theknispels

[theknispels]

Teaching.

I went to school to inspire kids to find joy in being active and caring for their bodies so they could live fuller lives. Exercise is not meant to be the worst thing in the world. It can be fun and fulfilling.  That’s what I kept as my goal as I pursued a career in teaching.  

I have held my license as a Professional Educator for almost 9 years. Actively used that license for 4 to 5. I have experienced things they never prepared us for in our college courses...teen pregnancy, fights, abuse, being struck by a student, theft, vandalism, threats, jokes, disrespect, LOTS of foul language, and yet many great moments as well.  

No person becomes a teacher for the money or the glory; maybe for the vacation time ...  kidding?  

Today was a very challenging day.

I consoled students with tears in their eyes for teasing, broken hearts, and broken homes. I stood my ground and attempted to break through a barrier with a boy whose walls are higher than Everest. I defused a fist fight and in the next minute tried to show them a better way. On top of that, I defended my teaching with a parent who claims my lessons were leading to destruction for their daughter.  

Ultimately, I struggled to keep going.  

There are moments in teaching that are pure joy and then there are days, like today, where you have nothing left to give and you wonder how you even survived the day.  I can’t imagine continuing without the grace of God.  I know ultimately the Lord has me teaching for a greater plan that just nutrition and burpees.  There must be a reason he opened the door for me to come back into this profession. I am thankful and hold tight to the small victories.  

It has been a long time since I blogged and MANY things have happened in that time. Something in me felt very compelled to write this tonight, and I think that is the beauty of this blog. I could write all the time of entertaining things that happen in life.  I could give you tips on traveling with kids, credit card points, attempts at baking, gardening with my neighbor, and who knows what else.  When it comes down to it, it’s the moments that move me to unload through writing, that give me my freedom with this blog. This is more for me than anything or anyone else. BUT. If it encourages you, I am glad and keep going. We are living in a hectic time and we need reality, not just things that make us feel good superficially.  

Thank you and good night :)

[theknispels]

#theKnispels ❤️ We haven’t taken family photos since 2014, and needless to say, we were overdue! Can’t thank @tamaryn.kyla enough for such beautiful photos and encouraging me to do this! I love my wild family and am so glad we snagged these before the boys got too big. This is also a sweet moment we get to enjoy before their sister arrives in March. 🥰 #CocoKnispel #Sageyboy #babyK #sorryKyle 🐾 (at Sarasota, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ8szeLrala/?igshid=1qh36ps8x54bd

[theknispels]

2019 … where has it gone?!

I have come to realize it has been a loooooong time since my last update.  Over a year even since my last post. To say a lot has happened is an understatement.

Last year we spend three extremely rewarding and difficult months with our church family in Mauritius. We packed up the kiddos and journeyed by plane for over 24 hours to be a part of a time of investment in our lives.  We grew so much, as we learned what it really means to die to yourself and take up your cross DAILY. It took the kids a while to adjust to the 8 hour time change, as well as a new French speaking school for Cohen and a nanny for Sage.  While our days were very long, they were equally as rewarding. I know that even on the toughest days when the kids finally went to sleep and could barely keep my eyes open to attempt to read the Bible, there was growth in us.  

In those three months, we got to meet some incredible people, see some beautiful parts of the island of Mauritius, Cohen turned 2, and Sage began to crawl and say his first word in French. I know the experiences the Lord brought us through during that time has become something I can see at work in my life almost every day. 

The funny thing is, if we would have really thought about the weight of going to Mauritus for 3 months with our two kids under 2 years old; we would not have gone.  The long nights, the time change, the food, the finances; all of it. I am so glad, we heard from the Lord to go and we went without thinking about anything else! So next time you feel the nudge from the Lord, don’t think about it, just follow and allow the Lord to sort out the details. Guys, we even left without all the money we needed and by the time we returned we were not a penny in debt. Seriously, just trust Him.

We hope to go back to Mauritius very soon, but as we know now we cannot foresee the future (even if you think you know, you don’t).  Now we wait on the Lord to move us.

Here are some photos of our time in Mauritius…

I’ll try and catch up on the rest of the year in summary and pics soon 

Love, The Knispels

Steph, Zach, Cohen & Sage

[theknispels]

🎈#28 years young 🎈 Grateful for the community the Lord has blessed me with. Every year I think it can’t possibly get better and the Lord continues to challenge me, grow me, and take me on adventures I never dreamed of. Thankful for a beautiful family with my best friend @zachknispel ❤️ Thankful for a church built on the right foundation. & thankful for friends who love me more than I deserve 🙌🏼 Most of all...Thankful for 28 blessed years and praying the Lord blesses me with many more to be used by him! (at Bee Ridge Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoA5iyuBS5N/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1staiiiib3aev

[theknispels]

Time helps, Christ Heals.

At the start of this year I never thought that by September I would be grieving not only one but two lives. Two amazing influential people in my life.  Two people that the Lord used to mold and shape me, who brought so much joy to my life, and who I carry heavy in my heart. It has been a few short months since Lyn went to be with Jesus, and now today my Grandpa was welcomed home after 91 blessed years on this earth.

Loosing people you love is never easy.  Whether it is a sudden loss, a diagnosis, or even a gradual decline. Loss is loss. It hurts and it’s raw.  We are allowed to cry as much and as often as we like.  Most importantly we cling to the joy and the impact they have made.  

I was blessed and will forever be grateful to my parents for putting me on a plane at 5 years old with my sister and sending us up to Massachusetts every summer for a few weeks. Every day was an adventure.  Trips to the Cape, candle pin bowling, lots of sherbet, blueberry picking, going through the “hot oven” when we misbehaved, and laughing so hard milk would come out of my cousin Taylor’s nose every time. When I got to high school, I started to go visit in the winter instead.  That brought a whole new set of memories.  

I have always had a special bond with my grandparents.  As I got older, as did they. I prayed often that the Lord would make a way for them to be at my wedding someday.  Well if you were at my wedding, you know they not only came to my wedding but my grandpa tore up the dance floor! Even greater than that, they were able to meet both of my children!  It is amazing how the Lord sees the desires of our heart and is faithful to take care of us in His own way.

Recently my Grandpa celebrated his 91st birthday! How incredible!! If you didn’t know of his diagnosis you would think he had another solid 10 years in him. We always joked that his genetics were good until at least 100. Zach and I were able to take the kids up to spend a week with him and Grandma in June. It was a great week that was super special to all of us.  When we said goodbye at the end of that trip I knew in my heart things were going to begin to change.  I feared it was the last time I would see him, but I prayed for one more opportunity.

Well in the past few weeks, things were getting worse.  Stage 4 cancer is not forgiving and runs its course as it will. I knew his time was coming to an end. I prayed for the Lord to open the door so I could see him one more time.  One more hug. One more chance to tell him how much I love him.  One more opportunity to encourage the man who encouraged me my whole life.

Last minute flights are outrageous and it was hard to fathom shelling out $500 for a two day trip, especially with Zach and I saving every penny for our trip to Mauritius in a few weeks. You never want to put a dollar sign on someone’s life, but I truly struggled. I knew in my heart I wanted to go, but I didn’t want create a burden for my own family.  So I waited a few days and kept praying.  Then something unbelievable happened… A friend offered me a standby ticket to go see him, no questions asked.  She wanted nothing in return, just to offer help in my need.  I am still to this day blown away.  Elizabeth, I have thanked you 1,000 times but it won’t ever be enough.  

So Sage and I hopped on the plane and surprised Grandpa with one last visit.  He had no idea I was coming and I can still hear his voice as I walked in the room, “You’ve got to be kidding me”, “Would ya look at that”. I know he was happy to see me, but Sage was a whole new level of joy.  He came to life when Sage sat on the bed with him. It was like he didn’t want to blink and miss a second.

Those two days were so special to me.  The conversations we shared.  The hope of Christ and the message of grace when the fear tried creeping in; showed me clearly that I was meant to be there. 

As I received the news this morning, I wasn’t sure how to sort through it at first.  Of course I knew it was coming but you can never really prepare fully for it.  I contemplated not going to church.  I knew nobody would blame me for staying home, but something stirred me to just get up and go. I was honestly empty on the drive there. I walked in, took my seat, and joined in with the worship.  Almost immediately I broke down in tears.  I got hit with a tide wave of emotions. I passed off Sage and fell to my knees in worship.  I couldn’t stop thinking of Lyn and Grandpa both.  How am I going to do this all over again?  I just lost Lyn and now Grandpa?  Everything felt like such a heavy weight on my shoulders and I didn’t want to leave the place where I was, because getting up meant facing it. Just as I was begging the Lord to help me because I couldn’t cope with the loss and the obligations in front of me; I was surrounded with a big hug.  Brenda joined me on the floor, prayed with me, and encouraged me.  

You know the greatest part of it all, in that moment the Lord reminded me to take a look around. Look back to where I was a year ago, 2 years ago, or even 5 years ago.  Where he has brought me.  The family he has surrounded me with.  The church he has rooted me in.  He has equipped me with more than enough to walk the road He has laid before me. The church began to sing “Let Faith Arise” and so it did. I was able to rejoice in my sufferings and the faith I needed began to arise in me.

If you are still with me after this long post, I hope you find encouragement through what the Lord is doing in my life. No matter what road you are walking, DO NOT go in your own strength. It’s okay to be carried a bit of the way. Time helps, but the Lord heals. Don’t be discouraged if the odds are against you, the Lord will make a way if it is in His plan. Most importantly trust his plan.  I wanted to see Lyn before she passed and the Lord did not open that door.  I didn’t understand at first, but I trusted Him. I don’t ever have to understand, but I will still trust Him.  

I look forward to walking with you in heaven Grandpa.  I love you so so much.

-Steph

[I lastly want to say thank you to a woman, daughter, mom, and to me – Aunt. Aunty KK, you worked tirelessly and selflessly around the clock to help, serve, and care for your parents.  The love you give and the sacrifices you make do not go unnoticed. You are an amazing woman and I thank God for you in my life.  No one really knows to what lengths you went for you Father, but you can rest knowing he is in good hands now. Love you Kath!]

[theknispels]

Are You Surprised?

Last year in late September, Zach and I returned from our travels around Africa & the UK. It seems only right that at the one year mark of being back in the states we pack our bags and head out again.

At the start of this year we felt the Lord was preparing us for our next move.  I don’t necessarily mean physical move.  We had Sage in late February and still we couldn’t shake the feeling God had something in the works for us.  We kept that to ourselves for a while and just allowed the Lord to lead us.  We didn’t have clear direction and we didn’t want to move without being sent by the Lord clearly.

Well back in June we had a conversation with our pastor about the opportunity to go to a ministry school in Mauritius for 3 months at the end of this year. Before the conversation was over, we both knew this was it.  This is what we were anticipating.  It was clear. 

Well today, I booked our tickets! Zach, myself, Cohen & Sage are headed to Mauritius in October for three months.  It is going to be such an epic time of investment in our lives.  We are so eager for what the Lord wants to do in our lives and teach us. We have not finished our race and we have so much more still to learn.  This is absolutely an opportunity we did not want to miss.  

It is funny, when you hear such a clear word from God, it is so predictable that you start to hear so many other voices shortly after.  You start to ask yourself if that was just a crazy thought you came up with yourself, or possibly an attractive offer comes across your path that diverts you from the clear path God has asked you to walk.  We must always protect the Word of God and the narrow road he asks us to walk. He must be the only voice we listen to, even when it is hard and even when those you love don’t fully understand.

Zach and I are so blessed to have our family, friends and church standing with us as we embark on this next chapter. We will be back with the start of the New Year and so looking forward to being a part of what God is doing here in Florida.

It is a huge blessing to have elders from the church traveling from all over the world to come invest in our lives and I pray we do not take that for granted.

If you want to hear more about the ministry school or how you can help send our family of four back to Africa, please feel free to reach out.  My email is spknispel@gmail.com. We are raising funds for the flights, housing, food, childcare during class, and transport. As always, prayer is huge and we are standing in faith to go with no financial burden.

Love,

The Knispels -Steph, Zach, Cohen & Sage 

Donations can be given (Tax Deductible) through our Church OR (non-tax deductible) through Cash App $StephKnispel .

[theknispels]

THANK YOU!!!

As you know, we purchased a house last year, and with the help of many, we moved in 1 week before Sage was born.  We worked non-stop to the best of our ability on this house and still continue the work even now as we live in it.   There is absolutely no way we would have been able to move in when we did without the help of amazing family, friends and community.  We had people from multiple nations and tons of different backgrounds pitch in. I want to dedicate this blog post to everyone who helped from early mornings to late nights, from babysitting Cohen to scraping popcorn ceiling, to so so much painting and cutting in to all the design ideas that came to life.

This house is going to be place the Lord will use for his glory and it was an honor to see the body of Christ come together in the foundation of it all.

Zach and I are so grateful to all of you and won’t be able to thank you enough!

Love you guys,

The Knispels

**NOT ALL PHOTOGRAPHED** (Mike, Christy, Christine, Randy, Matt, Dad & more!)

[theknispels]

Peace through the Pain

Lyn Marie Montgomery. She was so many things to so many people.  To me, she was a mom, she was my spiritual mom.  She was a dear friend, a mentor, and so much more. 

I first of all would like to say thank you to her own children for sharing their mom with us.  

Lyn and her husband Dave (dad), opened their home to a few college students in the fall of 2011 to start a bible study.  Only the Lord knew what was just beginning.  From our group of 4 we grew in size and faith. We quickly became a family – hence all of us referring to them as “mom & dad”.  All of the memories of laughter and tears, the dramatic calling out people’s names without looking at them, and of course the finger snapping when we started to goof off.  No one could forget the time I was choking on that tortilla chip quietly and she got mad because I was interrupting Megan’s story until she realized I was choking – haha.  She would make the most delicious meals to share with us before each meeting, in which I would always rank my top 10! I don’t think Lyn ever made a meal that didn’t make it into my top 10 :) !  Also, who could forget all of the rolls I would eat, and she would always serve me up the biggest piece of chocolate cake and expect me to finish it.  Which I never let her down.

Dave & Lyn were a beautiful example, and their lives spoke volumes to each of us. Lyn’s leadership alongside Dave led our group through many things and created room for growth.   The spiritual mom she became in my life saw me through many breakthroughs, many healings, and many miracles.   All of that growth stemmed from the example she lived out every day.  Her life was a true example of Christ.  In the way she pursued Him constantly, and in the way she loved us and disciplined us, they truly became “Mom & Dad”. In Hebrews the Bible says that the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every one he receives as a son.  That is something I can be so grateful for, especially the investment into my life that I now carry into my own marriage and role as a mom.

Something I admired most about Lyn, was that she never backed down from what the Spirit spoke.  She always challenged me; never letting me take the easy way out.  Brought truth with so much grace.  Lyn was a beacon of light that continued to guide me back to Christ whenever I tried to operate in my own flesh.

A few weeks ago, I began to have dreams of Lyn/Mom. My last dream was of her walking down the beach and looking fabulous might I add.  She told me she didn’t have much time and to come see her before she had to go.  During the dream I of course thought she was talking about leaving the beach, but the next day when I reached out, I found out it wasn’t about the beach at all. I began to immediately sob, because I knew I would no longer be seeing her again on this earth.  

How amazing the grace the Lord has for each and every one of us?

I began to morn her life and cherish every moment I had with her. Through that the Lord put on my heart to write her a letter.  With hope in my heart but also knowing the letter may never be read to her.  When I finished I received something no man could give… Peace.  The Bible says in Philippians 4:7, “and the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  I had received that peace without a doubt. The letter never did get read, but thank God our hope is in Him.  Through it though, the Lord told me:

‘there is nothing you want to tell her that she doesn’t already know in her heart, there is nothing you want to hear from her that you don’t already know in your heart, and for everyone she impacted on this earth – I will show her’!

 Despite knowing her days were numbered, as are mine, and time to go home to the Father was coming soon. I never stopped believing in her healing.  She battled for a long time and we had an agreement to always stand in the truth and know despite what any one said, she was victorious.  I claimed that victory over her life daily.  I prayed for her more than anyone in my whole life.  I prayed that every cancer cell in her body would be removed.  I prayed her blood would be replaced with the blood of Jesus, and I prayed for a miracle. So although I had peace knowing she was with our Savior, even up until I got the call I was still believing for her miracle.  Then the Lord reminded me.  She got her miracle that day! She was no longer in pain, every cancer cell had been removed from her body, and she was in full victory!   It was not my plan, but the Lords plan.  It may not make sense to me until the day I see her again, but I can rest knowing the Lords ways are higher than my own ways, and his thoughts are higher than my thoughts.  (Isaiah 55:8-9)

I honestly don’t know what I am going to do without her in this life, but I do know this: The SAME Holy Spirit that walked with her, guided her, taught her, comforted her, and led her, lives in me through Christ Jesus.  Although I don’t have her here on this earth any more, I have the same Spirit that guided her to be a vessel for Jesus.  Anyone who believes in Him, confesses their sins, and partakes in the suffering of Christ has the opportunity to live in the resurrection life.  It is a great comfort to know she is with the Lord and she has finished her race well. 

I look back at the last 7 years and see how clearly God used her instrumentally in my life.  I cherish every hug, every long talk, and every challenging word.  I am who I am today because of Lyn.  Loosing her is one of the deepest hurts I have ever experienced. I know the coming days will not be easy, but I also know the Lord is so faithful to carry me through this. I still can’t believe she is gone.  I hold on to the memories that shaped my life and continue to shape my future.

There is much to say about this amazing woman of God, whose love for Jesus has not yet finished impacting this world.

Thank you and I love you!

Your loving daughter in Christ,

 - Steph

[theknispels]

Sage Ezekiel Knispel

I still can’t believe we have been a family of 4 for a month already! Sage has been the perfect addition to our family and we can’t imagine life without him. He is a big boy who loves to eat and lets me sleep every now and then.  He has a very sweet, gentle demeanor and I love watching him grow into his very own personality that the Lord created in him.  He is literally on the opposite side of the chart and we are experiencing an entirely different newborn.  Sage nurses very well, is super gassy, and has been packing on the pounds.  Cohen is in the 10th percentile for weight and Sage is in the 90th.  So many adventures ahead for these little dudes.

Wanted to share the amazing testimony from the labor room. If childbirth freaks you out, feel free to skip this next section…

After a long few weeks of swelling and a full week of pre-labor (consistent contractions every night for around 6 hours), I was admitted to Sarasota Memorial Hospital on February 26th.  Things progressed naturally this time [Praise the Lord!!] and no intervention aka Pitocin was required! It was a huge answer to prayer but it did not make labor any easier. After 2 ½ - 3 hours of active labor, it was time to push. My doc showed up and after a long hour of pushing I knew something was not right.  I felt no movement from all the work I was doing and I was spent.  I had no energy left and could barely keep my eyes open – beyond the point of exhaustion.  Although everyone kept encouraging me and ensuring me the baby was coming, I knew he wasn’t getting closer.  He was stuck. His head was slightly turned and he would not drop down.  I noticed the doctor start whispering to the nurses and then get on the phone with a doc in the OR. Physically I was done, but mentally I knew something was going on. I looked at Zach and my friend Lauren who had helped me get to this point and I begged them.  I needed help, I no longer had the strength to deliver this baby.   Without hesitation, Lauren starts to pray. Zach immediately joined her and they both began praying on my behalf.  Speaking truth and trusting the Lord to work a miracle.  Merely minutes later the doctor exclaimed that the baby had turned! She told me to push through 3 more contractions and we would have the baby.  I believed her. I got a boost of adrenaline and knew I could do 3 more.  Not 4, but 3 contractions later and supernatural strength from God, I was holding a 9lb 6oz baby boy!  

The Lord not only worked a miracle to bring Sage into the world but he reminded me in an epic way how lucky I am to be in the body of Christ.  How amazing, that in the midst of all the chaos I was surrounded by people who went straight to the Lord for strength.  When I couldn’t go to the Lord myself because of my state, I had Zach and Lauren who interceded in prayer on my behalf.  They trusted the Lord with my life and the life of this baby and even when the circumstances pointed to a different outcome, He showed us (again) how he can do anything and will make good out of every situation.

The Lord loves us and wants the best for us.  I pray you have people in your life that will intercede on your behalf even when you can’t. That is the church.  That is the body of Christ.  We must have faith for each other.  

 Love, The Knispels

-Steph, Zach, Cohen & Sage

[theknispels]

💙Sage Ezekiel Knispel 👶🏻 Born February 26th, 2018 at 1:13pm. Weighing in at 9lbs 6oz and 22in long. Our big boy is such a miracle and reminder of our Heavenly Father’s love for us! He is a sweet boy who loves to eat and snuggle. Cohen was able to meet him today and I still can’t believe I get to be the mother of these two amazing dudes. So many adventures ahead that they won’t remember without each other 😍 I want to thank @zachknispel , the most amazing husband who literally carried me through the worst of it, and ignored me when I tried to quit. && @laurendmiller21 who simultaneously assisted in the birth more than I could have asked. She truly believed in me when I definitely did not. I am so grateful for the support these two offered and how they continued to pray and speak truth over me every step of the birth. This still remains the hardest thing I have ever done in my life (twice) with the greatest reward. Sorry no viral video this year. Much love & Sage is here!! 🍼👶🏻😘💙 #theKnispels #SagetheBabe #SageKnispel #familyof4 #twoundertwo #lettheadventuresbegin #hallelujah 🙌🏼 (at Sarasota Memorial Mother Baby Unit)

[theknispels]

Follow Up from Zanzibar

I am so excited to share this update of what the Lord is doing in the island of Zanzibar and beyond!

If you remember from our trip back in August of 2017, that took us from Zanzibar on a journey to the mainland of Tanzania with 13 pastors and 3 wives. We were blessed to experience an amazing conference with 1,200 leaders from surrounding nations desperate for the life change that only comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ. After an event like this, you wonder what is next for those 1,200 people that attended or even the 16 from Zanzibar.  We want the best for these leaders and the communities that they are influencing.  

So what is next? Follow up.  How do you follow up with 1,200 people scattered across multiple nations? By the power of the cross. By the will of God.  By the leading of the Holy Spirit.  I cannot speak for the other 1,184 leaders who attended the conference, but for the 16 in Zanzibar we got to see the Lord multiply and start a move we believe will shake the island of Zanzibar!

Near the end of 2017, a few of the leaders from the conference – one from mainland Tanzania and one from the church in Mauritius – took a trip to Zanzibar to meet with the 16 from August. They had multiple meetings and the unity of the body was represented as at least 10 different denominations gathered together.  Even more exciting, the 16 turned into 50 leaders and their wives!! How incredible is that?!  *We didn’t even know that many leaders were on the island of Zanzibar!*

Each piece of the 5 fold ministry is so important.  That is why this news we received makes us so excited for the work the Lord has set ahead for Zanzibar. When the leaders of the church come together for the true gospel, it will begin to affect all aspects of the church.  So as people go out and evangelize on the island, we can rest assured that the message they will receive on Sunday will be no different. Unity in the body is the vision the Lord put in our hearts last year and I have been blessed every day since knowing we get to be a piece in His plan.  If everything that happened with Zach and I in the last 2 years, happened in order to be used in this way – Thank you Jesus! What an amazing honor 

Please continue to join us in prayer for the people of Zanzibar!

Love,

Steph, Zach, Cohen & Baby K #2

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” Philippians 1:6

[theknispels]

2017 recap

How do I recap what the Lord has done in our lives this year without writing a book? 

We started this year with such uncertainty.  Many struggles in our communication with each other, relationships, and the vision we were chasing. Half way through the year, God spoke so clearly we couldn’t deny it. We made some big moves and created some big waves.  The aftermath brought so much clarity. We felt persecution from those we stood beside in the fight for the gospel. We learned what it means to be in a spiritual relationship and be linked by more than earthly conditions. We also learned how easily people will turn when your vision is not their own.  The Lord walked with us through every breath of this journey. He healed every wound – even the ones we didn’t know were there.  We started to rebuild on a better and stronger foundation. We chose the peace only God can give, and we put aside bitterness and anger. Growth took place in every aspect of our lives.  With many things taken away, the true blessings the Lord had given us came to the surface. We left the easy road behind and chose to take the rough road. In October, we moved back to Florida, and this is where are now. Every day growing, every day taking up our cross, and every day choosing the will of the Father over our own.

Now since we came home in October, we haven’t stopped moving (hence the long awaited blog post). We knew only a few things: Florida is the mission field the Lord has brought us back to, we have another baby on the way, and we can’t sit around and wait.  So Zach started working for one of our supporters at a mason construction job.  He was able to start right away but it was a very tough job.  He also began coaching crossfit again one day a week.  I picked up some part time babysitting jobs and got registered to substitute teach in both Manatee & Sarasota counties.  It was amazing to see how challenged we were right off the bat. Thank God with challenge, comes His strength in adversity and His glory.  Zach was seeing God work even on the toughest days moving block around the construction site.

Coming home also meant being a part of our church, Grace Fellowship, again.  Now so many people have asked, “what are you doing with your church?” or “what is your title?”  It is tough to answer questions like that.  Our church operates like the church in Acts. When there is a need, the Lord uses the body to supply.  We are a part of the body of Christ, is that not a title in itself?  We are serving the Lord. One week it may look like inviting people to a prayer meeting or home group, another week it may be sharing a testimony at church, or even organizing an event for the Young Adults to fellowship and hear the gospel.  We don’t have new titles for our business cards but we are also not limited to a title. God calls us daily to follow His will.  If His will falls outside of my title, am I not limiting myself and what God can do through me?

By the way, if you missed it, WE BOUGHT A HOUSE! It is a sweet ½ acre spot in the middle of Sarasota, Florida.  God definitely made it all possible and the opportunity of what He will use it for has already brought us so much joy.   We are currently in the process of fixing it up and preparing to move in the beginning of 2018. 

Cheers to a new year and all the amazing unknown 2018 will bring!

Love,

Steph, Zach, Cohen & Baby K #2

[theknispels]

what really matters.

I have a lot of updates to catch up on....like what the heck are we doing now!?  Well, it is just going to have to wait. The Lord put this on my heart and I felt it should be posted first.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One thing I have learned this year - we are all on the same team.  No matter what you call your church, your organization, your club; if you stand in the truth of the gospel, as a new creation in Christ Jesus, making disciples of ALL nations with the authority Christ has taken back, WE ARE ON THE SAME TEAM! 

Do you realize, that now more than ever we need to unite in Christ? People are so willing to unite over things like the flag, the color of their skin, or their choices; but are unwilling to stand with another Christian because they take communion differently.?!  Do you realize, we are being persecuted under the same name of Jesus Christ?! Do you realize persecution comes in many ways, not just death?

Yes, I attend a church and associate with an organization, but that is not my identity. My identity lies in Christ alone. Yes I was born in America, I have white skin, I have Irish & Czechoslovakian heritage, I love meat, I am a mother, I am a daughter, I am a sister, and I love sports; none of which do I find my identity. My identity is a follower of Christ above all.  Because when all of these other things fall away, my American passport cannot save me, my love of meat cannot save me, my husband cannot save me.  It is Christ alone that can save by the blood He shed on the cross.  So that is where I stake my claim.  God has made clear the divide in the church and the body of Christ.  *This is my heart, to serve the Lord and be used to unite His people.*

Be challenged, be moved, be encouraged, but most of all consider your identity before taking offense. 

[theknispels]

Africa to Europe

(I know I said I would send my next update from Zim, but turns out I am already back in the states as I write this)

After we left Tanzania, we headed to Zimbabwe.  We have never been there before and really didn’t have a huge desire to go.  Some trusted leaders of our, invited us to come and we at that point praying for the Lord to give us our next opportunity – kind of working on a day to day trusting the Lord thing. So with peace about going I started to make arrangements for the trip.  Turns out our flight from earlier in the year we had to cancel going to Zambia could be used as a credit to go to Zimbabwe! So it only cost us $100 total to get the three of us there and back. Major blessing and surprise to have that work out, when we though that money was long gone. 

So over the next 3 weeks we spent time with two churches we are connected with through our home church in Sarasota. One week with the church in Harare, Zimbabwe and two weeks with the church in Bournemouth, England. In Zimbabwe, there was another regional Leaders Conference that drew a crowd of about 600 pastors and leaders from the surrounding countries.  It was amazing to see the difference between the Tanzanian conference and this one. Both powerful, both culturally spot on, and both extremely challenging!

We had a wonderful time in Zimbabwe before continuing the journey on to England. 

England was a great change of pace for us.  We have been so on the move, in and out of houses and countries that we haven’t really got a chance to take some time for ourselves. The family we stayed with was so so great they have two boys (4 & 1) that loved Cohen.  The boys would all play together every day and I really believe Cohen made some huge improvements in those two weeks.  He has struggled a little catching up with other kids his age, but I am not worried at all.  I know his learning curve may be different but he is so happy and healthy and the rest will come.  He really got the hang of eating solids while in England, playing with other kids, and even improvements towards crawling! He is a happy boy wherever we go, but it was sweet time for me personally to really focus on him.

While in England we got to do a few really fun things: World Cup Qualifier game of England vs Slovakia, hiking trips around the coast, and plenty of cream tea & scones. 

Every place we have been this year has been a treat, but the greatest part is that every church family we stay with has the same heart. I mean, how unbelievable that a church family that stretches across multiple continents, all different languages, and completely different personalities be fully united in Christ! Not one message from the pulpit has left me unsettled, not one family that has welcomed us into their home left me ungrateful, and not one conversation has left me unencouraged. The heartbeat of the gospel is beating strong in the Lord’s church and He is going to continue to build that church all around the world.

Final stop is Ireland before our feet hit US soil.

Lots of love from the Knispels!

-Steph, Zach, Cohen & Baby K #2 

[theknispels]

Tanzanian Takeover

We have been “on-the-move” nonstop since I last posted. Leaving Mauritius and stopping over in Johannesburg with some friends, luckily enough on one of their birthdays! So we even got to partake in his birthday braai – Happy Birthday Etienne! It was a short stop over, but long enough to catch up, introduce Cohen to everyone, and get a taste of the South African winter. Cohen has never been in this cold of weather before, so he wasn’t the happiest camper in the middle of the night.  Luckily, we were gifted with a snow suit that has really come in handy. (Thanks Van!)

August 12th we headed back to Zanzibar. Definitely mixed emotions but overall peace in knowing we were walking smack dab in the middle of the Lords plan. We spent the 3 hour plane ride chatting with a woman who grew up a Mormon, and has since been born again.  She was struggling to find a church that reflected the truth she was finding in the Bible.  It was an awesome experience, and we were able to encourage her and connect her with some pastors and leaders in a church in her area. I am not going to lie, we were very tired on that 7am flight and were not exactly stoked to be chatting the entire time.  BUT we must always be open and ready to be used by the Lord even when you really would rather sleep. It was well worth it.

We arrived in Zanzibar, greeted by some of our favorite people on the island – Ibrahim & Natasha! They were especially happy to see Cohen (I think). Previously they were meant to be in Zambia, so it was such a bonus to catch them for a few short days. Other friends of ours on the island, put us up for the 4 nights and were so kind to us.  We have such love for Zanzibar and the people we were blessed to encounter while there – no matter how short of a time it was.  We are united by the gospel and the same Spirit, so it takes down any barrier of time.

At the same time we were in Zanzibar, many old co-workers with Overland Missions were on the island as well.  It was great to see they were doing well, and Zach and I finally had chance to clear the air on some various situations. I know we both received a lot of clarity and closure through the experience, and we pray the gospel continues to move forward by what the Lord has in store for Zanzibar, not man.

- More photos from Zanzibar -

…The Conference…

This Leaders Conference felt like this main event that was off in the distance for so long, but now it was here! Each day leading up to it, I would pray for the leaders that would join us and I knew only the Lord would be able to pull off the logistics of what was ahead. Now leading up to our departure date, we had registered 16 people to come from the island of Zanzibar – 13 Pastors & 3 wives.  Now on the day of departure, we received the names of people in which we had just purchased their ferry tickets.  Only 4 of the names remained the same. We were now taking 12 totally different people; 9 Pastors & 7 wives. Initially, my logistical brain thought – WHAT?! Registration closed 2 weeks ago, how are we going to pull this off?!  Soon after, I learned that all of these pastors were coming from different denominations on the island that had been in conflict with each other prior, but were coming together for this conference! Once I heard that, the registration issues didn’t matter to me, because the message of the cross was exactly what these leaders needed to hear and we were going to do whatever it took to give them an opportunity to hear it.

We knew many pastors would come from all over Eastern Africa, but we had no idea that 1,200 people would travel (some for days) to come and be a part of this event.  About 700 of these people were new leaders and pastors that had never been to a CTMI event prior. It was so amazing. I wish I could describe the atmosphere but it was truly unique.  These leaders were hungry for revelation.  The messages cut straight through cultural barriers and traditions, directly to the issues many African pastors encounter but don’t discuss in reference to the truth of the Bible.  One night, almost half of the leaders in attendance came forward in repentance, repenting false doctrine, repenting beating their wives, repenting witchcraft in the church, and so many other things. The sincerity they showed, could only have come from God personally touching their lives.  It was so powerful and I was so thankful we were there to be a part of it.

At the end of the 3 days in Dar Es Salaam, we said farewell to the Zanzibar pastors as they headed back to the ferry and we went to the airport.   Huge thank you to everyone who has been praying for our pastors and this leader’s conference.  This is just the beginning and we know big things are coming for Zanzibar and all of Eastern Africa!

Love you all - Our next update will come from Zimbabwe!

Steph, Zach, Cohen & Baby K 2

[theknispels]

Good ‘ol Maurice

Our family has been blessed beyond measure this month! We originally came here on a whim.  When we left Overland we had round trip tickets to South Africa that would put us back in Africa in July, but what would we do when we got there and where would we go?  Our church with no hesitation suggested that we come back to Mauritius and allow the Lord to lead us one step at a time. As U.S. citizens, we qualify for a 6 month visa here in Mauritius for free, which is amazing. We used 5 weeks up in April/May, so with openness in our hearts we bought one way tickets back to Mauritius.

Most countries will not allow you to enter on a one-way flight unless you show proof of leaving. We didn’t know where God was going to take us next, so we just prayed that the Lord would get us through customs and give us a month on the island to hear clearly from Him.  Well, with huge relief and joy we walked smoothly through customs and immigration on that one-way ticket.  They gave us a 30 day visa that could be easily extended if needed. It was a huge blessing to walk into the country and remain open and free to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, our trip got off to a rocky start.  All of our flights got rerouted, our baggage was left in Johannesburg – leaving us without baggage for 4 days, and both Zach and I fell very ill.  It was the first time both Zach and I have ever been sick at the same time.  It was very difficult because we were so sick, we struggled to care for Cohen.  Thankfully, the Lord knows and took care of us.  He had us exactly where we needed to be to get well.  At the time we were sick, we were staying on the warmest part of the island, so we were able to get lots of fresh air and recover quickly.  Also, we were staying with a family that was accessible during the day; able to take us to the doctor and help care for Cohen when we couldn’t. It was just one of hundreds of times the Lord took care of us in this month.  What a cool time to see clearly the faithfulness of our heavenly father.

During this month in Mauritius, we stayed with four different families.  Each one so wonderful and caring in their own way.  They cared for us as if we were a part of their family and made us feel right at home.  Below are the four families we stayed with…and of course we snuck in a few nights with Shane and Elzabe – our personal favorites on the island.

1. The Adoue Family

2. The Gonzage Family

3. The Miller Family (+ Cohen’s favorite portrait)

4. The Fitzroy Family

This is a special thank you to each family! We love you and know we are ready to take the next step into the Lords plan because of the investment you each brought into our lives. So thank you again 

This month has been very busy.  Once we fully recovered from the sickness, we hit the ground running.  Every night of the week we were attending a different outreaches.  It was amazing to see all of the variety in which the church is serving on the island.  We attended prayer meetings, home studies, marriage counseling, evangelisms, a girls retreat, a boys retreat, seminars, and really any opportunity that came our way.  Some nights we didn’t even know where we were going, but got word that someone would be picking us up, so we better be ready.  During the day time we were blessed to get to know members of the church better. Hearing their stories over lunch or tea and seeing consistently the conviction of the Lord that has brought them all together on the foundation of the gospel and Jesus’ name.

As we prayed for a month of being completely open for God to lead us, we got exactly that.  So as this month comes to an end we are excited as the Lord has made the path very clear.  We have about 6 weeks more of traveling to Leaders conferences and visiting other churches in this family, before we set some roots down in Sarasota, FL.  Zach and I are more than stoked to be serving in the church in Florida (Grace Fellowship Church) for as long as the Lord wants us there.  If our time in Sarasota is 6 months, praise God! If our time in Sarasota is 10 years, praise God!  Time makes no difference to us, because it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us! The Lord’s will and timing will always trump ours, so we continue to take each day one at a time. The traveling is about to pick up, so I hope I am able to keep up with the blog through the next 6 weeks.  Believing for big things in the next 6 weeks and we are so grateful you are along for the journey.

Our next stop is Johannesburg, South Africa, tomorrow!

LOVE, Steph, Zach, Cohen & Baby K #2

Ps If you missed it, Cohen turned 9 months old & is going to be a big brother!

[theknispels]

One Month in America

Our month back in the states flew by! Originally it was meant just for doctor visits and seeing family, but it turned into an all-out sprint to track down our supporters and explain what was going on and where we were headed next. As well as doctor appointments and family visits, we jumped into serving with the church while sorting through where God was taking us, along with a few unexpected twists.

 So far, we have tickets taking us back to Mauritius July 10th and our sights set on a Leaders Conference in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania in August.  Our desire is to serve the church in Mauritius, while growing personally, and getting better established in the truth we share every day. Another huge piece to this puzzle is the Leaders Conference.  Before we left Overland, God put a desire in our hearts to connect the pastors in Zanzibar with the pastors from all over the mainland.  We by no means are forcing anyone to do anything.  We merely have a relationship we believe is not by accident with both the pastors in Mauritius and the pastors in Zanzibar.  So why not connect these great leaders together for the furthering of God’s kingdom!

Thus bringing us to our current objective: getting as many pastors with a desire to go, to the conference.  So in our month home we were not only raising funds for Zach and I to continue in this journey, but to raise funds on behalf of these pastors for transport and housing.  We did pretty good, but are still a bit shy on the funds.  Knowing the Lord will provide, it is not a worry; so if anyone is still interested please follow the link below to help support the Zanzibar leaders.

http://www.build-conference.com/

*Click the red donate button & select the option for “Zanzibar Leaders”*

During this month I was able to take a girls trip to Colorado for a few days, Cohen got 3 new teeth and met his Great Grandparents from Massachusetts. Played some volleyball, paddle boarded, had plenty of Chipotle, and celebrated our first 4th of July in the USA in 5 years!  Zach and I, had a wonderful month home in Sarasota, and we look forward to the day He brings us back to minister to our Florida neighbors.  Until then, we take life one breath at a time.  

Thank you to everyone who has made our journey possible by prayers and finances.  & A special thanks to all those who have supported these pastors.  We know this is a life changing opportunity and we don’t want anyone to miss out on especially because of finances. :) Next update from Mauritius!!

Love, The Knispels