A. Knight

Dear Kaylee,

Your vision and heart for others will reap rewards long after the dust settles from this trip.

The seeds sown through the work of your hands, and the fingers of others (the kids in your children’s church) will multiple countless times–until a great Harvest. When I looked at these kids–I thought about you–your heart and what you did so that they could have a constant reminder of their decision to follow Jesus Christ.

Your act of faith and obedience amazed me–as so many “grown-ups” walk in fear so often…. (I, myself have been that grown-up). Thank you for teaching us all a lesson.

The lesson I learned–big jobs-small jobs–ALL jobs matter in the Kingdom of God. Every single thing we do to express our love for God–thankfulness for our salvation–MATTERS…

I know you have a heart for missions–I am going to pray that God will continue to grow that feeling–and that He shows you every time what He wants you to do. Don’t be afraid to tackle a larger than life kind of job. If God plants the seed in your heart–pray it through and believe He can accomplish it through YOU. HE CAN!!

Sarah, you and Cory have two amazing girls. I know you realize that. I am amazed at the heart of those two–what you have sown into them is growing, maturing and blossoming into God’s purpose–His useful vessel that He will continue to use to pour out on others… I’m so glad to have been a part of what He started in her life! 🙂

To all other mama’s and daddy’s out there: Read the Bible with your children….pray with them–besides the blessing at mealtime. Talk to them about missions–about how we all have a part we can play to plant seeds of salvation for others ALL OVER THE WORLD. Young kids like Kaylee can play just as big a part as the one who packs a suitcase and boards a plane. It’s up to all of us to do our part!

This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14 NASB

Special thanks to David Pettis for having cards printed to explain the colors and serve as a reminder of the day they made a decision to follow Jesus. They are a great tool to use to witness!

Bolivia, Missions

A Note From April Pettis- Crusade Leader

June 8, 2015October 21, 2016 A. Knight

What an incredible week! I thank God for the opportunity to serve him. I thank each person who gave of their money, supplies, and prayers. Lives were changed in Bolivia…both Bolivian’s and Orange Team members.

To the Orange Team members:
Thank you for positive and obedient attitudes.

Thank you for “going with the flow” when direction changed, or when asked to rush and asked to wait.

Thank you for having a servant’s heart.

Floyd, thank you for leading the “set up/break down crew”. You all had this down to an art. I knew when we set foot on each campus the “stage” would be set and ready to go within 10 minutes. Thank you for being willing to help with the object lesson. I believe this visual will stick in the minds of everyone who saw it.

Sandi, Than you for heading up the puppet and game crew. You always had everything ready to go. You made each transition behind the curtain smooth. Your positive attitude when things changed was so appreciated. When given a task, you ran with it. Thank you.

Chase A., Thank you buddy for all your help. From helping set up, to passing out candy, to helping with an object lesson and anything else I asked….I really appreciate you. The world needs more teenagers willing to give up some summer activities to share God’s love around the world. Thank you.

Chase C., You helped in so many areas. From setting up, to entertaining kids, to demonstrating games….so many things…you were always willing to pitch in. I so appreciate everything.

Shelly, You always had that beautiful smile. It made an impact on many lives. You were such a big help with the puppets and each game. Even doing a little ballet with some of the girls. I know they will remember this for a long time. I thank you and Chase very much for taking a week away from home and your sweet girls to touch the lives of so many who needed to see and feel your love and attention.

Mr. Aubrey, you were a constant. I always knew you were behind me. You did an awesome job manning the sound equipment. Your encouraging words meant so much. Not to mention the many children who flocked to you to see what your hands would create next. We may never know just how much a “stick” affected each life.

Cindy, you are the best mother-in-law. I am so blessed to serve with you. You are one of the hardest working people I know–you helped in so many ways. I cannot thank you enough. Anything I asked, you were there. Your heart is so sweet and obedient. I love you very much. Thank you.

Lacy, you are such a sweetheart. I cannot thank you enough for all that you did this past week. Your willingness to serve however needed was invaluable. Your passion for Jesus is very evident. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for your ministry. Thank you.

Daniel, you were such a big help in so many ways. From helping physically each day during services to being our comedic entertainment. You kept us laughing with your stories and tales. You were a blessing to have with us this week. Thank you to you and Lacy for taking off a week from your jobs and leaving your children behind to work for Jesus.

Mother, you make me so proud to be your daughter. Your willingness to step in at any moment was awesome. Thank you for helping with lessons and entertainment. Thank you for sacrificing time you could have spent doing other things to take photos of all of us. Thank you for your constant encouraging words. I love you more…

Daddy, I could not be more proud of you. You are an amazing leader. You too, were so willing to do anything needed and asked. Your positive attitude and obedience was constant. Thank you for all that you are. I cannot wait to see what all God has in store for you and mother.

David (George), you make me so proud. You are always willing to wear anything silly, act out any skit, and make yourself vulnerable to make kids laugh. Thank you for your support. I am so happy that I get to travel this journey of life with you. I love you.

Serving Him Together,
April Pettis

Now from Jeff and Angie,
We ditto everything April said- you all were the best we could have hoped for. April, as your parents, we could not be more proud of you. You excel in all you put your heart and mind to–and this was no different. We love and appreciate you. You depict a true leader with a servants heart. There is no other kind.

We can’t wait for the next one!

Bolivia

Wearing Orange

June 8, 2015October 28, 2020 A. Knight

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know Your name trust in You because You have not abandoned those who seek You, LORD.

Psalm 9:9-10 HSCB

Orange. Bright. Easy to spot in a crowd. When the masses that surround you have black hair and darker skin, and your bunch is fair skinned you really don’t need an orange shirt to stand out…

When we were getting our shirts and deciding on a color, orange seemed to yell, “pick me!” “Make a decision to stand out and be counted for Christ~put ME on and lay your all on the altar!” Wearing Orange… It might cost you some time, vacation money, and possibly other extravagances….

Or, it might cost you your life.

Just like the persecuted Church. They are easy to see from a distance.

It has been difficult to process some things we’ve encountered. One particular day. Wednesday–when our friends in our home towns were getting ready for Wednesday night Bible Study, we were riding back to the hotel, sweaty, exhausted and spent. That’s what we came for.

When we begin this and all mission trips, we pray for God to direct our steps and our path–and we leave it entirely up to Him on the “how and when”. This trip had a fully loaded fact. Heart wrenching, emotional fact.

We encountered a young girl who had suffered abuse at the hands of a step-brother. Had, in fact, been suffering in silence for 2 years. It began when she was younger than 10 years old–in her prepubescent years the assaults began. And she could tell no one. Likely he threatened her life, and possibly the life of her mother.

Our paths crossed for a purpose and each of our lives will never be the same. The team did not get to meet her or pray with her, but our Focus Forward Ministries team did–and hug her and give her a Bible and hope. Hope that is only found in Christ Jesus.

It was no accident that this young girl, barely thirteen, now a child-mom of a 3-month old, encountered a team of orange wearing soldiers of the cross who would not back down from the pain that her wounds inflicted on each of our hearts. We could do something. Jeff and I will be sharing her story, along with our mission and purpose as we are able to meet with pastors and be in churches in the coming months. It is a story and a purpose that has become embedded in each of our hearts.

Wearing orange gave us a particular boldness as we all remembered what our brothers and sisters in Christ were experiencing in their stand and statements. Their stand, to remain associated with Jesus–their statement to not back down.

When our Presbyters wore orange ties at the recent District Council, they wore them in recognition for the persecuted church. When I looked at the sea of orange as we filed off the bus, I remembered another single file line when I looked at the first group of Christians about to be beheaded. I can’t even think of it now without crying.

Of the thousands of photographs I took, there are those that have a special place in my heart. You may get tired of reading–and tired of looking at so much orange….but friend, this was one trip I am so glad I didn’t miss.

I may bleed red–but my heart boldly wears orange.

Whether they prayed sincerely, or simply bowed their heads because they were asked to is not ours to know–it’s between them and God….but the fact remains: They were given an opportunity by a bunch of orange-t-shirt-wearing-believers who gave up a normal vacation for a trip to their country to give them a chance to know HIM.

To be continued….

Bolivia, Missions

Harvest Time

June 5, 2015October 28, 2020 A. Knight

If I started this blog with the phrase, “What an incredible week this has been”, I would not nearly come close to the truth.

There have been spiritual battles fought–and won. There have been encounters that were God ordained. And there have been tests and trials along this journey. Tests of obedience (Jeff’s topic of devotion this week), and tests of patience….and tests of endurance.

I silently watch and observe how those that come with us are affected by the surroundings we are in–and constantly, I am amazed at how great is the love of Christ that continues to build in this team for the “world”. Almost all individuals goes home wanting to do MORE in their own neighborhood–every -single- time. The needs here in Bolivia reminds each of us of the needs at home.

There are faces that will be in our dreams each night and our prayers every day–hopefully forever.

Mr. Aubrey Graves is a child magnet. It’s so funny to watch as the children crowd around him to see what he’s doing. It’s amazing how two little sticks can bright a child’s day. Even a random child who possibly has no other toys–never had a toy given by a stranger. To see the expressions on their faces…I don’t have to tell you about the emotion that follows.

Today we will go to two unscheduled schools. They were not on our plan, but they were totally on God’s plan. We had a visit to a church site yesterday, scoped out the school area–a very–VERY poor area. This child is in the area. I asked her mother permission to take photos, she smiled and nodded. They are humble and kind.

Our plans are to make an impact next year in this village, as God leads our team, Focus Forward Ministries, Inc., in all the ways we can. The needs are plenteous — everywhere your eyes land.

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

Bolivia, Missions

From Chipley, Kinard, and Marianna, Florida–all the way to Bolivia

June 2, 2015October 28, 2020 A. Knight

Where do I begin? I hardly know.

I have watched a young couple become so in love with the people, the mission, and more with Jesus than one would imagine, especially since they already loved Jesus.

I have watched our daughter lead our team to teach, encourage, bless and bring out the giggles in hundreds of children, through puppets, games and lessons.

I have watched this amazing team of Focus Forward Ministries take steps of faith to become what God had planned–and I have watched as God brought out the best in each member that He put together with us for this trip. God always finds a way to amaze.

Today was no different. I am going to talk Chase Curti into starting a blog so he can share his story from two years ago- that we all have watched God unfold before our eyes. The devotion Jeff has been sharing (thus far) has been concerning obedience. Sometimes our flesh will talk us right out of obeying simply because we don’t want to look idiotic to others, or even to draw attention to ourselves. There’s not a member of this team that is the “look at me” type–and often it’s the quiet ones (like Chase) that God requires us to do something that puts us “out there” to become involved in an out-loud kind of way in other peoples lives.

I want the full story to come from Chase, so whether he tells it to me again for me to write, or I convince him to begin a blog– you will at some point get to hear the whole story. For now know this: God is asking us all to make steps of faith and obey Him in something- even right now. Every day. We just often ignore it. That was free 🙂

Now, on to the mission. We arrived Sunday morning an hour later due to some aircraft issues…yes, we always want those addressed before we get in the air. Always.

We have stayed in the same hotel every single trip to Bolivia since we started in 2011. Every year without exception there is some sort of issue–and God always has a way of using it to stretch our patience and help us realize that things are different in other parts of the world…and there really are things that we have grown so accustomed to–that we take for granted at home. Such as, hot water. And clean water. When several of us turned on our faucets to shower out came black specks and dingy water. What did we do? Took a shower anyway.

There is generally other issues to work through–and this team has taken every obstacle like champs. If you are the pastor of any of these, you know already of their servants heart–but let me tell you it really shines in missions.

The reward? These beautiful and amazing faces.

They are making a mark on our lives this week…and we pray that the mark we make on theirs will be a marked change for Christ. It is our hope, desire and purpose.

This team will go home with burning, churning testimonies–and I hope that you will invite those who are in your church to tell their story. It’s needs to be told. It needs to be heard. Before the week is over–it will be more powerful than they can imagine. I already know that. God always does the amazing…

Please continue to pray for health–safety and for the lost hearts to find Jesus. We had many children raise their hands in response to the message today– pray that they’re little hearts are impacted with the Gospel.

Tomorrow we will hand out the Bibles many contributed to purchase–as well as school supplies. And a dear friend donated some totes to be used–and God really did something amazing–the number is correct with the number of teachers at two of the schools!

Did I mention God was AMAZING??

Pray for good weather on Friday– the pastor we are working through has found two new schools that we didn’t already have on our schedule… we will do two programs with them! Pray for the team members as well as the children.

Tomorrow we will get to interact with the parents of one of the schools children! ANOTHER unexpected blessing!

I took over 1000 pictures today. I’m hoping to pull a few each night to share. The best ones I will save for our mission book for the team.

I’m closing it down for the night. Have a blessed day tomorrow and remember to pray for the team!

Missions

An 8 Year Old Missionary

May 6, 2015October 28, 2020 A. Knight

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God”.

Matthew 5:8

I had the wonderful opportunity a few weeks ago to interview the youngest purpose-filled missionary I have ever met. She just turned 9 and her name is Kaylee.

Kaylee took it upon herself to do something pretty extraordinary.

She wanted to make “Salvation Bracelets” for the kids in Bolivia where we would be ministering. They ordered colorful beads and enough leather to make 500 bracelets.

This past Saturday, Kaylee did something almost unheard of in this day and age of children and all the gimmicks of our “stuff driven” society. She planned her birthday party–around others.

When her mom asked her what kind of theme she wanted for her party–without hesitation, Kaylee responded, A Mission Party!

Kaylee wanted everyone who came to buy school supplies or give donations for the kids we are visiting in Bolivia. Kaylee wanted nothing for herself.

Everything this young lady comes up with knocks me to my knees. I am so proud of Kaylee and her heart for God.

Let me tell you (if I haven’t already) of the first time I met her. Jeff and I had the privilege of being with my sister and her husband, Pastor Juno Douglas for our very FIRST mission service with our brand new baby ministry, Focus Forward Ministries, Inc.

Kaylee was in that audience. Not playing a video game or coloring, or anything else that kids sometimes do in church–this young lady was eyes-front, listening to every word. When I shared, she listened. When Jeff shared, she soaked it in and became excited about the possibility of going on a mission trip herself!

Afterward, Pastor Juno called me and Jeff to the front so that the body of believers could come forward and pray for us, for our ministry and for the furtherance of the Gospel Message. Kaylee came and stood beside me. My heart and eyes wept when I felt that little hand on my arm and heard the whispers of her voice. She said to me after the prayer, “you’re gonna do real good”.

Kaylee, I hope so. My desire is to do “real good in every place He puts our feet”.

This young lady, with the help of her mom and her little sister, have made over 300 bracelets.

Listen up people–we need to understand something: God will use anyone–no matter your age, life history, or circumstance, to take the Gospel to the WORLD. There is a dying world. Children who have no hope without Christ. Parents who are dying in sin–and to sin…and leading their children down the same path!

We leave for Bolivia in 25 days to work in 4 schools per day for a week. We have an opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, His love for lost humanity and show them they MATTER and that they are LOVED. Kaylee’s contribution of “birthday gifts” and bracelets will help to spread the love. We could use some more school supplies. That’s a LOT of kids…

The Salvation bracelets we give out will remind them of what God gave–when He gave His Son. And they will all get a Bible. We have 500 in hand and 500 coming. We have boxes of Mission Ball’s with the Gospel printed on all sides…. all paid for by those who wanted to play a part in this journey.

YOU still have a chance. We gratefully accept contributions for this life changing trip. THANK YOU for joining hands with us today. Thank you for taking the GOSPEL to the WORLD!

Focus Forward Ministries, Inc.

Post Office Box 5773

Marianna, FL 32447

(All monetary donations are tax deductible)

Focus Forward Ministries, Ministry, Mission Trip, Missions

Praying Beyond Ourselves

April 28, 2015October 21, 2016 A. Knight

I see his face often. Not just because his sleeping form was captured on a trip in 2011….but because I believe I’m supposed to be praying for him.

There’s another dear lady praying too. Mrs. Pearline Snell.

She bought printed copy of my photograph when her church had a mission banquet and his picture was on her table.

And every morning she prayed for someone…
anyone …
to share with him about Jesus Christ. The One who came to seek and save all of us…who were lost.

Millions still are.

It’s up to us to do His seeking–He did commission us after all. Remember?

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

What are we actively doing about the lost? I hang my head with shame at the lost years–I did nothing.

World Missions was not on my brain. Neither was my closest neighbor.

It’s sad that here I am at almost 54–and now I urgently feel compelled to sell all I have and go.

It’s sad only because it took me so long to pray beyond my own self. But it’s good that I finally woke up.

When I first saw this man and took his picture–he was sleeping. My artist friend, +Betty Shoopman painted the most amazing gallery size portrait. It’s huge. The tag on it when I stood underneath it at Quayside Art Gallery, was $4000. I wasn’t taken aback–it was an absolutely AMAZING painting. It captured the attention of every single individual that came in the gallery. People would stand and stare…mesmerized by the image on canvas. “Who Do You Say That I Am?” was the title of her painting.

This man was a nameless, homeless soul…waiting to be found. That’s what captured me about his image leaning against the brick wall-sleeping in the sunshine.

Just like you and me. His status in society means nothing. The fact he has no home–nothing.

I had a prayer in 2014 when we returned to Bolivia. That I would be able to speak to this man–unknown to me….about One who gave His Life for him to be saved.
I wanted to tell him about his painting that hung in a gallery with a price tag of $4000, but that he was worth so much more.

So every day I looked. I searched the faces of people walking, selling, sitting and standing. I looked into the eyes of everyone I passed hoping to catch a glimpse of this man.

My day and opportunity came. I was more nervous than I have ever been before getting up to speak in a church! My butterflies had had babies and they were fluttering to get out. I think I even woke that morning feeling that “today” might be the day. I had no idea…

As my translator, her fiance and I returned to the village around lunch, they treated me to a filling meal at a local sandwich place–we have the same ones here in USA, but the meat there was a tad bit different 🙂

We ate and I had previously shared my story. I took my matted print copy of Betty’s original painting from my bag–I had carried it everyday in hopes of seeing him, and showed it to them. They were amazed, but couldn’t recall seeing him before.

After our meal, Daniel had half of his foot long sandwich left, an unopened bag of chips and a bottle of water. As we were driving back to the hotel I spotted him. I felt the excitement stir as never before. I mean this was seeing a prayer come to pass before it actually arrives at your doorstep…. All the “are you crazy”? thoughts came tumbling to my head–I pushed them aside with the thought–what if today is meant to be HIS DAY? What if God brought me all the way from Florida to Bolivia with this one job…to bring Christ to this man…

I felt like my feet weren’t even touching the ground. As we approached him, I smelled him. I knew I was about to have nostrils full of a very recognizable stench. The cardboard sign holding men on the corners at the intersections and at the Walmart parking lot don’t have this smell. I think the majority of them are out for what they can get from you. But this man….he was holding no sign. If anything, his expression was a sign. Do not enter.

I ignored it.

I squatted down with Daniel and started speaking and Daniel translated. I told him when I first saw him–how God had used him in my life and others. I told him that God had answered my prayer in letting me find him today–and that I had been praying for him to know the Jesus that died on the cross. I told him about the picture, the painting, my friend who prayed–and this was before I knew that that very morning, as with every single morning for more than a year, Mrs. Pearline Snell had prayed that prayer–for God to send someone to share Christ with him. Today was his day.

I felt from the fact that he wouldn’t look in my direction that I needed to let Daniel do all the talking. I just began talking to Daniel. Soon I stood up and asked Fabyata, “what what Daniel saying”?

She said he’s telling him about Jesus–the plan of salvation. I quickly asked Fabyata, does he even know who Jesus is?

The man uttered something to Daniel and I asked Fabyata what he said. “I know who Jesus is” was his reply. Without emotion.

Then I remembered, every single time I had seen him he had been around this church. How could he not know? Perhaps he heard? Perhaps the singing reached his ears… then I realized– I wasn’t sure what kind of songs they sang at the particular church that he was leaning against. Maybe none.

I felt pretty confident–they didn’t sing Jesus Loves Me…for this religion was more about Mary–than God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. My heart broke that I couldn’t communicate with him personally and tell him in “Angie words”…. but perhaps…this was best.

Daniel offered him his food. It took some doing–this man without a home–and without a cardboard sign–he was no beggar. He finally and reluctantly took the food offered but would not accept the 5 x 7 picture I offered with extended hand. He told Daniel something to tell me– “keep it to remember me by”.

As if.

As if I would ever forget my first encounter–the prayers prayed–or this day. No, friend. I would not forget you. I will talk about this day–and about you –to anyone who will listen.

And Betty gave me on loan, the painting to share this story when we are invited to go speak as we begin our own missionary journey.

On our way to church–after meeting Denny and Betty to accept the painting– we thought that the church we were attending that night for their special mission service might like to have it displayed–just to represent a place that several of their men had gone with us…the deacon I called was very glad to display it. After being seated, the pastor came and asked would I share a bit about the painting…wow. First opportunity–and I couldn’t possibly share it all. But I said yes… actually, Jeff said “yes she will” for me.

As I shared brief points of the story, I saw a woman out of the corner of my eye, wiping her eyes. After the service I was able to speak with her and her story you now know– it was an every-single-morning prayer she prayed. In faith. Believing that one day–God would send someone to him. And–God did. Me.

God answered Pearline’s prayer–and He answered mine…and used me.

I didn’t get the “response” I had hoped for–my hope was to lead him in the sinners prayer…but as I left, still feeling the flutter of the butterflies, I confessed my feelings to Fabyata. Her response to me was, “You did your job. You did what you were supposed to do”.

She was right. God has a plan already set in motion. Perhaps I will still play a part–but if not, I am okay with that. I know there are others who are now praying for his salvation. He has been brought to the attention of the artist when she painted him–and The Artist who created him, never lets him out of His sight.

Now, when I see him in my mind–I know what to do. Pray. He’s not forgotten–by God, nor us. He has become known to us as “Angie’s Bolivian Man”. When Jeff traveled to Bolivia in December of 2013 without me– he spied him on the side of the church one night coming back into the city. He called me–with excitement said, “I just saw your Bolivian Man”. My heart leapt –praying, hoping for the day I actually experienced in 2014.

From 2011 to 2015–God has been stirring our hearts for Bolivia, and not just because of this man. But because of the millions who don’t know. Not just Bolivia–but to the uttermost –furtherest place where people dwell. They are lost….they need to know.

Pray. Beyond yourself.

(The original painting is not pictured here–but is available to travel for weekend services)

© 2015 Angie Knight- The Knightly News. All rights reserved. Photography copyright protected. All rights reserved.

Friends, Journals, Mission Trip, Missions

What Ruined My Life

April 27, 2015October 21, 2016 A. Knight

This is a letter to all the girls like Lacy Ridley and +Tiffany Stuart out there.

Dear Lacy and Tiffany,

Both of you are about to be ruined.

For life.

Lacy, in just 33 days and some odd number of hours, your feet will land on foreign soil Tiffany, while yours is just a few weeks beyond our own departure, I want to prepare you both.

Eyes.

Every face will hold an expression–some filled with joy…some harder to determine. Mistrust for sure because of the pain suffered at the hard task master called “life”.

Tiffany, with each click of your camera–you will capture a glimpse into a heart. Then, you will later gaze back into those eyes and wonder what they were thinking about you. You, with your bright and ready smile, tender heart and head full of blonde hair–they will look at your eyes and wonder why yours are filled with water…and why that water spills over.

My first trip ruined me for anything and everything else.

For months I couldn’t shop–and wondered why in the world other people were shopping…what could they possibly need. I cleaned out my closet almost weekly and found, every-single-time, more to give away.

And I cried for lives that I knew lived in hardships that were none of their choosing. They didn’t choose to walk off of a job and stand in a welfare line. Jobs are scarce and there is no welfare.

My mind is continually filled with “what more can I do”. I want to do more. I lay awake at night and ask God to fill my dreams and my sleep with His plans and show me something that I can learn to do–or something that I can say that will help–in some way. Somehow.

It’s hard to take enough things to give away–and dangerous too. Your heart will break the second you hand your last piece of candy to the dirty outstretched fingers–and you will look beyond those eyes and see dozens more coming….wanting….waiting…

But do take candy. It’s a sweet gift and don’t often get something wrapped up tight in colorful paper.

Expect to be affected. By the sounds-sights-and smells. Some sights will delight….and some sights will bring tears.

There were time it seems when I walked, I felt myself praying with every single step. And sometimes I could hardly think clearly.

Your first mission trip will likely be the most emotionally draining experience you will ever encounter. But it will be the emotionally and spiritually best feeling ever as well.

Expect to go to bed each night exhausted–and try and make your mind shut down and sleep.

Journal everything. I mean take your journal and write down everything you can while you are traveling–because you will forget some things, even though you tell yourself you won’t.

When you come home and tell your heart wrenching stories, some will weep with you–and others will look at your with kind wonder–but they won’t understand your passion. And I learned that’s okay. It’s my passion. Not theirs.

Everyone is not expected to go on the foreign mission field…but everyone is expected to be involved in missions…in other ways.

Tell your stories. To anyone who will listen-you never know how your story will inspire someone else to dream big, take a leap of faith, believe God for big things in their own lives.

This was written for my new friend Lacy Ridley, but also for my dear precious friend, Tiffany Stuart who is about to realize her dream…and it will be amazing!

This is also written for all the others out there who, as yet have been afraid to dream. You don’t need to be afraid…you need to believe.

You can make a difference. This trip will make a difference…

But be warned….it will ruin you.

It ruined me.

Missions

Leave it all behind…

April 21, 2015October 21, 2016 A. Knight

That’s sometimes a hard thing to do.

Some changes are taking place in our lives– the details are here if you have time to pray. Read and pray. I know many have friends and family who are undertaking heavy-duty changes in their own lives, from parents aging and declining, to kids graduating and moving on–to daughters marrying– and new families beginning… it’s tough. I remember all of our milestones. Especially recently as we’ve had to walk back through a lot of our history.

I know if you are like me–reading another email is the last thing you want to do–so it’s totally okay. If you can’t read, just scroll on by and say a prayer for Jeff and Angie. For the journey ahead.

The song by Casting Crowns struck me one day when +April Pettis sang it at church as such a part of our lives. We try to hang on to things God wants to relieve us of… why?

We will walk much better without the burden. We can climb without the load we are trying to keep tied to our back.

I have often had to stop and evaluate what or who had attached itself or themselves to my life. And I had to make a decision. Sink or swim. Climb or slide back down the mountain.

As tough as the climb is many days–I choose to climb. As +Sherri Evans preached during her retreat in Panama City this year, it’s on the mountain that God will reveal Himself to us–we must choose to ascend to the mountain of God. It’s a choice we have to make. On our own. Because it’s our own breath we will suck in with each step–it’s our own feet that will navigate through the crevices and rough terrain ahead. But it is God who guides each step…and we will not stumble if we keep our focus on Him.

Bolivia

Lasting Impressions

April 14, 2015October 28, 2020 A. Knight

Have you ever wanted to do something that made a lasting impression? A good one. I’ve encountered my share of bad impressions, and they’ve lasted a while, but good impressions, I believe last longer. Good impressions live in the hearts and minds of others and in times of heartache, a good impression is often retrieved for comfort.

Do you enjoy giving a long thought out gift for a dear friend or loved one? They see you–and know you love them and care for their well being. But, let me share with you something I discovered:

Often in giving, the best feeling is knowing they don’t have to know who you are. The recording of your love and compassion is recorded for all eternity.

The greatest joy for me, is watching these teachers receive what YOU gave. If you could see into the eyes and hearts of these teachers and the principal (standing beside Jeff), you would experience the joy of giving–as never before. It was like Christmas to these.

Necessary items that our schoolers take for granted, these do not. We are so accustomed to running to the dollar store or local wally-world that we forget there are those who have no such luxury.

Luxury? A trip to the dollar store?

Indeed.

These teachers (and there are about 9 not pictured), have the joy of teaching and training the next generation–but they must do so with such limited income and in order to teach, most of them give more than just their time. They give their income.

In order to have paper for the students, the teachers buy it.

To color, write or draw, more often than not, the tool comes from the teachers. We discovered that in order to make copies, the teacher has to travel about 30 minutes to a neighboring town to make copies because the school had no copier or printer. The Lord supplied that need through someone who sent with us a copier for the principal. And several purchased print cartridges.

This past year, we took more supplies and more printers. Three to be exact. So that the teachers could all have access to things that are needed in the class room. God burdened someone’s heart with that treasure for the school at Don Lorenzo.

This year, we are traveling back, but to 4 different schools. We hope, through generous donations to be able to take supplies, and even a printer or two. The school supplies are of utmost importance. Through your gifts of crayons, pencils, sharpeners, rulers, glue, etc. we are able to bless them and help with the education process of these growing children.

This little girl (Ruth), who every team member came to love in 2013, needed a new walker. We took up an offering among us and had enough to buy her a nice walker that will grow with her and help her navigate the dirt road where she lives–and we made a lasting impact on her life.

We really never know what needs we will encounter that we aren’t expecting. But, rest assured, we always encounter needs.

The needs are there.

The needs are often more than we can meet.

But with the help of friends back home, we can. It takes us all working together to bear the burden for others.

We will take new testaments for the children, and gifts for the teachers, through the very generous donations from a group of women in a local church, they have supplied us with handmade pot holders! (We are beyond excited!)

So, maybe you have read all this and wonder, “what can I do to make a lasting impression”. I’m glad you asked!

We are taking New Testaments, soccer balls with scripture on them, and school supplies. You may simply make your check out to Focus Forward Ministries, Inc. and drop it in the mail to Post Office Box 5773, Marianna, Florida 32447, and mark it Mission to Bolivia. We leave May 30 and hope to take boxes of generous love and donations to those we have grown to love and care about!

IF you are near us and would like to drop off a box to us to pack with our belongings, you know where we live! We gratefully accept your support and prayers!

And, if you know us well, you know that God has been working in our hearts for a “new step of faith”…and we sure would appreciate all your prayers. Really.

Time is short–and our desire is to do all we can–with every breath in our bodies, until He calls us home. we want our impression to be Jesus. And He is everlasting.

Author: A. Knight

A Note To My 9 Year Old Missionary Friend.

A Note From April Pettis- Crusade Leader

Wearing Orange

Harvest Time

From Chipley, Kinard, and Marianna, Florida–all the way to Bolivia

An 8 Year Old Missionary

Praying Beyond Ourselves

What Ruined My Life

Leave it all behind…

Lasting Impressions