Dear Praying Friends,
We had quite another exhausting and grueling week. We thank you for your prayers for the Lord's sustaining grace day by day.
Three straight Sundays have brought a new person each Sunday to church with a cast on. We may soon be known as the "Hard Cast Bible Church." Pray for Francisco, Liliana and Adriana to be able to heal quickly and for them to learn the spiritual lessons that the Lord has for them right now.
We found out on Wednesday that Juana and Reme and their family has officially lost their property case. They will be finding out this week when they will have to move out of their property that they have lived in for 35 years. The case has been unjustly handled in the Mexican court system and it seems that other party bought out Juana and Reme's lawyers. They will probably have to move out at the beginning or middle of next week. We aren't sure where they are going to go, but we have offered them the use of our cabin and extra room over the garage if they need some time to find another place. That would be eight new people so pray for that. The Lord could still also work a miracle to allow this family to not have to uproot if it is His will.
We have had a situation of immorality in the church that has resulted in a pregnancy outside of marriage. The young couple wanted to stand before the church today and ask forgiveness from all. I was able to use Galatians 6:1 after their public apology to encourage the church to not think that any of us are above sin and to show ourselves spiritual in restoring in meekness the publicly repentant couple.
Angel and Mayra, the couple who lost the baby, returned today for a second straight Sunday. Pray for them to be saved. We also had three other first time visitors. One lady looked familiar but I didn't recognize her. She said that her husband had known me about seven years ago through playing basketball. He said that he didn't want to go to a Pentecostal church as it was a fraud, but wanted to come to our church. He didn't come but his wife (Alejandra) did.
Heidi Zartman had to leave on Thursday. We, and Ruben, were very sad to see her go. Pray for the Lord to work in Heidi and allow a doctor in Indiana to be able to relieve much of her physical problems if the Lord will permit it. It has been a blessing to have Ruben here helping in the ministry. The people love him so much and it will be very sad when he also has to leave in 1 1/2 weeks. It was a blessing to have him preach today and to lead us in the Lord's Supper.
Faith had an interesting ladies' meeting yesterday. One lady brought up an issue in the church with another lady right in front of the whole group. So, Faith had to biblically deal with the situation right there with all the ladies right there. She said it was an exhausting time. This Saturday we are planning another young people's meeting. The second Saturday in October we are planning our first men's meeting to study the requirements for elders and deacons in the church. Please pray that the Lord will use this for his glory in the future of this little church and also to give men a goal that they can seek to reach.
Many of you have prayed for Memo and Karina. This is the family that several years ago was an absolute disaster and we even questioned and doubted (sad to say) whether it was possible for the Lord to rescue them. He has done an incredible work in them. Karina told us this week that Memo bought one of our new little family devotional books for the whole year last week and is reading it with their children each night. What an encouragement.
Tonight after we had dinner here at home, we received a call from a lady in the church who wanted Ruben and I to come and talk to a lady to whom she rents. She is a Muslim from Jordan who speaks Arabic and English, no Spanish. Fatima is in Mexico for just two months doing research on different Muslim religious groups. Ruben and I sat fascinated for about three hours as she told us of her beliefs. We had some tremendous opportunities to present the gospel to her. She listened well and answered our many questions about her religion. She left the door open for us to return and speak further with her. Please pray that the Lord would open her heart to the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Well, due to exhaustion, both physical and mental, we are going to go for five days starting tomorrow to the coast for a short getaway that is very needed. Please pray that Caralyn's persistent cough will improve and be removed due to the the sea air.
We thank you so much for your prayers and support.
In Christian Love,
Mike for all the Goldfi
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