Category: Missions

I thought long about what to title this post.  I have rolled these pictures back through my mind–knowing I didn’t take a single picture of this particular event.  Thankfully, Missy Schrenker did.  Camera posed, she grabbed the shot of life that few see.

I called Mr. Bill Wester last week to ask permission to share this story–it is after all, part his.

There was a good group of us on the village trail that day.  Hot temperature, cooled only by the frequent showers from the constant clouds that hovered in the Honduran skies.  We had traveled to many houses that day, Marie Walker, our voice to the neighbors had shared her inspiring testimony with all who had ears to hear.  Her testimony will be shared in another blog story–this one is about the rice and beans.  Mostly.

Bill Wester was our “man leader”–and we were thankful to have his cheerful self with us.

Gang of excited girls and ladies that we were and ON a MISSION.  Our hearts were glad to have a part in giving food to hungry lives.  We were also glad to be able to give REAL Food–in the form of The Word.

Each of us, in turn had handed over our burden of rice and beans-each packed in 5 lb portions, to the waiting and thankful ladies.  When we got to the last house on the road–or the block–in this particular neighbor–now, don’t picture your average suburban neighborhood.  Picture instead brown clay dirt roads that have a distinct odor all their own.  Muddy valleys in the road, we step over some, go way around others.  Piles of animal dung litter the road, and that too, we go around.  (I know, you are right now covering your nose.)

As we neared the last house, a woman stepped out on her porch as Maria called a loud, Buenos!  The lady said something back as Maria began her chatter of what we were doing in her neighborhood.  GIVING gifts of food, and Jesus.

“Has someone already been to your house?”

“No…”  

“We would like to give you rice and beans.”

“Gracias!”

As we asked the crowd of missionaries, “Who has any rice and beans left”, Mr. Bill spoke up and handed over his bag of red beans.  I handed it over to Maria, who in turn, handed it over the fence to the lady–patiently waiting for her gift.

Just as Mr. Bill grabbed his bag of rice he noticed the “secure zipper seal” had become “un-secure”.  He cautioned me about it and in the transfer from his hands to mine, about 2 handfuls of rice spilled out onto the ground.

I heard his sharp intake of breath.  And his, “Oh no!”  At that moment I saw immense sadness in his eyes as realization hit–this was some of her food…now on the ground.  This was much more than dropping a piece of candy and snatching it up before the 5 second rule made it “uneatable”.  There is no 5 second rule in Honduras.  I knew what was about to happen as soon as we walked off.

Mr. Bill’s eyes filled with tears as she was handed the rice, she was cautioned about the zipper seal not working properly, and the girls were making their way onward.  As I turned to talk to Mr. Bill, I knew what was going on behind my back.  I said to whoever was listening, “don’t turn around”.  I didn’t want the lady to be embarrassed at their hunger and need–scooping up rice off of the dirt road…and Mr. Bill was in disbelief of what had just happened.

While I knew what was happening–I knew I couldn’t take a picture–and was not sure I wanted to–but I wanted the memory preserved.  I told Mr. Bill, as he was anguishing over the fact that it was “his” bag of rice, I reminded him that “these girls, and each of us, needed to see the level of desperation for food that these people have”.  As I thought later to myself, I would most likely do the very same thing were I in those circumstances.

Missy Schrenker had her camera out–and was able to snap the picture. However, the lady saw her and she stopped picking up rice immediately.  Another lady joined her in the road, and together they stood guard over the rice, lest some chicken come pecking before they could get it up.

Long after that picture embedded itself in my mind, I was praying for that event to so change the hearts of each one of us–forever.

Spilled gifts.  It made me also think of the gifts that we have–some we share with others–some we horde as if there will never be another…

The gifts I’m talking about are our talents.  The things God has gifted us with–to share with others and bring Him glory.

I’m not a surgeon…but there were surgeons there that gave their gift away to the needy.

I’m not a medical staff–of any description–but there were countless nurses, and other staff who willingly gave their gift away.  It truly IS a gift.  Not one I possess—but each of us- have gifts that God has blessed us with– Can you spill some over into the life of another today?

Once you begin…You will find you just can’t stop.

Thank you Mr. Bill Wester, for allowing me to share our story–and I do pray that we all look closely at what we’ve been given…

As my friend, Betty Shoopman says, “It’s not about me”.

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

On Sunday, in Honduras, as we were taking the kids to the class rooms to begin with singing and a Bible story from Ana, I spied a trailer with a word spray painted on it…

We can’t “save” any for a rainy day…to be pulled back out and used when we are down to the wire…

We must use each minute wisely.

Make every second count.

I am big at wasting time.  I seem to have a knack at getting caught up with games or reading silly–inconsequential “stuff” on Facebook, or just “lolly-gagging” around.

I didn’t make that word up.  As a child, it was something I heard my mother say more than once–because I was “lolly-gagging”, or not staying on task.

I like to think now, that I’ve got my “eye-peeled”, so I’m focusing on more than one thing.

Over the past couple of years–I have come to the strong realization that God wants my FULL focus.

Don’t wander off.

No lolly-gaggin’.  Pay attention to details.  The work ahead requires undivided attention and a conscious effort to manage our time well.

Time spent in The Word is well spent.  Putting verses to memory, praying–praising–worshiping—HIM.  Time well spent.

When we go to South America, one of the first things I discovered–and Mike Baldree reiterated more than once–“their time is not like our time”.  Time doesn’t mean to them what it does to us.  They are not rushed.  They work through their day without a hurry.

They rest.  They pause and walk slowly.

I find it hard to adapt.   I have to mentally tell  myself that “what needs to get done, will get done before we leave”.

As a team, we all work hard–the men work a back breaking job of mixing mortar, laying bricks, building a church all day.  The women, come behind and clean the bricks, bring water (Jeff taught me how to lay bricks my first trip), and generally we work at helping them work most efficiently in the time we have there.  Making the most of every minute–and every opportunity.

The women also have the pleasure of playing with the children–and I have the joy of recording it all.  I like to try my hand at everything.  I enjoy learning–and teaching what I learn.

My focus though, when I’m on a mission trip, is to “show and tell” you what is going on.  I love keeping you informed of the happenings.  So the trip to Honduras was WAY different in the fact I could not share nightly what happened in the day.

I’ve endeavored to bring my memories back to the keyboard, and it has caused me to re-live many of those moments spent.  Thank you for your patience.  You may be ready for me to move on–but there are just a couple more things I want to share.

One of the greatest joys has been the fact that I’ve met some incredible people who live RIGHT here!  And their heart for missions beats as wildly as mine.

Mr. Bill Wester is a man with a heart for missions–and I hope to share a few moments that happened on our journey of the rice and beans mission.  It opened my eyes to more of the reality of the people…fair warning–get a box of kleenex.  Even thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

Do you see the house at the top of that hill?

It may not look like much of a hill, but bend over and pick up a 5 gallon bucket of water.  Better yet, pick up two.  One for each hand.

They came for water.  The woman and her children.

This was her every week activity.  Whenever the water truck came–she went for water.  The school is located to the left–out of sight of the picture–there’s a break in the fence that you might not see–where the path curves–near where I am standing–and the water truck is parked just inside the fence.  We had set out to walk–delivering beans and rice, but this one family had yet to get their water up the hill.

Four of our girls decided she needed help.

I was amazed.  The rest of the team had finished–the kids had dismissed for lunch–and were all walking home in the misting rain.

It had just slacked up from a good downpour.  The rain soaked, sometimes slippery ground, made it a bit more difficult.

The hill was steep.

The buckets heavy, as arms unaccustomed to such tasks strained in the journey.

They stopped mid-way and switched sides.

The water needed to get to the top of this hill.  The woman and her family needed it for survival.

LIFE.  Water giving life is what they needed and that is exactly what these girls struggled to bring.  No picnic.

Each step they took filled with determination.  There was no one standing by to help.

This is what the mother of these children did on a regular basis.  I cannot imagine.

We have–STILL–no clue how difficult things are for them.  We only participated in their lives for one week.

We went back to the comforts of the dorm–and buildings that had ceiling fans and running water.  Turn a knob and there it is.  LIFE.

How far are you and I willing to go to bring life?

Savannah, Sydney, Tracey and one of the translators had no idea what that journey would require.  From the bottom it looked tough–but doable.

Midway up–it began to feel impossible. Hands hurting–back breaking–it became apparent that it would require every single ounce of strength they had.

When the burdens were delivered–the trip back down was like a walk in the park–except for the soggy ground.  They felt light–in more ways than one.  They had been a part of giving LIFE to another.

Water.  LIFE.  And through the words and actions–they brought CHRIST.

That’s our mission.  Bring Christ to everyone we can…Every people group.  Every nation.

They made an impact.

The blisters on their hands left an impression.

One they, nor us, will ever forget.

Though the journey be hard….Though the path be steep….KEEP on climbing.

The words from the man to me on the Temple visit came back to me again.

“The view is worth it”.

Not just the scenery.  While that IS quite amazing–I’m talking about the “lives”….

We’ve not much time left.  Gear up for the climb.  It will be tough at times…but worth it when we gaze into the eyes of our Savior.  It’s all for HIM….

HE climbed a hill that is Beyond ANY description…to give US LIFE.

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News 2013.  All rights reserved.

You know, we encounter people all the time whose eyes light up just as ours when we talk about mission work on foreign soil.

Those same eyes usually light up when we do mission work and disaster relief work–here.

But…occasionally you will come across one who wants an explanation for “why”, and would rather offer the excuse that they see too many needs here to go across the “pond” to serve.

Funny thing that.  I rarely see them jumping on a plane to go serve.  Vacation, sure.  A week for pleasure–, as Grandbuddy would say, “you betcha”.  But to spend a week out of their comfort zone–where diseases are unknown and the common, ordinary mosquito carries more than a “bite”….well, that’s a horse of a different color.

I used to have the mindset that I was one that should “send”.  Meaning, give to help another fulfill their calling.  But then the day came when I surrendered to the call on my life–and I knew I was one picked to “go”.

No matter where–or how far.

I was amazed and proud of the medical professionals that stepped away from the comforts and safety of home to give a week.  They didn’t have to–there are plenty of things they could have done with a week off.  Yet they chose to “give”.

I was especially excited to know they would get the opportunity to give the beans and rice–and see where the people lived.  I would have loved to be able to invisibly tag along to record their comments and expressions–especially for those who had never been.  A mission like this makes an impact like nothing else in life.

The fact that Raymond Smith’s youth group chose this journey over “camp” was another intriguing moment for me on this trip.  I loved listening to the youth talk about what they had seen–and watching their faces–as they took in the tiny faces looking back at them.

Even though they aren’t “mine”, I was equally proud of those who wanted to go into the operating room and observe–as well as help out in recovery–or help clean, sort and store the medical supplies.

My help to the hospital end, began and ended at the washing, drying and folding laundry.   As Carol and Sheila, from Bonifay First–diligently worked in the laundry room every evening, Rene and I took a turn in their every day when we weren’t with the kids–or delivering rice or beans–or collapsed on the bed for a 10 minute power rest from a long trek in the rain.  Actually, I’ve never seen two women work as hard at laundry as Carol and Sheila.  The hospital laundry never ceased.  Two washers and two dryers never stopped running.

When asked the question of the week spent away working–when so much could be done in the U.S., I liked the answer of Bro. Bill Wester:  “You have 51 other weeks to serve here”.  Use those.  Serve with all you have.  I have a few comments about those who use that excuse, but I will keep them to myself.

My favorite picture from this trip.

Give a week.

It’s not a vacation–and should not be considered by you-nor anyone else as such.  It’s hard work, usually doing things you are unaccustomed to doing.  BUT it is so rewarding!

My favorite trips involve activity with children:  Honduras 2010, Mission of Mercy, now known as “One Child Matters” was my first trip.

We had a few discomfiting situations–the bus driver strike following a shooting, or stabbing from gang violence the night before was probably the biggest issue–no, strike that.  The biggest issue was the night before we left for home–and I got violently ill.  To the point of not being able to leave the bathroom.  I was one of several who got sick from something we ate.

Can I be transparent and tell you that the Devil reminded me of both of those incidents when my invitation to be a part of this trip landed in my lap?  Fiercely.  But I had vowed to follow Christ–into the unknown, or the known.  I was not the one doing the “choosing”. God was.  He is the One who called me out of my comfortable job–the security of knowing what I was going to do every day–5 days a week.  Plus benefits.

But when I said, ‘Yes’, to His beckoning voice, I found myself in the most secure Hands.  Much more than Allstate.

Each trip, God grants me the joy of looking into eyes I’ve never seen before and He gives me a gift there.

In Cambodia–it was a “wake up call”.  A clock showed up in a pair of liquid brown eyes from out of nowhere–showing me that “time was running out”.  Jeff saw it before I did.

These eyes show mercy.
I hope you see it as I did.  It amazed me once again how God works.

There are still many stories to tell, but some I am saving until after I teach on Wednesday night–because they are for my class.  Some, will most likely get told in bits and pieces along the journey–some from each mission I’ve been privileged to take, are yet to be told.

Oh friend….God is so faithful.  He GAVE His only Son so that  you and I might have life…if we so choose life over death.  Choose Him today if you don’t already have a relationship with Christ.

And hopefully, soon, He will ask you to “give a week”.

Join me again tomorrow–where I will show you more pictures…and you can tell me what YOU see….

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

While in Honduras…
The time seemed to pass fast–just as much as it does here.  Only we were aware of our small –yet significant window of opportunity.

We had 7 days.

7 Days has been something that has come to me more than once.

Prayer for significant Word from God.

Affect others–in a significant way for 7 Days.

There is a movie, 7 Days in Utopia–staring one of my favorite actors–Robert Duvall–where this golfer–who seems to not have a handle on his temper–and he lands on Duvall’s land–  UPSIDE DOWN.

He was instructed daily– and patiently by a former golfer–(Duvall), who had “been where he was” in a manner of speaking. Duvall had all but destroyed his life–and his career and he had compassion on this young man who was bent and determined to “do things his own way”, no matter the consequences.

I’ve met people like that.  I have been that person even in my young adult life.  HUGE mistakes–and if it were not for the patience of God–and the love and mercy He extended…I’d be living my life in a major upside down existence today.

The lady in the picture above walked calmly by as the men were diligently working in the front yard of her Honduran neighbor. I’m not sure how far she had walked, or how much further she had to go–the town was probably another couple of miles away–

She was the picture of serenity.  Umbrella in hand, propped on her shoulder, head and eyes straight– working her way to her destination-not to be deterred.

I want to be that.  Determined.   Focused.  Head up-back straight–headed to make a difference.  Going strong to the destination and purpose that my Father has chosen.

Where to?  Heaven.  HOWEVER, there are many assignments along the way.  And I am focused on doing a good job–the best I can do.  I don’t want waste a second…

While in Honduras we were very aware of the time we were allotted.  Each bus ride–every bus load of kids– every hill, valley and house we visited.  We were aware.

While here at home are we the same?  Do we see each person as a possible mission?  Or opportunity to minister?

I’m guilty.  I don’t most of the time.  There are times I do–when I’m focused most on HIM–JESUS.  But the days when I’m absorbed in my own skin, I am afraid I am selfishly devoted to my needs…my wants…my desires.

Oh, Lord.  Break that mold.  Enable us to see what YOU would have us see–and SEE ourselves with the eyes that YOU see us with…even the selfish cloak of “me-ism”.  Let us shuck that off–and wear Your heart–inside and out.

Honduras 2013

These faces and this land brings it out of me–quickly–Honduras, Bolivia, Cambodia.  These are the places I’ve been and desire to return–for it was in those places that I found myself completely looking BEYOND myself and seeing “others”….yes, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

But I saw it in me first.  HE showed me– “Me”.

I repent.  I resolve.

More of YOU LORD–less of me.

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

These were pictures from the first day. Saturday–hit the trail and get to work.

The busyness that goes on during a mission trip is what I love–then to rest at night–thoroughly spent–on your bed and let the pictures from the day pour back over your mind like honey from a jar…

These were the first to receive a concrete floor–in one room of their 3 room home.  It was the main living area.  I suspected it was also where they all slept.

The roof, pocked with holes, let in the rain, as well as dots of lights, much like stars in the day time.  The room, when I entered to snap a picture was dark, the smell of the packed dirt filled my nose.  Another aroma that filled my senses was food cooking, I wasn’t sure what it was, but it was a good smell.  It overpowered the other smells…

As you can see, the cooking area in the left corner, click on the picture to enlarge it, the dirt floor shows signs of recent rain.  The wood stacked up to burn to keep the stove top (yes that is what I said) going.  That’s it.  There was another room beside this one just like it–only the grandmother and a couple of chickens were puttering about in there and there was one rocking chair.

Sorry about the blurriness of this picture, but I wanted you to see the grandmother–as well as the “hand washing pan”  Every now and then, I’d see her step to that window with a coffee cup and scoop up a cup of water from that same pan…not even sure I want to think about what she did with that…..I told Rene, it was to splash on the fire…?? What do you think?  (Remember it is hand-washing water…)

Oh, and one of the chickens flew up there and plopped her feathery behind on the pan–and then scurried away…

 The finished floor got a special finish when the chicken wandered in, as was her custom and did her business on the freshly smoothed concrete…Her contribution.

The chicken below–apparently didn’t stay locked up–as there was a huge hole in the box.  I’m guessing she was the one who contributed to the breakfast….

Eggs anyone?

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

I bet you think I forgot you.  I didn’t.

It took quite a while to get the laundry caught up…

So now that the last towel is put away, let’s get back to it!

I’ve made a couple of collages to share some brief parts of the trip.–The team of medical staff from the Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama were fantastic!  The BMDMI facilities were amazing–tucked into a busy and guarded compound in the city of Guaimaca, Honduras.

The flight in was uneventful (which is good!) and the landing was even better than the first time.  My first flight–first mission trip was to Honduras in 2010.  Little did I know at the time, we were landing on one of the most dangerous air strips in the entire world.  It is now listed as number 4 on that infamous list!

So fast forward, several missions later, and once again, God amazed me with HIS goodness.  A great team of workers, good facilities (toilets that flush and has a curtain for privacy!), and my bottom bunk bed was very comfortable.  Click on the picture to enlarge it and see the details of the team as well as the surroundings.

When we landed and went through security, I was surprised to find that as I stood at the counter watching the officer input my information, my picture from 2010 came up on the screen.  Of course I laughed!  My looks hadn’t changed, but my heart sure had in these swiftly passing years.

The birds eye view of the mountains was taken from the roof, on what they called the “prayer room”.  Not a room with walls, but a space like an upper deck- you will see in other pictures later.  The breeze (when there was one) would help dry the sweat from the day.  The view of the cloud encased mountains would cause you to imagine the visit of God on Mount Horeb with Moses….or at least that’s what I thought of every time I went up there.

After getting settled, unpacked and watered up, we ventured out to look around.  I joined my friend, Rene Parkhurst on this trip–so you will see a familiar face from time to time.

The water tank you see here with the two pumps is the city’s only fresh water source.  In the picture under the tank you will see what is a daily and continual occurrence.  Someone coming for water.

They come from all over, on bikes, by foot, or motor vehicle, all coming with empty containers–coming to be filled.  Containers of all different sizes, some dirty looking, some clean, all empty.  Coming to be filled. (There is a message in that….)

We spent a little while Saturday morning bagging beans and rice for distribution later in the week.  5 pound bags of each.  I think each girl that helped will say an extra prayer when they are served rice in the future….for those that eat rice or beans as their main meal.  Many –actually the majority of those we served, only had perhaps 1 meal a day.  Think of that next time you throw food away (I know I will).

After we had completed that job, the girls stayed at the compound to try and figure out who was going to do what with the children’s ministry.  A few minor team changes after arriving found some doing jobs they were not aware they were going to do–but they said “YES” to God–and He gave them special grace to do what was needed! 😉  God is JUST THAT GOOD!

While the girls stayed behind, Rene and I tagged along with the men folks to the first house that would receive a concrete floor in the main living area.  Rene’s brother, Raymond brought a portion of his youth group–and I know I said it on Facebook, but I was so impressed with the response of his team–and how his youth worked together at whatever job they were asked to do.

They even let me shovel a few buckets of sand for the concrete mixing!  Other than that, on this particular outing, Rene and I took pictures and played with the children.
 I am including the video presentation of the week created by a missionary at BMDMI–from a compilation of many cameras (I had too many video’s on mine and the young guy extracting pictures couldn’t separate he said, -So you will not see my pictures here in the video).  You will see the medical team as they worked–and spent a little while one day in the village–they hardly had time to leave the hospital for rest and food.

More pictures to come—enjoy the video!  God is stirring and is up to doing some CHANGES in our lives…even today!  I have some amazing stories to tell….

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

In 1 Corinthians chapter 13, the apostle Paul is writing to the church at Corinth the importance of love.  I cannot write it better than he.  I remember thinking this morning, as I sat in church–how different in some ways church was last Sunday.

The pew I sat on was wooden, much like the ones we had in our church when I was a very small girl.  Slatted wooden pews that you would most likely snag your clothes or get a splinter.

How far we have come.

What I witnessed though was “love”.  In it’s most effective and freely giving form.

They sang just as we do.  They worshiped just as we–only in another language.  Hands lifted, praising God–from where all their help comes.

They welcomed us–just as we, at Grace Assembly–do for each regular, as well as visitor.  Shaking hands and hugging necks, smiling and many hola‘s could be heard.

Today–I was glad to be in my church–singing praises to my Savior–giving Him all the glory and praise for what I was blessed to witness, experience and feel the past week.  These songs were familiar–and I sang with great joy in my heart…sorry if you happened to be in front of me.

Last night I began to journey back–as I walked through the pictures from my camera….What I saw—took my breath away.  I hope it does yours too this week.  

I hope you are able to literally smell the fields and feel the rain–and get a true sense of the country of Honduras.  The stench of the cow manure and dog “business” as we stepped over it, or around it–walking through trails to get to someone’s house.

I hope your hand hurts with the heaviness of the water bucket and that tears sting and burn as you look up the hill in the picture and realize you have a long walk ahead to get the water to that house…way…up…there.

Don’t be afraid.  As I typed that, I shook my head–as if you were sitting here.  

I want to tell you face to face–so you can see the light in my eyes….for every mission trip—always makes my eyes shine a bit brighter—and it’s mostly the residual tears that linger from the memories. 

I hope it never goes away.


As I squatted down in front of this little girl, I pointed to my camera and questioned, “photo?”, as I do with each one.  Not wanting to impose–or embarrass….and she nodded and stood quite still with her eyes speaking volumes.  Someone else noticed and walked over to join–and as both shutters snapped to close on a memory–I saw the reflection of us in her eyes.

What did she see?

She saw two people–both interested in her for some reason–she saw smiles–inquisitiveness in my nature to be sure.  I touched her face and leaned in and told her she was “muy bonita”.  Very beautiful.

She was indeed, as was every child I saw.  Whether their faces were covered in dirt, teeth rotting, gnats dotting their eyes, nose and mouths like many freckles, they were beautiful to God–and that is why He sent His Son.  That’s why His Son, Jesus agreed to lay His All on the cross….for  you and me in our comfortable worlds of living–and for these in their poverty stricken places of rain and mud–and the dry hot deserts…for these and other faces….

He wanted me to see again–His world.

It’s hard for me to share what I saw–and did–without telling you what God shared with me.  So, I hope you will endure and read on–this journey is quite amazing.

There is so much to this story–from beginning to end–and I hope you hunger to go yourself.  

Look into the eyes of the people  you meet next…see the transparency of the soul.  Pray for them.  You can do so quietly–or, take them by the hand and do so.

Read Paul’s words…they are much more fitting than anything I could add today, 1 Corinthians 13:

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

There are needs.

My 3rd oldest grandson, Zackary told me days before I left for Honduras when the country was pointed out to him on the globe, “Nana, you can just walk there”.

I explained the situation.  (Nana is too old to walk that far...)

There are faces I want you to meet, places I want you to see–and before you go and say, “You can do all of this here”…let me paraphrase something I heard while in Guaimaca, Honduras; You have 51 other weeks in the year to be “present and accounted for here”, be present and account for something for someone over “there”…wherever God may point.

If you are brave enough to cross a muddy, disease ridden creek on a log, or wade through mid-calf, I will show you some faces that will cause you to smile–and cry at the same time.  These are just 2 of them.  I will also share with you someone’s view from the lens in the operating room as a gifted-compassionate medical team gave….

In the next few days I would like to invite you to join me as we follow a group of missionaries–who, by the way, decided it better to give a week to others than take for themselves a week at summer camp.  

They would rather pay more–and do without many of the comforts of home and “GIVE” of themselves– than horde up another week of memories spent on a beach or camp.  Not that summer camp is bad–it’s not.  It helps tremendously in the spiritual growth of countless kids, teens and even adults.  But this was a year for a group to GIVE.

To quote a young lady (Savannah), when I asked her if she would rather do summer camp or a mission trip–she did not hesitate.  “Summer camp is good–but it is all about “self”.  What can I get out of it…but a mission trip is all about what can I give…what can I do…”

Her statement resonated in my heart.  That is a rare heart in too many people.

I want to share with you about those young people.  Raymond Smith’s youth group.  I saw the best come out of them in some itchy situations…

Raymond had a group of young men who worked with him daily mixing concrete and creating a solid floor for many people….but I won’t give it all away today.  However, I do want to mention the incredible medical staff that came and GAVE…countless hours of time–performing surgeries, listening to hearts–looking into eyes that will never be able to repay them for their kindness.  I will tell you more about them later in the coming days.

If you want to stick around for this and not miss a moment, you can sign up to get the details in your email–subscribe at the top.  You can quietly unsubscribe later and I’ll never know you left the room 😉

My eyes filled with fresh tears this morning–sitting on my porch taking in the weeds in the back field and the dead petunia–so GRATEFUL for all that I have.

Thank you Raymond for allowing me and Rene to join your team.  It made a lasting impression on me.  You are a great Youth Pastor–and a true leader of the “giving heart”.

Your reward is on the “other side”….

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

Happy Father’s Day Sweetheart.
You are an amazing husband, daddy, Papa, and my best friend.

I love you dearly-and miss you!

I am supremely blessed!

Since I prepared this before I left, I have no idea what the days between have held…except for many thoughts of you…

A man of many giftings–talents, you are quick to help another, share a kind word, encourage a brother, love all children, bake a cake for a friend’s birthday–

You can build anything–I never encountered a problem that you couldn’t offer a solution–or prayer.

When God paired our hearts–it was the most amazing blessing.

I love you Jeff. Happy Father’s Day.