Month: March 2012

I want to share some thoughts with you for just a minute.  Philippians 3:16 says “…hold on to the progress we have already made”…

I pray before I write, speak, teach–whatever, there is nothing I can do without the Holy Spirit leading and guiding everystep (word).  BUT with God–the Word says, I can do ALL things–because HE is my strength–none of my own.

When climbing these steps yesterday I had to remind myself of HIS strength. 

When we had first begun the trek up to the top, we had gone about half way, had stopped to breathe.  I was sort of straggling behind–mostly because I didn’t want my eyes to miss a single thing that HE might have put in my path for me to see.  (It’s our responsibility to “LOOK”–you will understand that more later.)

As I was hesitating at the next doorway that led to the next level, looking out over the fields of precisely placed stones, a tall gray haired man appeared coming out of the doorway, looked straight at me and said, “Climb all the way to the top.  The view is worth it.”

Well, if you know me at all, I pondered this, rolled it back and forth in my heart and knew God was speaking to me through a man I had never laid eyes on.  It actually went with some words the Lord gave me on the plane and I scribbled them down.

When I listened to the missionary speak yesterday, I reliazed there is a pattern to what God is saying to me.  Forgetting what is behind.  If Darth, the missionary,  had not purposefully laid every tormenting pain behind him and walked out of that pain to serve God with all his heart, there would be hundreds of children not yet reached today.  Hundreds more hungry.  Hundreds without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  He and his wife Thida have instilled in the lives of every single child they have contacted–a purpose and faith in Christ Jesus.

We are to do the same.

Right now, millions believe a lie.

The lie they believe is not alive–cannot save–cannot heal–cannot rescue–does not love.

The lie they believe kills.  It kills dreams and visions.  Offers no hope for a future…for life everlasting….only death.

What Darth and Thida have they freely give.  As Peter and John were at the gate called Beautiful (Acts 3:1-10), they stand with no alms–but rich in Christ Jesus–willing and ready to give all they have.

What are we giving?  Without our help–they remain just as they are.  Crippled.  Blind.  Deaf.  Mute.  Without hope–no dreams–or visions of a future outside the walls of lies.

You and I both have something we can give.  Whether you are ever able to make the journey here or not–you can still go.  You go by sponsoring a child.  Giving them hope.  A chance at a better life–one filled with the TRUTH –the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

It will take a sacrifice on the part of some.  But that is what God calls us to do–give freely of what we have.  Let me share one more passage of Paul’s writing to the church at Philippi: 

Philippians 4:15-19  As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this.  Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once.  I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to recieve a reward for your kindness.  At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.  (NLT emphasis mine)

What are you willing to share–to give up so that a child–can know the truth that will set her free?

Think about what you spend $34 for each month.  In reality–this is little more than a shirt.  As a couple, you can’t eat out for $34.  If you sacrificed an evening out so that a child could know…thing of the value that is over the steak and salad….

I’m not trying to “convince” you–I am following the leading of the Holy Spirit in my typing, and if in reading you are convicted…then HE is speaking to your heart–not me.

 I pray always that these words are not mine–but rather HIS alone.  And all glory goes to my Father.

Visit the Mission of Mercy site today and read about how you can become involved in the life of one child.  Hang his or her picture on your refrigerator with your kids and grandkids.  Let God multiply what you have by sharing with another.  God’s multiplication is far different from ours.  We think in terms of money…always.  But His blessings are far beyond any paper money that can burn or be stolen.

Above all…don’t stop climbing.  Keep pursuing the heart of God…let HIM do all the leading.  But resolve to follow HIM anywhere.

Can I give you a hint…when you hear in your mind, “that’s too much for you–or too hard–or what will people think… or any negative thought”, you are on the right track…just keep pressing on.  The devil wants to stop you–but straighten your back and climb higher. 

The view is so worth the journey.

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News 2007-2012

Saturday (which was your Friday), as we traveled to the Dream Center by bus to begin our first day of work, I noticed much of the roadside shack/shops and terrain was very similar to where we visited in Bolivia…in that it was in a very poor state.  Much activity in third world countries may be similar—

Children with very little clothes or food.—Very  little chance of a future…or maybe vacant of dreams and hopes of something more….

We passed many motorbikes with several people on them—of all ages.  Stacked and layered on the bikes to make insure safety? Really?  We would stroke out over that at home.   Yet it’s their way of life here.  The motorcycle that caught my attention and kept me thinking on it most of the day was a pink bike, with a couple of young kids on it—and the word “dream” painted on the side.

Since words themselves, tend to catch my attention, this word caught it and  held it as I began to think of the kind of dreams these children may have.

A dream to own a car?  No.  Probably not.

A dream to have a family? Maybe.

A dream for education? Why not?

A dream to make a difference? I think so.  We will hear the testimony of ones this week who are making a difference (more on that later in the week).

Our dreams and hopes keep us going—they give us a focus beyond the pain of today.  Many of these children endure such hardships, all they can see is what today brings…very little hope for future dreams.

What I’ve learned is that when you sponsor a child—you give them a chance to actually dream.  To have a hope beyond the rice patties—beyond the fields of life stealing hard labor.  You give their dreams a chance to grow.  For $34 a month many of these ladies on this trip have planted a seed of hope—and the promise of dreams into the hearts and lives of children and teens.

As we stepped off the bus, the smells were familiar.  It smelled like life—with the struggles and hardships that we have a tendency to turn our backs on.  I mean, let’s be honest.  If it smells, we turn away… If it causes us to “miss out on what we want”, we have a tendency to say, “well that’s not for us to worry about”….

In Matthew 28:18-20, when Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission, He didn’t say, if it smells pleasant…

or “if it fits within your schedule”….

or He didn’t even say, “if it works out in your budget”…

He simply said GO.  Tell them.  Teach them.  Baptize them.  I’m afraid we’ve lived in a world of convenience so long we think everything MUST revolve around our convenience.

Yes, I am writing this from a room that is “not” cool.  The a/c doesn’t work as it should—and yes, we could go downstairs and complain….but you know, I have felt convicted of that particular complaint…my eyes sting with tears this morning as I recall how many complaints my lips have uttered for my own selfish desires.  And yet He still blesses me. 

My grandchildren have food.  Shelter.  Opportunities for education that is FREE. 

Look at the faces in the pictures.  Picture yourself giving up something to enable them to dream.  Giving them a hope for a better tomorrow.  One where they too can make a difference in the life of another.

Thank you Mission of Mercy for giving this opportunity “to the utter most” parts of the world.

You can help change the world…

one child at a time.

© Angie Knight-The Knightly News 2012.

We began this morning with prayer and breakfast….in that order.  The Presence of God was so real—having heard amazing testimonies from others—and praising and singing songs to the Most High God, the little band of traveling missionaries you see here were blessed to be together.  Only God could do something as amazing as this!

We sang and prayed last night (Thursday night), ate REAL Chicago style pizza—that tasted more like a huge mozzarella stick with a crust—and then settled in to sleep.  Even though the air conditioner in our room wasn’t functioning as well as the one in Vanessa’s girls room across the hall—we found we couldn’t complain.  (Do NOT tell Jeff that I was hot and didn’t complain)

We are right now sitting (as I’m typing) in the airplane—that HUGE plane—and are experiencing turbulence…to the max.  I am remembering a discussion with one of the ladies before leaving—she having never flown before—me—sounding like a “pro” although, I’m FAR from it (I question everything!), I told her, “just think of it as a bumpy bus ride”.  Trying to assure her ahead of time for the high sky-ruts in the road….yet I didn’t think it would be this rough.  Funny though.  As I’m typing, my keyboard is shifting—I keep erasing what I’ve typed because I keep hitting the “wrong” key.

I have just been told we are above Canada right now. 

Wow.  Hello, Ann, We are passing your boarders. Well, probably not, but we are crossing your country.  I’d stop in for a spell, but I’m afraid we’re in a bit of a hurry today.  We have children to meet—and work to do.

We have just discovered the two rows in front of us is a family (complete with grandmother, aunt, and children) of our fellowship—originally from Vietnam, having been in the US for a while, they are returning home.  Husband is a teacher, she is a mission worker.    Again, Wow.

Last night, as we returned to our room to “settle before Him”, and talk, we read from yesterday’s devotion, Jesus Calling:  “Let me help you through this day.  The challenges you face are far too great for you to handle alone.  You are keenly aware of your helplessness in the scheme of events you face. this awareness opens up a choice:  to doggedly go it alone or to walk with Me in humble steps of dependence.”  (Jesus Calling, Sarah Young)

He wants us to depend on Him…not choosing our own path, but following the one HE laid out. 

He has a plan…and His plan is good.  Psalms  143:8 says “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.  Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

We are blessed to be able to travel with this team of women, and Mission of Mercy trip director, Candy Wigington—many new friendships are forged along the way…all in HIS plan.

I can’t wait to see what HE unfolds next.  One thing I know:  At every single point of crisis—or what we “thought” was a crisis—HE was there.  This morning as we prayed, we sang,

“He is here, hallelujah,

He is here…amen,

He is here Holy Holy, I will bless His name again,

He is here,

listen closely, hear Him calling out your name,

He is here, you can touch Him,

YOU will never be the same”….*

(*Tally Trio)

We serve a God who IS here….and He will meet us there as well.

Okay, must shut down for now—the bumpy ride is getting to me.

Don’t forget Lois Solet’s blog, Dirt and Divinity—she is the professional photographer—and an AMAZING blogger.  (I just play like one)

I can’t wait to introduce you to the CHILDREN!!!  If you would like to make a difference in the life of a child—visit Mission of Mercy and find out how.  If you are not interested in “going” to another country to work—you can still bless those there—make a difference—be a part of God’s BIG plan.

Hey, did I mention the 30 minute boat ride to the school where we will have VBS?  Check out the pictures I posted 2 days ago….this is a reminder to pray.  There are 36 of us…..

****We arrived around midnight Friday night—after l—o—n—g—flight.  It is hot and humid here…sort of like Northwest Florida in the stickiest part of the summer…

We are thankful to be here—and was met with a tremendous smiling face of Darth, from Mission of Mercy’s Dream Center.  THANK YOU JESUS!

More later.

Just a tidbit since arriving–leaving out some struggles–we were picked up by the hotel shuttle bus and when it pulled up–we were taken aback by the outside appearance.  A large cardboard covered one window where a “rock” had hit the window and busted it…..hmmmm.  Made us question the hotel…but when we arrived–we were very pleased.

© The Knightly News 2007-2012

Wow.

It seems like only last week…yet this journey began last year.

This week I will be traveling with a few friends…on a mission….

Our mission is to minister in every way we possibly can to the lives and hearts of children across–way– way— way— across the water.

Many of these little children live on the water.  In housing like we’ve never seen.  Some, I’ve been told may sleep in a small boat at night with a tarp stretched over the top.  (This breaks a mama’s heart)

I will be one of two official bloggers for the trip!  I will get the link of the other one and you can keep up REALLY well with the happenings over there. (Way over there.)

The flight is (I think) 12 hours or more–and they are 12 hours (or more) ahead of our time zone.

Am I nervous you asked?  Not especially.

This trip has been on God’s calendar for so long…and yet the day I thought I was signing up for another trip–(the one that got cancelled), He knew in advance.  He also knows me by heart–and knows that I might have shied away from this particular trip….but this trip…even more than any other—is an ordained trip for “this messenger”.

We will work with Mission of Mercy at the Dream Center, as well as the Mission of Mercy School in the village 🙂

I will upload a picture of the Dream Center later–with a special project that many of the ladies of the West Florida District Assemblies of God-took to heart and sewing machine! 

A wonderful sewing day making curtains for the Dream Center dorm rooms–where we sewed “seams” and sowed “seeds” into lives most of those will not see this side of heaven…but that didn’t matter. 

What really mattered was the lives we could share Christ with…here and there. 

Toothbrushes have been donated-(Thanks to Savanah’s mom!)-gifts bought and readied for the trip.  Some have asked if they can donate and send….the answer?  Yes.  Make it small–no liquids–no guns or anything resembling war toys.  Coloring books, crayons, fun stickers, balloons, flat puzzles, etc.  You can drop off at the District office no later than Monday, March 5, 2012–or call me and let me know you are coming and I will meet you there!

And Pray. Pray. Pray.  This is the longest (so far) trip I’ve been on.  Pray for the families of all that are going–that all stay healthy and safe–so that we can focus on what we are sent to do.

Give them Jesus.

© The Knightly News 2012