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Rachelle Ditmore went on her first CSM trip in 1992. She had been
feeling called overseas as a missionary, but the trip to
Los Angeles completely blew
away her definition of “missions”. She realized that being called as a missionary didn’t
just mean going to a foreign land. Oh no – she learned you can be a missionary right
here in the United States (and still be serving a totally different culture than your
own!)
After that first trip, Rachelle returned as a
City Host (a CSM seasonal
employee) for three years. She helped run the high school internship and thought it was
so awesome to see these young teens have a heart for ministry.
One summer morning Rachelle was helping Sister Luz, one of
CSM Los Angeles’ faithful ministry partners,
pass out donuts to the homeless that live in MacArthur
Park. She noticed a man under a bridge. She walked towards him and handed him a flyer for
Sister Luz’ ministry. She went back to him twice until finally she summoned the courage to
ask him if he knew Jesus. The moment she asked, the man broke down in tears. He ended up
giving his life to the Lord and Rachelle directed him towards the LA Mission. The man headed
off the streets and towards the mission right there in the heart of
Los Angeles.
“The LA Mission helped Matt* clean up his life. He ended up going to Bible
College and found his way to becoming the chaplain of the Jump Start Mission – an organization
dedicated to helping guys fresh off the street. Matt also met the love of his life at the LA
Mission and they were married.
Rachelle was overjoyed to be able to share the Good News of salvation with
Matt, little did she know the fruit that would come from her courage! She remained in contact
with Matt and his wife ever since.
Later on during a year full of tragedy, Matt happened to call as Rachelle was
hit with more bad news. Matt and his wife had been driving so they pulled to the side of the road, prayed
for her, canceled their plans and invited her to stay with them in Los Angeles. God taught
Rachelle so many lessons through her friendship with Matt. The first - that every life has
potential! And secondly, that the reciprocal end of ministry is what drives you in those moments
you want to quit. The greatest sermons and lessons about who God is she has learned from the most
unlikely individuals.
“Urban ministry is hard! You have to do it because you’re called,” Rachelle says.
God used CSM as the best training for Rachelle’s future. She is now the Children’s
Ministry and Outreach Director for Youth for Christ in the inner-city of Sacramento. She directs a
community center, feeds kids, runs an after-school program, partners with local churches and works
with kids in gangs by running an outreach program every Wednesday night. She’s seen a lot of hard
things – 5-year-olds using drugs and carrying guns, young teens lose their lives to gang violence
and a generation turn from being a fatherless generation to a parentless generation. ”
But Rachelle doesn’t lose hope – she shares it!
“It comes down to just teaching His word. That alone can change a life – only
His word lasts!”
So what does Rachelle want to share with those just about to go on a CSM trip?
“Go with an open heart – beyond your denomination, beyond your idea of who God is.”
Allow Him to move in your life in ways you’d never imagine. He sure has continued to use Rachelle for
His glory and we praise Him for that!
*Not real name
Do you have a story to share from a CSM trip? Email us!
Learn how you can serve the people of Los Angeles on a CSM trip!
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