News » City Highlights
Nashville
This month we’re heading on over to Nashville! Be sure to visit our opportunities page for more information about serving with us in “Music City.”
News from the Nashville Director
As someone in the mission field, it is easy for me to become a “Martha.” To become so focused on “doing” for my Lord that I forget to “be” with Him. This summer, the staff and directors of CSM-Nashville wanted to create an evening in the middle of the week that would remind our serving groups of the importance of balancing a life of service with a life of worship, prayer, and meditation.
Wednesday evenings have always been the night when all of our serving groups gathered for worship. This summer, this worship got “tweaked” and became an evening of holistic worship. Our musically-gifted summer staff prayerfully considered each song the groups would sing and scripture was incorporated in between the songs.
In the middle of the room, tables are set up with paint supplies and old cardboard. Individuals are encouraged to take time to think about what they are experiencing during their trip and express it through art. (Several of these paintings have been donated to CSM at the end of the week and adorn the walls of our housing site!).
Across the hall, a Sunday school room has been transformed into a prayer/meditation room. In it, our summer staff covered the walls with inspiring quotes and scripture, photographs of some of the “forgotten” of Nashville, as well as explanations of the various types of prayer. They also created music/story soundtracks for when people are in the room. These soundtracks are a blend of meditative songs and spoken autobiographies of some of the homeless in Nashville.
Lastly, we have a “wall” (a bunch of white sheets) set up in the middle of our big group “hangout” room which have Sharpies tied to them. We have three sections: “Prayer Requests”, “Praises”, and “Where did you See God.” Although several individuals have written on the wall, I am continually impressed with how many just spend time looking at what is on the wall… and prayerfully considering the words that they read. May the following examples give you an understanding of how groups are being impacted by God during their time in Nashville.
Where did you see God?
- I saw Jesus today. He walked into the Co-op Mission on the east side of Nashville. The moment I saw Him, I knew it was He. As He left the building with hands full of clothes and lunch for the day, His smile said, “For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was naked and you clothed me.” I will never forget His face and the amazing smile that spoke to my heart.
- I saw God in the most unexpected places.
Praises
- God taught me complete surrender
- I thank you, Lord, for you have given me new sight these last few days. I owe EVERYTHING to you.
- The homeless and their belief in God
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for the homeless people. They are good, strong, and nice people. Hearing their stories breaks my heart. Many of them are good Christians, do not mistreat them.
- To take my life fully and do what you wish with it!
- For the people of Nashville. Break them and show them real poverty. And encourage the homeless to keep the faith and not give up on you.
– Jes Williams, CSM Nashville City Director
Local Resources
Local News Links
- Patrol To Help Homeless Beat The Heat July 29, 2008
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