Sunday, April 28, 2013

how YOU can get INVOLVED :)

Hey Everyone!!
          I’m so excited about this summer and what God has in store for me. I know that after I come back I will not be the same. The thing is, I cannot do this by myself. I will be needing GOD"S help and YOURS. Here is all the information:
          I will be living in Mae Sot, Thailand for six weeks, from June 18th-July 31st. I will be going with Kingdom Inc. on the Journey trip through their Campaign program.
Kingdom Inc. is a non- profit organization. While some time will be spent in schools, churches and villages, other time will be spent working the business; which is their restaurant named Famous Ray’s Burger and Fries. The restaurant helps with three things: 1) Burmese people can be hired and paid a fair wage, 2) profits are used to fund projects in Burma, and 3) profits are used to fund support long-term missionaries in the community. Depending on the stage of development of the restaurant, work may be required to keep it running or the next phases of development (a guesthouse or other such endeavor) can be started.
         There are four major emphases: Ministry (to advance the kingdom of God by following God’s commission to heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, disciple, teach, etc.); Work (we will continue the business development of the restaurant, working in the schools, churches, etc.); Study (One of the foundational pieces to The Journey is teaching and discipleship. We will dive into the Bible, Spiritual Formation, Entrepreneurial Business, Cross-Cultural missions and a host of other information conversations. We’ll read, research, debate and work to discover more of who God is.); and Live (Community is an integral tool for personal growth. We live inspired to grow and become who God’s created us to be but realize that growth comes through stretching, learning, and feedback. We’ll set aside time to play, worship, and just be together as a family).
         I am so stoked about this trip! Through the whole process I can tell that there is a difference in my relationship with God. I’m already being stretched and I know there is more to come, and that’s okay because I’m not supposed to be comfortable. I have to put my faith and trust in God. There is no way I cannot do with this trip without Him.
         This is where YOU come in! The truth is, I need all the support I can get. I need to be lifted up in prayer but I really need people like you to support me financially. I estimate that the trip will be around $5,000 (Trip: $2,250, Plane ticket: $2,000+, and temporary insurance: which I'm not for sure yet) and I have until JUNE 10TH to turn it all in. I know it's a lot in a short amount of time that is why I need YOUR help. Thank You for always supporting me!! Love You!!
        
How YOU can donate:
         Give online: at the right of my blog there is a button that says "Make A Donation" right underneath the Support Me, that will lead you to my Paypal account. 
         Mail checks:
Kingdom Inc. P.O. Box
98438 Atlanta, GA 30359
Memo-Nichole Rodriguez
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

*If you have any questions email me at: rodrigueznichole86@yahoo.com. Or Facebook me: Nichole Alicia Rodriguez

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

The Unexpected Begining of my Journey

Well as you know I found out on Monday (April 22nd, 2013) that I will be going to Mae Sot, Thailand to live there for six weeks of my summer.
mae-sot-mapI was not expecting to go anywhere this summer besides than going to youth events with my church, Spring Creek Assembly of God, until I received a phone call from a friend telling me about the mission trip to Thailand. I told them I would pray about it, even though I was thinking there was no way of me going but I still decided to pray about it.
When I was praying about it there was something inside of me that felt like this was actually going to become a reality. I told my parents about the trip, and they were supportive but I think a little bit hesitant. The one thing they wanted me to make sure was that if I went that I would still have my job when I got back. So the next time I had to work I asked my boss if I would sill have my job if I was gone for that long. He acted like it was nothing, I was surprised. I was expecting for him to be like "I don't know if I can promise you that". At this point I decided to fill out the application and within a couple a days they asked if they could interview me. I did the interview and they said that they would pray about it and they would let me know for sure or not. They suggested me to do the same. So I did and they told me that they would love for me to come to Thailand.
Now my next step in my trip is figuring everything thing out, and to be honest I am kind of starting to feel overwhelmed but I know I serve a God who is able. Please pray for me.
I will be posting more information soon. Thank You! Love You!