted by the Salvation Army, you can check out their website for more information on how you or your group can get involved!

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Great Philly Trip Reflection!

"This summer I went on my first missions trip to Philly with CSM. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

Getting to serve the people of Philadelphia alongside my youth group and friends, and showing them God's love was amazing.

My younger brother was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when I was 10. I had accepted Jesus Christ to become my personal savior one year before. Two months before we had moved across the country from Kansas to Virginia. God has been making some major changes in my life from then on and still is.

I thought I had some ups and downs so far in my life, that was until I went to Philly. I realized, I was the luckiest kid in the world to have a loving family, a house, a life, but most importantly a God who loves me and cares about me. I also realized that there are so many people that I can help. I always thought "there are billions of people in the world, how can just one teenager like me go up against that many people? My answer, GOD!

I want to really thank you, CSM, for giving me a life-changing experience and for giving me the opportunity to go to this great city. I also want to thank my youth group, my youth pastors and friends.

Thanks again, and God Bless you all!"

-CSM trip participant from VA

Want to learn how you can serve the people of Philadelphia? Visit our website!

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

CSM Host's Perspective

A day in the life of a CSM staff person is never easy. It’s rarely glamorous and you don’t get a whole lot of sleep. But the rewards and benefits of the job far outweigh all of that. I’m talking about the relationships built, the people served, and the lives changed. This summer I have worked long hours and traveled miles and miles of subways but I would do it over in a heartbeat. I have had the opportunity to lead young students in working with different ministries all over New York City. What CSM provides for students wanting to get more involved in urban ministry is priceless. They get a first hand experience, working with people who live on the streets, who eat in soup kitchens, and who work in food pantries. They get to experience the world in need and are provided with opportunities to help. My hope in coming and serving with CSM this summer was that the students I worked with would not only have a great “mission trip” experience for a week, but that they would have a life-changing moment and realize that serving others is what this life is all about. That they should not only dedicate a week of their time to people in need, but they can devote their lives to those who need help. This is what attracted me to CSM and what I hope will continue to attract others as well.
-Emily Strickler, CSM New York Summer 2007 City Host