We missed getting our prayer update out last week. Thank you for praying anyway.
We have much for which to praise the Lord.
- We had a men's meeting this past Saturday. Our main subject was on the necessity of male leadership from our book on elders. I really thought we would get through that chapter pretty quickly as that doesn't seem to be a problem. During our discussion, it was brought to my attention that each of the other six men present had been present in different churches when ladies preached. That started some very good and thoughtful discussion on their part. It also challenged them to be better leaders in the church and to realize that the men have to take the leadership. Some even mentioned that they should be more aware of what the ladies are teaching the children in SS. :-) The subject has come up of some of them even taking part in the teaching of the children's classes. Pray for the Lord to continue to work and prepare men to be future elders and deacons.
- Erasmo was more attentive and alert than I have ever seen him before in our services on Sunday. That was a real blessing to see. He normally pretty much just occupies a chair. We were able to spend the afternoon and evening with them and had some very profitable spiritual conversation. Please keep Erasmo, Matilde, and their three girls who live at home with them--Abby, Vania and Uzi --all in your prayers. They are also praying about trying to sell their property so that they can buy land and a house which are cheaper up where we live. Their whole family presently lives in two rooms--one bedroom and one kitchen. They would like a bit more space to also possibly homeschool. Pray for the Lord to provide a government document that Erasmo needs to drive his taxi.
- On Sunday I happened to look to one side and notice a miracle--Memo and Karina and their three children--David, Adriel and Alejandra--were all sitting still and listening intently to God's Word. They were there right on time to start. What a blessing and testimony to the grace of God as this family was an absolute disaster just a couple of years ago. Memo has been participating enthusiastically in the men's meeting, reading the required material and participating well in our SS. He helped serve the Lord's Supper this past Sunday too which was a blessing to see. Please pray for the Lord to continue to sanctify this family for His glory day by day.
- Yesterday I took Jesus back to the hospital in the north of the city. His appointment was an hour later than the last one--11AM compared to 10 AM last time. Our last trip took about three hours and yesterday we made it in less than one. Our trip was a tremendous opportunity to speak with Jesus again about his soul and our conversation was very very gospel centered. Please pray for him to truly see his sin and his need of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is such a privilege to share the gospel and many times with just the daily things that need to be done here we forget about our most important job. Last week when I went to get a water truck, I took a huge stack of tracts just to hand out in my walking in the city. They were all gone by the time I had only completed half my journey. Please pray for the sowing of the Word to not return void.
- On Saturday afternoon, Faith saw Nico in our pueblo of Santo Tomas. She asked if he needed a ride, but he declined. We found out later that he took a big bunch of tracts also and went out and handed them out. He said he had been afraid but said, "No Lord, I need to do this." He also is searching for people that he knows that used to attend a church up here but it has since disbanded due to many problems. He told people on Saturday that "A new church is going to be opening up here and this tract explains a little more what is going to be taught there." Praise the Lord for NIco's boldness and desire to serve his Saviour and Lord.
- Vanessa and Janet--Mike was able to go visit them last Monday night at their home. Janet is struggling with some sin in her life. Pray that she will not let her feelings guide her, but be lead by Christ's clear commands from Scripture and His power and grace in her life to obey day by day.
- Sra. Gloria and her mom Sra. Maria. Gloria has some type of virus on her back which burns and is very uncomfortable. They have not been able to be at our services for over five weeks now. I took their phone number to church on Sunday and shared it with the congregation to call them and encourage them. Mikey came home on Sunday night and said that he wanted to call the two Sras. He called and they said that they had already been called by five other people in the church that afternoon. :-) That was encouraging. It appears that it will be at least another month before they will be able to come back to our services
- Erasmo and Matilde have mentioned a need of a former church of theirs in Toluca, about 1 1/2 hours to the west of Mexico City. They have asked that we find someone who can go and help some members of that church who are seeing problems in that the church is leaving Scripture for other things. There are about 20 people who are looking for good Bible teaching and preaching.
- This coming Sunday we will be going as a church to two joint services with another church about 45 minutes from us. Most everybody is expecting to be able to attend so there will be a total of about 120-130 people. Part of one of the services in the other church is going to be the installation of their first deacon. Since we are doing some study on leadership in our men's meetings, it should be a good experience for us.
- Saturday there is a ladies' meeting and the ladies of the church will be having a baby shower for Mildred. Mildred and Uriel you may remember were married about 2 months ago. Mildred has been coming and really listening in the services. Pray for God to save her by His grace.
Love in Christ,
Mike for all the Goldfii
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