Missions – Page 4 – Jeff & Angie

Still Believing-There’s More Ahead

August 9, 2019August 9, 2019 A. Knight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Missions

Purple Month Memories

February 5, 2019 A. Knight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Missions

Prayers Answered

January 31, 2019 A. Knight

A Personal Update from Jeff:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With love, deep appreciation and gratitude,

Jeff & Angie

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

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

July 18, 2018July 18, 2018 A. Knight

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

This was an amazing group.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

faith, Hope, Life, Missions

Hope Holds Your Hand

January 25, 2018January 25, 2018 A. Knight

There was a time when I saw the visible signs of Hope change the atmosphere in a room. We had felt the fingers of fear and death- grip the door frame and try to come in, but HOPE walked in and slammed the fingers in the door.

The atmosphere was gripped with fear because the doctor who brought the fear into the room offered no hope when my sister, Wanda was on the brink of leaving this life and her baby girl was not even a year old….(And I didn’t care much for that doctor at all) This was many years ago.

With the hope we received that day from the prayers we prayed, the words of encouragement that came from the mouth of her pediatrician (the doctor with hope), they made a game plan. God brought renewed strength, and death was ushered unceremoniously out of the room. Even though the LORD called her home a few years later, I believe with all my heart that trusting in and seeking God’s timing is where I get my hope.

We have since come to look for HOPE in every circumstance and we try to keep fear locked out. In all situations of our lives. We have been “stationed” in a waiting zone–waiting for the Bolivian Consulate to process our documents so that we can be on our way. But today, that all changed.

There was a frenzy of activity in the kazillion days prior to this one. I’ve been getting “over” a cold and just being exhausted for a few days and the LORD had me resting. I told Jeff this morning it had been days since I had written in my prayer journal and this was something I didn’t like. At. All.

There are many things–unknown things going on in the country we are headed right now–but this ONE thing we KNOW: We have HOPE in Christ. It’s what started this journey all those years ago. I have wondered many times why God couldn’t have called us when we were younger and had more energy and stamina. Why wait until we are both gray haired and at the age most people our age are getting their retirement affairs in order. Ours are far from “in order”.

When I think of retirement, my mind actually has nowhere to go. Serving the LORD in whatever capacity He provides is where our hearts lie. It’s the niche where we are challenged, changed and actually comfortable–in the quandaries of it all. No, I don’t like unknowns. I like to know what is going to happen next–but in our case–and in YOUR case, unknowns are the threads that hold the tapestry together.

I think, if we had the answers, and had the energy and strength, we would begin to think “we could do it in our own power”. We can do nothing in our own power.

Today is a BIG day. We are ON OUR WAY…We’ve waited for it, wondered about it, and to be quite honest, there was a time or two the enemy just out and out told me it wouldn’t happen.

Of course he lies.

What things are you seeing in your near or even distant future that you have all but given up on coming to pass? Care to get them out?

If God spoke to you an assignment, get it back out, dust it off and get ready to follow Him. Don’t doubt (yes, it happens, but you don’t have to stay in doubt). Renew your promise and passion. Ask the LORD to reignite your heart and eyes to see and believe.

Ask Him to restore HOPE.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 hcsb

As you take the next steps forward, whatever they might be, remember:

#aknightsjourney

http://www.jeffandangieknight.com

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

You Have to Believe it to See it

January 16, 2018 A. Knight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He did.

“You cannot unhear a call from God.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Believing BIG-

Angie

#aknightsjourney

Missions

Reading the Signs-Being a Sign

December 25, 2017 A. Knight

You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger…. (Luke 2:12)

If you know me well at all, you know I read road signs. I read bumper stickers. I read car tags. I read billboards. I read almost everything…

Sometimes, in reading signs, I have felt a nudge—sometimes, a billboard sign puts a period onto my morning devotion.

Like the morning a few years ago when I first noticed the United States Marines sign on I-10.

“Devoted to a Life of Honor”…..

then on down the road,

“Devoted to a Life of Courage”…. and

“Devoted to a Life of Service”.

Those were signs not only for me—but for all.

Not that we are called to a life in the U.S. Marine Corp, although that is an incredible privilege for those who are called and chosen for that life’s walk…but those signs were signs for us. For Christians everywhere to remember exactly what we are called to do and be.

Devoted.

Honorable.

Courageous.

Servants.

On this Christmas Day, let us remember that HE, as King of Kings, made a decision to be devoted to us….insomuch that HE chose…HE DELIBERATELY CHOSE, to become ONE OF US.

A servant to all.

All who would RECEIVE HIM.

When you receive HIM, fully and without any reservations or hesitations…will find yourself changing daily—your walk will become one of honor, courage, servitude, and full devotion.

Your outward manner will reflect what is inside your heart.

My prayer for you today is that you will find yourself searching for HIM in all the dailyness of living.

I am so thankful for having been a part of your life in 2017. I hope to continue to share and show Christ via life lived daily and through whatever means God puts available to us. It may be typed out words on this keyboard in 2018, or words shared in StreetTalk Magazine, or messages shared behind a pulpit or–more importantly, across a table from someone, maybe you.

Make it a determination in your heart to help encourage someone every day in this coming year. Make it a plan to live out the life of Christ wherever you are– first at home, then your neighborhoods and workplaces and surrounding communities.

When you and I live the life of Christ– WE are BEING a SIGN unto them! We are showing people that God loves them and has them in HIS eyesight! They are not forgotten!

Then go reach the world! That’s when we can make the most impact! Make a difference in 2018! Be a sign–unto them.

Missions

Merry Christmas to YOU!

December 14, 2017December 14, 2017 A. Knight

Jeff and I want to wish every single one of you a very blessed Christmas and a new year full of the presence of God. To me, the Presence of God is the best present.

We wish that we could personally see each of you and hug your necks– but time won’t permit — however, we do pray for you, all of our partners who share in this ministry with us through either – being a prayer partner or financial supporter. We are grateful! This next journey will require just as much of both! It’s the long awaited for part of this journey.

I have discovered that I can use the WordPress APP and when I can’t get to my computer– and still share with you without having to use Facebook as much!! So, be sure and sign up on the sidebar here if you aren’t already a follower– (I have a strong like/dislike relationship with FB–which leans more on the dislike)

Tomorrow we graduate!!! We are very excited about what God has next and are very GLAD to have you join us!!

Saturday we head home- so thrilled to see our babies!!!!! We love you guys!! Keep praying!! It’s your prayers and faithfulness that have brought us this far!! TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY– forever and ever! Amen!

www.tinyurl.com/sendjeffandangie

Costa Rica, Life, Missions, News Letter

Going Home…wait, where’s Home?

December 8, 2017December 8, 2017 A. Knight

Yesterday, as one of the precious little missionary girls (almost 1 year old) was being carried by her daddy from the kindercare (below our apartment), I ran out to get a little hug from her and check on her baby sister. When I asked her dad if they were going “home” for Christmas, I immediately realized that has such a different meaning now. Where exactly is home? I asked him that same question–and he said the very words I was thinking: Home is wherever we are.

That has been a struggle for me, I confess. I think mainly because I AM A HOMEBODY.

I love being at home. I love being with my family more than chocolate cake–but I also know that THAT is something I had to lay on the altar to do what He wants us to do. It seems like several times since being here, I’ve gone back to that altar where I laid down what I loved about my life, and looked at it all again, reminisced and cried a little (or sometimes a lot), but left it all remaining at the altar, because the bottom line– and at the end of the day, I would do it all over again if He asked it of me. And I will obey His voice until I draw my last breath.

I would like to fill you in on every single thing we’ve done since October to December–but you might not have time to read all of that. Let me just tell you a few things: We hosted a “Souper Night” for all the missionaries here –with LOTS of yummy soups and desserts, combined it with a baby shower, hosted by the single missionary girls for the newest member of our missionary family (Little Isabella Henden)! That was fun. 🙂 Made me realize God gives us family wherever we go!

We had a great prayer retreat in October and a wonderful Kids Ministry Training retreat in November, both hosted by Jay and Nancy Dickerson, our area directors.

We’ve had TONS of studying, reading and testing. I celebrated my 56th birthday here, our daughter celebrated her 34th birthday there, we had a cousin accept Jesus in the last few days of his life, and a new baby was born into our family, a little early (8 weeks), but God has His mighty hand on her. ALL these activities have kept us PRAYING.

The Holy Spirit has spoken into my heart several times with His confirming Word that HE is here-and is handling all our situations and we need to be watchfully trusting. Those two words may not seem to go together, but look again. Nehemiah talks about the workers restoring the wall, but armed and ready. Nehemiah 4:17

Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon.

We are doing what’s necessary, but armed and ready to do the next thing He requires. Watchfully trusting. Believing that HE is in control as we surrender our steps, hearts and minds to HIS purpose and plan.

So, November flew by in a flash–we celebrated Thanksgiving Day with missionary friends in the home of another missionary, who opened their home to us all to use for our meal, while they were at a retreat! It felt like a real family celebration!

Yes, I still missed all our family celebrations, and yes, I did cry a little about missing them all, but I kept my eye on the time I would wrap my arms around them again and hold them close! They will be saying– “Mama! Enough already!” Maybe not.

December is on the fast track. I’ve got 7 suitcases packed and the house is a jumble of things to either be given, or packed. And I am giddy with excitement over seeing my family.

You know, when the LORD lays a burden on your heart–you are willing and ready to say yes and run off to do all that He requires. Then, it gets down into the crux of the matter. And the actual deal starts going down…and there you find yourself in a puddle of wonder and even possibly a little confusion–wait, did I hear correctly? And the enemy is all set and ready to help fuel that confusion. But then, the LORD steps over AS YOU PRAY and continually stay before HIM, and He renews and refreshes that confidence and your heart for the journey ahead. Oh, it never stops. The enemy KEEPS on at you, but you stay in front of the LORD, stay on your face before HIM and see what HE does…

Something the enemy has plagued me with during this has been to target my homesickness and remind me “you don’t have a home”.…and I will be the first to admit, yes, I listened a little bit to his whiny voice–but then through the obedience of one of my prayer partners, she sent me a message from the HOLY SPIRIT, “I AM YOUR HOME”.

And oh friends, HE IS! He’s my home! He’s my life! He’s my everything!

You know, I don’t know what you call home. It may be a very extravagant house with high ceilings and ornate moldings, or it may be a small, simple house where you gather daily with those you love–wherever it is, whatever it is, never hold to it so tightly that you couldn’t and wouldn’t freely give it up should the Master step to your heart and say, “Come, follow Me. I have a job for you to do. You will need to leave everything to do this, but I want you, yes even now as (old or as young) you are”.

What a journey you will have!

Thank you all for praying–and thanks for reading this LONG newsletter! (We haven’t printed any since we left the states, but would you be so kind as to print it for your church and share it with your pastor if he doesn’t have a facebook?) We will graduate Friday morning and then fly out Saturday morning to celebrate Christmas with our family and get our paperwork ready for Bolivia! We leave for Bolivia early January–so that is a LOT of things to keep in mind to pray for!

Travel safety
Visa processing paperwork completed “¡muy rapido!”
Continued good health
More supporters (we have, like a few others, lost a few–but we know God has this!)
Our family. This transition has not been easy on them at times, especially our grandsons, but God can strengthen and help them in this journey!

We wish so much that we would be able to see each of you and hug your necks, but it just won’t be possible. We know you understand- and we are continuing in prayer for you! We used to pray for you every time we saw a “Knight Transportation Truck” because we had asked you to pray for us when you saw them. We have had a few friends see them and post them to our Facebook page or send us a message. Thank y’all for that! What a blessing!

If you are interested in becoming a prayer partner, or have a desire to partner with us financially, either a one time donation or monthly support, you can go here: www.tinyurl.com/sendjeffandangie

PRAYER is so critical! We have learned more than ever before, we CANNOT accomplish anything for the Kingdom of God without your faithful prayers! So thank you!

We love you all! Maybe we’ll run into you in Walmart!–of course not literally…. 😀

Adversity, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Life, Missions, Trust

You’ve Got Mail!

October 1, 2017 A. Knight

October Greetings!

I was reading in one of my devotional books, “Streams in the Desert”, last week and this jewel jumped off the page. Mainly because, not only was it a powerful devotion, but it was spot on for what we have been feeling and going through –here in language school.

A piece of wood once bitterly complained because it was being cut and filled with rifts and holes, but he who held the wood and whose knife was cutting into it so remorselessly did not listen to the sore complaining. He was making a flute out of the wood he held and was too wise to desist when entreated to do so. He said:

“Oh, thou foolish piece of wood, without these rifts and holes thou wouldst be only a mere stick forever–a bit of hard black ebony with no power to make music or to be of any use. These rifts that I am making, which seem to be destroying thee, will change thee into a flute, and thy sweet music then shall charm the souls of men. My cutting thee is the making of thee, for then thou shalt be precious and valuable, and a blessing in the world”.

I was stunned. My eyes filled and I wept with gratitude and a strong repentant heart for crying out while being that stick of wood, and complaining for all the “shaping” going on. This school is rightly named. Chisel.

Every time I have entered a sentence in my Spanish Dictionary and used the name of the school, Cincel, the word “chisel” comes up, since that is exactly what Cincel means in Spanish. Chisel. We have all felt the blows of the hammer as well as the knife on the stick of wood. But you know, in our hearts we all long to be useful for the Master. The One who called us surely has a plan and purpose for every splinter of whittling, and gouging out the places that have so desperately needed work.

On an encouraging note, we can carry on a conversation with others now with a little more confidence. I walk down to the beauty salon and talk with the young ladies there about once every couple of weeks. It’s where I got my FIRST haircut after chemo! I was so excited, and I have made two new “Tica” friends in the process. One of them even gave me her phone number so that I could practice my Spanish. And another one made me some flashcards this week to help with my “beauty salon lingo”.

We have prayed for you all during all these weather episodes and the various things that have been going on. Last week, as I was sitting here typing, we had a small earth tremor that shook the bed that I was sitting on. Everything in this world is subject to change. In the very next minute–your life or my life could change. We have no promise of tomorrow, we have today–and it’s up to us to use it for the Master, or squander it away.

This weekend, we were privileged to be able to go with dear friends, about an hour out of the city to the mountain area and just relax for the morning. We stood at a fence and just viewed the valley and surrounding mountains and we breathed. It felt good. I cannot quiet describe the feeling–but it was needed and necessary. And best of all….we spent time with friends of like mind and faith, who also left home, family, friends, and jobs they loved, to follow into the unknown, our Jesus.

While talking with the young lady at the little coffee shop–we asked her about the coffee harvest season. The process from the time of planting, to harvest, to roasting, grinding all the way to your favorite cup of coffee.

Something we learned by tasting: a good cup of coffee does not need sugar or cream. That had to be proven to me. It is something I will be excited to share with my family when we get home in December. A hot cup of the best Costa Rican coffee.

She was so passionate about her job–her love of coffee and all things Costa Rica came through with every word she shared. That’s what I want others to feel and hear in us as we share about Jesus in our new language. I want them to feel the passion in our hearts–hear it in our voices and see it on our faces. I want them to desire to know Him and share His love with their own families.

That’s one thing we need you to add to your prayer list for us: Our ability to speak fluently as possible and to be able to share without reservation or hesitation.

Can I share with you a list of daily prayer needs?

Sunday: Pray for our spiritual lives. Our spiritual growth, fellowship with local believers, integrity, reliability, and consistency. Jeff was blessed with a lunch a couple of weeks ago from an invitation from a “Tico” friend he met at church. What a joy! Pray for more connections and development of relationships that will last long after we leave.

Monday: Pray for our personal lives. For our marriage. You have no idea the attacks on marriages and families here. I won’t go into the details–suffice it to say, prayer is necessary to the mission. Pray for our families back home, their health, both physical and spiritual. Pray for their protection. What is it with mama’s and daddy’s that believe we need to be there to help? God is not limited by distance.

Tuesday: Communication. Adapting with generous flexibility to the culture, customs and people. The language study, clarity in speech, ability to hear and comprehend.

Wednesday: Relationships. Both in the churches and the community. As well as not losing our relationships back home. That’s a fear many have as they shift their lives to another field. We have discovered through conversations with others and reading several articles for missionaries, home relationships (back in the states) almost always suffer, insomuch as they are forgotten altogether. Or at the very least, once they return, they are treated differently than when they left. We hunger for our relationships with you to either remain strong–or become even stronger. Not become weaker or disappear altogether.

Thursday: Evangelism. Boldness, sensitivity, Holy Spirit led.

Friday: Discipleship. That we can be mentors. Training, equipping, and encouraging others even now before we get to our field of service. May we serve Him now with fervor.

Saturday: Pray for our country. Our first and home country, the United States of America, and secondly, our country of calling: Bolivia. Pray for more schools to open in Santa Cruz, relationships to develop and grow under the anointing and presence of the Holy Spirit. Help us pray now for a good, safe, and secure place to live.

Often many think that because they aren’t giving monetarily, they aren’t helping. NOTHING could be further from the truth. Your prayers make the difference. We cannot do this without your prayers. I cannot say that loud or long enough. Prayer is the KEY to the KINGDOM.

Thank you for taking the time to add us to your likely already long prayer list. It is undeniably what keeps us going strong. We love each of you. If you feel led to get further involved, an offering of any amount is always welcomed and needed. The cost of living here is “crazy” expensive. But I won’t talk about that any further. It hasn’t brought the prices down one bit! 🙂

We received our 3rd mail here this week! (It takes about 10-14 days to reach us if there are no holidays involved.) OH Mercy I was giddy with joy! My heart overflowed with the love from the words that came from the letter–but soon found myself weeping like a child. God is SO good! Thank you. Every word meant the world. I have all three cards we’ve received taped to the wall in our bedroom. It gives me joy every time I look at them.

We wish you were here. We miss you. BUT, if the LORD is willing [as my Mamo always said], or “Si Dios quiere”, we will see some of you in December! We wish we could visit every single one of you in your churches! You are greatly loved.

All for HIM,

Jeff and Angie

“Streams in the Desert, Morning and Evening Edition, page 649-650, September 20 (L. B. Cowman, Zondervan Publishing Company.)