Salvation – Jeff & Angie

Bolivia, Mission Trip, Missions, Salvation

7-Coming Soon….to a Bolivian City Near YOU

August 31, 2025 A. Knight

We are doing all the final preparations to “send and go” on the last mission trip for 2025 for Focus Forward Ministries. Generally, our directors lead three trips each year: Uganda in February, Jamaica in July, and lastly, Bolivia in September.

“Ustedes son la luv del mundo.” Mateo 5:14. You are the light of the world….those are our instructions straight from the mouth of our Savior….our Bridegroom. Are we “lighting up the path?” The message for this year’s crusade is one that I heard months ago, early one morning in prayer. Be the LIGHT. If we are walking in obedience to our Father, we are going to be doing just that…shining for HIM. Recently, I have been convicted about not putting myself out there… I stay in quiet mode. I wish I could tell you that I will be changing all of that, but I move at a turtle pace when it comes to some changes. I enjoy learning something new–and I will adapt to change–but you need to give me a minute to adjust my thoughts around the “new” things.

Every year, we have a children’s pastor who goes with us and leads the crusades…. This year is different. It made me a bit anxious initially, but then I thought…what if my whole life was leading up to this very event? We will do what He has called us to do–our assignment: Be the Light. And we will be flexible with any change that pops up from behind the fence. Because it happens. Changes are inevitable.

Last year, we had planned for two teams of kids’ crusades to run simultaneously while we were also building a church, but the schools had suddenly been closed down for an uncertain number of days due to the pollution (smoke) in the air. A new plan had to be made.

** “As the translators gathered, the planning began. We would divide up into teams of three and walk the dirt roads of the village where we were building a new church, going house to house, inviting the children to come to the construction site for music, games, etc.

When we went door to door, we were sometimes met with barking or growling dogs, laundry flapping on barbed wire fences, and some reserved faces. They had reservations about us because they have the same door-to-door visitors as we often do in the States, often with tracts in hand.

After introductions were made, all the teams shared what we were doing and gave invitations to all the children in the family to join us outside the church at a designated time that day.

Over two hours later we wandered back into the construction site to share reports. FIVE salvations!! Even though the schedules had to be changed— this made up for it on so many levels as I realized had we been in the schools- these would not have had the visitors that called out “buenos días” that morning when they received the invitation to know and accept Jesus Christ.

One change – although unexpected- in our normal routine of ministry meant everything (eternity) to five individuals.

The planned crusades turned into door-to-door invitations and sidewalk ministry. God is in the details. We are always emphasizing “expect change and be flexible”- however, when changes disrupt all our well-laid plans, it’s a bit harder to relinquish control. But we must. It’s not about us. Ever. It’s always about them. We just get to be the pitcher that pours into the waiting cups.” **

We have no clue how this trip will play out in the course of each day…but this one thing I know: We are going to make an impact for the Kingdom of God. Because we are going with the intention of doing so—He will use everything we give Him.

What I know today (if God wills), we will carry the Gospel in hearts and suitcases. We will carry the message of being the Light of the world and introduce hundreds of children to Jesus.

Please pray with and for our team as we do all that we can to share the love of Christ with those who don’t know Him. We have had several who have wanted to be involved in this mission with donations and prayers. We ordered a few things to use for this trip on faith that the needs would be met. We trust and believe that God is working ALL things out in every area of this adventure! He is faithful to do just that. Above all, please pray for each team member: safety, health, smooth transition through customs, and to make a BIG impact for Christ. That’s our heart. To lead others to Jesus through the message we bring and our love in action.

This is our second team of 7. In 2019, we took a team of 7 into Bolivia, and we were the 5 loaves and 2 fish. The impact was life-changing. For each one of us.

If you would like to participate or donate, please contact us through our website, facebook messenger or mail: www.focusforwardministries.com; Post Office Box 5773, Marianna, FL 32447 or email: focusforwardministries@gmail.com

© Angie Knight 2025. All rights reserved. This was simultaneously shared in the StreetTalk Magazine, September 2025 edition. **This portion was previously shared on our personal mission blog: www.jeffandangieknight.com, September 12, 2024.**

faith, Focus Forward Ministries, Hope, Ministry, Mission Trip, Missions, Salvation, uganda

It’s ALMOST my birthday…. :)

November 30, 2024December 2, 2024 A. Knight

For those who know me–KNOW I do not care much for parties- BUT I do love giving. As soon as I buy a birthday gift or a Christmas gift–I want to give it IMMEDIATELY! It’s hard for me to wait!

I’m about to turn the BIG 6-3. Sounds like a score on a game. I’m still winning–because I am still on this side of the dirt.

We have never been one for a whole lot of “hoopla” on birthdays. I prefer a nice quiet dinner at home with my family and my favorite foods. I’d rather have a cupcake than a big cake. And lots of swirly icing.

Jeff’s mom used to make a “chess pie” for my birthday–because that was my favorite. I also love pie!

We have a few mission trips happening this year. I haven’t heard from God on which one I am to go on…but my ear and heart is open to Him. However-the most exciting thing for this year is our plan (hope and dream) to build our FIRST orphanage home in Uganda (Focus Forward Ministries).

The building the children are standing beside is the medical clinic built (with donations to FFM)

We have followed the government’s guidelines in all details in preparations for it.

FFM has built two latrines, one for girls and one for boys, drilled (hand dug by locals) a water well, built a small medical clinic and storage office, and erected a building for shelter from the sun and rain for the children during the weekly ministry and feeding of the children (225+!!!). This building will eventually be turned into the church, but we are needing to begin the work on the first orphanage home.

Exterior. All the buildings on the site are the same in appearance and construction.

My sister, Wanda would be absolutely giddy with excitement over this. I can picture her face at this news. (This makes me reach for the Kleenex box.)

Layout: center common areas, left and right sides for sleeping quarters.

Our mission team that will leave in February, for the first of three mission trips for FFM this year, will hopefully be able to do a large portion of the work on the building of this first home! Y’all…I can’t EVEN wrap my mind around this!

THIS is what I would love to have for my BIRTHDAY!

Help FFM raise the funds for the first of several Orphanage Homes.

For years I have had many dreams about children–children who were homeless, in danger, hungry, orphans…. and God has given us an amazing opportunity to help these in need.

Many friends and supporters of Focus Forward Ministries have sponsored a child in the village already for their medical needs and education, and our prayer is to have them all sponsored by end of 2025. These children need us.

Jeff, Chase, Chris and Elijah have held and hugged these little ones and our hearts yearn to do more for them. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with CoFam, a ministry born out of the heart of Sentamu, a man who works on a pineapple farm…because he saw a need.

Tell me….what do you see?

I see little ones (and big ones) that Jesus died for. I see hungry faces–not just for food–but for someone to love them and tell them they are beautiful-wonderful-loved.

The older ones feed and help the younger ones.

As Jeff, Chase, Chris and Elijah all held and talked to these children–their hearts were ignited with a passion to see them have more than a shelter from the sun and rain. We want to see them have a home.

So many of these you see in these pictures have nothing and no one. That was where Sentamu came in with a heart to help. That was also where we came in–through the Holy Spirit connecting Chase Curti and Sentamu. The few 50–60, quickly turned into 100, then 150+. We are now feeding about 225 each Saturday (our Friday) and they are being given love. They are given a day that is much like a “kids crusade” that we do in Bolivia. Singing, games and a Bible story with an opportunity to accept and know Jesus as their personal Savior.

Every Saturday–someone’s eternity is changed.

So…IF you have read all the way down to this point–THANK YOU for sticking around.

My big ASK for this 63rd birthday is for Chase to be able to contact Sentamu and say, “we are coming in February and we are going to help BUILD the first HOME!”

That is the BIGGEST desire of my heart–to go to bed at night and know that across the world there are children who are able to sleep in the safety of their own bed for the first time in their lives. (Kleenex time)

I’ve had a hard time writing this one–looking at all the pictures and wiping my eyes…. I’ve never been to Uganda, but I have been in other countries and know what poverty looks like. I’ve seen homeless on the streets of Costa Rica, Honduras and Bolivia. I’ve seen hungry faces in Cambodia…and know there is a great need all over the world.

I don’t want to walk blindly into 2025 not seeing what God wants me to see. I want to run into 2025 with a determination to do every single thing I can to forward the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the nations–but especially to those where God has called our heart to. I don’t want to stand before my King one day and have Him look at me and say, “Angie, with all I blessed you with–you could have done more”….

If you have anything (the amount doesn’t matter) you would like to give toward the first home, or the ongoing medical needs for the clinic, you can mail a check, or give online. Chase Curti (FFM Sec/Treas) will assist you if you email us at focusforwardministries@gmail.com.

OR you can send a check to FFM, Inc., Post Office Box 5773 Marianna, FL 32447. You can also inquire about how to help on any mission trip or go with us! (We also need monthly supporters!

Mark your check or gift–Uganda Orphanage.

And…thank you for the birthday gift! I LOVE it and it will fit PERFECTLY!

faith, Reflection, Salvation, SIN

The Broad Way and the Fruitless Tree

November 5, 2024 A. Knight

There is a passage in the Bible that has been running through my brain for several days now:

Matthew 7:13-14 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. (emphasis mine)

“The highway to hell is broad.” It’s broad because we live in a world where we are so caught up in the next big thing. There’s a rush to get it or do it.
Whatever the biggest influencer is influencing you to do, buy, or be, that’s the goal for many. But that should not be what the Christ Follower is influenced by. We should be To read the rest of the story, go here. (my prayer journal page)

Photo credit: Pixabay.com free photos

An Angie Story, breast cancer, Devotion, faith, Hope, Life Issues, Salvation, SIN, spiritual warfare, Trials

Your Testing Ground

November 2, 2024November 5, 2024 A. Knight

Have I told you my story yet?

You’re probably like, “Angie, you have told me SO much, I’m not sure which story you are talking about! 🙂

When I heard about you and what’s going on in your life, I felt like there were some nuggets from my own story that might help you this morning (or evening-whenever you find yourself reading this).

Sometimes I find myself holding back — well, being transparent, I do hold back at times. But this morning, I wanted to share it all. I only like good surprises. If I know what I’m up against, I can be better prepared to handle what’s coming. Well, life doesn’t work like that. Only God holds our story. Only He knows what’s in the book. From the day you and I were born until the day we draw our last breath–He knows ALL the stuff in between. So trust me when I say…there is nothing He can’t handle. And He will walk you through ALL the things you would rather be delivered out of. Sometimes He will do it like that…and then other times, He’s like, “Hey, I’ve got some people down the road who will need to know your story–and How you trusted Me to get you to the goal…are you willing?” Well, when You put it like that…. (To read the rest, go here.)

Photo credit: free photos from Pixabay.com

Christmas, Devotion, faith, Holidays, prayer, Reflection, Salvation

His Purpose in You

November 9, 2022November 12, 2022 A. Knight

The topic of “purpose”–your purpose, my purpose, it’s purpose (as in circumstances) is often discussed in Christian circles. We all want to know ours. What we’re here for, and we want to know now.

I don’t believe finding your purpose is completely like declaring you are going to medical school so that you will become a doctor–or law school to become a lawyer. I believe deep in each one of us, our purpose was a planted seed as God created us…in our mother’s womb. For some, it IS to be a doctor–or lawyer–an educator, etc. The point is, we all have a purpose. The biggest one: To be light in a dark world.

Of course there’s more to it than that.

At the end of the first chapter of Luke, he describes John’s purpose:

“… to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit usto shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 1:77-79 HCSB

These words came directly from the Holy Spirit, through the voice of Zechariah when he was no longer silent. John’s daddy declared his purpose to the world on the day he was born. He shared what had been given to him by the angel, Gabriel–that well known passage when we learned ‘ole Zechariah had some doubt about what God could do. I mean, didn’t he remember Abraham and Sarah? For real! God did an all out miracle there. But instead, his focus was on his inabilities, not God’s abilities.

But the day of declaration came and I like to believe he was LOUD with it! I believe by the time he wrote “his name is John”, I believe he cleared the cobwebs from his unused vocal cords and his voice rang out like he had a lapel mic attached to his robe. The Bible says he instantly began praising God… and after that, you just can’t praise quietly.

The last sentence of this chapter caught my attention this morning–and in truth, it’s the very reason I started typing this morning:

The child grew up and became spiritually strong, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
Luke 1:80 HCSB

The main part that grabbed me were these: “and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance”. Another translation says “he lived in lonely places until….”

The bottom line is- that place where you and I have been–or maybe still are? That place that feels like a wilderness–that loneliness you feel even when surrounded by people? The only way out is to stay faithful to seeking His Presence and His Word. It might FEEL like a wilderness…but in fact, I believe it’s the preparation ground for what God is about to reveal–and do in and through your life. The things you are experiencing and learning through those dark days will undoubtedly be used by God to help another. I heard a minister once say that God never wastes suffering. I believe every smidgen of what we walk through, the good and the bad is able to be used by God.

So, your purpose? Declare love of Jesus Christ to those who don’t know… sometimes those who DO know–need reminders of His faithfulness. And hold on honey. If you don’t know yet—it’s coming (your purpose). Because HE is coming soon—and HE is going to use YOU!

And friend, I am ready for the revival that is on the horizon—and I want it to begin in US!

Salvation, Thanksgiving

Saving Me

December 2, 2013October 21, 2016 A. Knight

We have so MUCH to be thankful for.

On Thanksgiving Day after finishing lunch, dishes and some fellowship, I left Jeff’s moms for my mother’s house with two boys in tow.

While driving, I look over at Zack and ask, “So, Zackary, what’s God been doing in your life?”

Without hesitation Zackary responded, “Saving me”.

Yes. On a daily basis –Zackary. God is saving me too…from me. From the bondage of “stuff”….

Changing my perspective to align with His.

Rescuing me from the walls of the pit we sometimes insist on decorating…

From looking too inwardly and not enough outwardly.

Yes, He is saving me. Thank you for reminding me of what He actually came for…what the manger was really intended to hold…not food…but Food. Life. His. For mine.

Thank You Lord Jesus. For saving me.

Ministry, Mission Trip, Salvation

Cafe Post-Help from the Hill

August 2, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

My week in Honduras forever changed my life.

Every morning I experienced the same overwhelming feeling to touch each smiling face. Many of us held on to these little ones. My friend, Krystal made a lasting impression on one young boy named, Carlos.

Every morning Carlos, and a few others met the bus carrying a load of excited missionaries, with set minds to work for Christ with all we had–with every breath that we would breathe that day.

Every morning we smiled big smiles, knowing only a smattering of words in the Spanish language, but knowing a smile says muchos!

Every morning we prayed for our protection, as well as theirs. Some traveled further–some stayed longer. All dug their lives into our hearts.

For a week, my “every morning” routine was altered. Forever it seems. Waiting at the top of the hill, ready to carry our burdens were the children. When it should have been the opposite. We were the ones there to work. We were the one there to make a lasting impact. However, the lessons they taught us penetrated at such depth of soul, they will never be forgotten. At the top of the hill.

At the top of another hill, much further back in time stood One among three. Only the One could carry your burdens and mine. 1 Peter 5:7 says to “cast all your cares anxieties and worries on Him for He cares for you.” (my paraphrase)

The children were fulfilling the Word without even knowing it, simply by caring for us. They wanted to help us every day–in every way. They had not even known us but 2 days and already they had the desire to “help”.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NIV

At the cross, at the top of the hill hung the One who gave all to carry your burdens, heartaches and troubles once and for all. You never have to stoop to pick them up again.

Will you travel with me? Up to the top of the hill to lay them down? Once and for all.

I invite you to pray this prayer with me today.

“Dear Lord Jesus, my heart is so heavy, feeling so broken with all the burdens of life that I have tried to carry so long by myself. Thank you for showing me today that we both don’t have to carry this load…when one of us is You. You are my burden bearer. I realize that now. Thank you for giving your Life for mine. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins as I realize I am lost without You in my life. As I shift this load of heaviness on to You, help me not try to reclaim any of my past by my thoughts or deeds. Show me the freedom You have just given me! Help me to have a desire to learn of Your ways by reading Your Word. Help me to follow Your path and not try to make my own. I want Your desires to be my desires. I love You Jesus. Thank You for this gift of new life in You! I give You my all. In Your holy name I pray, Amen.”

Friend, if you prayed that prayer today, let me know. We want to lift you up daily in prayer. May the Word illuminate your life as you dig in to know Him more!