April 19th Update:
I ‘m blown away: I raised nearly all of the funds needed for my Thailand photography mission!
Major thanks for everyone who gave, to all who prayed & continue to pray!
I leave May 21st to start my journey with training in Mexico, and then will be in Thailand May 25th – June 26th. Ways to stay updated on my trip will be posted on my blog before I depart.
***If you would like to donate to the trip after April 15th, please write the check out to me, Amber Zbitnoff or give via Paypal. You will be reimbursing me for the costs of the trip that I have covered or paid to Envision Culture myself. Example: shots, equipment needed, etc. Thank you! This gift will not be able to receive a tax receipt, but would be a huge blessing!***
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Hello friends!!
Although I’ve used this blog primarily for my photography business, I would love to also share with what drives my heart. (And to be honest, it’s related to photography – a win win!) Which brings me to this very special news…
Something big is happening – I have an incredible opportunity to serve on a mission trip to Bangkok, Thailand at the end of May!
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:14
Recently I have felt a deep pressing on my heart to serve others and share stories of God’s love, grace, and redemption through my photography. I have a couple of friends who have traveled to serve in other countries, and I decided to inquire with ENVISION CULTURE to see if they had any photography needs in Bangkok. Within a month the pieces have perfectly fallen into place, which is nothing short of God’s hand guiding the process.
During my month in Thailand I will be blessed to have the flexibility to travel to various ministry partner sites to photograph their works and stories and to build relationships with the Thai people. Some of the partner sites include an outreach ministry that works with prostitutes in the very rampant Thai sex trafficking market; hanging out and loving on kids in the local slums; and providing a bible study and conversational English with Thai university students.
“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.”
- Proverbs 16:1
In order to go on this amazing mission, I am humbly asking for your help and support. It is going to cost me approximately $3,500 to cover my travel, lodging, food, and field expenses. While that number is daunting, it translates into 175 awesome people each donating $20. I’m not sure exactly what is in store for this trip, the stories I will be blessed to share, or the people I’m going to meet, but I wholeheartedly believe that this is where I am supposed to go. I’m living on a prayer and taking a giant leap of faith.
If you are interested in contributing any amount towards my expenses, you can write a check out to me <strike>or to The Christian and Missionary Alliance/Envision Office and designate my name either on the check or on a note enclosed with the check</strike>. (Please see note at the top of the post as my fund raising deadline has passed.) You can also give online via PAYPAL (send money to zbitnoff@gmail.com as a gift), or you can send cash. All mail can be sent to:
Amber Zbitnoff
P.O. Box 31601
Seattle, WA 98103
Whether or not you are able to give at the time, I would also like to ask for prayer for my trip. Prayer is a huge part of this experience, and I will need as much of it as I can get! Please pray:
· That God will give me the wisdom, words, heart, and tools to serve.
· That God will provide for my expenses.
· That I will have safe travels and remain in good health.
Photos are powerful. They reveal hearts, show emotion, and convey truths that words can’t always place. I am ecstatic to see where God leads me and to serve with willing hands.
In love,
Amber
This photo is from a mission trip I was blessed to go on in 2006 to Mexicali, Mexico with Westminster Chapel. I’m looking forward to playing with kids again – laughter is the best universal language.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at hello@amberzbitnoff.com and start a conversation!
