A. Knight

Long Time- No See

November 16, 2019 A. Knight

Before you begin reading this— you need to know up front that God has been seriously dealing with ME on an extremely personal- unvarnished level. Blinders off.

This isn’t necessarily a ministry update as much as it is a personal update. We are STILL called to make an impact through missions in Bolivia and other countries (Bolivia is just so dear to our hearts). As a matter of fact, God is showing us new ways we can do that and we plan to implement them and talk about them again soon. He has also been showing us new fields that He’s calling us to. It’s mind blowing. We wait on Him.

I want to share with you a small portion from my YouVersion devotional today, “Praying for the Impossible”:

“One hundred twenty people in the early church were able to change the world through the gospel because they were empowered by God’s Spirit. Today we have 120 churches in close proximity in one community, and we can’t make an impact! Why? Because too many of us are like the dead man’s bones in the valley—lacking strength, influence, and life.

“You see, at some point there has to be an honest evaluation of the heart. We can’t be afraid of that. It needs to be the cry of your heart, my heart, and every Christian’s heart.” (End of devotion portion)

What a thought. What a reminder. The LORD GOD of Heaven wants to use YOU and me to make an impact and difference in this world. He wants YOU and me to be His world 🌎 changers. We can’t do that- or anything else successfully if we continue being satisfied with where we are in Christ. We are none where He wants us to be— there’s always—always room for growth.

He wants us EMPOWERED with the Holy Spirit— full of faith and believing – whether we see change or not— BELIEVING for impossible things to be possible through Him.

He wants our minds off of ourselves and onto the lost world 🌍 🌎 We cannot have that upper room empowering experience if we can’t get and keep our focus on Him.

We are often so full of ourselves. I see people constantly taking selfies in bathroom mirrors- etc. Why? Good grief Charlie Brown. Where did we make such a turn?

I’m laying myself before the LORD and asking Him, PLEASE show me YOU. Where YOU want me to recognize what I need to change. I submit. Daily. Sometimes it takes that daily surrender to get it to stick. Some of us are hard headed. (Me included)

We can’t be world 🌎 changers focused on us. Our line of sight must widen to include those around us, those in other cities and states and other countries.

Some won’t like this— but the only reason we need to be standing in front of the mirror (besides checking to make sure we have cleaned up right- the hairdo right and clothes on right- before we leave the house) is to see what needs changing. Facing the truth about how far we’ve wandered from His path. Not showing the world our puckered duck lips face (craziest thing ever).

Sometimes we (me especially) don’t want to say the truth out loud because we don’t want to offend…. I would rather take a chance on offending you here than watch you continue to slip further and further from the Truth you know, but allowed the devil to keep it tucked in the back of your closet like it’s not as important as it used to be. Trust me; it still is important.

God’s command: Love Him, love others. If we are loving Him and those around us… I know without doubt, we will spend less time in front of the mirror— unless it’s to truly evaluate the truth we see there.

God is ready to help each of us reach that place of empowerment. A Holy Ghost filled anointed powerhouse for Him. Not satisfied to let others do what He’s called the church to do…. what He’s called you and I to do….

Let us reevaluate our hearts. It’s a painful process— I kid you not. I’ve been sitting on the potters wheel for quite a while now. I don’t want a scrap of me left that is a hindrance to what He wants for my life. (Gulp)

I’ve got some other things to tell you soon…. but again, waiting on God. I won’t budge a toe in a direction that is not led fully by Him.

Pray for those around you… and please, please, please, pray for Bolivia.

Missions

A Continual Faith

September 21, 2019 A. Knight

One morning a several years ago, as I drove to work, the fog was so thick….you’ve heard the term “thick as pea soup?”—this was thicker. But as I cautiously drove, these thoughts came pouring in my heart. And believe it or not– I grabbed a pen and ~~wrote~~ scribbled them down.

Faith in the Fog

When you can’t see where you’re going,

You don’t know what’s ahead,

You put your hands out to touch-

And suddenly you dread.

At first sight you wondered why,

And other questions pile right on.

The answer’s always fleeting,

and you never feel at home.

But You keep going.

With arms reaching out,

To what you know in your heart, there’s no room for doubt.

His heart He will reveal- maybe not today,

but rest assured you will see it- all along the way.

© Angie Knight

Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Circumstances happen daily that test our faith. And as long as we are alive -it will continue to do so.

I’ve been in the “testing place” before. So have you. But if you haven’t yet– hang on child– the Teacher always has a test- and sometimes before all the material has been covered.

Sometimes it feels like a pop-quiz. And I’m totally unprepared.

But what I’ve learned is -He always supplies a Helper.

For. Each. Test.

Yesterday marked a reason for celebration as I had my follow up yearly mammogram after having been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in August of 2016.

I’ve never loved the word “normal” as much as I did yesterday when it came through a text message from the hospital barely an hour later. I rapidly sent out the same message to my sweet Jeff and my girls. They rapidly replied with “praise God!”

This time three years ago, I had begun chemo and Jeff had cut my hair down shorter than his, because it began coming out in small clumps and I didn’t want to wake up one morning with half of it on my pillow.

Enter: Insecurity at it’s highest.

When that diagnosis came it was unexpected. A fog around our lives seemed to kind of settle.

What we thought was God’s plan–seemed to be slipping a bit from our fingers. We thought.

We had a timeline and manner in which we thought things would be done in– an orderly fashion. You know– like you’re told to exit a burning building in an orderly fashion.

We thought, as we were working on becoming debt free, that we could do what needed to be done – because of course God had set this in motion by planting this desire firmly in our hearts… so what could possibly go wrong– right?

At times like this– when WE think we know what we’re doing and it even seems doable— God shakes things up with a few impossibilities– I think, just to see if we will stay the course or abandon ship. When the impossibilities of the financial issues (SUPER THICK FOG) that arose with all this– it would look virtually IMPOSSIBLE. But again– God had a plan.

We thought — when we heard the news of “cancer” that the fog was too thick now to continue. But… we needed to only remember that the One who called us had HIS timeline that was different than ours….

We took our concerns to the LORD and He assured us the plan had not changed. We would follow His direction without hesitation.

We proceeded.

Toward the end of my chemotherapy treatments– A new challenge presented itself. I realized my port would have to be flushed every few weeks.

As MUCH as I hate needles– and cringe at the thought of this– I sucked it in and we trained (we as in Jeff) to be able to handle the flushing of my chemo port while in Costa Rica. We (he) practiced stabbing me in the chest with the long needle, and we (totally me), practiced not panicking and not crying (too much) over all this trauma.

That smile on my face was as pasted on as I could manage. No joke. These were some scary days for me. Battles at night in my mind- as the devil continued to taunt me… and every day I welded my sword as I wrote and prayed and read scripture. Every. Single. Day. And I still do. Because the devil still fights.

I never realized how much I dreaded the tests and results until it was over yesterday and I felt like I had just had the vice grip released from my heart and mind. I felt free.

We STILL believe God is unfolding new things for us each day.

We still believe we walked in His perfect timing in leaving for the field one short week after the final radiation treatment. We may not understand why it all happened like it did– but we believe He planned it all and allowed the things that did because it would eventually work for our good and His glory. Somehow. This is firm in my heart.

This is the part that’s not foggy. This is clear.

Once again we are following His steps without knowing exactly what He’s doing. We feel an anticipation in the air and our hearts– and we know Focus Forward Ministries has some big dreams yet to dream… and we are willing and ready.

We are grateful for every prayer partner and supporter– please keep praying. Keep believing IN MORE.

I see the fog lifting….

Missions

We are 5+2 (Loaves & Fish)

September 14, 2019 A. Knight

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14:14-17, 19-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This past week we saw the power of 5+2=7.

I am usually back and forth between the construction team and the crusade team, taking pictures and recording the journey in words and pictures. But it has been a long while since I’ve been able to do that.

Blogging the mission journey was a big passion of mine. But with everything that has happened in the last couple of years, I had my doubts that I could feel and participate in this passion again.

This was the smallest team we have ever brought—BUT as always, God knew what He was doing. This was the absolute perfect size to do what we were able to do. Any more and it wouldn’t have worked exactly as it did.

After every team, we’ve always said: “this was the best mission team and trip ever.” However— this time God allowed us to share with this small group some more personal things that we are blessed to be able to be a part of in Bolivia. We were able to visit the homes of the seven young girls we now sponsor—with the help of each of our own supporters. YOU make it possible for these little ones to receive an education- empowering them with the resources necessary to be productive citizens in their country- and as they are also given the opportunity to know Jesus Christ— their world takes on a whole new perspective and they can see there is something for them to do as well. We believe they will also become givers and not just receivers.

Through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, our source of strength- we were able to greet and minister to over 2,500 people. The two Sunday services, Jeff preached and Pastor Tim Russell preached, then Jeff preached again with Dr. Deborah Willis sharing her amazing testimony in an older teen session, two spot-on messages, over 2,000 children, and over 500 adults, young adults and teenagers. Visiting four schools each day- adding in 3 new public schools this trip— all with invitations to come back again soon, Heather Jordan, Kristin Stevens, and Chase Curti ministering daily, along with the rest of us, we saw exactly what happened when Jesus broke the bread and blessed the meal to feed the 5,000+. We were the packed lunch. We were the little to feed many. He is our Source and we were the bread and fish He used as supply for others this week.

Just like the disciples— we may have all wondered. We had all seen larger teams in action. But we had yet to witness what God would do with a group whose hearts and souls were steadfast into the mission as these.

What the devil, through cancer, couldn’t do in 2016-17, he tried another tactic to make us stop leading- stop ministering— stop working for the LORD. And I soon saw that he would stop at nothing. He set out to actually destroy us. Both.

I left this country last year in a very broken place in my life. The enemy uses whatever he can; circumstances, other people, health, and intense spiritual warfare to stop us from proceeding with God’s call on our lives.

I remember distinctly one morning when we lived in Bolivia, I had been in our office/prayer room for a longer than usual time that morning- heart so heavy— emotionally hurting for what I had no control over, I stood in front of my closet and made the simple daily statement: “what am I going to wear today?” On top of my question it seemed, the answer; “your armor”.

Later that same day I received a text message from my sister that she was praying for is and she added a passage from Ephesians:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:10-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We are the ones who have to go into action. Yes, God is always working on our behalf— but He needs our submission- willingness and obedience. “Put on…. take up…..” actions by us— not Him.

I had to choose way earlier than when we first began to itinerate to submit. We both did.

Then when difficult things came our way, like sickness, and a financial mountain that it brought with it, we had to keep on choosing to remain on the path set before us— even though we had no clue what God was doing.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us the HE knows the plans He has for us. And I have clung to that fact that He knows— therefore in trusting Him— I have to be okay with not knowing. (Although I admit at times it could drive me nuts if I let it.)

He has shown me— it’s in the breaking that the blessing comes forth. As a matter of fact, often it is the breaking of the shell of what we think we are supposed to be— that’s when the fruit is exposed. So maybe…. just maybe, what we thought we were supposed to be was not exactly what He had planned….maybe it was just the precursor or -maybe it was way-way more. I’m ready. Or, should I say, we’re ready.

This— this trip brought some healing in unexpected ways.

If you feel broken and unusable— you are in the perfect place to be used… just yield. Watch His hand at work in your life when you submit and say “yes” to His perfect plan.

You may wind up feeding people you never even get to meet this side of heaven through your willingness to be bread in His hands.

“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.”

5+2=7
Focus Forward Ministries & Hope International

#aknightsjourney2019

Missions

A Door of Hope

September 9, 2019September 10, 2019 A. Knight

Look at this door.

Notice anything different?

The first thing I see is a cross. Maybe you noticed the wood. The color. The size. Or the mesh on top to give ventilation to the home… but I see a cross. I see HOPE.

I’ve written about hope before. When my sister was dying at the time her babygirl was just ten months old. Hope walked in on two legs and gave us answers that the other doctor didn’t have. Because he knew the patient. He knew she believed in a Higher Power. More than that— she believed and personally knew the God of the universe. He knew she had defeated the odds by her 13th birthday and now she was 40. And she lived another four years.

I wrote about hope when my dear friend Connie Haile passed away and how she had lived a life full of hope and joy that bubbled over on people she met- no matter who you were or where you were. She carried Hope in her heart in the form of Jesus Christ.

But on Saturday, after we had rested, refreshed ourselves with food, we journeyed to a place out in the countryside of Bolivia. In a Barrio called Santa Julia, there is a campamento adjoining a crop of brick and stucco houses — all with the same door. A door of Hope.

This Hope I’m going to tell you about is a little different. There are children. Little children. Babies even. The world would tell them that their hope walked out. Or their hope died. Their hope for a family. Their hope for life.

The cross that I see is the perfect emblem for this door of hope because it symbolizes what these homes were built for. To raise up children to become God following adults to serve others and lead them to Jesus Christ.

This door represents the hearts that first dreamed a dream. Pastors David and Joel Morales took Jeff down a path knee high in weeds and grass and pointed out into the distance and shared the dream of bringing babies home that have no home. No parents. No family. No hope.

Today, this dream is fast becoming a reality. On Saturday we saw the homes, walked through the door, envisioned by Pastor David Morales. His dream becoming a reality with little children running and squealing in delightful joy of being loved. Of having a home and finding Hope. A Hope found only in Jesus Christ.

We would love to give you an opportunity to partner with us and them, become a chain that links across two continents to be a reinforcement of prayer warriors for these children. And if the Lord so leads you, to partner financially.

We have so much more work to do here. So many dreams yet to be realized.

When sickness sent me home early, Jeff traveled back and forth to complete some projects and even begin a new one. With the last project of Focus Forward Ministries now complete, we know the next one is in sight.

Jeff and I had a plan. It was what we envisioned—but health issues seemed to bring an unwanted interruption. But God has something different. He sees the whole picture. So when we thought our plan had finished, it was like God was saying, “Oh hey, I just showed you the first part. The preparing part. What you think needed to be scrapped — is actually part of the bigger picture.”

We have a week of kids crusades, with a team from Missouri —sharing the Gospel in the schools- playing games- loving on little ones and giving them a hope that is beautifully beyond anything they have experienced… found only in Jesus Christ.

I plan to update you daily as internet cooperates. If you join us on Facebook then I’m sure you have already seen the pictures the team has been posting. We have already experienced a great move of God— 3 gave their hearts to Christ yesterday morning. What a JOY to serve Him and see lives changed!

Stay tuned. More to come.

There is hope. Please journey with us.

To subscribe to this blog- a spot on the sidebar is placed just for you!

Missions

Still Believing-There’s More Ahead

August 9, 2019August 9, 2019 A. Knight

There’s an old song found in the worn out yellow paperback book at Carmel Assembly of God Church, “I Still Believe” and I can right now hear Sis. Foxworth singing it to the glory of God and the top of her lungs. (I love memories like this.)

“I know there’s power in the blood of Jesus, I know because I found that it is true. For when I came to Christ my sins confessing, He changed my life and made it all anew.

I still believe there’s wonder working power in the blood–of the Lamb. Though some may doubt and turn aside I still believe it’s true, there’s wondrous power in the blood”.

There is indeed power in the blood of Jesus. Saving power. Keeping power (as my Pa-Pa used to ask for in prayer). We have seen this in action.

I’ve not written in a while, but not because I haven’t wanted to, but rather because I couldn’t. I never-in-a-million years knew the toll the things I’ve been through–would have on my body, mind and spirit. To be blunt: I’ve been a wreck. You probably didn’t expect that—I mean because we ALL know that the power of God is able to help us withstand the storms of life, but that doesn’t mean the storm won’t have an effect. As of right now, the healing in my body continues and I am stronger than I’ve been in a long time. (I’ve just passed the three year mark of being a cancer SURVIVOR!)

The thyroid malfunction took us on an unexpected trip, but God is still faithful and is working daily–healing and restoring health and passion for all that He has called us to do. GOD is STILL on HIS Throne and HE’s still very active in our lives and we are still very fired up about missions!–Which brings me to the topic of THIS post!

We are VERY soon headed back to a place we have loved from the beginning. It’s hard to explain. If you’ve never been on a mission trip–it’s probably hard to comprehend–but this land and these people still pull our heart strings (if our heart had strings).

Jeff and I will share this trip with three amazing new friends that God has just blessed our lives with from Missouri, as well as two faithful mission-goers from home. One has been off for a few weeks cramming as much Spanish into her sweet self in order to communicate with the children and others that God puts into our path. And to be honest–WE can’t wait!

It’s probably the smallest trip we’ve ever led, but we firmly believe that God has a big purpose for this trip –and we want to be a part of what He’s doing!

As you know, we generally take suitcases full of school supplies. But when we moved to Bolivia, we learned so much. One important thing— it’s better for all kids to have the same type of supplies. Last year while living there, we bought supplies in country, thereby keeping everything for everyone uniform and equal. This year we decided it would be best do continue that. So, if you would like to contribute to this effort, we have made it as simple as possible.

This is a kids crusade and we hope you still want to be a part of this. We are accepting any donations (none are too small!) so that we can buy the School supplies there. We have found a great store–and the owner gives us a discount (we attended church together in Bolivia!) and we love the idea of helping their economy-as well as the fact that it’s easier on the kids.

So, if you want to be a part you can do this in several ways:

www.focusforwardministries.com is our ministry website and has been since 2014 when the Lord began opening doors for us to do MORE. It is a tax deductible contribution you will get a receipt for at the end of the year. There’s a PayPal link on our page. We are a non-profit organization.
You can mail us a check (any amount–no gift is too small–it will all make a difference). Our address: Focus Forward Ministries, Inc., Post Office Box 573, Marianna, FL. 32447. Again, you will receive a receipt at the end of the year for your generosity.
Also, you can hand us a check anytime you see us–any of us. Jeff or myself, Chase and Shelly Curti (Sec/Treas) or Floyd and Sandi Aycock (VP). Mark it for the kids crusades in the memo portion. We are also accepting contributions for the Genesis Project (which enables us to help several children that the Lord has opened doors for us to sponsor their educational and medical needs in various ways).
And lastly, but most importantly, you can pray. We spoke about this at every church we visited. It is critical. Just getting there we need prayer coverings. PLEASE…. I cannot stress this enough. If you will pray–for our team–covering us daily, the LORD will be glorified and the children will be blessed–you will have had an enormous part in this mission and this team!

One more thing before I leave you, take some time and begin praying about next years trips. We would love to have you join us!

If you would like to know more about the ministry, or would like to have us share in your church, we would be happy to! Just drop us a quick email or give us a call. Thank you again, for supporting us in the past, praying us through to what God has in store for the future!

Missions

Purple Month Memories

February 5, 2019 A. Knight

It’s February 5, 2019. As this month approached, or actually, way before it began edging its way here, I had memories of my sister, Wanda popping up often. When my mother, or my sister, Aimee and I are together, or like a couple weeks ago while I was driving to Dothan alone…the list goes on. The holidays especially bring her closer to our minds and hearts.

We celebrate purple month for her. For those of you who don’t know–Purple was her favorite color, she was born in February and she slipped quietly from this life in February 2008. She would have celebrated her 44th birthday –but God chose to give her a heavenly celebration instead.

This morning, while I was having my quiet time with the LORD, a memory flooded back to my mind in a rush. (Please bear with me, as this is lengthy, but I wanted to share a sweet weekend with you.)

In 2006, we loaded up my little maroon Isuzu with the ladies I love to get away with; my sisters, Aimee and Wanda, our mother, and her sister, Evielean. We dubbed our times together, “The Sisters Retreat”.

No sooner had we reached Eufaula, Alabama, heading further north and we needed a potty break. Of course this was an excuse to actually dig around in the back for the “tea-cakes” that our aunt Evielean always baked and packed for us. (I’m telling you all of this so you actually FEEL the journey!)

We struck gold under the direction of aunt Evielean and were soon munching on cookies and sipping on colas, driving to a sweet B & B in Georgia.

We oohed and aahhed over the scenery, all the leaf colors and soon began to talk about things we wanted clarification on in the Bible. We actually had to call up one of the preachers in the family to answer a very important question that God would use on our retreat–and we sang and prayed.

We were directed somehow to a passage in 2 Corinthians 4:1-16

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (emphasis mine)

What began to be just a retreat for us girls, turned into a God appointment. When we left home–we all prayed together and asked to LORD to show us things and surprises…this one was a triple surprise.

That night, after a supper we had brought with us to prepare, we cleaned up and gathered around the fireplace. Each pulling in as close as possible. We shared portions of Scriptures from our current devotions, or a song that we had been listening to–and the Lord began to stir our hearts about something.

We knew the host, Mr. Tom Ford, was very sick. The Lord laid it on our hearts to have prayer that night for him, anoint a handkerchief, and share a passage of scripture. It was this particular passage.

The next morning, after breakfast, we moved over to the living room in the main house. Mrs. Martha had been preparing and serving and we had some light chit-chat, but we finally asked her if it would be okay if we prayed for Mr. Ford after breakfast. She told us he would love that.

We had an absolutely scrumptious breakfast–and when we left the table, we all settled back into the living room–whispering reminders to one another of who would do what and say what–when Wanda said she wanted to share something too.

Wanda was usually very quiet, but this particular morning, God has stirred her with a reminder that HE was in control. And that HE would give peace even in the hardest of situations. I had rarely heard her share her testimony– but she was willing to share whatever the LORD needed.

After I read the scriptures and Wanda shared what the LORD had put on her heart, we sang. It was actually a song we learned on the way to the cabin. That too, was something God did.

With lifted hands and tears streaming down his face, Mr. Ford was glimpsing something in the spiritual realm that I wish we all could have been privy to. But it was all for him that morning.

I have a question for you: do you make yourself available for God to use anywhere and anytime? Even when it looks different than what you or I had planned…. ???

As we celebrate this 5th day of February– I know and love the fact that God loves to use each one– and He especially loves it when we make ourselves available.

We celebrate her faith — the purple we wear also signifies royalty… as believers we are sons and daughters of the King of all kings!

Missions

Prayers Answered

January 31, 2019 A. Knight

A Personal Update from Jeff:

We have much news to catch you up on—we apologize for the tardiness of this newsletter, but hope you will understand once you have read it fully.

First though, we want to thank you for your support, both financial and prayerful. Your prayers have been more effective than you can actually realize on this side of things. I believe that when we get to heaven, God will show you exactly how your faithful prayers and encouragement kept us strong in the midst of some very draining struggles. You have been amazing and we love you dearly!

The picture above was one Angie took when I was asked to preach at a church we were able to help build, as we partnered with two of our West Florida District Churches. What an amazing time we had—seeing how the children had grown and we were thrilled when they remembered us being there for a week in 2014 to build.

When you build a church—you are also building a community! The house was full!

As you may remember the year we itinerated, Angie had breast cancer surgery, six months of chemotherapy, followed by 36 radiation treatments (every day except weekends), which left her less than her physically strong self. Her determination, however, was strong. She still testifies today of how the Holy Spirit was and is her constant Companion.

After eight months in Costa Rica learning culture and beginner’s language, we came home for Visa preparations then left for the field—arriving in January of last year to our destination, Santa Cruz, Bolivia. We settled into a routine of home life— with visiting schools and preaching in churches as much as possible, while growing more accustomed to some of the differences in the culture.

It may sound easy on screen or on paper but let me assure you—it was far from that.

Now that we were in the place we had first begun ministering in 2011, the enemy launched more attacks. Spiritual warfare began with a vengeance.

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, agains mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12 NLT

Angie called on various prayer warriors for specific prayers—and she continued her early morning time with God- praying for the LORD to continue to reveal our next steps.

The medical crisis that she went through, taught her how critical it is for every believer to establish and keep time with God as a priority. When I had to go to meetings with other pastors with my language limitations, I could trust she was home praying for me.

Life changed again for us in July of last year, when she found another lump. The enemy attacked full on with fear. When she let me know what was going on, we began to plan for her to come home to see her doctors. She arrived mid-August and I followed just a week later. They ran tests, scans, and bloodwork. Some of the scans had to be done 6 weeks apart because of the dye they put into her system.

The lump was determined to be a fibrous cyst, which we give God praise for—but they found a thyroid issue that was causing many other things to go “haywire”,to use her term. It’s enlarged, but no cancer has been found—again, we praise God! They have started her on medication and are increasing it slowly. She has to be monitored closely so that her doctor can get the levels right.

I have been back and forth to Bolivia, completing a couple of different projects we had going at two of the schools we work closely with, but I’ve also had the privilege of working again in our district in needed areas after the hurricane.

Angie’s doctor has recommended that she remain here for three more months to get her thyroid levels corrected (it was damaged during the radiation), and that will actually come to the closing of our current term in Bolivia. Spending just 16 months of what we had planned to be a 24-month term was disappointing and unexpected by us, but it was fully known by God-and we have to remind ourselves of that. We fully trust His hand in this situation.

The national office has now changed our medical leave to a new stateside assignment to finish out this term, which we will gladly share with you in person- all that involves. We are blessed to be part of the Assemblies of God–and the Latin America Caribbean work endeavoring to reach the unreached, helping to meet the needs of the many children in the schools (where we began working in 2012, in Don Lorenzo, Bolivia).

We would like to ask that you please continue to pray for us both as we transition into what God has next for us—both of us desire to serve Him by serving others.

We want to thank those who are continuing to support us until we finish our current term in April, but we do understand for those of you who are unable to do so. We both realize that many of you were hit hard by the hurricane, and we are praying for you—for God to bless and restore back to you all what the storm destroyed.

Again, thank you from the bottom of our heart—we could not have begun this journey without you! God is using you to make this possible for us to do more than we ever imagined! Please let us know if you would like to have us come share anything in a brief window with your congregation—we would love to reconnect with you all!

With love, deep appreciation and gratitude,

Jeff & Angie

Bolivia, Focus Forward Ministries, Ministry, Mission Trip, Missions, Trust

Our Summer Newsletter: 3 Teams+3 Days=God Glorified!

July 18, 2018July 18, 2018 A. Knight

If I had to imagine what this group could accomplish in 3 days time, I would have come up short. But we know what NEEDS to get done will get done. Because God is leading the way.

This was an amazing group.

We were thrilled to host Evangel Worship Center from Marianna, Florida and God did not fail at performing the unprecedented for this amazing group. Beginning with the airport!

The doctors bags were NOT searched. That is unprecedented . For any of the teams we’ve ever brought, since 2011, the airport issues have always given me hives (not really, but inside my gut that’s the feeling I always get).

Evangel brought 3 groups: Medical; Construction; and Crusade teams. They all worked so well together–harmony and the love of God was felt wherever they were!

The school was blessed by the supplies many of YOU donated money for–thank YOU. You will never know (unless you come and see for yourself) the impact those supplies make in the work and teaching that happens at the schools.

When we asked for donations, many of you gave! When Jeff and I, along with Nancy, a dear friend from Bolivia, went shopping for them. I kind of expected much lower prices than back home. But no. She took us to 4 different market (very low priced) stores and they were priced so close to what it is at home for many of the things, it made me wonder how the parents afford to send supplies with their kids…in short; they don’t. So this is a triple portion blessing, the parents, the students and the teachers. And our prayer for each of you who gave, to be triple blessed!! I know you didn’t do it for the blessing, but you cannot out give our Father!

I am going to be transparent with this next thing; I’ve been super homesick. So much so, that I clung to these with such joy and gratitude for them giving up of their vacation time to come and serve the beautiful people of Bolivia–my heart weeps again at their hearts of service. You really should have seen them in action.

The team stayed at the campomento that belongs to the church we attend and they all seemed to really enjoy the freedom that afforded them to walk the grounds to pray or explore in safety.

Each morning began super early as Pastor LaVon and his wife Brenda cooked breakfast with Kenny and Debbie helping–of course Jeff was right in there, not wanting to miss a moment with them. I, on the other hand, slept a little later. (I think Jeff’s clock is always set for 4:00 am) Pre-cancer, I could have jumped up and been ready to go, as I had when I helped (my super-chef-friend, Donece) one summer in our camp kitchen, but unfortunately I can’t do that anymore. I try and not beat myself up over it, but sometimes I just do. Then I remind myself, I can do what I can do and I am GRATEFUL to be able to do it!

I want to share some pictures of the amazing team at work. Unfortunately this is the first year I didn’t get the construction team in action! BUT, I can tell you they installed 40 fans in the cabins in 3 days. EWC paid for them, the construction team installed them, and the hundreds of people that will stay in these rooms from this point on will sleep more comfortably in the summer (November – April) months. These guys were amazing. I do have a picture of Jeff, Brad, Larry and Tim walking, exploring the possibilities of another project at a school that is need of a bathroom.

Jeff took them on a visit to the local hardware street.

The last pictures I want to leave you with are of the medical and crusade teams. I cannot express enough how blessed we feel to have hosted this group as our first team as MA’s here in Bolivia. We hope for more.

There’s no way to give you the smells and sounds they experienced:

The smell of the garbage that littered every single roadway.
The sounds of the rooster crowing every single morning.
The sight of the children that are placed on street corners to beg…

But I pray those smells, sights and sounds will long remain embedded in their hearts.

Thank you Evangel. The impact you have made in the people (your new friends) of Bolivia will be told across the corridors of eternity! You have made a difference in, not only their lives, but ours as well. THIS is what we came here for. To help others know the love of Christ through the sacrifices made by those who would hear the call of the Father, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 hcsb

Bolivia

Finally, On the Road

April 30, 2018October 28, 2020 A. Knight

We have SO much to praise God for-prayers answered! (THIS was a good day.)

You would never believe, in all your wildest imaginations, what it takes to purchase a vehicle in a foreign country. Never mind that a used vehicle of certain brands are almost as much a new one in the states… It’s crazy. It has taken 4 months to find one… The RIGHT ONE… And almost two weeks to complete the deal. I don’t know the total number of people involved or how many offices were visited (Jeff is doing that part with the help of our pastor here).

When they were wading through the paperwork, they kept trying to tell Jeff he didn’t have the proper documentation to prove he could be here. What? (Our supervisor assured us we did--but being in a different location and dealing with different people than the ones Jeff was with–and they wouldn’t budge.) It’s been one more tornado of an event getting this accomplished. When we buy our next car or truck in the states – I’m bringing the salesman donuts… cookies… Or cake. Or all of it! (*truck stats at the bottom)

Saturday, we took the opportunity (since we now had insurance – again, that was a huge ordeal), to drive and see some of the city by ourselves. It’s been since January that we have arrived and we have either depended on a friend to take us, walked, or paid an Uber or taxi. I never imagined it would take from January 26 to almost May 1st to get where we needed to be–with a little more independence.

If you’re privileged to have your own mode of transportation and can navigate with a certain amount of confidence anywhere you need to go, you are BLESSED…. So thank God for this wonderful opportunity.

While we were out, we saw some familiar sights, and some not as familiar (New fellow sleeping in the door frame of the Catholic Church.). And the traffic? It’s still just as crazy as ever–the difference is, we are part of the crazy in a real way!

Several times, while we were driving in the country (to a certain village), our road on the map we were following, just disappeared. Then at other times, it was hard to tell which way to go, and yet at other times, it would say “turn right or turn left” ….and low and behold, there would be a fence. Or there would be a field. How in the world do you navigate that??

There was one way we could get to where we were going, once we got close enough–

by looking UP.

There’s a very tall radio tower that can be seen from almost anywhere in the village, so once we got close enough to see that, although it was yet a few miles away, we could keep our eyes locked on the tower and keep forging forward.

Sound familiar?

This journey has done some amazing and some very painful things. It has brought out the best and the worst. The worst needs driving far from us, and the best needs to just hold on–He’s doing something unexpected.

More than you would believe, I have leaned on this word:

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

“My soul, wait though only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.” Psalm 62:5

No one can do this for us; only us. It was His voice who called, our ears that heard, His hand that leveled mountains to get us here, and it is only by His grace and mercy we are kept. I have found this to be the hardest thing ever, but I have found Him to be unimaginably faithful to His promises.

Friends, I have no idea what you are truly going through today. Facebook and Instagram and all those great photo filters make it easy to keep the truth off the front page–but HE sees your front page every day–and He knows the last page. Take stock today. Dig into the Word and into your heart and let Him reveal what is needed in your life.

I will tell you straight up, there will be some hard days…but the times you will draw even closer to God than you ever imagined are sown in tight to those hard days. For growth.

But they that WAIT upon the Lord shall RENEW their strength; they shall MOUNT UP with wings as eagles; they shall RUN, and not be weary; and they shall WALK, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (emphasis mine).

Did you notice the order of things? The mounting up is the exciting beginning. Then, the momentum is still there – so we are now on the run…running with the joy and excitement of this unbelievable journey…but let’s be honest here, it gets tiring after a bit.

Then there comes that time in this journey when we are too pooped to party and walking is about all we can do, and sometimes it feels like a “limping walk”.

We have a friend in Costa Rica who can “power walk” like nobody’s business. He was amazing and I loved to watch him, because I couldn’t even trot and keep up with him. The power walk–is not this walk. This walk is like the “air is heavy and hard to breathe walk, the falling down and skinning our knees walk, and it is affecting our gait…but HE still remains steadfast and faithful. NEVER leaving our side.

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 HCSB

If I can encourage you today, stay in the race. Wipe the sweat from your eyes (mixed with tears of frustration and pain) and let’s finish this! You with us? I hope so. I don’t want to see anyone left behind.

*truck stats: a 4 door 4×4, 2011 Ford Ranger, 98,000 miles and priced at $15,000 (thank you to all who gave offerings and who continue to support us!!). We had a budget of $10k but our director graciously requested on our behalf an increase so that we could get this more dependable vehicle. We are so grateful!

Blessed to serve with you!

Jeff and Angie

www.tinyurl.com/sendjeffandangie is the link if you wish to sign up to become a prayer partner or a financial partner (in any amount). Our prayer partners are crucial to this mission continuing.

Bolivia

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

March 8, 2018October 28, 2020 A. Knight

Yesterday I woke at my ordinary time, did my normal, everyday, ordinary first morning things, got my coffee, put on a load of laundry because, well, take advantage of the sunshine. It was predicted to be a hot day and it would help dry the clothes while I did the other ordinary things. But this day, was to be anything But ordinary.

Our expected guest arrived about 9:30ish and I had already had my devotions that morning and prepared. We were to have communion.

It’s customary here in the church we attend to have communion on the first Sunday of every month. Jeff had been sick Sunday- with allergies and headaches almost since coming here like he hasn’t had in a long – long time. But Sunday was worse. So we decided to stay in, he would sleep, since he didn’t sleep hardly at all the night before and I would have my own service by myself with an online message and worship.

When he said he didn’t sleep any- I wanted to say, “welcome to my world” but thought better of it when I saw his face. He really was a sick fella.

When our pastor arrived we talked a little before we prayed and he shared and we all three partook of communion together.

It was such a sweet and holy moment. It reminded me when our girls were young and we had a time where we were teaching them about communion and we shared communion once a month for a while. It was important for them to know and understand about the cross, the resurrection and the sacrifice that Christ gave so that we might have eternal life.

As we closed the special time together, our pastor asked if he could take us anywhere. He had a couple of hours to spare and we are still looking for a dependable and affordable vehicle. We needed to get the big containers of water and while we were out, we asked it it were possible to go visit a special young girl. This young girl is special to our team members from the 2013 construction team we brought to build a church near her house.

“Of course we can go!” he said without a single hesitation.

We set off for the area she lived, about 30 minutes or so from our apartment. Still in the same city, just rough roads and traffic makes it a bit tedious to get there. Just ask any of the team members from 2013. But it was worth every second we traveled from the hotel to the church everyday to see what God did for that village in just 4 days time.

When we got to Ruth’s house, she opened the gate timidly at first, but when she saw our faces, hers lit up like the sunshine. I really wish I could have taken her picture in that moment. But not to embarrass her, I did not.

We were the visitors that broke up her ordinary day. And when she hugged me tight, I wanted to cry. Her sister as well. She did tear up, just as she did 2 years ago when we visited and brought her a new walker. What was so incredible, her sister remembered the very day we visited them.

As we sat on their porch and talked (our pastor did most of the talking- I didn’t really want to blunder my way through a conversation) , I took in the surroundings, my heart broke at the condition of things. It wasn’t the poverty as much as it was the lack of care. I’ve seen very poor people try hard to keep things neat, because they had hope in their heart and life. This was clearly a sad family who had not seen hope in a long, long time.

Even without a camera in hand, I will never forget what my eyes captured that day.

We talked about school, church, and our pastor talked to them about forgiveness. I could tell by watching their faces that the words were falling on thirsty ground. They hungered. They lived within reach of the church yet something kept them back. The young girl and her little cousin attended, but the big need is for the mother and daughter. They need to hunger for God, to find the hope that is only found in Jesus Christ. The two young ones need the example of the mother and older sister. Not to be sent to church, but to go as a family.

He’s not going to come in and pour money into their lives, but He will cleanse (them) us from our sins and give (them) us a hope that will forever change (their) our lives.

That hope will change the ordinary life into an extraordinary one. He can open our eyes to things we never saw before and I believe He alone can help us see beyond our circumstances into what life in Christ will bring.

We know this family has had a rough time- we’ve ministered as best we could, our team bought the first new walker little Ruth had when she was about 10 years old, and have continued to buy her one every other year. They don’t last long in that terrain. But they need more than that. They need Jesus. Please help us Pray.

Next week, we will be going back to take her a new walker, and some school supplies and teaching tools for home schooling. It’s a long story and I won’t go into it here.

Before we left, we gathered around them and prayed for the family, there were tears coursing down Ruth’s mothers face when I hugged her tight and told her we loved them and would be praying. Please help us Pray.

A note to our team, this family was impacted in 2013 when we helped build the church, they are still impacted today by your memory and the love you shown them.

I’m thankful that every mission team we’ve ever led, was never a blow in and blow out kind of trip. It’s always been about building a relationship with the people. It’s still about that.

That’s why we are here. And with the help of the LORD and your faithful prayers, we will see many more ordinary days turn extraordinary.

Thank you for this opportunity. Thank you for praying, giving, and when possible for yourself, for going. You are making a difference.

We are grateful…. Extraordinarily so.