Bolivia – Jeff & Angie

A Whittler = God’s Messenger

August 1, 2026August 2, 2026 A. Knight

If you have ever struggled to know what you can do for God, I have the answer. Give Him back what He has given you in all the ways and places that He puts in front of you.

Brother Aubrey did. Aubrey Graves did until July 30, 2026. Then, when God called him home, Bro. Aubrey laid aside his whittling knife and took the hand of his Savior and entered Heaven’s Gates. I cannot imagine what he saw!

When the Tabernacle was being described and built as God commanded Moses, the Bible says that God gave two men talents and creative gifts to lead the job: Bezalel and Oholiab. (Exodus 31) Others were chosen to help, but these two were specifically chosen by God to accomplish the task.

I wonder if they were among those who met Aubrey as he entered the gates to express their excitement at having another craftsman join in the things that only God knows are taking place in the massive place we long to be. We often speak of “the fine cooks” that leave this life for Home and how they must be helping “stir the pot of chicken and dumplings”…why not a craftsman?

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24 NIV.

We have no clue what is actually taking place–but soon we will.

As I looked back over the years of mission photos (that I thought I had lost), I could not help but cry over the blessings that God has given us as mission leaders to have known Aubrey Graves and watch firsthand kids and adults alike be affected by his talents and giftings. Aubrey was one of a kind–we need more like him. Not just craftsmen, but someone willing to leave the comforts of his own home to give of himself and share the love of Jesus. We were always disappointed the times he was unable to go because he was such an amazing man–and you felt the love of God while watching him carve and whittle. I have a special gift of my own that he carved.

Twice that I remember (there may have been more), he gifted me with something special. He picked up pieces of wire, rocks, or whatever he found that seemed usable to him and created something unique. I have a necklace, a bracelet, and an avocado seed turtle. The necklace and bracelet are both made of rusty wire, pieces that were used to tie rebar together, and rocks were added to make it complete. He always had something inspirational to say. But the gift that was so amazing, behind a glass display cabinet, is my avocado seed turtle. He carved a turtle for me (not even knowing I have had a thing about turtles since I was a teenager).

The card he wrote that went with it says: “My progress may appear to be slow, but I’m moving at exactly the pace God has set for me.”

The little turtle just under the easel with the quote is the avocado seed, and she needs some oil. One of the things that makes this so unique, when I received it is what was going on in our lives at the time. I cried when he gave it to me–because we had applied to be missionaries to Bolivia and it seemed to take forever to be accepted. We were in the itinerating process…but progress was slow. Then just a few months later, I received the cancer diagnosis. Needless to say, this little turtle became a reminder that God was in charge of the progress, and I was His child.

Our prayers are with Mrs. Janice and their family as they walk through this journey of grief. I know it won’t be long until we are all together again. Jesus IS coming SOON.

“Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength….” Ecclesiastes 9:10(a) CSB

Bro. Aubrey, you will be missed–but you impacted every single life you met. Every child that you handed a carved toy to, and every adult you gave words of wisdom to–we are blessed because of your obedience to God, as you gave your best to all.

Bolivia, Mission Trip, Missions, Salvation

7-Coming Soon….to a Bolivian City Near YOU

August 31, 2025 A. Knight

We are doing all the final preparations to “send and go” on the last mission trip for 2025 for Focus Forward Ministries. Generally, our directors lead three trips each year: Uganda in February, Jamaica in July, and lastly, Bolivia in September.

“Ustedes son la luv del mundo.” Mateo 5:14. You are the light of the world….those are our instructions straight from the mouth of our Savior….our Bridegroom. Are we “lighting up the path?” The message for this year’s crusade is one that I heard months ago, early one morning in prayer. Be the LIGHT. If we are walking in obedience to our Father, we are going to be doing just that…shining for HIM. Recently, I have been convicted about not putting myself out there… I stay in quiet mode. I wish I could tell you that I will be changing all of that, but I move at a turtle pace when it comes to some changes. I enjoy learning something new–and I will adapt to change–but you need to give me a minute to adjust my thoughts around the “new” things.

Every year, we have a children’s pastor who goes with us and leads the crusades…. This year is different. It made me a bit anxious initially, but then I thought…what if my whole life was leading up to this very event? We will do what He has called us to do–our assignment: Be the Light. And we will be flexible with any change that pops up from behind the fence. Because it happens. Changes are inevitable.

Last year, we had planned for two teams of kids’ crusades to run simultaneously while we were also building a church, but the schools had suddenly been closed down for an uncertain number of days due to the pollution (smoke) in the air. A new plan had to be made.

** “As the translators gathered, the planning began. We would divide up into teams of three and walk the dirt roads of the village where we were building a new church, going house to house, inviting the children to come to the construction site for music, games, etc.

When we went door to door, we were sometimes met with barking or growling dogs, laundry flapping on barbed wire fences, and some reserved faces. They had reservations about us because they have the same door-to-door visitors as we often do in the States, often with tracts in hand.

After introductions were made, all the teams shared what we were doing and gave invitations to all the children in the family to join us outside the church at a designated time that day.

Over two hours later we wandered back into the construction site to share reports. FIVE salvations!! Even though the schedules had to be changed— this made up for it on so many levels as I realized had we been in the schools- these would not have had the visitors that called out “buenos días” that morning when they received the invitation to know and accept Jesus Christ.

One change – although unexpected- in our normal routine of ministry meant everything (eternity) to five individuals.

The planned crusades turned into door-to-door invitations and sidewalk ministry. God is in the details. We are always emphasizing “expect change and be flexible”- however, when changes disrupt all our well-laid plans, it’s a bit harder to relinquish control. But we must. It’s not about us. Ever. It’s always about them. We just get to be the pitcher that pours into the waiting cups.” **

We have no clue how this trip will play out in the course of each day…but this one thing I know: We are going to make an impact for the Kingdom of God. Because we are going with the intention of doing so—He will use everything we give Him.

What I know today (if God wills), we will carry the Gospel in hearts and suitcases. We will carry the message of being the Light of the world and introduce hundreds of children to Jesus.

Please pray with and for our team as we do all that we can to share the love of Christ with those who don’t know Him. We have had several who have wanted to be involved in this mission with donations and prayers. We ordered a few things to use for this trip on faith that the needs would be met. We trust and believe that God is working ALL things out in every area of this adventure! He is faithful to do just that. Above all, please pray for each team member: safety, health, smooth transition through customs, and to make a BIG impact for Christ. That’s our heart. To lead others to Jesus through the message we bring and our love in action.

This is our second team of 7. In 2019, we took a team of 7 into Bolivia, and we were the 5 loaves and 2 fish. The impact was life-changing. For each one of us.

If you would like to participate or donate, please contact us through our website, facebook messenger or mail: www.focusforwardministries.com; Post Office Box 5773, Marianna, FL 32447 or email: focusforwardministries@gmail.com

© Angie Knight 2025. All rights reserved. This was simultaneously shared in the StreetTalk Magazine, September 2025 edition. **This portion was previously shared on our personal mission blog: www.jeffandangieknight.com, September 12, 2024.**

Adversity, Bolivia, breast cancer, Devotion, faith, Hope, Life Issues, Missions, prayer, Trials, Trust

Facts vs Truth

August 2, 2023 A. Knight

Yesterday, when I sat down to write and pray, I did what I always do: write the date. August 1, 2023. I knew immediately what Wednesday, August 2, 2023 would represent. Seven years since the diagnosis of breast cancer marched into my ears, as if it was going to take up permanent residence. It was not.

There are some things that chemotherapy snatched away from my memories–but that day feels as if it is grounded in concrete with rebar. After my physician, ….to read the rest, head over to my personal journey blog.

Bolivia, breast cancer, Costa Rica, Life Issues, Missions, Trials, Trust

Early Morning Coffee…

June 22, 2023 A. Knight

“Wow.” -That is a word I use a LOT.

It lends itself to describe my feelings on a lot of things…from the good -to the bad…even to the ugly.

(I promise I don’t write about cancer often-but when I feel led to…I do. So maybe someone has just had a diagnosis, or needs to just know their loved one can make it through–this is for you.)

The word “WOW” depicts my astonishment over many things…

It’s what I wanted to say when my doctor looked at me in a sort of nervous way- and said the words “cancer” quickly, as if to get them out there in the open air–might relieve some of the stress she was feeling.

Her first words, “Well, I don’t have good news for you”, hung suspended, and I wanted to hit the rewind button and back track and maybe even have a re-do of the past few days events. But that wasn’t happening. It was there. The test run- the mammogram and the ultrasound with the biopsy all told the facts of what was under the skin of me…but just so far. It couldn’t get to the heart of me… that was and is only for God to see.

I sat on the back porch, ignored the obvious humidity and heat and drank my coffee at the beginning of that particular week and I felt a weariness and dread come over me–it knocked me backwards in my spirit. Have you ever felt spiritually knocked down? As if you were in a physically-real-fight?

The REST of the story is on my prayer journal blog…. HERE.

Bolivia, Mission Trip, Missions

Five New Missionaries

October 24, 2022 A. Knight

This team. Oh my goodness. If I had a dollar for every time I laughed, I would have come home a millionaire. (Maybe not quite a millionaire, but close.) This group of excited travelers were the BEST group we have ever hosted. I know. I say that each time–but this time…truly. Can you pick out the five NEW ONES?? They soon became favorites of all of us! (What happens on the mission field-stays on the mission field–right Ms. Jessie? Ms. Wanda? )

The tests and trials to get each of them to where they were standing on the day we left, was nothing short of miraculous for all. Our youngest team member, who had felt the call to go years before, had saved her money for the 2019 trip and then we had to cancel. 2020 brought all mission projects of ours to a stand-still. 2021, we began to see light at the end of the c*v1d tunnel. In 2020, when “Pajama Church” was in full swing, I sought God about how this would all effect missions.

Once people began to come back to church, the effects of c*^|d had injured the church body. Not just because of the deaths that had occurred, but because it seemed to have made a viral impact in attendance. Many churches suffered great loss of lives. Not just here…but all over the world. We heard from our pastor friends in Bolivia….same.

Fear had slithered in and set up a class room. People began to fear “gathering” as a body of believers. However, once the doors were fully open, masks made optional, those who could- began to come back to the house of God. There is strength found in gathering as one.

In all that strength, I saw in so many, and felt in my own life, the hunger to get out and do more than ever before -while we can- for the work of the kingdom of God. The trip was on!

We had the opportunity to visit some new schools, as well as return to our favorites, share the Gospel, play games and love on everyone. The number of kids and adults for the week was well over 2000. April Pettis, (our crusade pastor) with Chase Curti (crusade team leader, and secretary/treasurer of Focus Forward Ministries, Inc.), and our crusade team were the recipients of hundreds of hugs in those four days and new souls were committed to Christ as each message ended with an opportunity to invite Jesus to be Lord of their lives. *Enter crocodile tears*. I get emotional when I see those hands go up. When I know that no matter what the next day brings for these, they made a commitment to serve a God who will be with them no matter what.

For the FIRST time, I didn’t carry the camera! A new little missionary friend of mine did; Autumn Howell. She snapped pictures of everyone and soaked in every single minute of the sweet days filled with precious people!

Autumn Howell and her new friends–The next two pictures came from her. Thank you Autumn for sharing!

We are so thankful for our home church–always supporting us in prayer!

If you’ve ever “thought” you would like to go on a mission trip…we are going again end of May- or first of June of 2023, if God is willing. We are so excited about what God is doing!

Contact Jeff, Chase, Floyd or myself. We love and appreciate ALL the prayers!

Photography © Angie Knight and Autumn Howell (used with permission)

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.

Bolivia

Proving His Faithfulness

January 31, 2018October 28, 2020 A. Knight

We are here. The Lord has been full of mercy- and has been gracious to my weary heart when I felt I would faint from all the newness surrounding me.

Overwhelmed. That has pretty much summed up my feelings the last several days. I’m surprised He hasn’t obliged my behind with a swift kick. But again… He’s full of mercy and it’s new every morning.

We went apartment looking yesterday and today – yesterday one out of three was a keeper – except for that little thing called a budget.

To find something in a safe area And affordable I was beginning up thinking was nigh impossible. But God looked down and set us up.

“When things look impossible will you still trust Me? “

I trusted Him without a second thought during my cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy and radiation…. What was the problem trusting and believing Him to find us an apartment? I was bone weary and emotionally spent. Every single ounce of my flesh screamed “stop and take a breath!”

We had several – what I will call “prayer crisis”. When we got to the Miami Airport to leave, we discovered that my tourist visa had expired. And to get one at the airport requires certain documents. Well, you would have thought we knew that it expired – but since Jeff’s was a 10 year tourist visa we never thought to check mine… We assumed. Yeah yeah. I know.

So there was a huge emotional deal going down in my head when we got to the airport checking in our bags. I asked a few prayer warriors to pray. Well…. They let me on the plane.

Of course you must know it was not a peaceful flight like I had “planned”. Instead my heart was filled with anxious thoughts. When we finally got here and deboarded the plane it was another ordeal and phone calls and anguish and tears – finally I was spent…. I was ready to go home and say “forgetaboutit“. I sat there in tears (while Jeff was – I’m not sure where, trying to get me in) and told the Lord “I’m done”. I said it twice for good measure. I was, as they say–being real with God.

That very instant when I admitted to having NO abilities on my own, and our merits could get us nothing, the guy walked over who had told me my papers were no good and not enough–and he asked for them again and he made it happen. More than an hour after we landed, we walked out into the freedom of a tourist.

There’s a LOT of spiritual lessons here once I unpack it all, but know this, God proves Himself daily. Every single minute of every day.

We are grateful to a lot of people-both here and at home. Our prayer partners are relentless. And so is our God.

My friend, Paola wanted to get Jeff to try something – her words were “have you proved this”?? He had not tried it… That’s us. Try HIM. Prove Him. He is trustworthy. It may not look like we thought…. I may not understand the whole process but His ways are eventually visible.

One last note – we don’t have wifi yet, but we have phones. If you see our family – love them for us. Hug them. This is the Hardest thing for me because I love my family more than anything.

I’m reading a book called “A Tale of 3 Kings”, by Gene Edwards. I want to leave you with a quote:

“… God did not have -but wanted very much to have – men and women who would live in pain. God wanted a broken vessel.”

I think that can often sum up the life of followers of God. To die to the desires of our own hearts and take up His. We are no different than you. Just a different assignment today.

(special thanks to Stevie Elam for this amazing gift!)

Bolivia, faith, Hope, Life, Ministry, Missions, prayer, Trust

You Have to Believe it to See it

January 16, 2018 A. Knight

You’ve heard people say,– I’ll believe it when I see it? Try believing before you see. Try seeing it in your spirit. And then watch Him unfold the journey.

When in Costa Rica, I almost forgot that a blue this color existed. But the skies are that blue at home. #nofilter. And at night, the stars shine bright. It’s especially beautiful on a cold night. Head thrown back, thanking my Father for such wonderful gifts like this!

Every night while home, when I took my Gracie Mae out, I would look up at the night sky and draw in a deep breath of cold air and proclaim aloud my gratitude for the heavenly display of night-lights. I love it. If you have never had a length of time when you couldn’t see the stars– or a cloudless blue sky this spectacular– like only Northwest Florida (at my moms house) can produce, then maybe you don’t quite understand my immense joy. Even though I couldn’t SEE the stars in Costa Rica, I knew. I believed. They were still hanging around up there. Waiting to be seen!

I love coming home. Although we didn’t stay at mother’s this visit– (the things we both had to do were concentrated in Marianna), I still enjoyed my few short visits back home. It’s was really odd- the LORD really helped me deal with the emotions of each place I called home. The people– that’s another thing. It hurt to leave them again.

Our daughters and their boys are the delight and light of our hearts– but we have an urgent compelling to follow what God has laid on our hearts. It’s a compelling that we just can’t turn off.

The other night I heard something- it was actually in the wee hours of the morning– I lay there very still and the Holy Spirit whispered again. I got up to go to the bathroom with intentions of writing it down (typing it on my notepad) when I got back to bed. But just that fast– that word was gone. Stolen from my mind with all the busy things that kept rolling through night after night while we’ve been home.

As I lay in the bed, very still and quite, I asked the LORD, “please give it to me one more time.”

He did.

“You cannot unhear a call from God.”

Just like you can’t unsee something you wished you hadn’t seen- or unsay something you said and instantly regretted, you cannot unhear once the voice of God has called your name.

Oh how I love Him. I am so thankful that when He looked for someone to “go”, we both said “yes”. How in the world did it all happen?? Only by God’s grace and HIS divine guidance. All the pieces of this journey will hopefully one day find its way to a book– that’s what my friend Betty and I had hoped to get to work on– but it didn’t happen– too many things going on. We’ve planned it and talked it for several years now though. And God has kept piling on the Words and the journey is sweeter with every passing day.

A lot of things look different than what I first supposed. But I have followed Him long enough and lived for Him long enough to know that He is very purposed about every detail of our lives and this journey.

After being in language school with over 30 other students– from other districts, we do know that our district is the best. (Grinning– because our district is family) The West Florida District Presbytery Board gathered around us this afternoon before we left and prayed for us– and we have such admiration for what they each do. They are amazing. And one of them is our oldest daughters Pastor. And I had the opportunity to thank him for all the prayers he has prayed over our girl and her boys. God has been faithful!!

If you’re dreaming a BIG GOD SIZED dream– keep believing. If it won’t turn off in your heart and mind no matter what- keep praying. If every sermon you hear, every song and every Word keeps you coming back to circle your dream again– trust that In HIS timing, it will all line up.

No, it may not look like you imagined. You may be older, gray haired, a little weaker in body, but stronger in spirit, … believe to SEE the impossible. Believe to LIVE the improbable. And believe to be used by the Master Himself when the time is right. That’s what we are here for. Bring HIM glory, through telling His story which is our story and HIS story in us. That may have sounded like a jumble of confusion there– but it’s late. Jeff’s driving and I’m blogging on my phone.

When you look up at the blue sky– think of us. Pray for me that I will keep my eyes open to what HE wants to show me next. And when you look up at the night sky and see stars, count yourself blessed. There were many nights I teared up wanting to see them. I’ve never been on a mission trip to Bolivia and saw the stars. I only saw about 5 stars (and only saw the moon about 5 times!) while in Costa Rica. It saddened my heart a great deal because I love looking at the sky.

Well. It’s late. For us anyway. We may stop and sleep soon and get an early start in the morning. We love y’all. Every single one. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep giving Him Praise and Glory!

Believing…. and seeing. They go hand in hand.

Believing BIG-

Angie

#aknightsjourney