Jeff & Angie

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!

Mission Trip

They Are Not Forgotten

August 1, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Click play for the music to begin and then look at the photo and read the rest of the post.

God knows YOUR name….He knows MY name….and we are not forgotten.

As you listen to the music, and look at these little faces looking back at you, know that there are children that are not sponsored yet. Children that are on the outside looking in, but not forgotten.

I have already decided what I can do to sponsor a child each month.

What can you do?
Do you want to make a lasting impact in someone’s life?
Do you want to be the hands and feet of Jesus?
Do you have an extra $34 each month?
What can you give up so that someone could be touched?

I felt a strong stirring in my spirit and God dropped in my heart the very thing I could do–and even things I could live without to be a blessing to someone else. There are also needs right in front of your eyes every time you step out into your neighborhood. Begin to ask God to give you His vision and to place in your heart the action He would have you take to further the Gospel!

Have a blessed Sunday! You will be hearing more from me on this! My heart is burning with a purpose and desire to be the hands and feet of Christ—and whatever He calls on me to do–I want to do–whatever He asks me to give up—I want to give it up. I release all that I thought I was, to be all that He wants me to be.

If you are interested, go to Mission of Mercy today and find out how you can touch a life. (I am not on staff with Mission of Mercy, nor did they ask me to do this, nor do they know that I have done this.)

Who knows, one day God may give you the blessing of being able to wrap your physical arms around the very child you have wrapped up in prayer in support!

Mission Trip

Last Look At Honduras

July 31, 2010 A. Knight

On Wednesday night, we had supper by the pool. A pizza party with our translators, Belkis and Kelyn, and the Honduran Country Coordinator for Mission of Mercy, Tony. I cannot begin to describe the incredible blessing and the impact these three individuals had on our lives and what they give of themselves daily for Jesus Christ. We will never be the same.

It will be a long time before I brush my teeth without thinking of Honduras. Since we could not use the sink water, we used bottled water–because our bodies are not acclimated to their water–we would become very sick. I will admit we did have a bit of sickness, but nothing that kept us from functioning. Thankfully, the sickness that hit me, Pastor Tommy, and Aaron did not strike until the last night there. I was just dreading the plane ride, not knowing how far I would be from the bathroom. Eewww.

But God. Once again He was on the scene and administered healing to each of us. We made it home–without incident–or accident. 🙂

Enjoy the last “slide show” from the trip. I will use many of these pictures for future blogs–as devotions and stories are already forming in my head. I have a feeling that as our team reflects back to conversations, hugs and kisses from this trip, there will be tears shed, as there are every time I look at them.

Thank you all for your prayers. They were felt. Friday morning when I was so sick, I began to pray for God to WAKE someone up to pray for me. If you woke and prayed for me, thank you. We are home safe and sound!

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

Mission Trip

A NEW Blogger Among US!

July 29, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

We have a NEW blogger among us and HE IS HAVING A GIVEAWAY!!! YOU must go check him out!
He is the Children’s Pastor at Carmel A/G and I promise you will have a GREAT time visiting and getting to know him!

I am helping him get started, but I can already see–that HE will be running through this and meeting all of you and having a GREAT time with blogging before we land in the United States! 😉

His bloggy house is: Adventures with Aaron

Go check him out! and BE SURE you tell the fellow that I sent you over there! I am helping direct traffic for his FIRST giveaway! (It will be a great one!)

On another note….we are headed to the Center for our last day with the children. I already have the butterflies of emotions rolling around my heart and stomach (not something I ate) about saying goodbye. I know it will be emotional, and we will all ride back to the hotel with wet eyes. God has been so faithful and good to us this week. I have so much more to tell and share with you, but much of it causes tears to flow, so I will have to take that journey slowly.

You all are so great to pray for us, thank you. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. My friend from Dothan, Lisa gave me a shoe sized scripture that I tucked underneath the insole of my tennis shoe. Lisa, the scripture is still there, has carried my body through this journey of faith–and I leave those shoes, scripture intact with Carlos. His toes were sticking out of his shoes when we met him. Broke my heart. We are all leaving a piece of ourselves with these awesome people. Thank you to all of our sponsors who made this a possibility! God will reward your faithful hearts! This is something I prayed about participating in and GOD gave me the desire of my heart!

When our desires line up with HIS….it happens every time….in HIS time.

Have a blessed Thursday. Pray for our team. I love you all so much!

Missions

First Time Mission Interview (4)

July 28, 2010 A. Knight

Honduras 2010-Sunday 177

John David, What was the first thing that made an impression on you?

The living conditions of the people. Houses are hanging off the sides of the mountains, built with block walls and tin roofs, living in one or two room homes. And this is how almost everyone lives.

What have you experienced that has been life changing for you?

All of the children had an impact on me, but there were four particular that are going to be on my mind forever. I come from such an amazing home life, and none of these did. It obviously made me thankful for what I have, but it also really broke my heart for the children. Their faces will appear in my mind every time I go to pray.

Do you feel God speaking specifically to any area of your life?

What God has really revealed to me through this experience is that any work for the kingdom, whether painting walls or preaching sermons, is important and it’s going to not only bless others, but be a blessing to you as well.

What would you say to someone undecided about a mission trip?

Go. No questions asked. Unless you feel it is against God’s will for you, you need to have the experience of going on the mission field and seeing what God does in your life. You’ll be astonished.

How will this affect your missions giving and how has this affected your perception of a missionary?

Before I left on the trip, I started sponsoring a child with my friend, Brittany. Now, after I’ve been able to the that child, along with countless others, I realize just how important missions giving is. I’ve always had a heart for missions, but it has grown so much bigger now! My giving will definitely increase.

I respect the missionaries so much. Through my aunt who was a missionary and my sister who is becoming one, I’ve always considered them special people, but now it hits even closer to home.

Would you do it again?

Anytime, anywhere. But especially Honduras. I’m in love.

John David, is there anything you want to say to your fellow laborers?

I love all of you so much! I wasn’t close to many of the people on the trip before we left, but now I consider them all friends! We laugh so much I keep getting scared we’ll get kicked out of the hotel!

Gracias John David!

Missions

First Time Mission Interview (3)

July 28, 2010 A. Knight

Timothy, what was the first thing that made an impression on you?

As we approached Tegucigalpa, I noticed the housing. That really hit me as sad. I can’t believe that people actually live with so little.

What have you experienced that has been life changing for you?

Sunday afternoon the Holy Spirit moved like I have never before felt! I had no idea what was being sang and still God moved. I will take that back to the States!

Do you feel God speaking specifically to any area of your life?

Yes

What would you say to someone undecided about a mission trip?

Go. It’s one of the most amazing ways to get closer to God.

How will this affect your missions giving and how has this affected your perception of a missionary?

Well now that I have a hand on experience with missions, I would love to be able to help more. At this point in time, I have not job so I can’t really help financially. I now realize how much they work and I have always respected it, but now I see the stuff they see everyday and how much they go through physically and mentally.

Would you do it again?

Most definitely!

Timothy, is there anything you want to say to your fellow laborers?

I have really enjoyed this trip and have had an amazing crew to be with on my first trip!

Gracias Timothy!

Missions

First Time Mission Team Interview (2)

July 28, 2010 A. Knight

Claresa, what was the first thing that made an impression on you?

I found my Honduran, Kinsley! Saturday, when I got to the bottom of the hill that we have to go down to get to the Center, I spotted a little girl. There were children everywhere, but this little girl stood out to me. She is beautiful. She is two years old and so cute. She has touched my heart in so many ways. It will be hard to leave her Thursday.

What have you experienced that has been life changing for you?

Seeing all the the people who live with nothing but are always so happy.

Do you feel God speaking specifically to any area of your life?

I feel as if we in the states should be more thankful for what we have. We are blessed beyond measure!

What would you say to someone undecided about a mission trip?

It will completely change your life for the better. You will never regret going on a missions trip.

How will this affect your missions giving and how has this affected your perception of a missionary?

I began sponsoring a child this month. I see how much missionaries do and how they truly have to be called. They are great people of the Lord!

Would you do it again?

Oh yes! Absolutely no doubt!

Claresa, is there anything you want to say to your fellow laborers?

If you have never gone on a missions trip, you should go any opportunity you get!

Gracias Claresa!

Missions

First Time Mission Team Interview

July 28, 2010 A. Knight

Brittany, what was the first thing that made an impression on you?

It was actually seeing and being with the children first hand.

Can you tell us what you have experienced that will be life changing for you?

Every child that I’ve come into contact with has and will forever change my life.

Do you feel God speaking specifically to an area of your life?

In a way, yes. But I need to pray about it more.

What would you say to someone undecided about a mission trip?

I would tell them that I felt the same way. I was afraid of coming over here, but now that I have, I wouldn’t trade any moment here for all the money or power in the world.

Brittany, how will this affect your missions giving and how has this affected your perception of a missionary?

It has already affected my missions giving because I’m helping sponsor a child. I believe that it’s opened my eyes to what they actually go through emotionally. Seeing pictures and hearing stories tug at your heart, but actually being here totally grips it and doesn’t let go.

Brittany, would you do this again?

Yes! Over and over again!

Hey, is there anything you want to say to your fellow laborers?

Just that I love everyone and it’s been an amazing time getting to know each one personally!

Thank you Brittany for taking the time to share your heart with us and all those who faithfully follow our journey here in Honduras!

Gracias!

Mission Trip

Tuesday-brought…

July 27, 2010 A. Knight

More rain…but we did not get discouraged. We worked steady–long and hard!

The children met us again at the top of the hill all excited, running and jumping around. Makes me kind of sad to know that soon they will not have a bus to meet and they won’t have these great young people cheering them on and laughing and dancing with them–but our goal is to put Jesus into their hearts—and pray for them–believing God to raise them up to do the same for those around them.

That’s what you and I are called to do as well. We discussed tonight, after Lynda Carroll shared a precious testimony about the grace and mercy of God extended in her life by God–that we are all called to carry the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ into all the world.

I’ve said it here before, and I’ll say it again. Everyone’s “all the world” is not the same. Some are not called to the Mission Field–but we are all called to make a difference, impacting those in our world for the cause of Christ–by living the life before them, showing others the love of Christ–not the complaining, whining spirit of flesh. You and I can make a difference for those in the Mission Field by giving of our time and money–and spending time in prayer for them.

I’m sharing the photos with you of today. Not as many pictures taken today, I mainly forgot to pass my camera around for the youth to snap shots of everyone. We were so busy trying to get much done. The kids are gone tomorrow and the Center is closed for the day-so we take advantage of that and will see a bit of the area. We will be back on Thursday to finish up our painting projects and clean everything before we leave.

I hope to post the interviews with the other “first timers” for this mission work tomorrow. Great responses, great kids–who love the Lord with all their heart! I am so proud to be a part of this awesome group. They don’t play around when it comes to getting serious before God. They are serious and passionate about Jesus! I pray the same for the youth at your church wherever you may attend.

(Remember, if the pictures go too fast to read the captions,click on the slide show and view them all separately)

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

Pardon me if I got to sleep now….it is after 11:00….and I’m sort of tired. Love you all!

Mission Trip

Monday’s WORK

July 26, 2010 A. Knight

This mornings devotion that Rese, Marcella and I shared at breakfast said this:

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. He (God) will choose our inheritance for us. He encircled Him (and He does us), He instructed Him (as He does us), He kept him as the apple of His eye. (As He does those who follow His heart.) As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings, so the LORD alone led him…”

(Emphasis in parenthesis are mine-other content from Daily Light by Anne Graham Lotz)

This morning–I knew a little more of what to expect when we faced those little hearts. I have captioned most pictures to save time here. I hope you will continue to pray for these–if one heart is changed for Christ Jesus—then we have done our job. ONE heart changed now–will grow and bless and lead others in this village. Though they are poor economically speaking–they have a heart that is rich in love for others. We have seen a few sad faces, but so many more smiles.

There are several of the boys that are very aggressive–we pray that God channels that aggression into a heart of passion for HIM! I have not found a way to control the speed of these slide shows, but if you want to look at the pictures one by one, simply click on the slide show. It will take you to a new screen to see all the pictures.

These pictures share more than my words could possibly say. Have a blessed day tomorrow.

One thing I ask for tonight, it is storming here right now–the mosquitoes were swarming this morning because of the rain the night before. It started raining this afternoon before we left and hasn’t stopped. It needs to stop. The road to the village will be treacherous to drive and/walk. We need to get there safely to do our job—and be FREE from those stinkin’ mosquitoes. We are taking every precaution possible in regards to disease related to the mosquitoes–but we would appreciate your prayers!

See you all back here tomorrow!

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf