(Dear ones, it has been very busy. The kids have really been helping. Mikey saw that we were finishing things up and he volunteered to so the update. We were happy for the help. We haven't changed a thing.)
Dear Praying friends,
this is MIKEY it's been a very busy week and the big team of 27 is coming tonight so i told my parents that i would do the update.
This week has been busy by trying to get done with school and getting ready for the team of 27 people. We are so really busy down here that we have to rely on your prayers, so i'll tell you what happened on Monday.
On Monday we started school really early like at 7.00. After we all got done with school we ate a quik meal so that my mom could go to the hospital with Cristi and Carissa. My mom learned that Cristi (my sister) moves to the right when she is standing or sitting with the same problem....Dexlexia. so while they left i babysitted Matt and Cherith.
On Tuesday my dad went to get a water truck and went to visit people with Matt. While mom taught us a TON of school.
On Wednesday i went to buy plants with my mom which took a couple of hours. Then i went to Wal Mart with her and after that it took an hour and a half to get home because of the traffic.
We went to home after a fast shower at home and went to church, We had a blessing of Morgans message of Hebrews 11 about the heroes of the faith. When we got home and ate some dough-nuts for supper. The best thing happened to me that day--I got done with school for the whole year. After some yipees and yahoos Wednesday came to an end.........yahooooooooo
On Thursday i enjoyed my first day of vacation while cristi and carissa did their school and my dad went to visit people with Matthew again.
On Friday Morgan came to the house to study with my dad and after we ate lunch they went to have a Bible study with sara a ralative of Juana and Reme and didn't get back till 11.00, carissa got done with school for the year and cristi got done withe History for the year which is a blessing. Please pray for cristi who is doing her best to defeat her Dexlexia. after they were done we went to the house next door to excercise our muscles, we came back and took our showers and then helped clean untill dad came. My dad came back late in the night and made something for Sunday with Morgan. He got done at 1.00 and went to bed at 2.30.
On Saturday we all got up and ate and got in the car to buy grocries. Matt, Cherith, and cristi stayed at Reme's house, while the rest of us went to get grocries and food for the 27 people that are coming. It took a long time and when we got to Reme's they had lunch ready for us to eat.
When we got home and were unloading the car, Matthew threw up in Our Room! On the carpet!!!! The garbage can was by him and he didn't use it!!!!!!!!!! which was not a blessing. What a nice end to Saturday don't you think?
On Sunday Cristi, wasn't feeling well and was sick,, Carissa wasn't feeling well and was sick,,,, and mommy was sick too. So the only one that went was daddy cherith and me, and i am the only one who is not sickly.... We went to church and came back and it was a good message.
And i'm too tired to write any more so i'm going to ask my mom to check it and good-bye.................. oh ..
Love,
MIKEY
(Well, now you have it-----straight from an 11 year old. He told the bitter truth---unmasking any details. The only thing I need to explain is that we found out from a doctor that Cristi is beginning to have curvature of the spine because of the dyslexia. The right side of her brain that controls the left side of the body becomes tired and she is leaning to the left. This may require braces and a lot of exercise.) We need prayer for strength as a few of us are sick.
Sunday, June 24
Sunday, June 17
Goldfuss update (June 17)
Dear Praying friends.
It's been a week of "papers." We've had to get birth certificate papers for Caralyn, Faith and I have to renew our visa papers this week (this happens once every year,) we are starting to investigate about becoming incorporated as a church, (which involves much paperwork), and Caralyn and Mikey need passports. All of these things are not "mail-in processes" but things that we have to do in person in many different offices. Please pray for needed patience in the face of mucho red tape. :-)
Praises:
In Christ,
Mike, Faith, Mikey, Cristiana, Carissa, Matthew, Cherith and Caralyn Goldfuss
It's been a week of "papers." We've had to get birth certificate papers for Caralyn, Faith and I have to renew our visa papers this week (this happens once every year,) we are starting to investigate about becoming incorporated as a church, (which involves much paperwork), and Caralyn and Mikey need passports. All of these things are not "mail-in processes" but things that we have to do in person in many different offices. Please pray for needed patience in the face of mucho red tape. :-)
Praises:
- Our prayer meeting attendance is increasing. We praise the Lord that Silvia came. She has to come on public transportation and comes the farthest of anyone.
- Morgan. I have begun taking him two days each week to study personally with him and go visiting. He is very open to this and has a great desire to serve the Lord in this way.
- Sara. Morgan accompanied me to visit Juana and Reme's niece Sara who used to attend our church about eight years ago. Since then, we hadn't seen her until about three weeks ago. She has two little children who aren't very well-behaved and doesn't want to come to church with them, but asked if we could have a Bible study in her home. We were able to talk to Sara and her mother-in-law for about two hours, clearly giving them the gospel. Morgan did a great job helping to give the gospel to the two ladies.
- Our attendance was a bit disappointing today. We were missing about 13 people. Noemi's land problem is in a serious stage. The Bernal familiy also has been having some serious problems. Pray for me as I go and talk to them.
- Preparation. This is the big week of preparation before the BJU mission team arrives late next Sunday night or early Monday morning. Our main thrust for the week is going to be 3 nights of evangelistic services. Please pray for the church folks to invite others and for many unsaved to come. We have much to do this week so please pray for that. Please continue to pray for Faith's back as it has been hurting her after long days. I'm sure we'll have much help from the team members.
In Christ,
Mike, Faith, Mikey, Cristiana, Carissa, Matthew, Cherith and Caralyn Goldfuss
Sunday, June 10
Goldfuss update (June 10)
Dear Praying Friends,
Another extremely busy week—as I am sure yours was.
NOEMI had a very trying week as a warrant went out for her arrest. Remember you are guilty when accused until proven otherwise. (Not innocent until proven guilty.) Her situation looked hopeless, but the Lord intervened and her lawyers were able to put a stop on the arrest warrant until her trial in three months. Originally, it looked like she would just be thrown in jail until her trial. Because of all of the running around to get her legal paperwork completed, Noemi's 11 year old son, Alexis, stayed with us from Thursday until today. Mikey and Alexis just loved being together and it seemed to help Alexis get his mind off of his mother's serious problem. Noemi is relying on the Lord.
ERASMO and MATILDE came to prayer meeting on Wednesday looking very distraught. That day, the social security doctors refused to do the last surgery on his fingers. (You may remember that he had parts of his fingers cut off in a work related accident.) Because of a lack of exercise, the fingers were becoming unmovable. The doctor stated that his surgery was not really important, but that if he wanted to go to his office, it would cost Erasmo $1,500 US Dollars! They were very upset at the way the doctor treated them and at the cost. Erasmo has been out of work since the accident, so we all prayed. Miraculously, when Erasmo went back the next day to see if there was any other doctor who would help him, a doctor scheduled him for that very day and he was in and out in just two hours! Praise the Lord! He is now recovering.
Last night (Saturday), we were able to have a pizza party with all of the teens. We had an excellent turnout (over 20). Since most people make about $12 per day. Dominos pizza (at $12 per pizza) is a rare opportunity for them. So they hardly ever get to have pizza—let alone make their own. They were absolutely thrilled. We played fast UNO and it got very crazy. Then Mike started a series on "What to look for in a Mate." That got their attention. We had discussion and it was wonderful to see them thinking more about someone who would please the Lord than just someone who would please themselves. We ended with more UNO wars—and more pizzas!
Today, we had two sets of parents thank us very profusely. Because of being in the city, the teens really have no idea what clean fun is. I am not kidding when I say that everything that they know that is supposed to be "fun" is sin. We especially noticed a huge change in Miguel (Nico's son) and Jonathan (Francisco's son). Miguel happily participated in Sunday School (where he is normally scowling). He asked if he could pray and he thanked God for the Sunday school, the church, and the young people's group. His prayer brought tears to my eyes as I never have heard him say more than three words at a time in three years. We have been praying for a breakthrough in his rebellion. These kids just need love. Some parents do not know how to show love because they were badly abused and unloved as children.
MORGAN had alot to do with the success of last night's youth group. We were able to talk with Morgan on Thursday night about the youth group. He did not want to go because he is 27 and said that he really didn't have anything in common with any of the teens. We shared with him that he could go to serve the Lord by befriending the teens and making a difference in their lives. The Lord changed Morgan's attitude and he went out of his way to make everyone feel at home and helped bring the younger ones out of their shells. He was singing in Italian while making his pizza.
Praise the Lord we were squashed today in the services. We REALLY need a new building. The whole church went around the corner to look at a piece of property to rent. Please pray for wisdom.
Amara is leaving on Wednesday. We praise the Lord for all of her help—especially her help with Cristi's school. We all will really really miss her—especially Aunt Faith. Please pray for traveling safety.
Pray for the Lord to lead us to someone who can help us with Cristi's dyslexia therapies.
June 25th, we will be having 26 people come on the BJU Mexico Mission team. Pray for all of our preparations and for Faith as she will be cooking—and since someone asked, for her back problems.
I kind of want to apologize to those of you who do not like long letters, but we just had to share the praises of what the Lord is doing. It truly is a joy and a privilege serving Him. Here is a picture of Morgan at the pizza party.
Thank you so much for praying!
In Christ,
Mike, Faith, Mikey, Cristi, Carissa, Matthew, Cherith and Caralyn Goldfuss
Another extremely busy week—as I am sure yours was.
NOEMI had a very trying week as a warrant went out for her arrest. Remember you are guilty when accused until proven otherwise. (Not innocent until proven guilty.) Her situation looked hopeless, but the Lord intervened and her lawyers were able to put a stop on the arrest warrant until her trial in three months. Originally, it looked like she would just be thrown in jail until her trial. Because of all of the running around to get her legal paperwork completed, Noemi's 11 year old son, Alexis, stayed with us from Thursday until today. Mikey and Alexis just loved being together and it seemed to help Alexis get his mind off of his mother's serious problem. Noemi is relying on the Lord.
ERASMO and MATILDE came to prayer meeting on Wednesday looking very distraught. That day, the social security doctors refused to do the last surgery on his fingers. (You may remember that he had parts of his fingers cut off in a work related accident.) Because of a lack of exercise, the fingers were becoming unmovable. The doctor stated that his surgery was not really important, but that if he wanted to go to his office, it would cost Erasmo $1,500 US Dollars! They were very upset at the way the doctor treated them and at the cost. Erasmo has been out of work since the accident, so we all prayed. Miraculously, when Erasmo went back the next day to see if there was any other doctor who would help him, a doctor scheduled him for that very day and he was in and out in just two hours! Praise the Lord! He is now recovering.
Last night (Saturday), we were able to have a pizza party with all of the teens. We had an excellent turnout (over 20). Since most people make about $12 per day. Dominos pizza (at $12 per pizza) is a rare opportunity for them. So they hardly ever get to have pizza—let alone make their own. They were absolutely thrilled. We played fast UNO and it got very crazy. Then Mike started a series on "What to look for in a Mate." That got their attention. We had discussion and it was wonderful to see them thinking more about someone who would please the Lord than just someone who would please themselves. We ended with more UNO wars—and more pizzas!
Today, we had two sets of parents thank us very profusely. Because of being in the city, the teens really have no idea what clean fun is. I am not kidding when I say that everything that they know that is supposed to be "fun" is sin. We especially noticed a huge change in Miguel (Nico's son) and Jonathan (Francisco's son). Miguel happily participated in Sunday School (where he is normally scowling). He asked if he could pray and he thanked God for the Sunday school, the church, and the young people's group. His prayer brought tears to my eyes as I never have heard him say more than three words at a time in three years. We have been praying for a breakthrough in his rebellion. These kids just need love. Some parents do not know how to show love because they were badly abused and unloved as children.
MORGAN had alot to do with the success of last night's youth group. We were able to talk with Morgan on Thursday night about the youth group. He did not want to go because he is 27 and said that he really didn't have anything in common with any of the teens. We shared with him that he could go to serve the Lord by befriending the teens and making a difference in their lives. The Lord changed Morgan's attitude and he went out of his way to make everyone feel at home and helped bring the younger ones out of their shells. He was singing in Italian while making his pizza.
Praise the Lord we were squashed today in the services. We REALLY need a new building. The whole church went around the corner to look at a piece of property to rent. Please pray for wisdom.
Amara is leaving on Wednesday. We praise the Lord for all of her help—especially her help with Cristi's school. We all will really really miss her—especially Aunt Faith. Please pray for traveling safety.
Pray for the Lord to lead us to someone who can help us with Cristi's dyslexia therapies.
June 25th, we will be having 26 people come on the BJU Mexico Mission team. Pray for all of our preparations and for Faith as she will be cooking—and since someone asked, for her back problems.
I kind of want to apologize to those of you who do not like long letters, but we just had to share the praises of what the Lord is doing. It truly is a joy and a privilege serving Him. Here is a picture of Morgan at the pizza party.
Thank you so much for praying!
In Christ,
Mike, Faith, Mikey, Cristi, Carissa, Matthew, Cherith and Caralyn Goldfuss
Monday, June 4
Goldfuss update (June 3)
Dear Praying Friends,
We appreciate all of your prayers for the activities of the past week, especially for our special baptismal Lord's Day yesterday. We'll give you a rundown on the events of the past week.
Monday--Able to visit with Gabriel, Liliana, Yoltic and Yolat--four people who had indicated a desire to be baptized. After reading and hearing their testimonies and talking very in depthly with them, it was mutually decided that Gabriel and Yolat need more time to understand exactly what baptism is and to truly examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith.
Tuesday--Visited with Sylvia. What a blessing. What she had written in her testimony left me with some questions as to her understanding of salvation. However, when I went to her home that evening, she had written 3 more pages that were absolutely thrilling with her testimony of Christ and what He has done in her life. She has a very difficult home life, but her faith and trust in Christ is amazing.
Wednesday--Morgan preached again in prayer meeting, continuing his series on Hebrews 11.
Thursday--Visited with Karina, the young lady and mother of three, and also Memo's wife. It was a blessing to see her desire to be baptized also. Since we were so close to the baptisms already on Sunday, and since this was the first time they had talked to me about baptism, it was decided to put off the same for them so that we could be sure of their understanding. It truly is a miracle though to see what Christ has done in and through Karina in this past year and also to see Memo asking questions. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.
Friday--Visited with Ruth and Sarai. Sarai has a very good testimony and has been in our church since 3 months after we started 10 years ago. She very much understood what it means to be baptized. Ruth came last year during our absence (she's the one planning on marrying Marcos in August.) She gave a good testimony of what Christ has done in her life in saving her from her sins.
On a different note, I was able to give the gospel in a very very clear way to a taxi driver also on Friday. He listened, asked questions and received a tract. Please pray for him to call and that we would be able to help him and talk more again.
--Saturday was spent getting many things ready for Sunday. Mikey helped a ton by making a list of everthing that he could think of that we were going to need. Towels, changes of clothes, two coolers, food, tables, and the TV and DVD player for the video we were going to watch. The older three also all made food to take. It was a long day, but we got to bed late, with just about everything ready.
--Sunday. Yesterday was a very blessed day. A good number of people arrived late due to trying to make food for the fellowship meal together, but by the time church started, we were jammed full. Then, during the message, we had two other visiting familes enter. Little ones stood and found little children's chairs so that the visitors could have the larger ones. The message yesterday was on Biblical love--something that all of us as a church and many of our familes desperately need.
After the service, we all went (some walked and some drove) the three blocks to the gym with a pool. All the children sang "I have decided to follow Jesus" to start the service. Then each of the five people entered the water, gave their testimony, and we sang the favorite hymn of each one after they had been baptized.
Afterward we all went back to the church for a delicious pot luck meal. We are trying to work on getting people to bring enough food. This was a problem at the beginning of our church ten years ago, but has not been a problem in recent years. Then some of the church members who have been with us a long time realized that the newer people just need to learn what they had to learn ---to minister to others instead of being ministered to. Everyone was fed, but nothing was left over. What we had was very very good. You would have enjoyed it.
After the meal, we were all challenged by a very sobering video about a young muslim man who is converted to Christ in the USA, goes home to his muslim country where his christianity is discovered. He has a very difficult time in his home country, but he sees the need of serving the Lord there even in the face of difficulties. We would highly recommend the film. It is entitled "Behind the Sun," and we bought our copy at CBD. It would be very challenging to any of your churches.
We knew that Satan would be very active on this day as he would not be happy with Christ being glorified so we prayed the entire week for Christ honoring services. There were lots of little problems the whole day, but the Lord showed Himself strong.
--Itza, who attended our church very faithfully years ago before joining the army, has been on vacation the last 3 weeks. We were able to go out to brunch today as he has to leave for the army again on Wednesday. He had some very good questions and we had a very good talk about living life for God's glory, no matter where we may be. He is in many difficult situations in the army, so please pray for him to remain strong in the face of trials and challenges.
Thank you so much for praying!
In Christ,
Mike, Faith, Mikey, Cristi, Carissa, Matthew, Cherith and Caralyn Goldfuss
We appreciate all of your prayers for the activities of the past week, especially for our special baptismal Lord's Day yesterday. We'll give you a rundown on the events of the past week.
Monday--Able to visit with Gabriel, Liliana, Yoltic and Yolat--four people who had indicated a desire to be baptized. After reading and hearing their testimonies and talking very in depthly with them, it was mutually decided that Gabriel and Yolat need more time to understand exactly what baptism is and to truly examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith.
Tuesday--Visited with Sylvia. What a blessing. What she had written in her testimony left me with some questions as to her understanding of salvation. However, when I went to her home that evening, she had written 3 more pages that were absolutely thrilling with her testimony of Christ and what He has done in her life. She has a very difficult home life, but her faith and trust in Christ is amazing.
Wednesday--Morgan preached again in prayer meeting, continuing his series on Hebrews 11.
Thursday--Visited with Karina, the young lady and mother of three, and also Memo's wife. It was a blessing to see her desire to be baptized also. Since we were so close to the baptisms already on Sunday, and since this was the first time they had talked to me about baptism, it was decided to put off the same for them so that we could be sure of their understanding. It truly is a miracle though to see what Christ has done in and through Karina in this past year and also to see Memo asking questions. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.
Friday--Visited with Ruth and Sarai. Sarai has a very good testimony and has been in our church since 3 months after we started 10 years ago. She very much understood what it means to be baptized. Ruth came last year during our absence (she's the one planning on marrying Marcos in August.) She gave a good testimony of what Christ has done in her life in saving her from her sins.
On a different note, I was able to give the gospel in a very very clear way to a taxi driver also on Friday. He listened, asked questions and received a tract. Please pray for him to call and that we would be able to help him and talk more again.
--Saturday was spent getting many things ready for Sunday. Mikey helped a ton by making a list of everthing that he could think of that we were going to need. Towels, changes of clothes, two coolers, food, tables, and the TV and DVD player for the video we were going to watch. The older three also all made food to take. It was a long day, but we got to bed late, with just about everything ready.
--Sunday. Yesterday was a very blessed day. A good number of people arrived late due to trying to make food for the fellowship meal together, but by the time church started, we were jammed full. Then, during the message, we had two other visiting familes enter. Little ones stood and found little children's chairs so that the visitors could have the larger ones. The message yesterday was on Biblical love--something that all of us as a church and many of our familes desperately need.
After the service, we all went (some walked and some drove) the three blocks to the gym with a pool. All the children sang "I have decided to follow Jesus" to start the service. Then each of the five people entered the water, gave their testimony, and we sang the favorite hymn of each one after they had been baptized.
Afterward we all went back to the church for a delicious pot luck meal. We are trying to work on getting people to bring enough food. This was a problem at the beginning of our church ten years ago, but has not been a problem in recent years. Then some of the church members who have been with us a long time realized that the newer people just need to learn what they had to learn ---to minister to others instead of being ministered to. Everyone was fed, but nothing was left over. What we had was very very good. You would have enjoyed it.After the meal, we were all challenged by a very sobering video about a young muslim man who is converted to Christ in the USA, goes home to his muslim country where his christianity is discovered. He has a very difficult time in his home country, but he sees the need of serving the Lord there even in the face of difficulties. We would highly recommend the film. It is entitled "Behind the Sun," and we bought our copy at CBD. It would be very challenging to any of your churches.
We knew that Satan would be very active on this day as he would not be happy with Christ being glorified so we prayed the entire week for Christ honoring services. There were lots of little problems the whole day, but the Lord showed Himself strong.
--Itza, who attended our church very faithfully years ago before joining the army, has been on vacation the last 3 weeks. We were able to go out to brunch today as he has to leave for the army again on Wednesday. He had some very good questions and we had a very good talk about living life for God's glory, no matter where we may be. He is in many difficult situations in the army, so please pray for him to remain strong in the face of trials and challenges.
Thank you so much for praying!
In Christ,
Mike, Faith, Mikey, Cristi, Carissa, Matthew, Cherith and Caralyn Goldfuss
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