CSM Urban Updates

Responding to Homeless Neighbors

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:13:00 +0000

Have you ever seen a homeless person begging and not known how to respond? It's not always easy to know how to navigate the situation. Here's an article from Mission Year on how eyes can be opened when you push outside of your comfort zone and think about things from another perspective than your own.

It's important for us all to really ask God how He wants us to respond when we run into these situations that are easy to avoid...and it's not always the same response every time! Think about asking God how He wants you to respond next time you bump into someone who's asking you for something, whether homeless or not, that makes you uncomfortable and see if He may want you to stretch a little.

-Robyn Elmore, CSM Washington DC City Director

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM in Washington DC!

Ministry Partnerships in Boston

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:13:00 +0000

The folks at the Emmanuel Gospel Center in Boston are doing some amazing things for the Kingdom! For years, decades really, they have empowered local, urban churches with resources and effective ministries for reaching their communities. CSM Boston had the opportunity to partner with EGC's Starlight Ministry in their outreach to the homeless in downtown Boston.
Check out a recent blog post they wrote, entitled "Is 2012 God's Moment for Boston?".
It is truly an honor to partner with the beautiful ministries doing God's work in this community.

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM in Boston!

"You have to be rich to be poor."

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:44:00 +0000

"You have to be rich to be poor." This Washington Post article does a great job laying out a lot of the hurdles the poor have to jump over to make it in America. Being poor often means higher costs, whether in grocery bills, rent costs, transportation, or just the increased time it takes to accomplish simple tasks. Read this article, which is full of a lot of first-person accounts from Washington, DC.

-Kristen Erbelding, CSM Washington DC City Director

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM in Washington DC!

Human Trafficking Awareness Day

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:23:00 +0000

Did you know that there are more slaves today than at any other date in history? It's true! There is an estimated 27 million slaves throughout the world right now. And today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day - an opportunity to share with others this reality.

There are many organizations that are dedicated to eradicating slavery. The International Justice Mission is one of them:

Here are some other resources for you to learn more...
The Not for Sale Campaign (based in San Francisco)
RestoreNYC (safe house in New York City)

Authentic Ministry in the Mile High City

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:12:00 +0000

As I sit and reflect on 2011 I am so grateful for the opportunity to be connected to what the Lord is doing in Denver. One of my favorite memories from this year is a week I spent with 6 amazing women. I had the opportunity this fall to host a very special group that was unlike any I have served beside. They were a group of women who are currently homeless and living in a transitional housing program here in Denver. As part of their program the education coordinator wanted to implement a time to serve together, so we spent 3 days volunteering around Denver. I will admit that I was a little nervous at first, because our program is usually geared towards suburban and rural youth coming from outside the city. It was such a humbling week for me and so encouraging and refreshing to serve alongside women who are used to being served. They did a fantastic job!

The first day we worked with a refugee employment program, Safari Thrift. The women were very interested in learning about refugees and it was eye opening for them to make the connection that they had a lot of similarities with their new refugee friends. Many of them made comments about how similar their programs were in regards to helping people get a fresh start and become self-sufficient. It was one of those days when the world seems a bit smaller.

My favorite part of the week was taking them on the prayer tour. I’ve given our prayer tour about a hundred times, but this was a unique one that I won’t soon forget. It was a special time for us to pray over our own city, and to learn together through conversation and story. At times I was sharing with them and sometimes they were teaching me. I felt privileged that they were so willing to share openly and honestly.

We worked with World Vision one morning and also went to a residence for seniors with low-income for their regular Thursday afternoon dance. Watching the women serve at the senior center was really fun. They were dancing and visiting, and I didn’t have to encourage them at all. The just jumped right in!

My hope is that this would become a regular part of the education curriculum at the Transitional House and we can do this every year. I would love to partner with a local church women’s group where they would each “sponsor” one of the women and also come serve alongside us.

I desire to grow and challenge myself with what authentic ministry really looks like and the week I spent with these six women definitely continued that journey for me. I really appreciate the many different ways CSM can be connected and a resource to the city.

-Keysha Boggess, CSM Denver City Director

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM in Denver!

Video: "Hard Times Generation"

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:46:00 +0000

And a follow up to that original broadcast....

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM!

CSM Boston Impact

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:29:00 +0000

Over the past year, CSM has had the great opportunity to bring in a handful of "test groups" into the city of Boston. We were blown away by the quality of ministry that is happening here and the great need for extra hands to help the individuals doing God's work. Here are some quotes from the individuals who partnered with us in this new city:

I commit to…

“To be a better steward with what God has given me and to reach out to others more and let God pull me out of my comfort zone.”

“I want to get more involved in service in Boston!”
“To commit more time to actually serve, not just think and pray about it. But to build it into my schedule.”

“I am more committed to being involved in different cultures as they interest me greatly and make life more interesting.”

Words for a ministry site…

St. Luke's-San Lucas

“I loved St. Lukes – Father Edgar and his time put the scriptures into action.”

“St. Luke’s Church – Father Edgar: I was so inspired and amazed at your ministry and your compassion and hard work toward helping others in your community. God bless and thank you so much!”

Seafarer's Friend

“The pastor/director at Seafarer’s Friend was so passionate about his work. It is his life to serve and give brotherly love. Very inspirational and contagious! I’d love to work with him more.”

“Director at Seafarer’s Friend – Thanks for the help and comfort you give to people you don’t even know.”

Place of Promise

“Place of Promise was a fantastic site. All the kids enjoyed it and it made a deep impact spiritually on many of them.”

“Place of Promise showed us that God can truly bring you through anything.”

“Place of Promise touched me deeply. They were true examples of people living out their faith.”

My favorite part of the trip…

“I never knew about all the problems in my own community and it opened my eyes.”

“I really enjoyed the fact that we were able to actually help someone and make a small difference.”

Learn how YOU can serve with us in Boston!

Value of Short-term Missions

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:45:00 +0000

Over the past couple of years there has been much debate of the actual value and/or effectiveness of short-term missions. Are we doing more harm than good? Are we just supporting the cycle of poverty in US cities? Can a group of middle school students really make a difference in a city that needs so
much? Would the money the mission groups spend to come be better used by the organization and ministries in the city?

After working for CSM for almost eight years, the value of short-term missions comes down to one word, effectiveness. The complicated part is how you define effectiveness. CSM’s mission statement is: To provide an effective urban ministry experience that transforms lives, influences churches and communities, and honors Christ.

So what does an effective urban ministry experience look like? Does it mean your group has sorted hundreds of cans and fed 100 homeless people? Sure, that is effective and it is important work that you can feel pretty good about, but is that all there is? At CSM, we work with already existing organizations and ministry sites in the city. There is no point of re-inventing the wheel. With our model, relationships are more valuable than gold. We pride ourselves in listening to the needs of the city and understanding how our volunteers can best help those needs.

We recently met with a long-time ministry partner. Over the past couple of years she had gone through some very tough illnesses and has not been able to do ministry as much as she has wanted. We still have been sending out groups to serve with her ministry even when she hasn’t been capable. At the meeting, she was sharing how it has been so hard to take a step back and slow down because she is so passionate about her ministry. She then went on to share that it makes it easier to know the CSM groups are still conducting her ministry even though she is physically unable to do it at this time. To me, that is effectiveness. It is not how much you do or get done but more how you meet the needs of those you come in contact with.

-Justin Perry, CSM Philadelphia City Director

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM in Philadelphia!

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:26:00 +0000

Video: Re-Thinking Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:33:00 +0000

For a few years now, we've been sharing this video with you. The folks at Urban Entry have included it in the DVD "UE1: Anything Helps?..." It's a refreshing concept of meeting the needs of the community and giving the gift of dignity at the same time. Take a look...

Homeless at 60

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:50:00 +0000

Being homeless is a challenge every day. When the holidays come around the challenges can seem even more overwhelming. Check out this story of how the kindness of others encouraged a woman who found herself homeless at the age of 60. Simple and small blessings really do matter!

-Keysha Boggess, CSM Denver City Director

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM in Denver!

A Ministry Partner's Story

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:35:00 +0000

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM!

Are you a ministry in one of these cities?
Chicago
Denver
Houston
Los Angeles
Nashville
New York City
Philadelphia
San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area
Washington DC

We'd love to connect with you to explore how we can partner in serving the community. Please email us!

Check out our new DVD!

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:17:00 +0000

CSM had the awesome opportunity to work with Urban Entry to put "our story" into film. Check it out:

CSM Promo DVD: The Story from CSM Home Office on Vimeo.

Check out all of the segments on our website...

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM!

Beautiful San Francisco Video!

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:22:00 +0000

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM in the San Francisco Bay Area!

Take a Big Bite!

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:49:00 +0000

Homeboy Industries is an amazing organization based in Los Angeles. They provide job training, placement and education to former gang members.
If you ever have the opportunity to dine in the Homegirl Cafe, order a pie, or partner with them in some way - do it! You will not regret it for a moment!

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM in Los Angeles!

2011 Photo Contest Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:50:00 +0000

BIG thanks to all who entered this year's photo contest. We had some amazing entries and you can still check them all out on CSM's Facebook Page.

This year's first place winner is Amanda Reynolds! Here's her winning entry:

Second place goes to Sina Williams for her entry:

Both ladies will receive Visa gift cards!

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM!

Advent Conspiracy!

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:29:00 +0000

Looking for a way to conspire? Here are some ideas...

Commit to serving for a day, weekend or week with CSM this next spring with your friends/small group/Bible study! Email us to find out what dates are available.
Partner financially with CSM! You can donate towards a specific team member or to our ministry efforts as a whole.
Gather in-kind donations for one of our cities. Many sites are in need of "hygiene kits" or other items to pass out to our homeless friends. Check out each city's Wish List:

Midnight Run

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:56:00 +0000

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM!

Thanksgiving Meals in High Demand

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:09:00 +0000

Across the nation, food distribution agencies are finding a larger demand than usual, this Thanksgiving season:
San Francisco Bay Area - Food charities expect high Thanksgiving demand
Tucson, AZ - Food bank in need of Thanksgiving turkeys - donate at Season 4 Hope today
Chicago - Fall food drives fill growing need in Chicago area
Connecticut - Food Bank asking for final donations

Deeper Look at Poverty in the US

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:18:00 +0000

Poverty may not look like we think it should. As the number of people in our country face poverty on a day to day basis, Time Magazine, has decided to put some faces to the impoverished state so many find themselves in. Poverty may not always look like what you expect, I would encourage you to scroll through the 31 images taken in various cities across the US. Beautiful.

-Robyn Elmore, CSM Washington DC City Director

Adopt a Child with CityTeam

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:20:00 +0000

CSM Philadelphia is honored to partner with CityTeam as they serve the great city of Philadelphia.

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM in Philadelphia!

Operation Exodus

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:05:00 +0000

One of our ministry partners, Operation Exodus, is trying to win the online Chase Community Giving competition. Chase will give away a share of $3 million to non-profits who rank amongst the top 100 organizations with the most votes. Right now they are in the top 100, but voting doesn't end until Nov. 22, so please vote!

If you have a Facebook account and want to help, click here, and click on the green "vote and share" button. Keep following directions until is says "thank you for voting."

For more info about Operation Exodus: operationexodus.org

-Tracee Henneke, CSM New York City Director

Learn how YOU can partner with CSM in New York City!

Give to the Max today!

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:27:00 +0000

In this struggling economy, many small non-profits feel the effects of less donations coming in exponentially. In DC, for example, one of our partner organizations has recently had to decrease its staff by seven (there were only 10 employees to start with!). And the need for our partners' services has only increased. Today in DC, many of our partners are participating in "Give to the Max," a mass fundraising competition. There are prizes for nonprofits who raise the most money, as well as those who have the most donors. That means that any donation, no matter how small, can mean a lot! Check out: http://give2max.razoo.com/

Some of our ministry partners that are participating are:

- Food & Friends

- Little Lights

- The Fishing School

- Thrive DC

-Kristen Erbelding, CSM Washington DC City Director

Increasing Poverty in Houston

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:34:00 +0000

The Brookings Institution has released new analysis of the poverty situation in Houston. This article sums up the discouraging statistics.

-Paul Randall, CSM Houston City Director

Learn how YOU can partner with CSM in Houston!

"Food Stamp Challenge" Challenges Leaders in DC

noreply@blogger.com (The Center for Student Missions) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:59:00 +0000

One in every four residents of DC are on food stamps. Recently a group of religious and political leaders were challenged to take the Food Stamp Challenge, and imagine how they would eat off of a budget of $31.50, the average weekly food stamp stipend for an adult. This Washington Post article details the perspectives of those who participated.

-Kristen Erbelding, CSM Washington DC City Director

Learn how YOU can serve with CSM in Washington DC...