March 2003

Because of a minor technical difficulty, the pictures did not come through on this newsletter… they will be added soon and converted to a PDF. Stay tuned!

The time has finally come! After many years of planning and a recent survey trip, I will be moving to Caracas, Venezuela, March 25, 2003. I greatly appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers as we have gone through the recent roller coaster of the national Venezuelan strike. The nation is still suffering some of the repercussions of the turmoil, but the Venezuelans continue on and are creative in finding new ways to get things done. I’m glad these events have only caused a delay in my move. We proceed with caution and with much prayer, seeking God’s Will and the wise counsel of others.
In light of recent events, there has been an increased openness to the gospel. Many are seeking hope and answers in the middle of an uncertain time in their country. I ask you to be in prayer for them and for the following:
_ Venezuelan political and economic future
_ the new work in east Caracas
_ our Venezuelan brothers and sisters
_ my move March 25
While in Caracas in February, I was able to encourage the members and contacts of
the new work in east Caracas. On the Sunday I was present, there were 13 for
Sunday worship, three of which were visitors. We continue to meet in my
apartment and will do so until we outgrow it and see a greater need to find a new
meeting place. Word is spreading to many other Christians in the area and they too
are excited to join in this new work, which meets closer to their homes.
Also during this trip, I was able to participate in an organizational meeting for the work in east Caracas, coordinated by Daniel Mata (pictured with his wife and their youngest son, Elías). Daniel and Mary are both from east Caracas and after studying in the states in the mid to late 80s, returned to Venezuela to work in their hometown. After working there for a few years, God led them to work in Puerto Ordaz (a large city in southeast Venezuela). God has used them in great ways there and, at this time, that is where they need to stay. Their hearts and experience are in Caracas and for this reason, we feel blessed to have them participating as they can while lending their expertise and guidance, even from a distance.
Elías Elcure and Juan Carlos Martinez, who I have mentioned before, are both living and working with the congregation in the east full-time. They were thrilled to announce all they’ve been able to be a part of since the beginning of this group and join in the planning of future direction and plans. Most exciting are the three baptisms since the first meeting of the church,
August 18, 2002 (Rosa Elena, Fernando and Nestor – all three pictured above for Sunday worship).

Luis and Fabiola Gomez (and six-month old son, Daniel) have recently moved back to Caracas after graduating from the preaching school in Panamá. Luis had worked as the youth minister at the El Silencio congregation in downtown Caracas, but his desire was to return to Caracas and work in the east. He is going through a transition time right now as he pulls himself out of the work at El Silencio and works with us in the east more full-time.
All of these people I have mentioned, including myself, met together all afternoon one Friday and all day that Saturday to open wider the bridges of communication, pray and plan about what God can do through us in east Caracas. I am very excited to be a part of this and to share in this with you as so many of you are a vital part of making this possible. Thank you for your support and I pray that God blesses you through it and in many other ways. If you talked with me about making a financial commitment to this work, I’m counting on you. With the last few of you who haven’t yet confirmed your level of commitment, I’m on my way!
As a part of my living in Caracas, I will be making periodic trips to Bogotá, Colombia, to work with the congregation in the north that we planted in March 2000. I recently made a visit there to continue with those contacts and help prepare for a small campaign we will have there in mid-March. Right before my departure to Caracas, I will be assisting a small group in that campaign.
During this recent visit, I was overwhelmed with the number of ladies with whom I could study and share the good news. There are so many new Christians that also need encouragement and instruction in the Word.
I look forward to keeping in touch with each of you about the works in Caracas and Bogotá.
Thanks again for your constant prayers and support.
In Christian Love and Service,
M.
If you would like to reach me before I go, my last day in the states is March 13, as I depart for the Bogotá campaign. I can be reached at 303-204-1043 until that time. My e-mail address will not change once I move: mjgoff@compuserve.com Thanks for keeping in touch! If you know someone else that would like to be included in my mail-outs and e-mail updates, please contact my dad, David Goff, at david_goff@compuserve.com or 9836 Keenan St., Highlands Ranch, CO
80130
Donations and monthly contributions can be mailed to:
Westside Church of Christ
4527 Freedom Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28208