Jeff & Angie

The Cry of the Poor

July 4, 2012October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Ladies of the village leaving
church in Tegucigalpa, Honduras 2010

First, you are shocked to the sole of your sneakers–two blog posts in one week…the next shocker is they are actually back-to-back.

I got convicted.

I believe with all my heart that God ignited this ministry–this work in me when I started this blog (all things leading up to this point were crucial in the development of what I am for HIM today). (Same for you friend…stop and think about your journey up to now.)

I believe that HE uses blogs–to teach, to show, to develop us into usable vessels. I read other blogs and sit back and say, “Wow. That is a real great thought line into the Word”….or –I might say, “I wish I could “cook” like Amy–or develop awesome graphics like Lori—but I can’t—

What I CAN do is write what He lays on my heart. So…–after praying through about being ABSENT….here goes:

It’s hot weather…the hottest I can remember since Cambodia–and in Siem Reap, Cambodia, it IS what we could REALLY claim as hot…but even though the weather is hot, my mind is rambling down the road a piece–toward Christmas.

It makes me cooler to think “Christmas”.

(Stop laughing.) A really good evening for me –pop in a movie that has lots of snow…and windy weather…and hey, I’m set! (I’m not kidding–you can ask Jeff.)

One night recently, I popped in the movie, “Day After Tomorrow”…which is a personal favorite. Don’t ask me why…I’m just weird like that.

One thing I discovered this time (I discover something new almost every time I watch a movie), with all the loss of life—no one seemed overly distressed.

I mean–there were hundreds of thousands of people who died. I told Jeff, it amazed me that you didn’t see anyone–especially the “officials” doubled over in anguish over the death toll.

Oh, right. Maybe they “were”–Hollywood just didn’t show that part!

It makes me all the more realize the fact that so many of us are numb to the plight of the world.

Remember the blind boy in Bolivia?
His mom’s name is Angie

We see them…but we try not to.

We hear them…but we close off our ears…and eventually our heart.

I’m not really talking about the panhandlers we see at the local Walmart–or intersections to the Interstate Exits (a personal favorite of the panhandlers in the south)…

I’m talking about those who struggle to put one foot in front of the other.

Those whose faces bear the scars of life–by the emptiness in their eyes.

You find them in the check-out at the grocery store.

You find them next to you pumping gas…they stop at $10, while you (and me) can sometimes fill our tank. Their tank is on “get by mode”. Just like their lives.

If a disaster struck tomorrow–those with empty eyes and lives–would we think about them? (I’m now thinking of the horrific fires in Colorado. We’ve had rains–and I’ve wished and prayed for it to be sent to them!)

To be honest–I have a difficult time after a mission trip. I have problems with those panhandlers–those looking for life with their hand outstretched, or a cardboard sign in front of their chest reading “Will Work For Food” (really?) (I do know of some who tried to take them up on the offer of work…and they politely declined the work…) (Don’t send me “hate mail”, I do realize there are those who are “for real”…and it’s not their second job. However, here in our little city, we have the same 4 that rotate out. I’ve watched them shift change.)

I have problems with those of us who “waste” food…knowing that there are countless people–REALLY hungry… who would dig through our garbage if we lived next to them.

But then, life begins to assert itself back into our hearts and thoughts….and those hungry…remain hungry.

Until we decide we can do something for them. No, we may not can run to the other side of the world with a bucket of chicken–but we can support groups like “Convoy of Hope”, whose mission is feeding people. We can support Mission of Mercy and Compassion International–who do the same–they feed the body and care for the soul.

When I came home from Honduras–my very first mission trip…I was at once overtaken by the fact that I was blessed with so much. Not a bank account overflowing (we are as most everyone–paying the bills), but I have blessings of family...friends…food…a comfortable bed…an air conditioner in the summer and heater in the winter. I realized with renewed heart what I had to be thankful for!

You don’t have to travel to a foreign country to realize your blessings…just open your eyes and look around.

Then open your heart–and listen to see what God tells you to do about what you see.

Proverbs 21:13 says, If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,

he too will cry out and not be answered.”

I recently read a devotion and now can’t remember what or where–but the gist is this:

There are many things we cannot do in the world around us–and taking on the sorrow of all would bear down on us such a weight we could no longer stand (Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted-Isaiah 53:4)….but daily–by giving our burdens to the ONE who can carry all–we do what HE assigns us to do.

For those who cross our paths–minister love and care. We cannot do the job of our Savior, but we can pray–we can give–and we can put all our faith and trust in HIM who never fails.

Whatever we face in the morning…we should keep in mind–there are those who face the same and worse. (This is a reminder for myself.)

Let’s keep our hearts, eyes, ears open to the cry of the poor….

Missions

The Unknown Place

July 2, 2012October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Unknown places…Have you journeyed to any? Abra[ham] did:

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis12:1-3

Sometimes the unknown can be very frightening…wait. Who am I kidding? The unknown is almost always frightening. I wonder what it was like for Abraham.

Leave the land you are familiar with. Leave that place where you are comfortable. All the familiar watering holes…the places where you could walk blind folded and never trip…go into the unknown.

The Unknown –with all it’s unexpected corners…all the hidden places.

What do we do in the unknown?

Will we know anyone there?

Are the people friendly in the unknown places?

Is it okay to ask questions about the unknown? I think so. You can ask–as long as you remain steadfast–steadily trusting. If your hand becomes sweaty while holding His…keep walking–keep holding.

The Bible doesn’t say that Abraham asked questions…it doesn’t say he faltered at all here–

but later he does.

Later we hear him lie about Sarah being his wife–because maybe he trusted God in a big way at first...but now, maybe he’s not sure–and he’s just getting himself a little cushion…just.in.case.

As he was approaching the border of Egypt, Abram said to his wife, Sarai, “Look, you are a very beautiful woman. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife. Let’s kill him; then we can have her!’ So please tell them you are my sister. Then they will spare my life and treat me well because of their interest in you.” Genesis 12:11-13

So…God is big enough to take us into the unknown…but not big enough to keep us safe?

Hmmm. Oh, I’m not throwing stones at Abraham…I’m just wondering what happened from the day he left until the day he arrived on the border of Egypt. The Bible says he continued on “in stages” (NLT), the King James Version says, “And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the South.” (This was before the name change, pardon me for using his changed name–I like my own “changed name” best too, Angie Knight, daughter of the Most High God.)

Maybe Abraham began “thinking” too much about what he had…and less about what God had said and done… (I’m just thinking out loud.)

Jeff and I have gone through some changes. We celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary on Saturday. We got away from “work” for a couple of days…(even though his phone still reminded us we weren’t far enough).

We are getting ready to go back to Bolivia in September–and praying continually about all the “changes” that the past months have brought. Busyness–to the max.

In the class I’ve been teaching on Wednesday nights, it’s been “relationship” focused. Not only has the class been relationship focused, but my mind has been relationship focused. Mine and Jeff’s relationship–which is like most any relationship–would suffer if we didn’t make a conscious effort to maintain communication.

It’s the same with our relationship with God. Communication is necessary–it is actually CRUCIAL to a relationship with God…just as it is in marriage.

No communication = No relationship.

So…I have to wonder about Abraham. Did the communication remain steady? Or did Abraham grow quiet…not seeking time with God as he first did on the journey….

Abraham is actually one of my favorites–maybe because his trust was so big.

“LEAVE”. He did.

“GO”. He did.

Abraham didn’t ask…he just obeyed.

It’s not fair for me to talk about Abraham’s faults without sharing one of mine.

A couple of weeks ago–I was a bit frustrated–with several things. Jeff asked me one morning: “What’s wrong, Angie?”

“Nothin'” (yes, I know–but you better fess up–you do it too.)

He quickly responded, “don’t be teaching about communicating if you aren’t going to communicate”.

Ouch.

I had to back up and start again. I couldn’t leave the house that morning–knowing I had just withheld the answer to his question–there was “stuff” that was wrong…”stuff” going on in my mind…and even though I had not sorted it all out yet–he deserved to know the truth.

Truth was–I needed prayer. Truth was–I needed some time with just me and him–The truth was–I was tired of being tired. (Stress will do that–and lack of communication) (grinning)

We’ve discussed many things in the past few weeks…where God is working–what He is speaking–or not speaking. Where He is asking us to “just trust”…

Is there a place in your life right now where God is asking you to “step out” and do the seemingly impossible? Maybe you’ve stepped out a little–but maybe He is asking for more….

Communication DAILY is the most important thing–the listening part and the talking part.

Keep a notebook handy when you are doing your Bible reading…keep it handy for your prayer times…HE will tell you some amazing things through His Word…and in your heart.

Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Search me…know me…try me…LEAD ME.

Devotion, faith, Family, Grandchildren

The Believing Heart of a Child

May 29, 2012October 21, 2016 A. Knight

^“Some people brought infants to Jesus to have him hold them. When the disciples saw this, they told the people not to do that. But Jesus called the infants to him and said, “Don’t stop the children from coming to me! Children like these are part of the kingdom of God. I can guarantee this truth: Whoever doesn’t receive the kingdom of God as a little child receives it will never enter it.”

Luke 18:15-17 GWT

Believing as a child believes is essential…

You tell them something–they believe you…

What must we do? Go to Christ as your children, and my children come to us.

Seeking words, wisdom, attention, love…fellowship…a Relationship.

Without communication–there is no relationship.

We are discussing problems of lack of communication in our Young Adult class on Wednesday nights. Communication is one key ingredient to a good marriage. Good communication.

If you want THE relationship with God that He desires to have with you–you must first open your heart and your mouth. Share your heart with Him…holding nothing back…

Who could resist the look of the expressive face turned upward in devotion?

No one.

When you devote your heart and life to Christ Jesus–you will then begin to fully realize how His devotion saved YOUR soul.

Devotion, Hope, Life, Reflection

Givers and Takers—Movers and Shakers

May 1, 2012 A. Knight

Matthew 25:31-46 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

For I was hungry
and you gave Me something to eat;
I was thirsty
and you gave Me something to drink;
I was a stranger and you took Me in;
I was naked and you clothed Me;
I was sick and you took care of Me;
I was in prison and you visited Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?’

“And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ Then He will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels!

For I was hungry
and you gave Me nothing to eat;
I was thirsty
and you gave Me nothing to drink;
I was a stranger
and you didn’t take Me in;
I was naked
and you didn’t clothe Me,
sick and in prison
and you didn’t take care of Me.’

“Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help You?’

“Then He will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.’

“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

I know which side I want to stand on. But to be found standing on that side, we must be found “doing” –or LIVING—working with all that we have for Jesus. If we focus only on the “task”…and not Him, then it becomes our god…HE alone is to be worshipped.

· When we get caught up in the details we lose sight of what we are here for…not for us…but for HIM…and others.

V 35: For I was hungry…

What is the world hungry for? Let’s roll back the clock to a year in your teens…what were you hungry for?

Most of us could and would answer—attention.

To be noticed—

to matter.

To be valued.

Too often we discover all around us are people who struggle living daily—feeling that they have no value—they are starving to death for someone to share a piece of life with them. Most of the time—they want more than a smile. They need an ear—a shoulder.

Sunday afternoon—I was sitting on my porch—the birds chirping—the ceiling fan stirred the warm air—and I hear the rustling of leaves.

Scurry—stop. Scurry—stop.

I hear it…but I don’t see it.

I don’t get up. I continue doing what I set out to do…

That’s what we do. Day after day—we hear them.

The people.

We even sometimes smell them. We know they’re there.

Some of the time we even may acknowledge them—but there are days when they are a bother.

Their noise and needs and even existence seem to interrupt whatever nice flow of life we have.

I had gone out to my porch to soak up HIM. I wanted to be alone with Him. My head leaned back on the padding of my chair—and all of a sudden—HIS creation interrupts my quiet. ……………My private world…

They are hungry…

They thirst…

They have questions…

We have answers…yet we are so tucked inside our world…with a nice “do not disturb” sign on the door of our hearts and minds—refusing to answer.

We may not wear a visible sign, but the very fact that we “look away”—tells the tale.

We know in our hearts—although—to admit it to another—we would never do…

but God knows. He’s not deaf, nor is He blind.

They have needs—just as we do—and what if the one He sent to be the ear or shoulder—passed them by as a nuisance….a bother.

Refusing to hear…

Refusing to help…

Yet there are those individuals who look for opportunities to help. Who don’t mind the interruption to their day…thinking that possibly here is a chance to serve God by serving another. Here is a chance to love God by loving another…here is a chance to feed God…by feeding another….VISIT with God—by visiting another.

I cannot presume to label you—sheep from goats…although, the label is clear to His eyes…but just as quick as you can change your mind—you can change your label—with the HELP of God. God knows who and what each of us are—HE knows the hidden places of our hearts…and whatever we are today…HE can change tomorrow…If you’re a taker—He can help you become a giver…

If I were to pen this same passage today—this is what it might say:

“All the nations—every tribe and tongue—man-woman-teenager—boy or girl will be gathered before Him and HE will separate them one from another. Just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

He will put the givers on His right…and the takers on His left…Then the King will say to those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father-inherit the Kingdom—which was prepared for you from the very beginning of the world…

…For I was a runaway teenager,

Lost in my own world of “self”

Without clothes or food—and no one to help.

Yet you fed me plenty and clothed me clean,

Loved me without judgment—treated me like a queen.

I was the mother of the runaway teenager…

On no shoulder could I cry,

When that same teenager still full of strife,

Turned up months later—

Yet now carrying life.

You pulled me to you and let me cry….

Then wiped my tears until they dried.

I was the sister—who had nothing to drink—

Parched from life of sin on the brink.

My heart bore the scars of neglect and abuse—

With calluses of a lifetime and feelings of no use.

You opened your heart and your home so free

You poured me a drink—Living Water it was, all for me.

My sin took me far—stripped me bare—dumped me out

Yet in my cell you reached in—because you had no doubt

That the One who died for you…did the same for me

And because of your love…today I am free.

Then the righteous will answer Him, Lord, when did we see you as a runaway, as one of pain, starving, homeless and hopeless? When did we clothe you or visit you in prison’s chains…

And the king will answer; whatever you did for one of my beloved daughters…you did for me.”

Picture with me two scenes:

1) A 14 year old girl, sweaty and fearful. Tears streaming as pain after pain grips her young body. Her mother nearby, her father perhaps waiting outside—head hanging—there’s no one to call. Her body tenses as each pain tears at her for release, when finally a small life struggles out—to be held and gazed upon by those who are not sure they can handle this red, wrinkled life. Tears flood the older mother’s eyes as she sees with clarity all that her young daughter, now a mother will have to give up. Years of teenage antics and fun have just been replaced by wee morning hour feedings, burp cloths and dirty diapers. The older mother wears guilt like a cape, heavy and scratchy like rough wool around her drooping shoulders. Who will help?

2) A young couple in the next room, hands clasp tight as the final push brings forth new life. A wriggling, screaming baby emerges into a world of lights. Excitement and tears of joy rush the room—as they snap pictures of her exquisitely fluid arrival taking place. The calls begin to go out and come in, announcing with great delight—the Joy that was born today.

Both births took place…on the same day—somewhere in USA. One full of joy—one less than the ideal situation…One needed help… the other…most likely had more help than they knew what to do with.

What do we do? There are those in our cities, in our communities, neighborhoods and even churches…in need.

Hurting. Hungry. Hopeless. What can we do for them?

Here are just a few things we can do:

1) Pray for them. They need to KNOW someone is praying—and they need to know you care.

2) Give. Of your time, your money or other resources and your love.

a. Maybe you can sew. Sew baby blankets. Sew burp cloths. Wrap them up in pretty packages and give them to your local Pregnancy Crisis Center—or health department that works in the school system with the pregnant teens. Or give towel/wash cloth soap sets to your local homeless shelter.

b. Maybe you are gifted in having a “listening ear”. They need counselors in crisis centers and homeless shelters—those who they will screen and feel qualified to be there for them. People need to know other people care.

3) Think of creative ways to bless them. “Diaper month.” “Bib and Blanket” month. For homeless shelters, think beyond that—soap, hand sanitizers, toilet tissue, tooth brushes and toothpaste, combs, hairbrush, the list can go on and on…WHAT ABOUT BIBLES? What if you placed some Bibles in every shelter—they don’t have to be expensive— give them hope of life…LIFE.

Every donation makes a difference.

4) Get involved. That’s the biggest thing. Maybe you don’t have an area you feel particularly gifted in…

show up…show interest…show CHRIST.

What would HE do?

He would be a “giver”…a mover and shaker…

Devotion, Mission Trip

In A Hurry?

April 23, 2012 A. Knight

In a hurry to meet us, little Stephanie from Honduras, grabbed one wrong flip-flop.

I know that because the next day, she had on one of the same ones, and it’s mate.

This brought a question to my heart. Are we in that big of a rush to meet with Jesus?

So hurried that we scramble each morning, hoping not to miss an opportunity to show Him how much we love Him?

Probably not—for most of us. I know I like things orderly. Timely. Even though I have found I work best under pressure—I like to take my time, plan things out—cross all the “t’s” and dot all the “i’s”. Sometimes I even get distracted on my way to meet with Him in my morning devotion. I spy some laundry in front of the machine, decide now is a good time to put on a load to wash—you know—while I read and pray.

Then, my feet feel the grainy remnants of yesterday on the floor. I grab the broom.
And as I step on the sidetracks of the morning, I remind myself of my purpose.

Spend time with Jesus. Meet with Him. Go to Him. First. While the day is yet fresh—without the beads of perspiration.

One of many things I have taken away from our Mission Trip to Honduras is the way the children ran to meet us every single morning.

Who knows how long they waited at the top of the hill. (Sidenote: There is One waiting for you today….at the top of whatever hill you are trying to climb…ask for help…)

While in Honduras, my roommate, Marcella and I rose very early every morning in anticipation of what the day would bring. Knowing we needed to tuck into our hearts every single fragment of the day—tie it securely and never forget what God has done—where He brought us from—and where the journey would lead us all—as we take His hand and grip it fiercely.

All the way home.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there.” Mark 1:35 NIV

We don’t have much more of the journey ahead. Meet with Jesus in the quiet place.

The early place.

Give Him your day—before it takes over your mind….let Him have it all.

There have been many times—my quiet time was when the house was still again—after the ravages of the day had taken it’s toll–that was when He refreshed my soul, refueled my mind—and it was needed. So necessary.

Whatever your time—wherever or however it takes place—meet with Him.

Not much time left….

Adversity, Cambodia, Life

Complacent?

March 23, 2012 A. Knight

That’s a word that’s been on my lips a few times today…especially in thinking of how some are towards growth…seeking God for more…and especially in living outside of the walls we’ve secured around our lives. Complacent.

I was one. With a capital “C”. It makes me nauseated now to think of how I was—and would still be had God not gotten my attention with life…

You know…life. The daily stuff that happens and then all of a sudden, life smacks you in the head with a brutal sharpness that causes your eyes to sting.

God will deal with complacent…and I personally believe it nauseates Him.

What do you do with this disease? Is it treatable?

I say, “yes”. But it takes some knee work. As in getting down on them and seeking God—asking for forgiveness for the hardness of our hearts and the blindness of our eyes to the plight of others.

I’ve witnessed complacency. It sits comfortably on church pews all across our nation. It has soft knees and not so soft hearts. I’ve seen complacency fill a pulpit…from real life—to televangelist. Those seeking that dollar bill…or mega-dollar bills. Nauseating.

The day we went to the temples in Cambodia, I struggled inside with what I witnessed. People kneeling before a lie…seeking to please a lie. Walking miles in the heat for a lie…tears formed in my eyes as I watched one young woman, possibly early 20’s kneel down and offer something to the dead stone.

But think for just a minute what we are doing every single day. We offer up hours of our lives to dead stone. Maybe it’s not stone, but it’s dead nonetheless. It not only steals your time…but it steals your family. It steals your future…and if I may be so bold to say (I may as well be bold—I told God I’d type what He dictated), I believe it will steal your eternity in heaven…and hand deliver you one to hell. Ouch. That hurt.

Where are you sowing seeds of life? In your church? In your neighborhood? Community?

Or in dead stone.

I’ve spent all the time I intend to with dead stone…I determined a few years ago, that God would have my full attention. If He chose to rearrange my whole life—He could. If He chooses now to send me across the “pond”…I’m His to send.

Truthfully, I am dealing with things since my return. The first trip to Honduras brought things into focus…now, the lens of my camera has been cleaned again. Bolivia brought insight and clarity. Cambodia brings urgency. An urgency that cannot be ignored.

When I came home from Honduras…God really began to deal with me about how I spent my time and money. I worked on it…with His guidance and help. I told a dear pastor friend today, Bolivia was different. Maybe it was because Jeff and I were there together—but there was a feeling of dog-tired-joy. Joy like I’ve never experienced. Peace.

Tonight—as I sit here—reliving moments of the past 3 years, I am praying for more insight into His plan. I will change-rearrange-do what needs to be done to fall in line behind Him. Following Him has been my “sign-off” on my blog for many years, then, I changed it to “Giving Him All”. When I give Him my ALL, I am following Him…and I don’t intend to stop.

I can promise you I won’t be a favorite. It happens when I leave and see God somewhere where the people are hungry for Him and then come home to where the complacent out-number the hungry…even in our own church. My mouth sometimes gets in gear and I can’t stop it…so—if you are one of the complacent…you might want to avoid me for a while.

If you are not sold out completely—willing to give it all up for Him—then I’m afraid you are like the girl in the picture. Standing before the dead stone. You may not be bowing down…but you are there…stuck inside the rocky walls of life…and life has a tendency of crashing down…

Might I add—a crash helmet won’t help…

Only the helmet of salvation will.

Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Amen.

Cambodia

A Girl Named Nary

March 23, 2012April 25, 2023 A. Knight

Are you up for a walk? It’s not far…(well, actually if you are standing by the road in front of their house it’s not far…but if you are still here—then it’s about a 23 hour plane ride and 12 hour time zone away.)

And it is hot. Right now it’s lunch time in Cambodia. And it’s very hot—sticky and there is quite a bit of dust in the air from the motorbikes.

So, if you’ve got a bandana or handkerchief, you might want to cover your mouth….otherwise, your throat and lungs will fill with the awful red colored dust and dirt….not so good.

We’re going to Nary’s house with my dear friend Rene`.

Rene` is the sponsor of a young girl from the Ampil School. She has a quiet nature, but loves fun things. This was one visit I was especially looking forward to, not having my own sponsored child in Cambodia, this was the next best thing. Rene` invited us all to take part. I got to be the photographer, Vanessa was the prayer partner, and Becky was the videographer.

Rene` planned it all out in advance. She bought gifts for the mom and dad and made a bracelet for Nary. She had other gifts for her, but the time, effort and thought put into each gift touched our hearts. It was indeed a holy moment watching the two of them meet.

We were all crying by the time we left.

Vanessa prayed the most anointed prayer over the family, which was interpreted and we all prayed along in our hearts—asking God to draw this family into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, if they were not already His own.

Nary’s mom was so excited to have Rene` there that day. She had cleaned and brewed a pot of tea, which she set out immediately in her best china tea pot. I had to slip over to Ly, one of the interpreter’s and let him know quietly that Rene` was taking medication that would make her very sick if she partook of anything other than what her system was accustomed to. I asked him to please let the family know that we were deeply touched by their generosity, but for Rene`’s health sake, she shouldn’t risk it. They were okay with that—didn’t seem offended in the least, as a matter of fact, their faces were wreathed in pleased smiles as we took the last photo’s before leaving.

Nary’s mom also brought out the family picture album. It was the sweetest thing I’d ever seen. You do that for your relatives who haven’t seen your own children in a long time…to me that was Nary’s mom’s way of letting Rene` know “she was family”. I even took pictures of her pictures of Nary as a baby and toddler. She also showed us the whole family. Nary is the youngest of three.

As we had begun the week singing a song called, “Holy Spirit Rain Down”, it happened that day underneath the tin roof of their open home. The most precious anointing of the Holy Spirit poured down on us that day—and I am so grateful that Rene` asked us to join her.

One of the neatest things happened when we got back to Ampil School. Nary saw Rene` in the school yard talking with some of the other children and left her class immediately and ran out to greet her again and hug her neck. That was so precious to us. Of course, we were all blubbering in tears again at the love and appreciation of this dear child.

If you would like to play a special part in the growth, maturity, spiritual guidance and health of a child, please contact someone at Mission of Mercy. Visit their website at www.missionofmercy.org today and make a difference. For as little as $34 a month, you can become part of a family in another part of the world….and the blessing of doing so will far outweigh anything you think you might miss out on here.

God bless you…and thank you Rene`. For being such a dear friend—and for having the compassion of Jesus Christ.

Cambodia

12 Hour Time Zone Apart

March 21, 2012April 25, 2023 A. Knight

I’m up.

It’s 2:13 p.m. in the afternoon in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

My body thinks it’s still there. My mind goes there every day. The picture I can’t get out of my head is the children busing themselves home from school….in their boats. Some paddling only a few hundred yards away, some paddling a few miles.
I remember seeing the smiling face of the little boy that at the home visit, we discovered he had a club foot (cleft foot). He wants to become a nurse…our nurses attended his infected toe.

He smiled on.

These children know no other kind of life than the life of the river.

They live on it. They sleep on thin grass mats in their homes on the river. And their body waste goes into it. As the children were leaving, I saw a little one take her bowl that is used to dish water from the boat to keep it from sinking, she scooped water from the river and drank it. I shudder.

There are some children who yet need a sponsor.

What does sponsorship do?

Sponsorship through Mission of Mercy provides them a hot meal, clean water (Mission of Mercy has purchased water filters for the homes in the floating village). Sponsorship ensures that each sponsored child gets proper medical and dental care. They are taught not only to read, write and skills they will need later on, they learn about the love of Jesus Christ and that He gave His life for each one of them…that they are as important to Him as a child living in a palace.

My eyes have been opened to more of the world than before…I am accountable to those I meet—and to what I know.

When talking and sharing with some last week, it was shared with me the need for teachers. Teachers of the English language. In their villages and schools. I instantly thought of those young adults—unmarried—ready to start their lives outside of the homes of their parents—yet not knowing exactly what God has called them to….what about teaching?

Something that struck me especially hard when visiting the Dream Center, is the lack of proper cooking facility they have. Each student is required to cook their own meals—from start to finish. They learn by helping each other. Those older who know how, teach those younger who cannot. They learn.
It was said that they need to know how to care for themselves beyond the walls of the school. They need to be independent. They don’t need coddling–they need LOVING.

Life is tough…everywhere. Not just here…and not just there.

I thought of America…and what we have turned out kids into. Dependent—”I can’t do anything for myself” bunch of young people who think the world owes them a living. When I typed that I instantly thought of those who, reading this would take offense to this post. Maybe your kids aren’t like that at all….but then, maybe they are.

Could your 12 year old prepare his or her own meal from start to finish—(more than a peanut butter and jelly sandwich), clean up after themselves—and know automatically to finish their homework before play?

Uhm…there are no X-Boxes, no Gameboy’s, no IPad, IPod’s etc. The kids at The Dream Center are there to learn. Life skills. How to survive—to make a living at something. To be an entrepreneur. To dream beyond the floating village where they came from…

They have been teaching them to “dream big”. When we stop dreaming….we stop doing…and when we stop doing…we stop living.

I play a small part in the dreams of a young girl in the Dominican Republic. Several women who participated in this trip to Cambodia, now play a part in the dreams of Cambodian children—and they have hope. Would you like to do that? Would you like to ensure that a child has a chance to keep dreaming—beyond the watery walls of their homes?

Contact Mission of Mercy on their website. Be a part of a life more than 22 hours away. Their little faces keep me up at night…its more than jetlag. It’s the need to pray more.

It’s the need to See-More. Be-More. Do-More.

I had a thought as we were hugging necks and wiping tears for the last time at the Dream Center when we were leaving—Heaven will reveal all that we have accomplished while on this trip. Things we never even witnessed will be revealed. The sewing of curtains by ladies in the West Florida District did more than just take up time and space in our lives…it enhanced the lives of over 40 kids and youth. It showed them that there is beauty in the surrounding world and they could take part in it.

I believe that every day, when they look at their brightly colored walls, they will remember us. They will remember what our white skin looked like, and out diverse voices sounded like. Four of us had a REAL Southern drawl. Imagine that.

As Vanessa, Becky, Rene, and I stood in the room of these girls on the last day, they asked us to sing to them. We sang again, “Holy Spirit Rain Down”. He did.

The girls lifted their hands, with eyes closed, tears coursing, and prayers going up to heaven…the Holy Spirit indeed rained down His mighty presence.

Thank You Jesus for the opportunity to share life for a week with such incredible people, as those we met in Cambodia.

By the way, many of the teens pictured come from the floating village….they have a sponsor….they have a hope and dream of a future beyond the muddy waters of the Ton Le Sap.

Cambodia

Mission of Light

March 20, 2012October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Join me today at Laced with Grace for more on my trip to Cambodia. May God shine HIS light into your life in unexpected ways….

Cambodia

A Monday Song

March 19, 2012October 21, 2016 A. Knight

The sounds of the birds…the feel of the soft southern breeze blew through me yesterday morning like Heaven’s sweet Breath.

Yet amidst this encounter…these faces still flood my heart and mind.

I invite you today, visit Mission of Mercy (www.missionofmercy.org) and make a change in your life and the life of one child. You may never leave your home to see that child…but for $34 a month–your life can touch their life everyday. In many ways.

I can’t wait to tell you more about the trip…but for now, it’s 6:18. I’ve been up since 1:30 a.m. My system is not quite back…I’ve written my Laced with Grace post for tomorrow…and will get one ready and up for post for the Internet Cafe`, as well as the Free Newsletter for “Streettalk Magazine”.

Off to work I go! Dareth and Thida, we are praying for you. Ly Mak, We are praying for you as well!

To God be the glory! For all the marvelous things HE has done!

Listen to this song:

This is the song I used for the slide show last night at church….amazing song.