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.**
Jeff & Angie 