I can't believe the month of June is over already. Why does time seem to fly by when you want it most to stand still? Time is definitely not on my side, but, fortunately, God is on my side!!
Thank you for praying for me in this transitional part of my life. You can definitely send up a prayer of praise because God has already provided $4,000 towards my need of $30,600 pledged by August 1. The craziest part of it all is that it has come from people I never expected would support me!
As a part of my RUF Internship, I have a study program that requires me to read certian books each month. This past month, I have been reading 1) Trusting God by Jerry Bridges, 2) Asking by Jerold Panas, and 3) the book of Mark. For obvious reasons, these books are great for me to read right now. Trusting God is not easy because we can't understand what He is doing and why. We see the present and forget that God is sovreign; that He is in total control. I forget that He is in control when I am making the dreaded calls to ask people for support. I think, "If I say the wrong thing or forget to say this, I'll ruin my chance for financial support!" But the truth is that I cannot ruin what God has planned. Whew!
Then Mark 4:37-41 showed me that the apostles struggled to trust in Jesus too. When the seas were rough, they feared for their lives despite having the Son of God in their presence. Jesus is always in our presence. He is involved in every secon of our lives, whether we are sleeping or caught in the middle of a storm. This means that we can always rest in Him and trust Him! So, I am learning to trust Him for my future by His constant reminders that He is faithful.
So, thanks for the amazing encouragement you've provided me thus far! I ask you, again, to please consider supporting me if you can. A pledge to give $10, $25, or even $50 a month, would be very helpful, but one-time gifts are also greatly appreciated!! Also, if you know of anyone who might be interested in supporting college campus ministry, please send me their contact information.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Hello Atlanta
After driving around the southeastern United States for the past week and a half, I am ready to trade in my car keys for a pair of sneaker and some comfy socks. As exhausting as my various trips were, they were also enjoyable and enlightening.
I started my 1600 mile journey by driving from Gainesville to Atlanta for RUF Staff Training. I was overwhelmed by the experience. Somewhere between meeting new people and signing papers, I got lost in a sea of information. I spent most of Tuesday on the brink of tears; some spilled out against my hardest efforts to hold them back. We were being told to take care of ourselves throughout the internship, not to retreat into a shell where no one can reach us. I had a hard time taking this in because I don't take care of myself now. I'm getting better at letting people help me, but I don't want to get to the point where I depend on people over God. On Tuesday, they also talked about fundraising...enough said. Trust God!
The rest of the week was more uplifting and encouraging. The RUF Staff are amazing people who truly care about you and love you. The other new interns were a fun bunch and I look forward to getting to know each of them better.
Before driving back to Gainesville on Thursday, I took a 20 minute drive north of Atlanta to visit Kennesaw State University. I bought a KSU t-shirt and toured the campus. Though Chris Bowen, the campus minister at KSU, wasn't physically there, he was nice enough to give me a tour of the campus by phone. KSU is definitely different from the University of Florida in many ways, but that doesn't worry me. In fact, I like that it's so different from what I'm used to.
On Friday, I drove from Gainesville to Jacksonville for a friend's wedding. It was beautiful to see two wonderful people come together as one before God. I wish them nothing but the best. Immediately after the reception I drove to Miami where I spent two days enjoying the company of family and friends. By Tuesday night, I was back in Gainesville in time for summer RUF large group. What a week!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Officially Employed
Today, I have officially become a member of the RUF Staff. It's exciting, but it's not permanent until I have $23,000 pledged. I could easily complain until my fingers fall off about fundraising, but that would just prove my insecurities and lack of trust in God's plan for my life. Why do we doubt despite His faithfulness and infinite goodness? Why do I?
Tomorrow, I will leave my home at some ridiculous hour of the morning to drive to Atlanta, Georgia for orientation. I am ready to meet all my fellow interns and get to know them. Please, pray for our safety as we travel from all different parts of the country, for encouragement as we learn about our new jobs, and for our growth in trusting God, His sovreignty, and His faithfulness.
Tomorrow, I will leave my home at some ridiculous hour of the morning to drive to Atlanta, Georgia for orientation. I am ready to meet all my fellow interns and get to know them. Please, pray for our safety as we travel from all different parts of the country, for encouragement as we learn about our new jobs, and for our growth in trusting God, His sovreignty, and His faithfulness.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Happily Ever After
Of the little television that I watch, I must shamelessly admit that I tune in to the Bachelor/Bachelorette each week. While I find it amusing that the people on the show fall in love within just a few hours spent together, I also find it slightly unrealistic. Nonetheless, I watch it and even pick up a few cool date ideas.
I've been a romantic for as long as I can remember and some of the episodes definitely play on my emotions. I've grown to view love as less of a fairytale and more of a cooperation between two people. I can certainly attest to the fact that not every fairytale beginning has a "happily ever after" ending, and that's okay.
I found this season of "The Bachelorette" particularly intriguing because there was a man who openly professed his faith as a Christian. I was attracted to the fact that he was forward with his faith and lifestyle choices that accompany it. As the show progressed, I paid close attention to this man's actions and words, only to be left disappointed by the way he portrayed himself. He played himself up to be a righteous person who is better than everyone else. While there is nothing wrong with practicing abstinence, there is something wrong with thinking you're better because you practice it. At one point, he told the bachelorette that he didn't cuss or do any "bad things," but he cusses at a fellow bachelor a few days later.
It is quite possible that the producers of the show edited the footage to make it appear differently than how it actually happened. Then, I may be misjudging him. Still, this is what non-Christians see and think all Christians are like. Let me be the first to admit that I have been hypocritical more times than I can count. I am a sinner just like everyone else. I hope the difference is that I am not proclaiming to be righteous. I am not "good." Jesus is the only one who was ever righteous and good. Christians are not going to Heaven because of their morality or goodness, but because of Jesus' morality and goodness. He is the only One who can give us a "happily ever after."
I've been a romantic for as long as I can remember and some of the episodes definitely play on my emotions. I've grown to view love as less of a fairytale and more of a cooperation between two people. I can certainly attest to the fact that not every fairytale beginning has a "happily ever after" ending, and that's okay.
I found this season of "The Bachelorette" particularly intriguing because there was a man who openly professed his faith as a Christian. I was attracted to the fact that he was forward with his faith and lifestyle choices that accompany it. As the show progressed, I paid close attention to this man's actions and words, only to be left disappointed by the way he portrayed himself. He played himself up to be a righteous person who is better than everyone else. While there is nothing wrong with practicing abstinence, there is something wrong with thinking you're better because you practice it. At one point, he told the bachelorette that he didn't cuss or do any "bad things," but he cusses at a fellow bachelor a few days later.
It is quite possible that the producers of the show edited the footage to make it appear differently than how it actually happened. Then, I may be misjudging him. Still, this is what non-Christians see and think all Christians are like. Let me be the first to admit that I have been hypocritical more times than I can count. I am a sinner just like everyone else. I hope the difference is that I am not proclaiming to be righteous. I am not "good." Jesus is the only one who was ever righteous and good. Christians are not going to Heaven because of their morality or goodness, but because of Jesus' morality and goodness. He is the only One who can give us a "happily ever after."
Monday, May 26, 2008
Daddy!
So, I've spent the past couple of days signing, stuffing, and sealing support letters. I have a little over 50 people on my list, which sounds frighteningly low because it is. Everyone else I have talked to has well over 100 contacts. This is all the more reason to learn to truly trust the Lord. In Him, ALL things are possible.
One of the people on my list is my father, a man I have never seen or met. I grew up wondering about who he was and what he looked like. Three years ago, I found out where he lived and sent him a letter. I never got a response. That was, hands down, the most awful time in my life. I strayed from my other Father and distanced myself from my family and friends. It took me two years to put the whole experience in the background. I'm so numb to it, that thinking about it evokes no emotion whatsoever. It's one of the things I hide under my mask. It's a secret I keep. It's the thing that no one wants to ask me about because no one knows what to say.
I decided to send him my support letter. With it, I enclosed yet another letter to him expressing my desire to get to know him. I told him what the last letter did to me emotionally and begged him to give me some sort of response so that I may have closure. If I got a note in the mail saying "Leave me alone!," then at least I could stop wondering if he ever got my letters. It would hurt. I would be brokenhearted, but it would be closure.
The only One who will bring me through what I am about to go through is the only One I can call Daddy. Right now, I'm silently screaming "Daddy!"
One of the people on my list is my father, a man I have never seen or met. I grew up wondering about who he was and what he looked like. Three years ago, I found out where he lived and sent him a letter. I never got a response. That was, hands down, the most awful time in my life. I strayed from my other Father and distanced myself from my family and friends. It took me two years to put the whole experience in the background. I'm so numb to it, that thinking about it evokes no emotion whatsoever. It's one of the things I hide under my mask. It's a secret I keep. It's the thing that no one wants to ask me about because no one knows what to say.
I decided to send him my support letter. With it, I enclosed yet another letter to him expressing my desire to get to know him. I told him what the last letter did to me emotionally and begged him to give me some sort of response so that I may have closure. If I got a note in the mail saying "Leave me alone!," then at least I could stop wondering if he ever got my letters. It would hurt. I would be brokenhearted, but it would be closure.
The only One who will bring me through what I am about to go through is the only One I can call Daddy. Right now, I'm silently screaming "Daddy!"
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Interested in Supporting Me at KSU?
I have been touched to hear that people are interested in supporting me as an RUF Intern. The part that has been most humbling about this is that many of the people that have mentioned they want to help are the people with the lowest incomes (i.e. college students, recent graduates, young professionals). God's ways never cease to amaze me! 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.
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.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
A Big Box with My Name on It
I've been waiting for this box all week. It's the box that contains all my printed support letters and envelopes and stamps. This box makes it real. I am really going to be an RUF intern. I really am going to be asking people to support me. I really am living out God's plan for my life. I really am going to Kennesaw, Georgia!
I spent part of yesterday searching for roommates to possibly live with in Kennesaw. I have a strong feeling this is going to be a big learning experience. The only other time I've had a roommate was my freshman year in college. We learned a lot from each other that year. All things considered, she was a pretty great roommate. Sharing living quarters is not only cheaper, but it also grows you in ways you can't grow when you're living by yourself and have everything done your way. There is no doubt in my mind that living on my own these past three years has made me selfish and self-centered.
Still, I can't wait!!
I spent part of yesterday searching for roommates to possibly live with in Kennesaw. I have a strong feeling this is going to be a big learning experience. The only other time I've had a roommate was my freshman year in college. We learned a lot from each other that year. All things considered, she was a pretty great roommate. Sharing living quarters is not only cheaper, but it also grows you in ways you can't grow when you're living by yourself and have everything done your way. There is no doubt in my mind that living on my own these past three years has made me selfish and self-centered.
Still, I can't wait!!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
My Support Letter
Less than a year ago, I would have told you with assurance that I would be going to grad school this fall. Somewhere between then and now, God revealed to me His plan for my life, which doesn't include grad school right now. With great excitement, I am writing to let you know that I have been chosen to be an Intern with Reformed University Ministries at Kennesaw State University (KSU) in Atlanta, GA during the 2008-2009 school year. Reformed University Ministries is the college ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America with Reformed University Fellowship or “RUF” on over 120 campuses around the nation. The ministry’s mission is to reach students with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and equip those students to serve Him, not just on their campus, but in all of life.
I want to work with college students because I am at an age when I can still relate to them and empathize with many of the situations they are facing. As a student, I found it easier to talk and relate to someone my age. College students are trying to understand themselves and the world in which they live, all while making life-changing decisions. Sometimes, all they need is a friend to listen to them or a leader to point them in a different direction. I truly enjoy listening to and learning from others.
The intern program will offer me the opportunity to serve under the leadership of Chris Bowen, the RUF Campus Minister at KSU. Every Tuesday night in large group we will pray, sing, listen to the Word of God, and enjoy fellowship with one another. Throughout the year, I will lead small group Bible studies, disciple and meet with female students on an individual basis, and assist with our local and statewide conferences. The year will present many challenges, but by God’s grace, He will sustain me each and every day.
As I take on the role of an intern, I will need faithful support. First and foremost, I need your prayers. Although a majority of my time will be spent with students, I also desire to know and more deeply understand the truths in Scripture. The combination of intense personal study and a demanding schedule will undoubtedly require great energy and a hunger for the ministry. Second, I need financial support. Because our salaries and expenses are raised completely through your generous gifts, I ask that you would prayerfully consider supporting my work with RUF. I will need to raise $30,600, and I will need 75% ($23,000) of this before I can move and begin working on campus. All contributions are tax deductible and the enclosed return envelope outlines several ways in which you can help meet my needs or you can also give online at www.ruf.org.
God used RUF at the University of Florida to reach me and draw me into Him at a time when I felt lonely, dejected, and hopeless. He has blessed me with friends that support me when I am in need and challenge me when I am wrong. Now, full of hope through faith in Jesus, I am blessed with the opportunity to serve as part of the ministry that so amazingly served me.
Thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to you sharing in our ministry at Kennesaw State University.
Sincerely,
Christina Rodriguez
I want to work with college students because I am at an age when I can still relate to them and empathize with many of the situations they are facing. As a student, I found it easier to talk and relate to someone my age. College students are trying to understand themselves and the world in which they live, all while making life-changing decisions. Sometimes, all they need is a friend to listen to them or a leader to point them in a different direction. I truly enjoy listening to and learning from others.
The intern program will offer me the opportunity to serve under the leadership of Chris Bowen, the RUF Campus Minister at KSU. Every Tuesday night in large group we will pray, sing, listen to the Word of God, and enjoy fellowship with one another. Throughout the year, I will lead small group Bible studies, disciple and meet with female students on an individual basis, and assist with our local and statewide conferences. The year will present many challenges, but by God’s grace, He will sustain me each and every day.
As I take on the role of an intern, I will need faithful support. First and foremost, I need your prayers. Although a majority of my time will be spent with students, I also desire to know and more deeply understand the truths in Scripture. The combination of intense personal study and a demanding schedule will undoubtedly require great energy and a hunger for the ministry. Second, I need financial support. Because our salaries and expenses are raised completely through your generous gifts, I ask that you would prayerfully consider supporting my work with RUF. I will need to raise $30,600, and I will need 75% ($23,000) of this before I can move and begin working on campus. All contributions are tax deductible and the enclosed return envelope outlines several ways in which you can help meet my needs or you can also give online at www.ruf.org.
God used RUF at the University of Florida to reach me and draw me into Him at a time when I felt lonely, dejected, and hopeless. He has blessed me with friends that support me when I am in need and challenge me when I am wrong. Now, full of hope through faith in Jesus, I am blessed with the opportunity to serve as part of the ministry that so amazingly served me.
Thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to you sharing in our ministry at Kennesaw State University.
Sincerely,
Christina Rodriguez
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