June 3, 2006

There has been much to rejoice about over the past month. Just before
taking a week's vacation in the states, I hosted an all-night prayer vigil
for the women of the congregation here in my apartment. Eleven of us spent
all night in prayer, studying the Word, fellowship, and encouraging each
other. Cecilia, one of our more mature members, was not sure she even
wanted to come or that she would make it all night. I don't think any of us
even caught her yawning the whole night. It was a blessing to be able to
focus together in prayer and draw strength from God's promises.

We finished the all-nighter Saturday morning before Mother's Day on Sunday.
The children prepared a special song to sing to their moms and Fabiola and I
bravely took on the project of making train car picture frames for the moms
and printing off pictures of their children. As you can imagine, they were
a big hit. Now we just have to figure out what to do for Father's Day!

After returning from my US trip, I immediately received JuanCarlos Martinez
and his wife Lizbeth in my home for more than a week. JuanCarlos is a
brother who worked with us from the start here in East Caracas. He moved to
the city of Merida after working with us a year to be with his wife (they
were just married in December). They were here in Caracas for sinus surgery
to remove two benign tumors. He is doing well and has gone back to Merida.
A special thank you to those of you who knew about his surgery and had been
praying. It is now our prayer that these tumors do not return since this is
the second surgery in two years because of the same problem.

While JuanCarlos and Lizbeth were here, I took a quick trip to Barcelona and
Puerto La Cruz where David and Ana Guaicara and Denis and Robbie Ruiz work
respectively. It was a joy to share with them and those two congregations
in a Ladies' Day we held Saturday, May 27. It is a joy to work with people
I have known for years from the congregation I grew up in, the South Baton
Rouge Church of Christ. The fun part of Saturday was the fact that the
Barcelona church building had no electricity. My entire class (including my
notes) was prepared in Power Point, so I started fervently that God would
restore the electricity. As I realized that was not what God had in mind, I
prayed that my battery life would extend since I had already worked some off
my battery the night before reviewing my notes. I waited until the last
minute to turn on the computer and went straight into the lesson (not before
seeing that the battery only had 1hr, 3min of life for my minimum 1 1/2 hr
class). I dove right in adapting what couldn't be presented as easily
without the big screen. The women remained interested and attentive and we
had a great time going through the lesson in a very hot church building. As
soon as I finished the formal class part, I shut down the computer
immediately and looked at my watch. The hour and a half or more had passed,
but the battery had not even warned that it was nearing its end. Yes, God
works in mysterious ways... The electricity came back on after lunch and we
finished out the other activities I had prepared. Don't forget to check out
the pictures online ( www.MichelleMissions.com)

While I was in the states for a few days of vacation, I was able to see some
of my family and attend the wedding of an old college roommate. It actually
became a small Harding reunion since the four roommates that had lived
together almost the full four years at Harding, were all able to be there
and celebrate this joyous occasion. At the end of the trip, I made a
special visit to the South Baton Rouge Church of Christ. As I have
mentioned, this is the church in which I grew up and which is currently
coordinating my funding. I was there to interview for a new opportunity as
a Women's Campus Minister there in Baton Rouge. God opened this door and
after spending much prayer in prayer, I have decided to accept their offer,
effective March 1, 2007. This will provide ample time for me to make a
smooth transition here in Caracas and will bring me to having lived here
almost exactly four years, well within my original 3-5 yr commitment. I
greatly appreciate your prayers and support for the work here and pray that
they continue, even beyond my time here. Through the South Baton Rouge
Church of Christ, I will continue to stay involved in Venezuela through
campaigns and encourage others get involved in missions. It is a tremendous
opportunity and God has given me peace in the decision and the timing of it
all. Please continue with your prayers and support. They are invaluable to
me and the work in Caracas!

In Him and for Him,
M.
www.MichelleMissions.com
Donations and monthly contributions can be sent to:
South Baton Rouge Church of Christ
8725 Jefferson Hwy
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

US Contact:
9836 Keenan St.
Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
Venezuela Contact:
720-249-4266 (Denver phone number that rings in Caracas)
mjgoff@gmail.com