Strike Three, But Not Out

There are times in your life when it seems that fastballs are being thrown at you left and right, in front and behind, as if you had a target sign on your person.

The first ball comes at your head, so you quickly duck in time to just feel the streak of wind ruffle your hair. You straighten up, breathing a sigh of relief, when you see the second ball comes out of your peripheral vision coming from left field. In a split second, your mind runs through your options. "Ducking won't suffice for this low curve ball. Obviously, the pitcher has changed his tactics. Jumping at precisely the right moment and right height seems improbable. That may be a good last resort. Should I run for it?" The ball is feet away, bringing with it a force that is sure to cause pain if it hits you. In a moment of clarity and desparation, you stumble backwards and fall. You've avoided the hit, but now you are on the ground covered in dirt and feeling sore from the fall.

You wonder, for the first time, where you are and where the balls are coming from. Looking around, you realize that you are not in a baseball stadium like you first thought. In fact, the more closely you look, the clearer your surrounding become. You are surrounded by people walking about. A few people smile and wave. With a look of utter bewilderment slapped across your face, you slowly raise your hand and move it from side to side. A closer look at their faces reveal features that ar enot unfamiliar. These are your friends. And that building in the background is your apartment. And just to the right is your car. This must be your life.

A minute ago, you thought you were alone in an unfamiliar baseball stadium, when, in actuality, you were completely surrounded by the familiar. And just as you pick yourself up off the ground and dust yourself off...BAM! A third ball hits you square in the back and knocks you down flat. That was almost as unexpected as the first ball. People here and there are complaining of the injustice. You hear glimpses of conversations, "...came from behind." "how could it..." "...just unfair." You consider just staying down on the ground and letting any other balls just fly over you while you take notice of the hard ground beneath you.

An open and inviting hand is all you see. Looking up toward the sunlit sky, you squint to see this Person's face. Almost reluctantly, you offer your hand in return. With a gentle pull, you are on your feet again. Though you are unsteady, His hands hold you upright. He smiles and gives you a bat. Instinctively, you know another ball is soaring in your direction, but you swing His bat and like magnetic force, the ball collides with it and is sent in another direction. A smile slides across your mouth. As you begin to offer His bat back to Him, He throws His hands up in protest and says, "Keep it. I want my daughter to be prepared for the next game. I'll be in the dugout if you need me."

Would You Consider Supporting Me?

Summertime brings with it sun-stricken days followed by warm, clear nights. It brings with it a quite literally burning desire for smoothies and ice cream cones. It brings with it fireworks and Vacation Bible School and water activities. It also brings with it the work of fundraising for the year ahead.

In this time of humble trust in the Lord's provisions, I ask you again to consider supporting me financially as I work to raise $30,000 by August 2009 for the second year of my internship. My goal is to have 5 people support me for $100/month, 25 people for $50/month, 30 people for $25/month, and some one-time gifts. All gifts are tax-deductible.

If you want to know more about the ministry, my internship, the support-raising process, or anything else, I would love to speak with you! Just send me your contact information and I will get in touch with you soon!

Thank you for considering to support me whether prayerfully, financially, or both!

HOW TO GIVE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFTS:

PLEDGES:
To make a pledge, you send an e-mail with your name, address, and pledge amount to BStandridge@pcanet.org or you can call 678-825-1070. Pledges count towards my goal, even if the money is not physically there yet.

CHECKS:
Write checks out to "Reformed University Fellowship" with “Christina Rodriguez support” on the memo line. You will receive a receipt and an envelope for your next gift.You can mail checks to:
Reformed University Fellowship
1700 North Brown Road, Suite 104
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

ONLINE DONATIONS:
This is only for one-time donations using credit cards. Pledges or automatically recurring donations cannot be made through our website. If you would prefer to give online, visit www.ruf.org. Click on the “donate online” button on the middle of the page. After you are prompted to fill out your personal information, you will be asked to specify where you want your donation to go. Under "Staff Member" scroll down to find "Rodriguez, Christina - KSU Intern" and select.

ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER or CREDIT CARD:
The easiest way to set this is up is to call the RUF Office at 678-825-1070.

Reformed University Ministries will process EFT donations in the same manner as we do other types of donations, including issuing a monthly receipt. EFT is cost free and hassle free. You have total control over your gift. You can stop or change your gift at any time by notifying Reformed University Ministries.It’s easy to begin:1. Write a note to the office address (see address above) expressing your wish monthly drafts to your account and your name and address to include with your check as well as the name of the staff member you wish to support (Christina Rodriguez).2. Attach a check for the first month’s donation or a voided check3. Mail the check and the authorization form or note to Reformed University MinistriesYour confirmation letter will include the date the first transfer will be made.