CENTER for STUDENT MISSIONS

Jessica Cunningham

Jessica is from South Haven, MI. She just finished her last semester at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI with a major in Family Studies/Psychology. In the fall of 2008, Jessica will complete her senior year with an internship at Focus on the Family Institute in Colorado. Jessica has had the opportunity to travel to Dominican Republic and Australia for mission trips. She has also worked with youth organizations at day camps as a Camp Counselor and as a Park Supervisor. Laughter and deep discussions coupled with family and friends are joys in Jessica’s life! “This summer I want to use my passion for hospitality and missions to make strangers feel like long time friends. I hope that each guest here in Toronto will fall in love with Jesus and the city like I did but in a way that is unique to their calling!”

Jennifer Ford

Jennifer is from Rochester NY and will be going into her senior year at Grove City College in Grove City PA, majoring in English Literature. She has been on numerous CSM mission trips, including five to Toronto! Jennifer is thrilled to be working as a city host with CSM this summer. She is glad to be doing what Jesus called her to do, which is to go outside of the church and love people in His name. One of the greatest lessons Jennifer has learned is that faith takes sacrifice and commitment, and also that grace is a precious gift from God. She will miss her family this summer, but is excited to create lasting relationships in the CSM family. “I am stoked about living in the city of Toronto and can’t wait to hit the flea markets. I would love to quote Jim Elliot, ’He is not a fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.’”

Jemica Hallberg

Jemica is from Formosa, ON in Canada. She just completed her second year at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, ON, with a double major in English and Art. Jemica took a two week trip to Cuba with family and friends to bring Bibles, lanterns, clothing and other necessities to some villages and a local church. She also went to a Mexican orphanage called Pan de Vida with her church, Hanover Missionary Church. The group did concrete work and other construction as well as ministry through mime, testimony and song. These were perhaps the best 2 weeks of her life because she saw God move in really powerful ways! Jemica worked with junior youth for 2 years at her church and has worked with kids and youth ages 6-16 through her experiences as a camp counselor and wilderness director at Ryerson United Church Camp. She is on the “help 2 others” (H2O) leadership team as well as the “cross-culture” leadership team at college. Both of these teams connect university students and youth in the community to the needs in downtown Hamilton. Jemica participated in a 2007 spring weekend trip with CSM and thought it was incredible because of the ideas, scriptures and motion behind CSM. Her interests include a love of art: painting, drawing, anything creative. Jemica also loves canoeing, camping and cross-country skiing. “I would love to be a high school teacher someday because I have a real passion for youth, to be able to see their growth, to be a blessing and be blessed by them. I’m now exploring what it means to have a passion for the city and urban ministry. I have a passion for prayer and experiencing its power and am really excited for the privilege to serve with CSM this summer.”

Jason Horrell

Jason is from Harrells, North Carolina and grew up on a family farm! He has recently finished his senior year as a Religion major at Campbell University. In the fall, he will start work on a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Urban and Social Ministries at Campbell University Divinity School. Jason has previously led a CSM mission trip to Toronto, and has also worked among the poor in East St Louis. At Campbell. Jason served on the Leadership Council of the Baptist Student Union for two years as both the outreach ministries coordinator and the missions coordinator. He also volunteers with one of North Carolina’s largest AIDS ministry programs and has worked as a VBS teacher with his home church for the past two summers. Jason loves watching Atlanta Braves baseball, reading theology, riding subways, and drinking coffee! “I’m working with CSM this summer because I hope to help students minister as people of love and hope to the poor, broken, and destitute of the inner-city; and then help them relate that experience to their own communities back home.”

Jake Rivers

Jake grew up in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He is currently preparing for his fourth year of Bible College at Heritage in Cambridge Ontario where he is pursuing a professional degree in Youth and Family Ministry. Jake has been on five short term mission and service trips, including a month in Pakistan and trips with CSM to Toronto. He has been involved as a church youth leader both at home and at school. At college he has served as a resident assistant, as a member of the student cabinet as chair of local outreach, and currently as the president of the student cabinet. “My goal this summer with CSM is to grow by pushing myself outside my comfort zone. I am excited to serve in Toronto because I love the city and am hoping to do more long term ministry there in the future.”

Steve Grant

Steve grew up in Whitby, Ontario and came to work in the city of Toronto when he was in his twenties. He worked in the business community for over 20 years, predominately for Canada Trust and Noranda Mines. At 55, the company downsized and Steve was let go. After unsuccessful attempts at finding new work, his savings ran dry, and Steve found himself setting out on a new journey. He ended up at the Sanctuary Community in Toronto. For the past 6 years, Steve has been actively involved at Sanctuary volunteering as an outreach worker and leading groups on streetwalks. This has lead him into partnership with CSM where he has been working as a host since spring 2008. “I’m excited about the groups coming to Toronto and eager to help them learn about the city and serve God here in the city and back in their home communities.”