Missions – Page 9 – Jeff & Angie

Wake UP and Pray.

October 18, 2015 A. Knight

I think sometimes we forget what our missionary friends actually go through–to get to where they are….I’ve been guilty myself. Until this past week. Whammie reminders.

We had a great planning trip for next years trip to minister and build in Bolivia! And I feel like this just might be the best trip yet! (I know you just said, “she said that last year”)….it’s true…this could really be IT!

We met at the school in the village where we will be building a church–less than a mile away! So many opportunities to sow seeds for Christ! But let me back up before we get to that day…and tell you about some of the “tough stuff” of ministry on the mission field.

If you have kept up with us, you may be aware that we are in the “processing stage” for full time missions in Bolivia– we met with the missionaries who will be supervising us–and they are a great couple! Fluent in Spanish…and the culture…. and I’m reminded again of all the things we “don’t know” yet. It’s all a learning process, and every single missionary goes through this.

I had a thought before we left for this one though, wondering kind of to myself if we would get a “real feel” for what it would be like….and yes, I think in some ways we did. I mentioned “information overload” in a facebook post the other day–and I was trying to take in all my surroundings the words spoken (in English) and wishing for a notebook to write things down in! I had even left my list of questions at home…

Church service was great, the people so kind to us–every single time we go! We visited an area where we will be doing a lot of work, and on another day we also visited a tourist attraction, something we have never done before. This was the day it all seemed to collide in my head and heart. The place we visited was some of the Inca Ruins on a mountain in the town of Samaipata. I will be honest–the history of the place and the feeling there– was incredibly heavy to my spirit and I felt “creeped” out by details of what happened there–and by what I felt in my spirit. It was almost too much. As a matter of fact, as I climbed the mountain –leaning forward with a heavy load on my back, my heart became just as heavy. I was at several points breathing heavy due to the load I carried and my mind was working, not just overtime–but “triple-time”. I wasn’t even sure I would ever tell the details about the day.

Our friend and guide shared the history, as well as “current” happenings in the area–which also creeped me out and I began to pray in my spirit–and I tried to sing….I was trying to do anything to get my mind off of where I was, what ground I was walking on, and what forces were at work in the atmosphere.

As we left that day, and lunched down in the town, the thoughts kept coming of the people in the town–the people in the surrounding mountains and wondered what it must be like for them on a daily basis. I scanned for a familiar church sign. Few. So few I think I only counted one. Maybe two–but that might be a stretch.

Let’s fast forward to the night time. For two nights I slept very little. The first couple of nights it was just jet-lag and information overload. The night we returned from the mountain excursion, it was so much heaviness in my spirit.

Something our missionary supervisors said to us on Sunday: “Whatever weakness you have is intensified on the field.” I began to wonder at my weaknesses. I think the biggest thing that plagued me was the fact I wasn’t sure I would sufficiently learn the language. I pray and pray and hope with all my heart that I can carry on conversations and build relationships with the ladies and children and learn from them as I desire to teach them things that I know as well–but I kept getting slammed with all the facts of how I have to study study study to learn–it doesn’t come easy for me–it’s big time work. So my insecurity came floating to the top. “You’re not “this”–or “that”….”Perhaps you are too old”…. I am not kidding when I say that I tried for hours it seems to go to sleep. My mind was being attacked with such force–and I was trying in all of it to pray. I wanted to shout at Jeff, wake UP and pray for me…I can’t go to sleep! But of course, I’ve never ever shouted at him–and I wouldn’t wake him up unless I was sick…. and I wasn’t sick.

There have been times when at home I would wake in the middle of the night and have someone on my mind–and I would know almost instinctively, they need prayer. So I would pray. There have been other times when no name came, but I prayed anyway–and it was for me or us that I needed the extra prayer in the next few days.

The day we went to the mountains and everything got so rough for me–I have a dear friend in Florida who messaged me that evening, asking if we were okay. She said that all throughout the day we had kept coming to her mind….OH MY GOODNESS! I told her briefly of some of the things, and GOD was so spot on with sending me a timely prayer warrior! Did YOU know He did that? I did. And it was so good to know we were not forgotten, nor were we alone!

I believe I saw in those few days the joys as well as the times of trial and stress that happens for missionaries, not that I’ve seen it all–because I know I haven’t. But I peeked in the window. And I have to confess….there were days that my little house and my little life dangled like a carrot in front of my vision when I was trying to pray….THEN there would flash that little one with the big needs in her life. Or the little boy at the school that just wanted me to take his picture–because he had very little attention…. or those who have never been to a church, and never heard the Gospel, and didn’t know about Jesus and how He came and died so that she/he might live…

I couldn’t hang back and decline the call of God on our lives for anything. I feel with even MORE urgency that God has assigned us this country–and a particular area–and the 8 schools and “counting” who have opened their doors to us to come in whenever we can and minister and share what and Who we have. We share JESUS. THEY need JESUS. I don’t want to Americanize them…. They don’t need what we have. It’s not “things” that will save them….It’s only Him.

I encourage you to go on a mission trip if you’ve never been. I encourage you to get out of your box and see how others live–see what they see on a daily basis–just for a week. See if that doesn’t change your perspective on things a bit…. don’t be afraid….and even if you are afraid…do it afraid. God may not ask you to rearrange your whole life—to move to another country– BUT He may speak more strongly than you’ve ever heard about what you are to be doing right where you are….

And friend? When you wake up in the middle of the night….can I ask you to pray? Pray for us. Pray for all those who leave family, home and friends to live in a strange land among a people they love without even knowing quite how it happened…it just happened…

We all need to wake UP and pray. More.

That’s it for tonight. If we were sitting together, drinking a coffee or something, I might be tempted to keep talking…but we aren’t…and I haven’t caught up on rest–or housework–or anything else yet. 🙂

I’ll share more pictures and a few more thoughts as they return to my busy mind. Until then, “pray”. And keep on praying. Without ceasing. That’s what will get us through to the next steps that God has for each of us.

faith, Focus Forward Ministries, Missions

But What Can I Do?

September 25, 2015October 21, 2016 A. Knight

My husband often shares how he finally accepted the call to ministry. For so long he ignored the Voice that kept speaking –tugging– nudging his heart.

Finally one day in prayer, as a wrestling match was going on inside his heart, God spoke with the soft voice of the Holy Spirit and gave Jeff some great truths. “I never called you to pastor a church, I just called you to follow Me”.

Jeff’s granddaddy had been a pastor of a Baptist church in a small community for over 30 years. Jeff’s younger brother is an associate pastor in a large church in a college town (same church for 30+ years). Jeff had never felt drawn to either. He’s not a limelight kind of guy–he’s a worker bee. Loves to serve and do for others without being seen. God can use that.

HOWEVER, just because someone loves to serve off stage, doesn’t mean that they will remain there. God has a purpose and plan that is being opened up daily as we continue to “follow Him”.

Jeff said, “yes” to God’s call- and plan of action. Ministry has many avenues–and there are so many ways and places to serve and be a light for Christ. Missions has always been at the heart of what we think about– Jeff’s first trip was in 1994 and after that–it seemed God began to put it deeper in our spirits each year.

When missionaries would come to our church-it left me in tears–wanting to do all I could. We often think that unless we “go”, we aren’t doing what we can do. NOTHING could be further than the truth! There are things we can do from our own home!

Blogging is a big one–that’s mission work! You never know who will read–or when, but put the Truth of Christ and His love for others out there! Another one is “support a missionary”. Pray for a missionary! Find out things they need and help fill their list.

As Jeff and I embark on this new road, we realize all the things we have done in the past for missionaries is JUST as important as going. Helping one get there–is HUGE.

One of my sweetest little friends had a birthday party this year. Her 9th. Instead of gifts–she wanted all her family and friends to bring her school supplies…..so she could give them to US for our mission trip. Good grief I cried over that. She thought that up on her own. No one coerced her…or even suggested. She is sensitive to the voice of The Holy Spirit and obeyed.

As we get older–it gets harder to listen and obey…why? Because we think we need to insert our ideas and plans. News Flash (to myself), God doesn’t need help. He will give detailed instructions when it calls for it. There are times though that He expects us to use the ingenuity that He gives us…that’s relying on the direction of The Holy Spirit.

One of the ladies from our church–who is also my daughter’s mother-in-law, made almost 500 salvation bracelets. My son-in-law ordered business size cards with the colors and explanation of each color, the plan of salvation in Spanish. Okay–sounds simple–but it was crucial to us sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No one told either of them to do that. They listened to the voice of The Holy Spirit–and obeyed.

Another friend came to me and said her church ladies makes little dresses in various sizes and wanted to know if we would take some with us for the little girls in Bolivia. Absolutely. It is the rarest of things for a little girl to get something brand new–RARE. Especially those that live in the outlying villages. Poverty dwells in abundance. So they made 50 dresses and bought matching underwear and bagged and tagged each one–with a sweet card that let the little recipient know she is loved and cared for. No one asked her to do that….They followed their hearts and did what they knew how to do. Sew.

What can you do? Have you ever thought about it? Some think that unless I have $100 to give–that’s not really enough. Let me share with you what one missionary told me this last week: “I would rather have 20 offerings of $5 from those who sacrificed to give than one $100 offering”.

Mission work comes in all shapes and sizes. Mission work is the day-to-day stuff.

Encouragement to one who is downhearted.
A cooked meal for the mom who is over-worked-over-stressed and on the edge.
A pack of diapers to the mom of the 12 month old–because at that point people forget that it’s still a need–and she gets very little rest.
Mission work is offering to sit with the kids while the busy mom takes a walk to clear her head–and you straighten her kitchen while she’s out.
Mission work is praying –at all hours of the day or night–whenever that nudge comes.

Simple mission work is often overlooked because we think it’s got to be big and grandiose. It just has to be from the heart. Big or small. That doesn’t matter….just give from the heart. Don’t let the head rule. The head will talk us out of doing–or going–or giving. The head will convince us that we “can’t”… or that it’s too small to count or matter…. or “what will they think of me”…. There we go…mission work work is not about “us”….it’s about them.

So. What can I do? More that what we are currently doing. God will absolutely use the very things that YOU love to do! If you love to sew–God will use it! If you love to cook—OH HOW HE WILL USE IT! If you love to give–He has missionaries all over that needs supporting…. and if you are willing to get in your “war room” and pray…. That, my friend, is one of the greatest ways we can serve as a missionary. I would love to hear of the ways that you enjoy serving! There is so much to do–so many who have never heard of Jesus Christ–who don’t know that He came to this earth as a baby, lived and died for our sins! We have little time left–we must do all we can today.

We lead mission teams–and love sharing with others the blessings that come from going-doing and giving. The more we do–the more we WANT to do. And now, God has called us beyond the borders of our comfort zone–and no joke–it’s a bit scary at times to consider all the mountains that loom in the distance–BUT God will supply our strength and resources as we continue to take steps of faith with Him. I am totally human…and break out in a hot-flashin’-sweat just thinking about it at times–but really–there is NOTHING in the world I want to do other than follow Jesus wherever He leads.

Will you pray with us? We would love to hear from you! You can find out more about our ministry and trip details and how to contact us at focusforwardminstries.com. Thank you in advance for being our prayer warrior! That’s what YOU can do!

Missions

I need to tell you something.

September 12, 2015 A. Knight

Whenever I hear those words, “I need to tell you something”, my gut always lurches. Always. Usually–or when we had kids at home, it was followed by a confession of something that had gotten broken during some “rough-housing”…and yes, even daughters do that. Or at least ours did.

It’s 11:33 pm and I’ve been sitting on some news since last Friday. So, a week ago we got a verbal answer to a prayer we had been praying for more than a year. Actually, if you want to get real technical and nit-picky, we’ve probably had this on the altar of prayer for about 4 years. Not sure what-when-how God would order our steps, we just knew (and know) He does.

In February of this year, we began the process to become missionaries to Bolivia. Santa Cruz to be really specific. The city and country that claimed our attention and heart after our first mission trip together. We actually celebrated Jeff’s birthday that first year there in 2011. We told very few people. We were secretly fearful that they would find all sorts of things wrong with us. Our past. Our lack of experience. Our age….and when it all boiled down to it, our age did become a factor.

The first thing we did was make a prayerful decision. Months of prayer–then one morning Jeff said it: “We need to fill out the paperwork to become missionaries full time to Bolivia”. Wow. You could have knocked me over with a feather. And that day– was an AMAZING day. I wish you could have seen the sky that day–why, it was the bluest it’s ever been! And the birds–well, they sang the best and the loudest that day! Do you get the picture? It was a spectacular–surreal feeling day. Then the next day came. And then the next…

After a few weeks of paperwork. Buckets of tears. (Maybe not quite buckets, but I was an emotional wreck for a few weeks.) Anyway, the process began with the big WAIT. Weeks went by. We traveled to Bolivia in May for our 2015 Mission Trip with an incredible Crusade Team and the Focus Forward Team. It was amazing. God opened a new door and two new Schools!

We were thankful and saw and felt God move in our lives.

The summer came and brought lively camps. Jeff spent every Tuesday sharing our heart for our new mission project with Focus Forward Ministries sharing about The Genesis Project. The BIG WAIT continued. Still no word.

Finally a letter arrived. Not quite what we had hoped. Actually, it was nothing like what we had prayed for nor expected. We felt sort of shuffled. Aside.

Tears. Prayers. More tears. And finally, I settled it in my heart when I handed all my dreams and plans over to God. Jeff pretty much said the same thing. God had been working in each of us–and we were having the same feelings in much the same direction. We were going to wait on God no matter what He said or no matter how long it took. We knew He had a plan–and it was HIS plan–not ours that we wanted to see fulfilled in our lives.

Later in the summer we began to prepare for our ordination exam. Nerve wracking to say the least. It was like, “let’s just add a bit more stress and anxiety to the mix!”.

I remember being outside one day–I can’t remember what I was doing–but I felt a “stir”. It was one I had felt before. It was like “something is coming”-– I felt a definite change in the air. Maybe that “something” was news. News. Maybe it was changes in our lives. It actually was both.

Our District Superintendent and his wife, who is also one of our oldest and dearest friends came to our house last Friday night with the “news”. He played a recorded voice mail (which I recorded for future encouragement–who knew I would need it even this week!) of our “approval” to be missionaries to Santa Cruz Bolivia! Under the supervision of a great missionary couple that we had the privilege of working with THIS YEAR! God planned all that out in advance!

This is really skimming the surface of the news….but I needed to tell you…. After all, so many of you have been praying for us… and when things looked the bleakest— God was working on our behalf.

Some have asked–how long? When will you go? Well, first things first: Raise our budget. Raise our monthly support. Two separate things, but two necessary things. We don’t know how much yet that we have to raise, but we have much to do! We were told we could begin itinerating immediately! With that, I contacted one of the pastors who had sent a young couple with us to Bolivia this year to share our news–as they had been praying with us as well–and they said immediately, “sign us up!” Well, of course they will have to do that when we get our number, but honestly, what a shot in the arm that was for me! After all the months of waiting and all the stress and anxiety, I felt the Lord nudge me and say, “See Baby?” I have been taking care of this all along….I just wanted you to trust Me”. (If you’ve not read some of my old blogs, you wouldn’t know that when Jesus is being tender with me, He calls me Baby”.)

Just in case someone out there in “la-la-Blog-land” thinks that life in ministry is a cake walk–let me sit your sweet self down and assure you, nothing is further from the truth.

BUT to think, that someone would be willing to step out in ministry–to pastor a church, teach a Sunday School Class, lead a choir, or travel across the ocean to minister to a people that has no clue that they can have a real relationship with a God they’ve never heard of? That’s the last straw for him. He pulls no punches. He hits hard and fast and seemingly continual on some days.

BUT, I also want to tell you that life in ministry is unlike any other. The blessings of seeing one that you’ve been praying for come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, well, no words can describe that. Or seeing that complete stranger seek God…or those little kids clutch their Bible as if it’s Life itself… and it is. To hold the hand of a friend as she leaves this life, knowing her next step and next breath will be made in the presence of her King…oh, friend. There is pain mingled with the joy–but the joy surpasses it all.

In 2010 I heard distinctly God call me to walk closer to Him. He had in fact, been calling me closer for about 3 years…then a strong pull during the last 2 months of 2009, then WHAM!. The day came and it was so loud in my spirit and heart that I felt surely someone else heard it too. But no. It was just for me. It was undeniable. I even felt like the Marine Corp road signs at that point were all for me.

Ours has been a journey of stages. God has lead us along–and there have been days filled with SUCH joy, it is hard to put into words…and some filled with heartache. BUT, through all of this, God has shown Himself faithful and true. JUST as the Bible says. Faithful and True. Revelation 19:11

Can I ask you to pray for us? We’ve so much to do–and I feel the urgency of the hour upon us. We are almost out of time–and there are lives yet to be given a chance to know Him…we want to share Him with them. We can’t get there without support and prayers. PLEASE PRAY. That’s most valuable right now.

There’s more to share–but now that I’ve finally gotten that off my chest and mind–I think I can sleep…..

Until He Comes,

Angie

faith, Missions

I need to tell you something…

September 12, 2015October 28, 2020 A. Knight

We were thankful and saw and felt God move in our lives.

Finally a letter arrived. Not quite what we had hoped. Actually, it was nothing like what we had prayed for nor expected. We felt sort of shuffled. Aside.

Later in the summer we began to prepare for our ordination exam. Nerve wracking to say the least. It was like, “let’s just add a bit more stress and anxiety to the mix!”.

Just in case someone out there in “la-la-Blog-land” thinks that life in ministry is a cake walk–let me sit your sweet self down and assure you, nothing is further from the truth.

Life in ministry is, ahem, well, to be quite frank, it can be hellish at times. I mean, you aren’t exactly grooming the lawn of heaven. You are storming the gates of hell and trying to save those through your messages, preaching, teaching, blogging, loving and sharing Christ with the lost… You are pointing “souls to Calvary’ as the song says. And no one wants you to fail more than the devil himself. With every sinner set free he’s lost another battle. That infuriates him to no end. BUT to think, that someone would be willing to step out in ministry–to pastor a church, teach a Sunday School Class, lead a choir, or travel across the ocean to minister to a people that has no clue that they can have a real relationship with a God they’ve never heard of? That’s the last straw for him. He pulls no punches. He hits hard and fast and seemingly continual on some days.

There’s more to share–but now that I’ve finally gotten that off my chest and mind–I think I can sleep…..

Connect with us on Facebook if you don’t already. We would love to hear from you!

faith, Focus Forward Ministries, Missions

I Know

July 8, 2015October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Most of our readers/friends know that our oldest grandson has autism–and he sticks with a particular phrase or two when you tell him something. Currently, the favored one is “I know”. “I know Nana, or I know Papa”.

I tell him, “I love you Rylan”, and he responds with, “I know”. When I say, “You’re so smart Rylan”, he says, “I know”. Now he’s not bragging, he’s simply stating a fact. He knows we love him. And– he is smart. When he stayed with us a couple of weeks ago, I heard that phrase many times –and I told him better responses for some statements –like when I said, “Rylan you are so handsome”…and he said, “I know”…. *grin*. I told him it’s best to say “thank you”.

This morning while I was driving to Dothan, thinking about our lives and the questions that hang in the air–this verse came to my mind: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

This morning those two words rolled over and over all by themselves. “I know”. I realized something–maybe for the first time, “if I know He knows…then I don’t have to know.” And I know He knows. He said so in the Bible. Often.

There are some things we know, and some things we don’t know. But I’m no longer fretting over what we don’t know. It all belongs to Him…and I trust Him completely.

I know He has opened doors that amazed us in the past year. More doors opened this mission trip than we imagined! Focus Forward Ministries has launched a new project–and you will want to know about it!

Missions

Time Flies On a Mission Trip

June 9, 2015October 28, 2020 A. Knight

Time is short….or is it fast? Either way—we seem to be running out of the year before we accomplish all we feel we need to accomplish.

So, you can imagine what one slice of that 52 week segment looks like. Unbelievable – WITH Unprecedented speed—the days flew by.

We met and worked with a new missionary. We have been so used to working with seasoned and much loved Missionary, Mike Baldree, that working with someone new seemed—well, like putting on tennis shoes without socks. I could still wear them—but it didn’t feel the same. Probably not a real good analogy, but hear me out.

This was a unique week. It was learning. Stretching. Newness. God placed Missionary Jeremiah Campbell in our lives for a reason…and he sowed some seeds of faith. Stretch what we have—and lean in for more. It was a good—really good week. He brought with him a young man of strong faith and character, Evan Thacker—we got to know him a little better than the other members of his team simply because we had more time with him.

I know without DOUBT that they probably wondered what they had gotten into with our band of northwest Florida “country-talking” missionaries. But our heart’s are just exploding with love for Bolivia and missions and the call of Christ Jesus.

I was able to have a great conversation with Jeremiah about some of the ins-and outs of mission work. And in a conversation that he had with someone from our team (I was a listener), he shared things about missions that I had had questions about—but had never voiced aloud. That, my friend, is the God I serve.

Here are a few pics from the few days. I really spent a lot of time behind the camera and very little talking with others unless we were sitting at a table…I felt like I could best serve the mission—and future mission projects with my focus clear….
After all…we have so little time…

Jeremiah Campbell’s Team

Missions

A Note To My 9 Year Old Missionary Friend.

June 9, 2015June 9, 2015 A. Knight

Dear Kaylee,

Your vision and heart for others will reap rewards long after the dust settles from this trip.

The seeds sown through the work of your hands, and the fingers of others (the kids in your children’s church) will multiple countless times–until a great Harvest. When I looked at these kids–I thought about you–your heart and what you did so that they could have a constant reminder of their decision to follow Jesus Christ.

Your act of faith and obedience amazed me–as so many “grown-ups” walk in fear so often…. (I, myself have been that grown-up). Thank you for teaching us all a lesson.

The lesson I learned–big jobs-small jobs–ALL jobs matter in the Kingdom of God. Every single thing we do to express our love for God–thankfulness for our salvation–MATTERS…

I know you have a heart for missions–I am going to pray that God will continue to grow that feeling–and that He shows you every time what He wants you to do. Don’t be afraid to tackle a larger than life kind of job. If God plants the seed in your heart–pray it through and believe He can accomplish it through YOU. HE CAN!!

Sarah, you and Cory have two amazing girls. I know you realize that. I am amazed at the heart of those two–what you have sown into them is growing, maturing and blossoming into God’s purpose–His useful vessel that He will continue to use to pour out on others… I’m so glad to have been a part of what He started in her life! 🙂

To all other mama’s and daddy’s out there: Read the Bible with your children….pray with them–besides the blessing at mealtime. Talk to them about missions–about how we all have a part we can play to plant seeds of salvation for others ALL OVER THE WORLD. Young kids like Kaylee can play just as big a part as the one who packs a suitcase and boards a plane. It’s up to all of us to do our part!

This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14 NASB

Special thanks to David Pettis for having cards printed to explain the colors and serve as a reminder of the day they made a decision to follow Jesus. They are a great tool to use to witness!

Bolivia, Missions

A Note From April Pettis- Crusade Leader

June 8, 2015October 21, 2016 A. Knight

What an incredible week! I thank God for the opportunity to serve him. I thank each person who gave of their money, supplies, and prayers. Lives were changed in Bolivia…both Bolivian’s and Orange Team members.

To the Orange Team members:
Thank you for positive and obedient attitudes.

Thank you for “going with the flow” when direction changed, or when asked to rush and asked to wait.

Thank you for having a servant’s heart.

Floyd, thank you for leading the “set up/break down crew”. You all had this down to an art. I knew when we set foot on each campus the “stage” would be set and ready to go within 10 minutes. Thank you for being willing to help with the object lesson. I believe this visual will stick in the minds of everyone who saw it.

Sandi, Than you for heading up the puppet and game crew. You always had everything ready to go. You made each transition behind the curtain smooth. Your positive attitude when things changed was so appreciated. When given a task, you ran with it. Thank you.

Chase A., Thank you buddy for all your help. From helping set up, to passing out candy, to helping with an object lesson and anything else I asked….I really appreciate you. The world needs more teenagers willing to give up some summer activities to share God’s love around the world. Thank you.

Chase C., You helped in so many areas. From setting up, to entertaining kids, to demonstrating games….so many things…you were always willing to pitch in. I so appreciate everything.

Shelly, You always had that beautiful smile. It made an impact on many lives. You were such a big help with the puppets and each game. Even doing a little ballet with some of the girls. I know they will remember this for a long time. I thank you and Chase very much for taking a week away from home and your sweet girls to touch the lives of so many who needed to see and feel your love and attention.

Mr. Aubrey, you were a constant. I always knew you were behind me. You did an awesome job manning the sound equipment. Your encouraging words meant so much. Not to mention the many children who flocked to you to see what your hands would create next. We may never know just how much a “stick” affected each life.

Cindy, you are the best mother-in-law. I am so blessed to serve with you. You are one of the hardest working people I know–you helped in so many ways. I cannot thank you enough. Anything I asked, you were there. Your heart is so sweet and obedient. I love you very much. Thank you.

Lacy, you are such a sweetheart. I cannot thank you enough for all that you did this past week. Your willingness to serve however needed was invaluable. Your passion for Jesus is very evident. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for your ministry. Thank you.

Daniel, you were such a big help in so many ways. From helping physically each day during services to being our comedic entertainment. You kept us laughing with your stories and tales. You were a blessing to have with us this week. Thank you to you and Lacy for taking off a week from your jobs and leaving your children behind to work for Jesus.

Mother, you make me so proud to be your daughter. Your willingness to step in at any moment was awesome. Thank you for helping with lessons and entertainment. Thank you for sacrificing time you could have spent doing other things to take photos of all of us. Thank you for your constant encouraging words. I love you more…

Daddy, I could not be more proud of you. You are an amazing leader. You too, were so willing to do anything needed and asked. Your positive attitude and obedience was constant. Thank you for all that you are. I cannot wait to see what all God has in store for you and mother.

David (George), you make me so proud. You are always willing to wear anything silly, act out any skit, and make yourself vulnerable to make kids laugh. Thank you for your support. I am so happy that I get to travel this journey of life with you. I love you.

Serving Him Together,
April Pettis

Now from Jeff and Angie,
We ditto everything April said- you all were the best we could have hoped for. April, as your parents, we could not be more proud of you. You excel in all you put your heart and mind to–and this was no different. We love and appreciate you. You depict a true leader with a servants heart. There is no other kind.

We can’t wait for the next one!

Bolivia, Missions

Harvest Time

June 5, 2015October 28, 2020 A. Knight

If I started this blog with the phrase, “What an incredible week this has been”, I would not nearly come close to the truth.

There have been spiritual battles fought–and won. There have been encounters that were God ordained. And there have been tests and trials along this journey. Tests of obedience (Jeff’s topic of devotion this week), and tests of patience….and tests of endurance.

I silently watch and observe how those that come with us are affected by the surroundings we are in–and constantly, I am amazed at how great is the love of Christ that continues to build in this team for the “world”. Almost all individuals goes home wanting to do MORE in their own neighborhood–every -single- time. The needs here in Bolivia reminds each of us of the needs at home.

There are faces that will be in our dreams each night and our prayers every day–hopefully forever.

Mr. Aubrey Graves is a child magnet. It’s so funny to watch as the children crowd around him to see what he’s doing. It’s amazing how two little sticks can bright a child’s day. Even a random child who possibly has no other toys–never had a toy given by a stranger. To see the expressions on their faces…I don’t have to tell you about the emotion that follows.

Today we will go to two unscheduled schools. They were not on our plan, but they were totally on God’s plan. We had a visit to a church site yesterday, scoped out the school area–a very–VERY poor area. This child is in the area. I asked her mother permission to take photos, she smiled and nodded. They are humble and kind.

Our plans are to make an impact next year in this village, as God leads our team, Focus Forward Ministries, Inc., in all the ways we can. The needs are plenteous — everywhere your eyes land.

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

Bolivia, Missions

From Chipley, Kinard, and Marianna, Florida–all the way to Bolivia

June 2, 2015October 28, 2020 A. Knight

Where do I begin? I hardly know.

I have watched a young couple become so in love with the people, the mission, and more with Jesus than one would imagine, especially since they already loved Jesus.

I have watched our daughter lead our team to teach, encourage, bless and bring out the giggles in hundreds of children, through puppets, games and lessons.

I have watched this amazing team of Focus Forward Ministries take steps of faith to become what God had planned–and I have watched as God brought out the best in each member that He put together with us for this trip. God always finds a way to amaze.

Today was no different. I am going to talk Chase Curti into starting a blog so he can share his story from two years ago- that we all have watched God unfold before our eyes. The devotion Jeff has been sharing (thus far) has been concerning obedience. Sometimes our flesh will talk us right out of obeying simply because we don’t want to look idiotic to others, or even to draw attention to ourselves. There’s not a member of this team that is the “look at me” type–and often it’s the quiet ones (like Chase) that God requires us to do something that puts us “out there” to become involved in an out-loud kind of way in other peoples lives.

I want the full story to come from Chase, so whether he tells it to me again for me to write, or I convince him to begin a blog– you will at some point get to hear the whole story. For now know this: God is asking us all to make steps of faith and obey Him in something- even right now. Every day. We just often ignore it. That was free 🙂

Now, on to the mission. We arrived Sunday morning an hour later due to some aircraft issues…yes, we always want those addressed before we get in the air. Always.

We have stayed in the same hotel every single trip to Bolivia since we started in 2011. Every year without exception there is some sort of issue–and God always has a way of using it to stretch our patience and help us realize that things are different in other parts of the world…and there really are things that we have grown so accustomed to–that we take for granted at home. Such as, hot water. And clean water. When several of us turned on our faucets to shower out came black specks and dingy water. What did we do? Took a shower anyway.

There is generally other issues to work through–and this team has taken every obstacle like champs. If you are the pastor of any of these, you know already of their servants heart–but let me tell you it really shines in missions.

The reward? These beautiful and amazing faces.

They are making a mark on our lives this week…and we pray that the mark we make on theirs will be a marked change for Christ. It is our hope, desire and purpose.

This team will go home with burning, churning testimonies–and I hope that you will invite those who are in your church to tell their story. It’s needs to be told. It needs to be heard. Before the week is over–it will be more powerful than they can imagine. I already know that. God always does the amazing…

Please continue to pray for health–safety and for the lost hearts to find Jesus. We had many children raise their hands in response to the message today– pray that they’re little hearts are impacted with the Gospel.

Tomorrow we will hand out the Bibles many contributed to purchase–as well as school supplies. And a dear friend donated some totes to be used–and God really did something amazing–the number is correct with the number of teachers at two of the schools!

Did I mention God was AMAZING??

Pray for good weather on Friday– the pastor we are working through has found two new schools that we didn’t already have on our schedule… we will do two programs with them! Pray for the team members as well as the children.

Tomorrow we will get to interact with the parents of one of the schools children! ANOTHER unexpected blessing!

I took over 1000 pictures today. I’m hoping to pull a few each night to share. The best ones I will save for our mission book for the team.

I’m closing it down for the night. Have a blessed day tomorrow and remember to pray for the team!