Craig and Ruth Goodman

Craig was born in Elkhart, Indiana, and moved to Nogales, Arizona in his teens. God used the influence and witness of faithful friends, as well as a rock-climbing incident, to bring Craig to a saving knowledge of Christ Jesus at age 24. Craig was introduced to missions by a missionary couple from his church – Ruth’s parents. They took a special interest in him and encouraged him to attend a Christian college. Craig enrolled in Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois, and majored in mission aviation technology from Moody Aviation in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Craig holds a private pilot’s license and an airframe and powerplant mechanic’s license.

Ruth was born in Denver, Colorado. When she was two her family moved to Nogales, Arizona, where her parents served for 38 years as career missionaries with Conservative Baptist Home Mission Society (now Missions Door). She says, “I accepted Christ when I was six years old, in my father’s study. I had heard the Gospel clearly through a Vacation Bible School and realized I needed a Savior.” Through the godly influence of her parents, her interest in missions began early and grew over the years. She earned a diploma in sacred music from Moody Bible Institute, a B.S. in Christian education/music from Arizona Christian University, and a master’s degree in church music from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary. Ruth and Craig met in 1975, and married in 1996. They have one adult daughter, Julianne, who is studying to be a graphic designer. Ruth teaches private music lessons, is involved with several music groups and is a guest teacher for local schools.

Craig and Ruth teach a children’s Sunday school class and are involved with the music ministry at their local church. They welcome traveling MAF staff, as well as other friends, who may need a guest room or a meal.

Craig and Ruth quote Colossians 3:23-24 as meaningful verses, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” They comment, “These verses are such a good reminder that we are to do all things as unto Christ, because it is Christ Himself we are serving, no matter whether we are working on airplanes, teaching children, or serving a meal.”

God calls the men and women of MAF to serve Him in unique ways. He may also be calling you to a special role in the Goodmans’ ministry. Please prayerfully consider becoming a Ministry Partner with them through prayer and/or financial support.