Category: Bolivia

On the 6th Day….the team went to Don Lorenzo.

The day got a great start with Dennis Rudd sharing an amazing devotion of how God put him on this trip.  What a journey–and what an amazing God.

I know I have written less this time–I’m really trying to save things for the team to share–if I shared their stories–which many have shared with me–then you wouldn’t get the same impact hearing it from them 🙂

One story I will share here.

David Pettis was the talk of the school at Don Lorenzo.  The kids were looking for “Larry”.

They loved Larry.

The little boy that David picked up on his shoulders last year was the first one that started questioning–then they all remembered and started asking.

Larry made a difference- with an “out-of-the-box” type of ministry.

We assured them, Larry will return next year. 

They wanted to send a message to Larry, which we uploaded to Facebook already–if you are connected with my page or any of the team members page, please check it out.  It is precious.

Have you ever given much thought to “your absence”?

Who have you affected–outside of your family and closest friends?

Is your goal and aim in life to be that “answer” to someone’s prayer?

That seems to have been one of the strongest focuses of this week.

As we watched those kids line up on the field,they were so thrilled to show their gratitude for their new playground (which was no longer new), that many of them raced for the swings and the slide to show us how they enjoyed them.  Their faces painted the picture of delight.  It thrilled our hearts.

To know that–through the grace and power of God, three churches (Grace AG, First AG, and New Life Fellowship) were able to build a church; affect a school; impact over 500 children’s lives; and we have a continued open door into that church, school and community.

All it took was saying “yes”.
Yes to a God sized dream.
A dream that was bigger than Jeff or myself.

This dream came to fruition in 2011 when the church was built, then a crusade further bonded that church and the school and community.

Now, through the work at the school and church combined, many children and their families will KNOW the love of Christ and that when God does something…He will bring IN whoever it takes to get the job done.

I’m glad He brought us in.

I’m glad when God burdened Jeff’s heart–he said “yes”.

What are you dreaming about that you think is too big??

Nothing….IS….too…hard…for… GOD.  Nothing.  If you stop the dreaming process and try and figure things out on your own, you will miss the biggest blessing.

Go ahead…

Dream Big.

Allow God to use you in whatever way He sees fit.  You do not have to have it all figured out…that is where He teaches us TRUST.

Proverbs 3:1-7  My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:  So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Read the whole chapter.  Many people quote verses 5 and 6, but read what comes before…and what follows.  Our God is faithful…

On the seventh day the team traveled home.  Please be in prayer as we leave for the airport very early in the morning–that God would go before us and prepare a smooth way.  Some have had stomach issues–and we don’t want anyone to have nervousness about the flight due to that–and we pray for peace-filled sleep.

Thank you all for being our bedrock of faith and prayers as we have been away.  I know you have missed your family member–but trust me when I say this…they may not be able to talk for crying when they tell you some of the first things….be patient…all the words will eventually come out of their experience.  And you will not want to miss a minute… 🙂

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

Yesterday was a good day.  MUCH progress was made on the building–God extended grace and mercy again to the team in various ways.  We are a blessed people!  

The heat has left us drained at the end of the day–somehow we managed to partake of food…and some have managed a bit of ice cream.  Not sure how that will affect their eating habits when they get home…but for now, what happens in Bolivia–stays in Bolivia. 🙂  (But now you know)

Kassi and I took a walk today -and again, among the broken down looking houses, the sand piles embedded with broken glass and pottery, you will find pieces of beauty.  This tree was one.

This face was another.   When I asked her if I could take her photo, she quickly covered her face on one side where there was a bandaid.  I assured her she was very beautiful…which indeed she is.

On our walk, we saw things–talked of God things, shed a tear or two–and discovered that God has been speaking to each one of us in similar ways–and the enemy has used the same stinkin’ tactics on both of us…go figure.  You’d think he would come up with a new plan.

But just as this young girl thought she was not beautiful, we think so often that because of our past–or even our present, that God certainly cannot make a good future.

Jeremiah 29:11 says:  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

He has a plan.  It is for our good–and His glory…and while we work through the parts of our lives that require the “yes” word, He is moving and changing things all around us…things we possibly will never know about.



 The little girl that you’ve seen pictures of from many of our team members with the feet that are turned in–she walks with a walker. 

She is an absolutely beautiful child–11 years old.  Through better communication today, we discovered her name is “Ruth”.  She is 11 years old and 8 years ago, she had a surgery on her colon to remove a tumor.   She has other medical issues other than what you see.  It’s not just her feet.  She also has to catheterize herself in order to void daily.  

Her dad is an alcoholic.  She lived just across from the church we built (yes, we completed our part today!), but her mother doesn’t take her to church.  She goes on her own.  She also looks after her niece and her little cousin.  Both are 2 years old.  You can see them both in the picture there…So–try and imagine your life right there…with those problems.  BUT GOD.

God has a purpose and plan for her life.  We may not know what it is–but God will use her–and HE has already–to reach other people.

This was a day for major tears as the team knew that goodbye’s were drawing near– they have encountered life and people they didn’t expect.

I’ve done some video interviews, and our audio/visual director at church will compile a video presentation for an upcoming service–in October.  (You need that much time to go through the hundreds of photos taken this week!)

TOMORROW, Ruth will get a new walker.  Several of the team members decided the broken and disproportional walker she currently uses will not work for her much longer as she is growing.

She is pictured here in front of her house.  This is her play area…

Did I mention the tears?

And yes, several team members wanted to take her home.  I think if we brought home all those who we wanted to bring, our church would grow by leaps and bounds by Sunday!

Okay–tomorrow we will visit the church we built in Don Lorenzo village–then the school where we ministered to the kids last year.  We are super excited to see them all again.  Yes, for those team members who went last year, we will tell them you said “hi”, and you miss them 🙂

David–we are praying for you–ever team member–every day.  I love you so much 🙂  We still trust and believe God for your complete healing.  God didn’t do what He did to stop now.  We wait before Him with anticipation at the next miracle.

See you all tomorrow–hopefully I will be able to blog–I’m about to fall asleep right now 🙂  

But–I have a God moment from Today…and it amazed me to pieces…. Just wait for it. 🙂

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

How in the world could I begin to tell you about today…

We started off by the pool area–where Jeff shared his heart–mind you with much conviction and tears.  Then Chase Curti shared his amazing story of a “God moment” from Sunday night.  Ken Athey also shared a God moment that he too experienced.  Same God…different moment’s.

God is such a personal–with you every second–kind of  Father–and it is so sad that more people don’t realize that.  And I’m not talking about those who don’t know who He is…I’m talking about those that warm a church pew every single Sunday and even sing a hymn or two… Yes.  Those.

This afternoon, I discovered that Carol and Dennis also had a God moment Sunday night…Wow.  It brought me to tears as she shared it. 

I’m hoping Jeff will share some of his devotion on his Facebook page, or at least write a blog for here again.

You will see pictures all over Facebook of today’s progress…which has been amazing.  You will see beautiful brown-eyed, precious faces–and yes, I tried to get one of the mama’s to let me take the little one home… (no-can-do)

But a very unique thing happened this afternoon–

We met a man in the road today who “gave”.  First, he shared with us (interpreted by Yaritza) his life of service in the military–gladly serving his country.  He had pictures of parts of his journey taped to the inside glass of his portable ice cream stand.  He also had a little photo-book of more of his life.  He told us where he went to church–and that his son attended the church that we were building.  He then “gave” us what he had to give.  Ice Cream.

Of course–without a second thought we took it.  When we tried not to–saying we had no money–he quickly replied “It’s free!”.

It’s FREE.

Part of Jeff’s devotion this morning was from Matthew 10:8 “….Freely you have received, freely give.”

We have been SO incredibly blessed to live where we live, yet we often “give” nothing.  

We have found ourselves to be consumers.  Rather than givers.

What a sad state we have found ourselves in–and it became so real to me this afternoon as I reached across the man’s ice cream cart (livelihood) and accepted his free gift offering. 

One of the girls said, “are you going to eat that?”

“Of course I am.  I wouldn’t offend this man for anything.–God bless this ice cream”.

I remembered instantly a comment from a missionary at General Council to me as I passed her, she handed out a cup of tea–of some sort.  She asked, “would you like some?”  I didn’t hesitate–I accepted.  She said, “you just passed the missionary test.”

I laughed, “what test?”

“A true missionary will take what is offered from someone they don’t know–without a hesitation or thought of what it might be”, she said and smiled.

So–for the group with me this afternoon, say it out loud, “I Am A Missionary”.

From Jesus’ own words– “Go ye therefore…”

That–is exactly what each of these team members have done for a week of their year.  “Go”.  

Most of this team not only have given this week–but they give of their time on a weekly basis.  Teaching classes, leading groups, sharing their hearts on a daily basis.  Some of them reach out into the community where they live and “give”.  Freely.

Just as Christ did.  Just as He commissioned them to do…

They are doing the “all nations” portion of the Commission this week…and for the family and friends back home–EXPECT them to be different when they return.  They will be.  

I hope if you are reading this–and you don’t know Christ Jesus as your personal Savior–that you get a feeling in your heart that you’ve never felt.  My prayer is that the words on this page burn into your heart in such a way that you MUST fall to your knees and ask Jesus Christ to come in and change your life as He has done mine.  He “rearranged” me–in such a way that the things I used to enjoy or long for–no longer hold any interest to me.

I give myself away.  To be used of Him…as the lyrics to William McDowell’s song have rang over and over in my head–I do–again freely GIVE…Myself away to Him.


© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

This morning–Jeff shared a great devotion–and just in case he decides to facebook it later, I won’t share here…but it was awesome.  I’m very proud of my sweet missionary man–although at this point tonight–I’m too exhausted to even smile.  It MUST be my age showing up tonight–it cannot possibly be the fact that we were able to get 4 brick walls standing of a church building –almost half way today.

The pictures share where we started this morning–introductions and a few brief announcements to the team.  Jeff and Billy Guettler led the brick laying crew– and got everyone off to a great start.

It was really neat looking at the groups working on sections of the walls of the church.  I couldn’t help but think of Nehemiah.  There was four to each section working side-by-side.  A few times we switched around and helped others out–as the mud men were keeping us all supplied constantly with “mud”… (That has got to be the most tiring job of all.)

The work progressed with each one learning what to do–and getting into a solid rhythm.  After while it seemed as if everyone was very well adjusted!

I have been so impressed with these younger team members (Jeff Lollie, Kassi Shackleford and Yaritza Figueroa).  (they are trying to make up for David not being here in the work load department) They have worked tirelessly beside everyone–and let me just say to all who helped send ANY member of this team–YOU are a part of a life changing experience for them–as well as those HERE in Bolivia!  They couldn’t have been here without you…neither could we.  So thank YOU (again).

I have enjoyed hearing Carol and Greta talk about all the things that they have either been surprised about or loved…I can’t share all of that here–it will come later at church from them.  And watching Bill Miner’s face light up in smiles…constantly…  What an inspiration!

Pastor Andie and some of the church members

One thing I did want to share tonight that was extra special from today–as Pastor Andie shared her heart with the group–she told how she had prayed–and believed, but didn’t know how God would answer her prayer–for a church building…then Jeff shared with her–how we had prayed as well–to be HIS hands and feet and be able to be used to bless a church–and both with tears–realized, as Kassi said today–the awesome way God allowed US to be an answer to someone else’s prayer.

Have you ever thought about that?  In your own life–how YOU could very well be an answer to someone’s prayer?

I have a dear friend in Arizona who lives her life just in that manner.  Seeking to be God’s hands and feet for someone–the answer to their prayer.  Barbara Keene, or also known as “the turtle girl” would have LOVED today’s experiences.

Pastor Andie

Tomorrow–in your devotion time–ask GOD to allow YOU to be an answer to someone’s prayer. 

Oh, one more thing–Chase Curti shared with me this morning at breakfast an AMAZING God story that happened LAST NIGHT at church.  I hope I am able to hear him share it with others later on.  

Tears–just remembering.  So far, we have seen God use members of our team…and there is so much more to tell—I just don’t want to spoil it all for them.  Keep your ears and eyes open.  God is wanting to tell you things and show you things.


We left this afternoon with the church looking like this–all the way around.

Oh, ONE MORE last thing… this church has a few stray horses around–chickens, puppies, and dogs, but I haven’t seen a cat yet.  

However– Cindy Pettis did say she saw “Parrots” flying overhead this afternoon… Someone else mentioned it too…so I will have to keep a look out tomorrow for a colorful bird!

Did I mention the precious children?

You know I’ve kept a lookout 🙂

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

Have you ever heard that saying– ‘left hand itch–you will “give something”, right hand, you will “receive something”… well….

I itch all over my arms.  Both.

I believe it’s because I’m about to join my husband, Jeff and our Mission Team 2013 and GO and give MUCH!  Time, energy, heart, faith, life, love and prayers.  Not to mention all the Bibles and school supplies that have poured in.  (Thank you all by the way.)

Isn’t it neat how we can reach around the world and be of assistance, yet remain where we are?  Sometimes though, some are called to carry that “assistance”.

I’m your carrier.

My mother continually reminds me of the meaning of my name:  Angela.  Messenger of God.  Bringer of good news (I read that somewhere).  A few years ago, a friend (Denise) embroidered me a picture of my name in Hebrew with it’s meaning–“Messenger”.  It hangs in my kitchen, by my sink as a reminder of my purpose.

     Go.

   Tell.

So, with House Sitter in place…and keeper of Scooter, we embark on a journey to do just that.

Go.

Tell.

Build up the Kingdom of God-by all means necessary.

We will be laying brick–building walls to secure a building for the church that already exists.  (The Church is the Body of Christ–the believers.)

I hope you will join me back here every day as I share through words and pictures exactly what we are doing–GIVING CHRIST to everyone who will RECEIVE.

My son-in-law, David will be sorely missed.  We trust in God’s ways and plans—and BELIEVE that He has all things under control.  David will be joining us through prayer–and spreading the Gospel via a mighty testimony of a miracle that happened just a few weeks ago.  David is a walking–breathing–talking–MIRACLE.  SO…he will do a bit of “telling” of his own.  Thank you God for your MIGHTY hand of protection!

This Mission Team 2013 is made up of 3 churches.  Our church, Grace Assembly, New Life Fellowship, and First Assembly of God (of Marianna).  We are thrilled to have our team together…we have traveled together for Missions since we began to build.  God put us together–and we are THANKFUL!

So, stay tuned.  Saturday is coming!

AND, while you are staying tuned….pray.  Pray for each of the 18 members of this team, plus the missionary that will be leading us, Mike Baldree.  PLUS, pray for good internet connection!

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News