Faith – 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

Missions

Partnering in Uganda

May 30, 2024May 30, 2024 A. Knight

“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” James 2:15-16

If you are new here, besides our work in Bolivia, a few years ago, we partnered with a ministry (COFAM International Children’s Ministry) in Uganda that began feeding orphaned children each week. A simple pineapple farmer who saw a critical need with the growing number of orphaned children on the streets of his village. He was not a pastor. He was not a missionary. He was a farmer who loved the Lord and sought ways to serve. With a heart for the children, he formed a non-profit in Uganda.

It was just shortly after the formation of their ministry, God brought together Chase Curti and Sentamu. Through amazing donors, we have been able to purchase land (six acres) to build an orphanage. The government required that FIRST we build latrines, one for the girls and one for the boys, and we had to have a water source.

So, again, God moved on the heart of others to see this and MORE accomplished. A well was hand dug with a hand pump installed, two latrines (bathrooms) built, as well as a storage building with an office area for a monthly Clinic Day, along with a separate room to store the food supplies and medical supplies [that we were able to purchase because of God-sent donors].

The next task was a place for the children to gather under a shade so that they could be fed no matter the weather. In January of this year, two of the Focus Forward Ministry directors along with two other individuals traveled to Uganda to see the progress! What an amazing trip! They discussed the provision of beginning with a “pole barn” type structure. We have since learned that a “pole barn” here and a “pole barn” in Uganda are two different things. The building has a metal roof, thick brick columns and half walls running between each column for stability. It could easily be turned into the first orphanage home by adding more bricks for walls, windows and doors!

That is the GOAL! To provide medical care, food and clean water, a secure roof over their heads, and for those who are living on the streets, sleeping wherever they can find a place to rest, we want to provide a home. Many of these children are orphaned through death of their parents and the relatives that even might be in the same village have no room and no way to provide. Some are “rejected or abandoned” because of a birth defect or just unwanted. There are those precious ladies in the village who come to do the cooking each week, but they cannot possibly house all the orphans–but that is were we come in! God already has a plan in place and we are doing what we can-and it’s through those who have reached out to us with special offerings and donations that we have been able to do what has already been accomplished!

Opening the first clinic day with over 250 children and workers from the village would be daunting to you and I, but our friends in Uganda were so overwhelmed at the gift of the supplies and the building to work in—they were ready to tackle the day knowing God would provide whatever was needed next. They began with prayer for the children and the guardians, and for God to heal the sick.

Breakdown of illness: Malaria, typhoid, worms, hernia*, UTIs, diabetes*, hypertension*, common cold, flu, pink-eye, HIV*, Hepatitis B*, and other minor issues (*referred to government hospital).

There were 83 cases of malaria. The best preventative for this is mosquito nets for their beds. Chase Curti posted an urgent need on Facebook and God supplied! How thankful we are for YOU! We purchased 250 mosquito nets and have just a few left. The cost is $2.50 for treated and $2.10 for untreated. There is always a need for financial support for medical needs.

The other ongoing financial need is food support. Currently, we feed just under 220 children each Saturday and it costs about $100 a week. The number of children is growing. They not only receive a bowl or cup of food, they also receive the Gospel. There are songs, games, dancing and a message of the love of Jesus Christ. More than little bellies get filled each Saturday. Souls are filled with the love of Jesus.

If you would do us a favor? Every single Friday night, say a prayer for the children who are meeting under the roof of the pavilion to be fed. Pray that they each will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Pray that they can be healed from sickness and disease. Pray that they will grow up to become leaders who will carry the Gospel to the lost wherever God sends them.

Members of our team, as well as others have signed up to be sponsors of a child. We currently have 17 of the orphaned children supported through FFM in Uganda. There is an average of 210 children each week that come for food and the Gospel.

Sponsorship to provide for one child is $30 each month. The financial need for food, medical supplies and treatments is ongoing. Anything you feel led to send is deeply appreciated. Our mailing address is:

Focus Forward Ministries, Inc., Post Office Box 5773, Marianna, FL 32447. We are a non-profit and any donation is tax deductible.

As we are “focusing forward”, if you would like to be a part of any of our projects this year—in any way, whether by going with us, giving to any of the 2024 projects, or by becoming a monthly sponsor, please contact us by mail, or email. When giving, please mark your check accordingly: General Fund, Bolivia Projects, or Uganda Projects. If you want to donate through your bank, or PayPal, please contact our Secretary Treasurer at our email address: focusforwardministries@gmail.com

Most of all, please know: Our team is grateful for YOU!

Jeff & Angie Knight, Floyd & Sandi Aycock, and Chase & Shelly Curti

Board Members: Dr. Rev. Juno Douglas, Rev. Jerry Moore, and Rev. LaVon Pettis

Missions

My Thoughts on Our Journey Home

November 21, 2023 A. Knight

Yesterday morning, I begrudgingly got out of bed, still exhausted from the previous day; however, I knew my mind wouldn’t let me stay. Too many things racing to be lined up for the day.

So many changes this year—they came rushing in on the coattails of last year. We are no longer inching through weeks, months and years; we seem to be rushing headlong into 2024. What does it hold? For many people, much of the same as the last few years, for others, they are headed into the great unknown of dreams and plans long in the making. Some are about to hold a brand-new life, whether their first or third baby, the changes that little one will make will impact the full 24 hours of every-single-day. And many others are about to step into a new job or new school.

Those on my mind this morning are the ones who have been handed a more drastic change of life—the last days of having a loved one close by. All of these changes take time to process. Some are blessed to have those extra months, but for others, this change in life happens so suddenly it takes their breath away and catapults them into an abyss of sorrow they never expected.

Our family fell into the category of watching a loved one slip away over the last few years, as first the mind began to wander—and then the body began to fail.

You were the one on my mind yesterday morning when I grabbed my notebook and began to scrawl across the page the words below, describing what I could see our loved one’s experience in a place of the spirit that we don’t see physically. Often the emotions or the spirit of us experience things that the camera of the physical eye cannot capture. The paragraphs below are what I felt our loved ones, those who have followed Jesus Christ, may have experienced—not in a physical sense, but perhaps in their spirit.

To read what I felt in my heart, go to my personal prayer journal blog: A Knight’s Journey.

Devotion, faith, Holy Spirit, prayer

Close the Door

September 4, 2023 A. Knight

How many times growing up did you hear that phrase? “Close the door!” If it involved a screen door it might be, “don’t slam the door”.

In the early hours of Saturday morning I woke up praying. Has that ever happened to you? I’ve had it happen a few times–and it always involved a dream where prayer, urgent prayer was needed-immediately. It was 2:04 AM. When I woke, I was actually praying in the Spirit and the need was critical. I’ll explain in a minute.

I got up and came to the living room–knowing there was someone I needed to pray for but didn’t know who. On my knees I called out to our Father in Heaven. I don’t always kneel–sometimes I sit–but this feeling that I had–I felt I needed to kneel–like we did as grandchildren growing up when we stayed summers with Mama and Paw-Paw. On my knees it’s easier to block out other things.

I don’t remember how long I prayed–but when I finished I took my notebook and began writing all that I could recall of the dream. I don’t feel impressed to share all the details this time–but I do feel you need to know the message that I felt the Holy Spirit was impressing on my heart to share with you.

To read the rest of the blog devotion please visit my personal blog.

Photo credit: Pixabay.com

Missions

More about Prayer

May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 A. Knight

I finished (FINALLY) the last portion from what I had in my notes/thoughts from my devotion I shared with our ladies at church a couple weeks ago. I really didn’t think I would get to this final point–because I knew my specified time, BUT I wanted to save it regardless for future writing purposes. So here it is! Hot off the press!

If I could leave you wanting ONE thing in your life it would be to have you so hungry for God that you rearranged things in your life and house so that you carved out that special time for just you and God. It is the most precious and vital part of my day. If I don’t have this every day-it’s like I am missing an important piece of my clothing…

Getting up early with Jesus, OR staying up late [as I felt led to do for two weeks in a row] is the best part of any day for me. I reached a point in my life many years ago–it was no longer “if I have time”…it was more, “what can I skip so that I can MAKE the time”.

So, join me at my prayer journal blog: avknightsjourney.blogspot.com And bookmark the page so you can return (IF you know how to help me with a subscribe button, message me on Facebook.)

Cambodia, faith, Mission Trip, Missions, Trials, Weekend Reflections

The Climb

April 30, 2023 A. Knight

I will never forget the sights, smells and sounds of this boat ride. Nor the heat. Seim Reap, Cambodia, and it was about 139 degrees (not really, it just felt like it). We were headed to the “floating village”. Little did I know that river trip would change me forever.

School children headed to their floating homes from the “floating school”.

I had NO clue what that BIG dream would lead to. What started out as one thing–ended up as something that would show me much more than I ever believed I would see or experience…that’s what happens when we leave the choices to God. My part in all of it was a willingness to follow wherever His path chose. I will not kid you and make you think it was easy. It was hard. Letting go of one thing only to sit on the sidelines and see what He would do. It was supposed to be Egypt after all. Not Cambodia.

I remember sitting in my little praying spot in the living room and crying–asking Him–what are YOU doing?

The first miracle came with how God brought $2,400 in for the trip in less than 48 hours. After the excitement of realizing I was actually going to get to go settled in–Syria became a hot place. Egypt became unavailable for the mission trip. “What would you like to do, Angie? Wait and see? Or, be refunded?”

I held on to hope that God would turn things around. Then the call came that the trip was changed to Cambodia–did I still want to go? I knew in my heart that God knew all of this before we even began… Yes, I will go.

Once we had rested (after 23 hours in the air), we had our church service with the students at the Dream Center, which is where we were going to work (another blog). We went to lunch and then to tour a portion of the Angkor Wat temple. Click here to read more about the area. Originally built for hindu gods, but later was dedicated to buddhism (because apparently, the hindu gods failed [no duh, there is only ONE GOD–and to put it in my NW Florida/SE Alabama vernacular, it ain’t buddha either].

Anywaywhooo, this is about the steps. I just read that this tour is not for people with heart problems, pregnant women, but for physically fit people…uhm…I was not physically fit. Not by a long shot. But I flew all this way–and by George, I was committed to experience all the things so that I could share it with the precious people who had so graciously contributed.

I don’t have a picture of the front of the first climb of mountain of steps. It was straight up like the middle photo, but without any handrails. Our guide and mission leader explained that anyone who wanted to climb was free to go–however if anyone felt they couldn’t do it, they could stay on the ground with those who had either been before and was not about to climb it again–or those whose physical condition prohibited the climb.

This next part of the story is the most significant and what I really wanted to share–but you needed some background–right? As I began the straight up climb it was not initially difficult, despite the extraordinary heat. But after about 10 steps, my legs began burning. Soon I was having to press down on my wobbly thighs and try as best I could not to hassle like an exhausted dog when I breathed. Up-up-up we continued to climb. I, along with all our mission-mates were sweating profusely.

A little over mid-way, completely spent and borderline passing out, I paused and looked down to the ant-size people on the ground and I remembered Candi’s words, “you can stay here on the ground with us and wait if you don’t feel like you can make it”…and I thought how easy it would be to turn around and go back to safety. I think I even said as much to Vanessa who was the one nearest me. She was out of breath as well.

Red faced, sweat pouring, I turned back and heard a voice from the top level as he said, “the view is worth the climb”. My eyes climbed the steps even though my feet had not yet, and I saw a tall, white haired, elderly man as he stood at the top near one of the columns–no evidence of sweat stains on his shirt and he certainly wasn’t out of breath.

I pressed further on my thighs to pull myself up, almost willing them to keep moving, don’t freeze up. When the man stepped back around the column he seemed to disappear in the stones. There were not many people at the top when we finally, out of breath completely, arrived. My eyes scanned the few people stopped to catch their breath and sip lukewarm water, and I realized he was not among them. Anywhere.

As Vanessa and I began our duet of touring with limited conversation –because of the inability to talk and walk and sweat at the same time–I kept my eyes peeled for another sight of him. I never saw him again–even in seeing many other people, he was not among them.

Believe whatever you want–but I personally believe he was stationed right there to give me that message: “the view is worth the climb.” It was as if the Lord wanted me to know, life in general is tough. But I would face times ahead that it would take all I had to keep going. It would take perseverance to not find a shade tree to stand under while others climbed. It would take a constant focus and determination to not be tempted to just “wait it out”, while others did the hard stuff.

Friends, He calls us to the hard stuff. We– all believers and non-believers have life to plow through–and there are rocks and tree stumps in it for all of us. What believers in Jesus have that non-believers don’t have–is Someone to journey with them–to guide them and be with them every single step of the way; the hard days and the easier days. I would never want to began a journey anywhere without Him.

There was a heavy feeling of darkness there that day (in my spirit), I had one other trip years later to another country and tourist location where I felt this feeling of darkness. I kept whispering prayers under my breath as I walked–stopped –took pictures and felt the immense sadness that seemed to have permeated the thick walls of stone.

I’m not sure why this trip suddenly has come to my mind–but for the last several days–I’ve thought about it. Last Sunday, just before the mission service I shared the climbing portion with our pastor because he had said something in his morning message that reminded me of the climb. I think in the days we are living–the days that seem darker than my generation has ever experienced–we are going to NEED to push down hard to keep climbing.

My heart has stayed broken over things I hear that children and teens are being exposed to and how they are treated. There are those who God has called to become foster parents–and I cannot applaud them enough. Yes the system stinks. It is slow as molasses on a January morning in Canada–but we continue to pray for the safety of these who cannot speak for themselves.

Every mission trip God has blessed me with has widened my eyes and pricked my heart to pray more–give more and do all I can with the days I have ahead of me. My prayer is that He continues to widen my eyes. Enlarge the borders of Focus Forward Ministries and the church. My deepest desire is to make a difference for God, in the lives of others.

So if your climb has given you wobbly legs…. don’t look down or back… press forward. There are others right beside you, others following your footsteps, and the One ahead of you will lead you Home if you keep your focus on Him.

Missions

Thankful Thursday

April 14, 2022 A. Knight

It’s been a minute.

Last week, on the phone with someone from a family we were currently serving at the funeral home, the caller asked to speak with a co-worker who was also on the phone. I asked the caller if she could call them back in a few minutes. The caller said, “is it a minute that’s just a minute, or is a minute that like hours long.” That took me by surprise. No one had ever asked how long a minute was….it was 60 seconds last time I checked. I don’t think the span of one complete minute has changed since I went to school, but then I remembered; the term “it’s been a minute” could mean anywhere from one minute to several months, possibly years I suppose, for this generation.

I get confused at times at the changes in terminology. It’s been actually a few years since I wrote a Thankful Thursday online. Back in 2007, Thankful Thursday’s were a regular occurrence with several other devotional writers. It caused me to pause every single Thursday and give thanks out-loud to the World Wide Web. Yesterday–I was reminded…it’s time. It’s been over a minute.

There are so many things I have to be thankful for, I will hit just a few this morning:

The presence of and my relationship with God.

I’m thankful for Friday: A specific Friday, and what took place on the “Friday”: The complete and total sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, as He surrendered His life to the cross for our sins, and was resurrected on the third day–and now is at the right hand of God the Father, always attentive to our lives and the needs in our lives.

I’m thankful for the ability to pray and attend church services freely without fear of death or persecution.

I’m thankful for my sweet family–every-single-one. We have been blessed to have mother and grandbuddy move closer to my sister, Aimee and I–and with things in this world as they are and health issues, I’ve never been more grateful that to have the ability to just drive about three miles to check on them.

I’m thankful for our home. We’ve been in our home since February and I still walk around sometimes in amazement that God would bless us with the desires of our heart so deliberately. I mean–you would have to know how many times my sister and I walked by this house built in the early 70’s and almost jokingly claimed it for us as a retirement home because of it’s perfect location. It was no joke to God. He knew exactly what we would need and when we would need it.

I’m thankful for health. We have faced new health issues the past few years and they have made me appreciate the good health we have had for so long. Heart issues are scary anyway–but when it’s the love of your life having them…we celebrate the fact that God hears and heals. Sometimes He does it outright–sometimes He uses medicine, procedures and physicians. We are thankful for all of it! And I’m thankful to have my sweet husband a little less stressed 🙂

I’m thankful for our daughters, their husbands, and all the wonderful grandchildren! From 20 years old to two years old–we have the blessings that only can come from the grace and mercy of Almighty God! Are they perfect? Are you kidding? But they are ours and we love them and pray for them all constantly.

I’m thankful for our church family. I have learned so much in my life sitting under various pastors, and I’m thankful that every single one of them have had a heart for missions;–the community, the city, the nation and the world. And our church reaches both near and far. It’s sad to watch churches dwindle down to nothing and have to close it’s doors. I wonder sometimes if it is their short arms…. not reaching beyond their doors, not looking at the whole picture–the whole world.

I’m thankful for my job. I found it very odd that when we returned from Bolivia (early), as I was struggling with severe depression–(a few times I felt to the point of just wanting God to take me home), that God would sit me down to work and serve in a funeral home. How ironic. But He as the healing and restoration has come, God has allowed me to love on and serve hurting families. Healed through serving. I don’t think it happens like that much of the time. But for me, He chose this way.

I’m thankful for my next door neighbors. 😉 This was actually the sweetest prayer answered, to me, since my baby sister lives next door! We both realize that nothing in our lives is guaranteed to stay the way it is, especially for those serving in ministry. I’m not so tied to this home, nor she hers, should God see fit to call either of us to a place beyond the limits of our sweet city. We must all remain flexible and pliable in God’s hands. Otherwise, the twisting and molding, chiseling and carving that must be done on us can get so painful (hand raised in acknowledgement). The process of change still hurts, but when we surrender to His hands–and are still before Him, it’s much easier than if we balk and demand our own way. Our way is not the best way–only God’s way is.

I just realized I’ve written more than the normal “thankful Thursday” used to be. We kind of kept it at a shorter limit…because you know, people get tired of reading… But my heart and life is full of things to be thankful for! I bet yours is too. Feel free to leave a comment with YOUR thankful’s for this Thursday!

A beautiful park not far from San Jose, Costa Rica! One of our favorite places to live!

An Angie Story

Yielded and Still

December 31, 2021 A. Knight

I remember the weekend I found this sign. It snowed while we were in Ellijay, Georgia and it was beautiful–and I felt like God did it just for ME!

This was back before all the good stores closed–and this picture may have been taken in Blue Ridge, GA, again, before all the good stores closed. Now it’s new stuff and commercialized. Few have a walk down memory lane “used-thrift-store-stuff and antiques”. It’s disappointing to say the least. But I digress.

When I saw the yield sign, I knew it meant something. I’ve stopped on the road side before and snapped a picture of a yield sign because someone put a few bullet holes in it. Holmes County Florida–probably a teenager with not enough to keep him busy at home and no curfew. (Don’t get me started on that…)

Anyway –yield signs speak to me. They say stop. Become aware of where you are and where you’re headed. Are you going YOUR way -or His way. (Can we just pause so I can say: Yield. To. His. Plan.)

As we have approached 2022, never imagining in my wildest dreams 20 years ago that we would ever be here, I look back contemplatively at the last several years: Where did it go and what did I do with the time spent? Ever wonder that yourself?

I have walked through some places I wouldn’t want to walk again—yet, to hear the voice of God as I have heard Him in the past six years, I would.

I spent some time the last few days looking backwards through some prayer journals at what God has done in my life—and I am still amazed: Healed of cancer. Healed through chemo and radiation, both of which I felt would kill me, yet did not.

I experienced Him healing my raw radiation damaged skin almost overnight and layer it with brand new skin. The two radiation technicians were so stunned— (they had seen it the day before), that one called the other in to see–and then they called the doctor in to be a witness to the miracle that had begun in 24 short hours. God can do a LOT in a little time. Remember what He did in just six days?

I witnessed firsthand how God uses our circumstances to draw us closer to Him, reach others for Him, reveal our shortcomings to us, and bring glory to His name all at the same time.

I wouldn’t have chosen that—but He knew what I would be on the other side of it. Changed.

Through various things in my life, from rebellion as a teenager and even as a young adult, to almost losing both my daughters at different times and very different circumstances (April’s car accident and Tiffany, when her little Zackary was born); God has taught me more about submission than I could have imagined.

Submission is hard. I have watched a young lady I love very much struggle with it, even get angry about it—and I want to hold her close and tell her if she will stop fighting it and lean on God—He will help her. But this is something, as painful as it will be for her, she will have to learn from Him. Just like I did. And she will see her relationship with Him—grow.

I think as long as we live we will keep learning the art of submission. Jesus displayed this daily. At the end of His earthly ministry—He prayed, “Not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). He knew what was about to happen—yet He submitted.

We experience submission in daily living. Sickness takes a toll and changes the way we operate on a daily basis. Just look around at what the C* virus has done to our lives and routines.

Before Christmas my dad underwent open heart surgery. It was either submit to surgery or plan to die. There was no middle ground and there were no “if-and’s-or but’s”. Death would come. Of course, we know that death will still come, should the Lord tarry –but it would come much sooner for him without the surgery.

After the surgery there are still lessons in submission. The doctor has orders. Our body dictates what it will and won’t do. And we submit to the complete painful exhaustion of the process of healing. But healing and strength will come—and much sooner if we submit.

Surrendering to the Holy Spirit is often the same. I’ve had my own painful times of learning to surrender and submit to Him—and the same results occur. While the act of surrendering or submitting—both mean to yield, it is not the same as “giving up”. To give up means to cease making an effort; resign oneself to failure.

As we surrender, we do so with a fortitude (stubbornness) that will carry us through the hardest times.

My mother and I had a conversation one morning recently about the stubborn gene trait in the women of our family. While we are sometimes tenacious or stubborn it doesn’t mean we don’t surrender at the appropriate time. We submit to authority—but we can stubbornly push ourselves forward to complete a task when our body feels it has reached its limit. I believe the stubborn gene trait was an asset to me when I had cancer.

In the new year- I am quite sure we will find places to stubbornly push ourselves forward when we really feel like giving up—and I believe we will also feel the urgency to surrender to the Holy Spirit when He reminds us—we don’t have to do this alone. He is with us—just as the ministering angel was with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane –so the Holy Spirit is with us. (Luke 22:43)

Without my biggest surrender in 2009 by getting on my first airplane–I would not be where I am today–with a storehouse of memories, miracles and blessings–more than I ever imagined I would ever see and experience.

My thought line of airplanes was quite ridiculous…”If God wanted me to fly–He would have given me wings”….and….”Oh, I’ll fly one day–when I fly up to Heaven.” (Sounds just like some little granny would say. Trouble was–I was saying this in my 20’s!). I was afraid. Fear kept me on the ground while God wanted me to soar and see new things.

Can I offer a suggestion for your own 2022? Don’t be afraid. When something new comes your way–pray about it and then if you feel God directing you toward the “fearful thing”…go after it with gusto! If it’s beginning your own new business–or going back to school…or stepping out in faith in a ministry you feel called to do…Hold His hand tight and GO FOR IT!

Can we also encourage those around us?

Maybe they struggle with surrender.

Maybe we just need to let them know they aren’t alone? Or, perhaps they don’t know Jesus—it’s very possible they’ve never encountered a moment to need Him with such urgency as we’ve had in the past years.

No matter what this new year brings, let us look to Him—as we face the year in faith, fully surrender to His guidance…and He will carry us all the way Home.