What People Say about CSM

Following are comments we've received from youth leaders who have served with CSM in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, or Washington D.C. Some were written as part of the evaluations we have every CSM participant fill out; some were sent to us after the person had returned home. If you have been on a trip and would like to add comments, please email us and we will post your stories on the CSM Urban Update Blog as well.

COMMENTS FROM LEADERS
"In such a time as this, it's great to know that I can send my youth on a mission trip without leaving the country and still touch the world."

"The exposure our confirmands got to Chicago urban social issues and the various ministries helping to address them was outstanding. I have already sent a recommendation to our Senior Pastor that CSM retreats become a standard part of our confirmation process."

"I believe that the preparation that we put into the trip through training came out in the teens' ability to open themselves to people and really love and learn from their experiences. Our team had a goal each day: Listen to people, Love people, Learn from people. We felt like we were able to do this every day!"

"I'll never forget the Third Street Urban Prayer Breakfast - from hearing the story of a man who counted it a blessing to be homeless because it helped him to better understand his need for Jesus to hearing the spirit-filled songs and praises of men who had just spent the night on the streets. If we could just take an ounce of that energy back to our congregation, it would be revolutionary."

"Frankly, we were a little skeptical about what lay ahead. But by the end of our trip, God had brought us so much joy through our contacts with the people in the city that we didn't want to leave! What a joy it was to see my kids serving God in their own back yard."

"Much of your training material I used for a 5 week Sunday school hour series for high school students and adults. Those going on the trip were required to come, but the class was also open to others not going on the trip. It seemed to work really well."

"As a father who had both his wife and daughter with him, I was concerned about safety. The Lord opened my eyes that He is the ultimate protector. I felt completely safe for myself and my family. While we were with CSM, we did not feel threatened or any sense of danger."

"CSM delivers a big spiritual bang for the buck. Most mission trips cost a lot more and aren't nearly as effective."

"It was great to have a CSM City Host who knew where they were going, had lots of information about the city, and knew the people we were working with. A great help!"

"The CSM staff were cautious about where they took us, and I felt comfortable in every situation."

"The weekend format allowed 'uninitiated' teenagers to get a quick, first-hand glimpse of hunger and homelessness in the inner-city. In fact, our CSM trip marked the beginning of a 'new passage' for our youth group. Rather than majoring in lock-ins, parties, and after-game fellowships, missions has become a new priority. We'll be taking five mission trips this fall."

"The restaurants were definitely eye-opening and culturally empowering experiences. Good choices!"

"We have been deeply challenged to make a difference as a result of our time spent with you. I personally thank you and praise God for your staff team. We were blessed to be among you and learn from you."