Category Archives: Ministry

March 25, 2023

Pray As Never Before

By Angie Knight

This morning when I opened the back door to Let Gracie out, I inhaled deeply.

The air had a slight fogginess to it. Not as much as earlier in the week–but there it sat, misting on the property boundary. Like it had already been up at the house and was excusing itself before the sun brightened the day. It was cloudy though, so not much chance of seeing sunshine today.

As I inhaled, a familiar smell teased my nose: outdoor cooking, old wood burning, possibly, a distant field from days ago finally filtered down to our area, and I smiled.

Bolivia. That was my first thought. I stuck my head back inside to where I could see Jeff as I said –“Hey, it smells like Bolivia this morning”.

I know we live and work here. We both love our jobs, who we work with, and what we do. But we also have a purpose and goals to see more –young and elderly alike, experience their first mission trip.

Focus Forward Ministries, Inc. has a heart that wants to encourage others to get out of their comfort zone and help their neighbor….the one who lives an eight hour plane ride away. Focus Forward is blessed to currently be working in three countries: Bolivia, Jamaica, and Uganda.

Still though, my heart sees pieces of Bolivia in my mind often throughout any given week. So the smell this morning really gave me a hunger for our friends and family there. (If our Bolivia family are reading this–please know you are all thought about so much every week!).

From the very first trip I took, it has always been about the children. Yes, we build churches. But for us, our goal has always been to help the next generation find and know Jesus–and it often takes place in the church buildings we help build. We do our best to get involved in the schools surrounding the new church construction. And we return to all our other schools every year. We have always sought God for the place and time to do what He has called us to do.

Lately, I’ve been seeing the most horrifying and heart rending scenes on social media regarding children.

The exploitation and mind altering to cause children to want to alter their bodies–the devil is at work. Society tells them they can be a boy if they want–or a girl if they’d rather. I told a grandson today as we were discussing some of the evils this generation is seeing–that these people who were manipulating children’s minds would burn. The physicians doing such would also–I’m only judging by what I’m seeing and hearing.

I remember the shock and sadness that overwhelmed me the first time I saw a beautiful little girl who looked to be about five years old, dressed up in ruffles of taffeta, similar to a type of costume worn generally in parades in Bolivia, dancing on the sidewalk. With her CD player, she was dancing and appeared to be completely alone. But her “owner” was within eyesight I am quite certain. She was there to collect money. She danced for whoever would give her coins to clink in the can that sat on the sidewalk. Even better if the money folded.

I looked around in anger. Honestly–at that point I had never in my life seen such a thing –had heard about it but never witnessed the exploitation of a child before. The missionary leading us that day (2011) described to us what was going on and urged us to walk on by and not pause. I remember there was sadness in the eyes of the little girl. She wasn’t holding a doll and playing in her yard–she was dancing a provocative dance to allure the attraction of whoever was willing to watch and pay. Sick.

We are right there. In America, we can no longer hold our head up and say, “not here, buddy”!

It is here! It has been for many years–it’s just more out in the open now without regard to others–shameless disregard for the innocence of the children.

In my kitchen window I have four little glass votives. I light them sometimes to highlight what is going on in the early morning at our house. They are almost burned down, but easily replaceable. Our prayers are just like these little candles. Giving a light in the darkness of this world and we have got to make sure the prayers continue. When we see the light running low–the call to action is to be ready with the next candle to light. We need to pray while we can. We need to go while we can. We need to speak and share and sow the seeds of the Gospel, while we can. The day is coming when we won’t have the privilege to do all the things with the freedoms we have so enjoyed in America.

Friend, I don’t know what kind of reminder you need in your life to pray–but we have eleven precious grandchildren from age 21 down to 3–and they are reminders enough for me that this world is shaking up in such a way it should keep us in our prayer closets. They are the generation that will experience this last day revival- Let us pray it down on them–let us be ready to experience it ourselves! Let us live by example the readiness of heart and spirit to go to the ends of the earth if God calls–to share the Gospel with those who have never heard.

Pray.

Leave a comment | posted in faith, Focus Forward Ministries, Ministry, Mission Trip, Missions, prayer

January 1, 2023

Anticipation

By Angie Knight

Do you remember the old Heinz® ketchup commercial?   The song that accompanied the slow pouring, best on fries ever—ketchup: “Anticipation”.  “Anticipa-a-a-tion is making me wait”.  It’s one of those songs that gets stuck in your head when you hear it—but in life—it’s one of those things we grow weary of doing. Waiting.

Well, you waited 365 days for 2023 and here she is!  Bright-sparkly and brand-new!  Maybe in your house—she’s not as sparkly.  But 2023 is “new”, nonetheless.  She’s never had footprints walk here before— but you and I are about to change that—putting our mark on 2023.

I generally begin considering what might be “my word” for the year in October or November.  I always ask the Lord what He wants to say to me—or show me in the coming year.  It was much later this last time.  I asked mid-December.  I asked—and the only thing that came to my mind in that very moment was “Anticipate”.

I’m not a gloomy person—but when I heard that word, I kind of sank inside.  It meant (to me), I was about to “WAIT” for something.   But couldn’t it also be…my “waiting” was over?  Meaning, the things I had been seeking God about -was going to be realized this year.  That’s the way I chose to see it.

Often, a big part in “anticipating” something is—letting go.  Letting go can be painful.  A big Band-Aid® won’t cover the pain that accompanies letting go.  

Since I work at a funeral home—the letting go is something I see first-hand every single day.  Letting go of someone you love is the absolute hardest—no two ways about it.  Grieving happens in life with letting go of other things—but things can be replaced…people cannot. 

When I began thinking of all the things that I let go of in the last 61 years of my life—I couldn’t help but recognize that to let go meant that sooner or later—I would be receiving something else.  I jotted a few things down:

When company cutbacks caused Jeff to lose his job (many years ago), even though I cried and grieved about this—soon, God showed us that this was the opportunity for Jeff to do what he had always wanted to do—begin his own business.  That business led Jeff to do some fill-in work at our church fellowship headquarters—and in turn—that led to a full-time job with benefits.

Years later, when we were called to the mission field, it required for us to let go of the life we had loved and enjoyed for 12+ years.  Yet in doing so, that offered us the opportunity to live in two different countries, experience two different cultures and meet and love so many new people.

In life—we are all in a constant state of letting go.  But do we anticipate what comes with that action? Sometimes we have to let go of our children to allow them to walk in the mission field that God has already mapped out for them.  Sometimes we have to let them go “their way”—even knowing it is against all we taught them—but praying with a fiery passion that God will bring them back to the place they need to be in Him—even if it means a crushing in the process.  Oh, that hurts.  

In a conversation with one of our grandsons recently, I reminded him that all his decisions would affect more than just himself.  And consequences of poor decisions would often follow him for the rest of his life.  God forgives…yes.  But our memories of rebellion are a constant reminder of the pain we caused others.

“Let go and let God”—as cliché as that sounds—it’s true.  As long as we try to work the situation our way—God cannot do what is necessary to get them to the place where they surrender…even if that place is the hardest most confusing place we’ve ever been.  I guess you can tell I’m speaking with experience here.  Our prodigal’s journey was the most excruciating walk I’ve ever had—hot coals type of walk.  15+ years of it.  But God…. 

We still have prodigals in our family—and I’m still praying the diligent prayer—anticipating the day when God has their full attention and they want nothing more than Him.  Am I willing to endure the slow process if it takes it?  Yes.  The wait for Heinz® ketchup is nothing compared to this.  Eternal life with all my family is worth whatever He feels necessary.

And now—as we have anticipated, 2023 is here.  What kind of mark do you want to make?  I want my mark to be a mark of powerful prayer.  I want it to be impacting prayer.  What does that take? Practice.  Daily.  Not ritualistically, but as a privilege.  That’s what it is to me.  I get to have a conversation daily with the Creator of the universe… 

What is He saying to you?  Nothing, you say?  You must not have asked Him…because He is always saying something.  Sometimes it’s a simple, “I AM here”.

I want to close this out with a challenge:  Ask Him.  Anticipate a response.  Wait for it.  It’s the best you will ever taste.  

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”

Psalm 34:8 ESV

© Angie Knight.  All rights reserved.

1 Comment | posted in Holidays, Hope, Ministry, Reflection

July 18, 2018

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

By Angie 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.

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

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The “walk-about”.

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.

The Crusade Team

Pastor LaVon and Brenda Pettis

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

Leave a comment | posted in Bolivia, Focus Forward Ministries, Ministry, Mission Trip, Missions, Trust

January 16, 2018

You Have to Believe it to See it

By Angie 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

2 Comments   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Bolivia, faith, Hope, Life, Ministry, Missions, prayer, Trust

May 11, 2017

Pardon the Dust

By Angie Knight

Have you ever seen the sign that says, “Pardon the Dust”?, in a store when it is under a remodeling, but they are still  open for business?  Well, that is pretty much like my life.  I won’t speak for Jeff, but he would likely say the same thing.  My area is really dusty these days.  More so (in my mind) than the cancer days.

I told a new friend this week that [language school] seemed to be designed to do what the chemo did….kill off things that doesn’t belong.  Then we learned what the name of the school meant; in Spanish, cincel means to chisel.   Appropriate, don’t you think?  I think many of the new students have felt the sharp edge of the chisel this week.

We are on day 4 of classes and I will do my best to share enough, but not too much that  you get cold feet if God is speaking to your heart about missions.  But in reality, if God is speaking to you….there is no amount of things I could say that would scare you away.  You are in it for the long haul.  Just like us.  Be advised though, the enemy won’t like your decision–just as he didn’t like ours–BUT GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL.  Through everything!

Our days begin early–Jeff slipping into an altogether new routine here, and myself as well.  We get up early (Jeff, often around 4:00).  He has always been an early riser-but I think this place calls for even earlier–simply because such deep God conversations need to take place.  And listening.  Escuchen….to listen.  Above the voices in my head, I am learning to listen more to the Holy Spirit when He gives a direction.  “This might hurt….but it’s for your good.”

There, He sets me on the block.  Chisel and hammer.  Dust is flying.  I am noticing some things in me that needs correcting.  I need to be more sensitive.  Not quick to judge or assume based on what my eyes see…but to listen.  He blows His holy air on the form sitting still on the block.   That’s me.  The tears I shed based on what I feel, the weaknesses in me, wash away more of the dust.  He is working to see His image in our lives….

That was like chemo and radiation.  “This might hurt, you will feel many changes, but it’s for your good”…. I think God prepared me in some ways on HOW to look at things so that I would not crumble (quite so much).

I have two friends who, one just this week lost her daughter to cancer, and our cancer journey began approximately the same time, and another dear woman is losing her husband, even as I type, to cancer.  And here I sit.  Healthy–preparing for a work God has set before me…and I cannot explain even the least amount of the whys of that.   But God’s plans are perfect and I will not try and understand HIS understanding for the Word says, it’s way beyond me.

We are grateful for our monthly supporters and daily prayer partners.  YOU have no idea!  When I wake up in the morning–I know someone is praying!  All during the week, I trust and believe someone is still believing with us that God has much in store!  And their support continues so that we may journey on.

Each day in class (so far) I have felt so close to tears at times because there is NO English spoken by the teachers.  It is brain numbing.  There, that’s the chisel again.  Learn a new way.  Open your heart, mind, ears and listen.    Admittedly, I come home and go to the bathroom to let the tears fall.  It’s a release.  Don’t feel sorry for me, pray with us.  We need to learn this.  The culture, the language, the people.  Once the tears are dry, I feel better.

I learned just yesterday, the best thing to do after class is go for a long walk.  So, Jeff and I walked yesterday, about 8 blocks, mostly uphill, to the grocery store to pick up a few things.  Let’s look at that miracle for a minute.  UP HILL.  The backstory of this is I finished my last round of radiation treatments that took place every single day for 6 weeks the WEEK before we left for Costa Rica.  I hardly had energy to pack.  I had beloved friends, one at a time, come almost every day to lend a hand with our packing.  I couldn’t even “think” clearly from the residual effects of the chemo yet, here I was packing with help, and then just a week later arriving here.

The walkway to our apartment is such a steep downhill trip, that first day I was so afraid I would fall face first–but I didn’t.  Sure, my knees ached afterwards, but look again at the miracle.  YESTERDAY, we walked over 8 blocks one way mostly uphill.  Of course I was sweating like a horse when we got there, but my mind was clear.  And we did our little shopping, enjoying the air conditioned grocery store…then we had to carry our packages back…all 8 blocks.  Thankfully, my precious husband carried the two stuffed bags and I carried the umbrella.  It rains every day.

New things.  Every day something new.  A new experience, a new feeling, a fresh mercy from God.  We are learning now to live without the air conditioner.  I have the blessing of two fans that Jeff bought after we arrived.  THAT is huge to me here.

I look at many things differently.  The dust that is gathering at the base of this Sculptors stone will soon be blown away again, and He will look to see what else needs adjusting.  Hammer will continue to strike and I can count on sitting in this spot, under His chisel until He feels it’s time.  I’m done.  I’m ready.  Then, I’ll go Home.  Not to an earthly home, but to my heavenly home.  All the while the chiseling and hammering is happening, work is being done, through me and on me.  He will use me however HE sees fit….just as He will YOU when you say “yes, LORD, I’m willing”.

In the meantime friends, please pardon the dust.  He’s still working on me.

 

[We are very grateful for a new supporter this week!  If you are interested in becoming a prayer partner or a monthly supporter–or BOTH, please feel free to visit our agwm site, www.tinyurl.com/sendjeffandangie]

© Angie Knight 2017.  All rights reserved.  All Photography © Angie Knight unless otherwise noted.

 

8 Comments | posted in Adversity, breast cancer, faith, Life Issues, Ministry, Missions, News Letter, Trust

December 31, 2016

Life Stuff and General UP-date

By Angie Knight

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Well friends, Christmas 2016 is in the memory bank and the New Year is upon us.  Right around the corner-so-to-speak.  In a matter of hours.  Has already happened for some of our friends living in other parts of the world…

Many unexpected things happened this year–many things I journaled–God words to my heart- for me alone-and some that I will share with you.

Several members of our family have gone through their own ordeals-as I am sure yours has as well.  Seems the devil is ever on his job–but we KNOW that God is watchful and is equipping us all for the battles that lie ahead…and are currently ongoing.  He is our strong deliverer–and HIGH TOWER.

We just KNEW we would be preparing to leave for Costa Rica (language school) this month-but God had other plans–and we humbly and gladly submit to what HE has planned because we are in this for HIS glory, not anything for our own selves.

I think that it’s specifically powerful that the verse of the day from BibleGateway.com is this:

I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea. “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.  Isaiah 43:16, 18-19 NLT

Years ago, The LORD brought this passage to my attention when I was going through a particularly difficult battle, today, it’s needed just as much.  A reminder that HE is in charge and NEW things are on the horizon.

Jeff and I are still working on our monthly commitments, meaning: we will need your help.  We are getting closer, but we still have much to do to get there.   We can’t do this without God lay it upon the hearts of others to help us for the next two years.

Beyond that, I don’t know what God has in store.  We will gladly stay in Bolivia until He calls us home–or we will go wherever HE sends next, but this we know–we must do what He has laid on our hearts to do.  That is, work with the children in the schools He has opened up to us in Santa Cruz, and continue to build churches for the villages where there is no Gospel Door open.

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There have been extreme forces fighting against us- the biggest one it seems, cancer.  But, we are over half way to completion of my treatments, only 6 more to go out of the 16.  The next step is radiation for 6 weeks and I have a dear friend who is currently walking that road just ahead of me.

God had the right team lined up for this medical mission on this side, and I have no doubt He will continue.  My biggest problem is on the days I feel good, I try and do as much as I possibly can to make up for the days I can’t.  For a “doer”, this has been a rough go.  However,  I have done well I think, and from what my oncologist has said, a “prize pupil”, or patient.  That’s all God’s doing, and all because of the mighty team of prayer warriors who have diligently sought God on my behalf. Thank YOU!  You are a HUGE part of this mission team!

Jeff has delivered his heart in many churches over the past year, I participated in the delivery until “chemo-brain” sort of held me back, but they say this is all reversible and I look forward with great anticipation to the day when I can bring a “word” again.    For now, I smile, hug necks, shake hands and am glad to be in the mix of things!  If you are wondering why you see so little of me in blogland, this is why.  I want to give God my BEST, but for these past few months of treatments, it seems I struggle with writing as well as talking.

It has felt so odd being a “by-stander” when I have always loved being in the middle of what God is doing, but I have “felt” His presence nonetheless.  And it has been powerful.  Believe me, I’m taking notes.  I have been writing in my prayer journal to record for later, this road.   Though muddy, messy and ankle twisting at times, it is one that I have seen God do miraculous things and I wouldn’t go back and change a thing…

We have just a few months to be ready to go.  If you are interested in helping us monthly, go to this site:  www.tinyurl.com/sendjeffandangie  (You can also give one time donations–we are eternally grateful for any and all help!)  We plan to leave in May, 2017.  We have already started packing…

Have you ever tried to do something that YOU KNEW God was leading you on and had the enemy fight so hard that you struggled in your heart to keep you focus clear?  That’s where I am tonight. I KNOW God has called us– He woke me with ideas earlier this week for the children… and just as quick as I get excited about that–the enemy comes and tries to steal the joy from that.

We can’t see all that is ahead, but we know and trust the Hand that leads us.  We will not stop until we feel we have done all that He has required of us.  He is doing a NEW thing in this NEW YEAR and we are excited to be doing our part!

The road up ahead will have curves, hills and even rough terrain, but HE is with us…all the way.  We are looking forward to seeing you in 2017!

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© Angie Knight 2017.  All rights reserved.

1 Comment | posted in Bolivia, breast cancer, faith, Ministry, Missions, New Year

June 8, 2016

Road Trip? Or Airplane?

By Angie Knight
I bet  you think I forgot you!  I didn’t! I have been meaning to hop on here and tell you all the things that has happened in the last few weeks–we JUST returned from Bolivia Sunday–and I have been adding pictures and blogs since then–“HERE“.

Click HERE.

This was the largest team we have taken–and soon, I hope we can be the “host” missionaries! for crusades, building churches and medical teams!  We are hoping and praying and dreaming too!

One of our grandsons asked us a few months ago if we were going to drive our camper to Bolivia–well, it’s a little too far and the truck and camper wouldn’t float…so it’s a plane ride.  What a road trip that would be though-right?

If you are interested in helping us make an impact on the mission journey, please pray about becoming a partner in ministry with us.  You can visit us at our ministry website ww.focusforwardministries.com to stay up with what we’re doing–and you can sign up to become a monthly prayer partner and/or monthly financial partner at our ministry, Focus Forward Ministries, Inc. (www.focusforwardministries.com)
Thank you in advance for whatever God leads you to do!
Jeff and Angie Knight-
Ordained Ministers with the Assemblies of God.

© Angie Knight- All rights reserved. Photographs unless otherwise noted are property of Angie Knight. All rights reserved.

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May 20, 2016

Dresses for the Nations

By Angie Knight

A visit in the rain this morning with some amazing women left me in tears.  Full on- blubbering tears.  It happened before I ever got there– I thought of all the little girls in Haiti, Bolivia, Argentina, Honduras, and I’m not sure where else, who have had the gift and blessing to wear a brand new little dress made by these dear hands.

These ladies buy fabric (or sometimes they are gifted beautiful fabric!), and buttons, and thread and even matching undies for these little girl dresses.  And they cut, iron, sew, label and pray over them.  One of the sweetest things said today by Mrs. Peggy was that “if the gift of these dresses doesn’t lead to a conversation about Jesus then they aren’t doing what we intend them to do.”

Wow.  That is truly being intentional for Christ.  Every stitch–every seam, every button.  And they are adorable.  Tenille and I both think we would look “cute” in one.  (It’s a wish anyway!)

These ladies have a heart for the nations.  For the children of the world.  They haven’t been led to go on a mission trip overseas–but God has given them a job–and it started with a passion and desire of heart and blossomed into a wonderful group of women from East Side Baptist Church in Vernon, Florida.

I told Tenille, Mrs. Peggy and Mrs. Gloria today that Jeff shared their mission project and heart for missions almost everywhere we spoke.  The mission is just as important as going…these awesome ladies are sending.  They loaded me up today with blessings overflowing!  I will share all the goodies later–because we are leaving next week with these goodies and I want to keep the surprise intact!

There were two  ladies that I didn’t get to meet today–but I have known and loved Tenille and her mom, Gloria for a long time–and met Peggy last year and felt such a kindred spirit.   They took on an additional challenge this year and knocked my socks off!  Mrs. Gloria–you have raised an amazing daughter–and I thank you for letting me claim her as one of my “many” adopted girls!

Thank you ladies…for loving the world and reaching out with the abilities and gifts God gave you!  Completely–wholeheartedly!

East Side Baptist Church in Vernon is one of more than 9 churches involved in this trip to Bolivia.  Individuals have “given” items, contributions, or people!  What a God we serve–and look at the people being The Church and working together! I LOVE IT!

If you are ever in Vernon, Florida, say a prayer as you go through for the wonderful ladies of East Side Baptist Church who are reaching around the world and dressing the little girls of the nations!

Some photos shared by Tenille Brock Fielding.
© Angie Knight- The Knightly News. All rights reserved. Photographs unless otherwise noted are property of Angie Knight. All rights reserved.

1 Comment | posted in Focus Forward Ministries, Ministry, Missions

January 6, 2016

How To Get From Here to There

By Angie Knight
How to get from here to there-
flying would be the way I’d go
but how exhausting, just so you know. 
How to get from here to there-
friends can help lead the way
and just how, they ask, will we stay? 
How to get from here to there-
help is needed, I’m sure you’ll agree
God will direct hearts, we shall soon see.

The task ahead has loomed –mostly after the initial day of “excitement” that came with the news of our approval as missionaries to Bolivia!  

Can I just share my heart a minute?  I haven’t done that in a while–and pardon the tears–for they just seem to happen when I mentally see those little faces-it’s hard to explain.

If you could experience the anguish of the wait–the internal examination of  your life since you first became aware that you were “you”…like we have the past 11 months or so, since we first said “yes” to a God who sees all and knows every detail….

See, before the national office ever began asking their questions, the old enemy started his:

“who do you think you are?  Are you kidding?  At your age?  What ability do you think  you have?  Seriously?”  Over and over and over.  

Of course, then came the paperwork.  We won’t even go there–because there is possibly a  “soon-to-be” called missionary reading this and I certainly don’t want to scare  you away–trust me–if God has called you–there is NO other life choice for you.  Paperwork-schmaperwork.  Just do it.

If you could know the feelings that I get preparing for each trip- when the donations begin coming in for school supplies for those kids who will never have a chance at a brand new box of crayons without your help.  Or those little girls who we took dresses to this year–they would have never had the opportunity to have their very own “first time” brand new dress–without your help (East Side Baptist Church-Vernon, FL)–and it honestly leaves me speechless.  And to see the look in the mama’s eyes putting it on  her little girl…oh friend, if you could know. You were here…but those dresses worked “there”.

If you could know what it feels like to hug the body of a little girl who has never ran  or played like other girls, who gets made fun of because she had an old walker that had been sawed-off to suit her short build, but was still too wide.  If you could see the tears fall hot and fast from her older sisters eyes when we walk in their yard with a brand new child-sized walker with wheels and a seat, and they realized someone saw a need and had compassion.  They may not know the word–but they know the feeling.  And some friends from “here” went “there” by helping buy that walker.

If you could walk into the tiniest one-room-home of a little 13 year old girl and see her little baby–and her own baby doll still in the same one room dwelling and know that her life will never return to playing with dolls because now she has one of her own…and she has to be responsible….

If you could board that airplane coming back home and feel that tug in your heart that you are not finished with what you are supposed to do….if you could dream the dreams that I have had for the past 3 years and see the haunting and desperate faces of those who have not been introduced to Christ yet, and wake with a sweat and urgency that the job must be done quickly–for we are running out of time–and you would feel that to stand before a congregation is a fearsome thing to do because your greatest fear is that just may not “get-it” like it has grabbed your soul for the past 4 years of your life.

But…if by chance…it did grab you, and  you actually did experience all that I have for the past year to get prepared for what the “next phase” of your life is, you would be like me– taking apart every piece of your life to accommodate the journey ahead.  Just when I think I’ve pared down enough, I feel a nudge from my heavenly Father…“more, Angie.  Remove more.”

If you click on this link, it will take you to our page with AGWM.  From there you can choose to journey and partner with us.  You will not be required to leave your home, but you can invest in our journey and join us for the ride of a lifetime.  I have created this little guide below, but  really, you can choose whatever dollar amount will fit your budget.  Once we get to the field, we will be there for two years.  We hope that everyone who starts out this journey, will finish it well with us!  You can even just give a one time donation–which it is all tax deductible and you will be mailed a receipt each time you contribute.

I remember the first 4 missionaries we began supporting.  One of them I had never met.  But I strongly felt God lead me to begin supporting them.  We added more to our list over the course of the next couple of years and still support them all today.  We can’t go to the countries they are in, some are in very sensitive countries, but by giving each month–we are joining them by helping them stay on the field.

Jeff and I have quite a way to go to get there–and we are hoping to get there soon.  Would you like to join us?  There is also a place to sign up to become prayer partners on our page and we hope that everyone will do that.  We really need prayer support.  I learned that in such a major way while we were there in October.  And please pray as we are calling and emailing pastors–we need open doors, ten minute windows, 5 minute windows–whatever is available we will gratefully accept.  God will do the rest.

We humbly thank you–with all that is within us–for the help you are able to give.   If you have any fundraising ideas–please contact either one of us on Facebook or by email–we will be grateful for anything! 🙂

May God bless you for your sacrifice and love toward us and what He is doing in our lives.

http://www.tinyurl.com/sendjeffandangie/

© 2016 Angie Knight- The Knightly News. All rights reserved.

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April 28, 2015

Praying Beyond Ourselves

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

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

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

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

Millions still are.

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I ignored it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As if.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray.  Beyond yourself.



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


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

2 Comments | posted in Focus Forward Ministries, Ministry, Mission Trip, Missions