Author: A. Knight

A devotional writer, speaker, mission-trip-taker, difference-maker. All with my best friend and love of my life.
Jeff's Posts, Mission Trip

Day 2-Peru!

A. Knight

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

[REMEMBER if the slide show is too fast, click on it and it will take you straight to the page they are loaded on)

Today–much work was done. These guys are tired! Jeff said they have been fed very well by the church ladies!

Tomorrow they will be in church service with the people they are working with in the afternoon and evening. Continue in prayer for the men–I imagine they will have some interesting things to tell us when they get home. I wouldn’t want to spoil any of their “sharing enjoyment”. Pray for them. God is faithful–and what they experience there this week will impact them for the future work that God plans for many of them.

(If I’m not making much sense—I am a bit tired. I spent the day with mother and Aimee–and the LORD gave us a sweet surprise. I will tell you about it later tomorrow. Must get sleep now. 🙂

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

faith, Weekend Reflections

Whispers in the petals…

A. Knight

This is not a rose…by any name.  But it looks like it could “smell” as sweet.  Have you ever seen anything that looked promising…but have the promise bite?

We probably all have.  One thing you must know…His promises carry nothing but a sweetness of facts.  Nothing amiss–all is well to the soul who trusts fully in Him.  His promises are secure–written down forever here in the Word–and in glory!

Can you hear Him whisper in the petals of a flower?  I can.  Even in the death of a flower–there is yet life.  When this bloom falls withered to the ground, there is yet life in the plant.

Lean in and listen close to His voice.  He’s speaking ever so softly–only those real intent on hearing His voice will know His Words.

I’m leaning–and learning as I go–He is ever faithful.

Giving Him All….

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

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Jeff's Posts, Mission Trip

Straight from Mirones Bajo, Peru

A. Knight

Wish I could say I was “there” —but I’m not.  But my source is keeping me updated with all the latest news and information so I can do the same HERE for you!

Did I tell you I wanted to be a blog-Missions-Reporter? 🙂

Day 1–These guys have worked hard today.  They were greeted at the site this morning by the amazing and kind people of the church, who welcomed them in the most unique way—in song!

I thought that was just the neatest–sweetest gesture! 

Just for a few details, they are laying brick–some experienced, some learning–all working very hard!

The men that were hired to help (from Peru) mixed the mud for the brick layers.  They were glad when our guys took a lunch break!  To keep this many guys in mud–they had to mix A LOT of dirt. 🙂

Below is the slide show of the day’s events.  You will see some familiar faces.  Pray for these guys whether you recognize them or not.  They are doing hard work–and need to stay healthy!  They need strength–and they need the weather to cooperate!

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

Jeff said the people are very friendly and appreciative of the work our men are there to do. All smiles all around! [AS LAST TIME, IF THE SLIDE SHOW GOES TOO FAST, CLICK ON IT AND IT WILL TAKE YOU STRAIGHT TO THE PAGE THEY ARE LOADED ON. YOU CAN THEN VIEW THEM BY CLICKING ON THE FIRST ONE AND THEN USE THE ARROWS AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE]

Thank you LORD for safety getting there–and for strength and speed to complete the work YOU have placed before them! We give You all the praise and glory for all that is accomplished in this place of worship–and everywhere their feet step–we claim for YOU! In Jesus name, Amen!

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Mission Trip

The LOVE of Your SPONSOR (Cafe` Devotion)

A. Knight

Erwin. Pray for him today.

The morning started early. I was awake before 4am. Thinking, praying, wondering what the day would bring.

Little did I know before my feet hit the floor of the life changes that would take place in all of us “first timers” today.

First time on a mission trip.

I wasn’t prepared for the tears that burned–and spilled. My husband, Jeff has been on a few missions trips—but he never warned me about the feeling you get when you look in the eyes of a child and want to help, but realize your limitations.

For the REST of this story–head over to the Cafe`.  I’m sitting there waiting on you–I’ve got a cup already poured and your chair is pulled out! Waiting on YOU!  I can’t wait to see you!  There’s a special message

from my heart to yours!

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Mission Trip

Lima, Peru Bound!

A. Knight

A team of 15 men joined hands and hearts this morning.
On a mission to build a church in a small suburb of Lima, Peru.

Building with their hands, building for His heart.  I wish you could have stood beside me and heard the rumble of the voices calling on God for the “crooked paths to be made straight”.  It was an awesome sound.

Teams from two churches, plus my husband, Jeff (through the assistance of a few special friends and family*), are spending a week laboriously laying bricks. (I hope they packed some “ibuprofen”.) Some have experience, some are going to “learn”.

Missions Pastor, Jerry Moore, is leading the group of diligent workers to make a difference for others to worship the LORD.

These guys will appreciate your prayers for the next several days as they pour all they have into what God has placed before them to do! So often we can’t think outside our own four walls. But God has placed a call on the hearts of some to go “beyond” what they see everyday.

YES, we should make a difference where we are–with all that we can–but if God puts it on your heart to “go”, then you should do just that! Don’t stop until you’ve done all you can for our God who gave ALL He had! If you are seeing things in your area that needs attention–then get busy! God has placed that vision before you for a reason.

What are “you” and “me” doing about what WE see? Are we going to just “talk about it”? Or–are we going to put some actions behind our feelings and words…

I’m just thinking out loud….

Thank you guys for going as the hands and feet of Christ! Thank you for going beyond your four walls–into what God has called you to do!

You can tell God has birthed a Mission-Minded heart inside of me in the past several months….and it all began 2 years ago. More on that another day.

I will be keeping up with this bunch to keep you informed of what is going on with them! Stay tuned!

OH, almost forgot…for our “October Retreat Ladies”….we are gonna have a BLAST! If you ever read one of the posts on our “Sister’s Retreats” and wished you could go….I pray that you experience all that we have and MORE! I look forward to hugging your neck!

* A HUGE thank you to all our special family/friends who helped out with Jeff’s sponsorship for this trip!  We are so grateful!  Through your generous hearts, you send–and in essence, you are going as well!  Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts!  We love you all!

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

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Life Issues, Mission Trip, Reflection

Meeting Jesus

A. Knight

Honduras_2010-Monday_Work_007In a hurry to meet us, Honduran, Stephanie grabbed one wrong flip-flop.

I know that because the next day, she had on one of the same ones, and it’s mate.

This brought a question to my heart.  Are we in that big of a rush to meet with Jesus?  So hurried that we scramble each morning, hoping not to miss an opportunity to show Him how much we love Him?

Probably not—for most of us.  I know I like things orderly.  Timely.  Even though I have found I work best under pressure—I like to take my time, plan things out—cross all the “t’s” and dot all the “i’s”.  Sometimes I even get distracted on my way to meet with Him in my morning devotion.  I spy some laundry in front of the machine, decide now is a good time to put on a load to wash—you know—while I read and pray.

Then, my feet feel the grainy remnants of yesterday on the floor.  I grab the broom. 

And as I step on the sidetracks of the morning, I remind myself of my purpose.

Spend time with Jesus.  Meet with Him.  Go to Him.  First.  While the day is yet fresh—without the beads of perspiration.

One of many things I have taken away from our Mission Trip to Honduras is the way the children ran to meet us every single morning.  Who knows how long they waited at the top of the hill.  My roommate, Marcella, and I rose very early every morning in anticipation of what the day would bring.  Knowing we needed to tuck into our hearts every single fragment of the day—tie it securely and never forget what God has done—where He brought us from—and where the journey would lead us all—as we take His hand and grip it fiercely. 

All the way home.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place.  And He was praying there.”  Mark 1:35 NIV

We don’t have much more of the journey ahead.  Meet with Jesus in the quiet place.  The early place.  Give Him your day—before it takes over your mind
.let Him have it all.

There have been many times—my quiet time was when the house was still again—after the ravages of the day had taken it’s toll.  That was when He refreshed my soul, refueled my mind—and it was needed.  So necessary.

Whatever your time—whatever works best for you and Jesus—meet with Him.

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Missions

Interview with Krystal Zepp!

A. Knight

  Honduras 2010-Tuesday Work 005 

Krystal, it was so nice getting to know you on this trip!  I know that even though these questions are the same as the ones I asked everyone else, all the answers have varied according to the individual personality.  The heart of each one expressed what the eyes experienced.

What was the first thing that made an impression on you?

As our bus drove up, we had children running up the hill to meet us.  Wow.  The sight of little children running to meet you! Such a wonderful sight! Don’t you know our heavenly Father loves to see us running to meet Him?

Krystal, I so agree!  That is the vision I get when I read the story of the Prodigal son.  Especially with my own experience as a prodigal, and then having a prodigal.

What did you experience on the mission trip that has been life changing for you?

Carlos.  Carlos has really touched every one of us.  On our last day at the center, when we could not get there due to the bus strike, Carlos was running to our bus to let us know.  He was telling our bus driver how we could go around another way.  He really wanted us there.  (Even though that route was impossible too)  One thing I know Carlos has felt the love from all of us and we have felt the love from Carlos—and as Carlos says, “I la you!”

Do you feel God speaking specifically to any area of your life?

I feel a strong stirring in my heart for missions.  But that is a hard question to answer.

What would you say to someone undecided about a mission trip?

No doubt about it! Everyone needs to experience a missions trip!

How will this affect your missions giving and how has this affected your perception of a missionary? 

I am already  trying to sponsor the sister of my sponsored child.  As for missionaries, great is their reward!  I have always respected a missionary’s work, but even more now.

Would you do it again?

Yes!  I already want to come back—and with God’s help—I will!

Krystal, is there anything you want to say to your fellow laborers?

Y’all.  This is going to be hard to believe, but I am at a loss for words!

Krystal, thank you
or “gracias!”  You are right, with God’s help, we will return!  And I believe Carlos will be the leader of the Praise Band!  On his way to becoming the Pastor!!!

Missions

Back to Normal?

A. Knight

What does that mean? 

Does that mean that I will no longer have little brown faces flashing before my eyes, especially when they are closed?

Does that mean that I will drink straight from the faucet without thinking of Puri and Stephanie who can’t?

Does that mean that I will “flush” my toilet, several times a day without remembering that “they” don’t?

I don’t know that there is a normal.

I don’t think I want to go back to normal.  If I forget all that God has shown me in the eyes of a child—I don’t want to go back to normal.  If I forget the way the bell hops acted when given all our left over pizza—I ‘d rather stay the way I am today, thank you.

“No one has ever done anything for us before”, they said.

Who in our lives—that we pass every single day do we neglect to do things for?  You know what?  Sometimes they live in our very own houses.  Sometimes their toothbrush sits right next to ours.  Any little thing you can do for someone, no matter how small you may think it is, It’s not to them.  I promise. 

It’s the moon to them.  It’s the stars and the sunshine.

For your devotion today, read Matthew 25:31-46.  It’s not long
but it will help us see. (NIV)

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Even though everyone is not called to go, we are called to act.  By giving of our time and heart felt efforts, we are obeying His Word.  When we can’t go, we can give.  If we can’t give financially, we can act.  We can do.  We can pray.

Ask Him today, “What would he have you do?”

Giving Him All,

Angie