Dear
Friends and Family, January 2019
Happy
new year! Last year went by so quickly for us. Though we did not
travel the whole year, we presented our ministry in 70+ churches from
southern FL to Northern MI. Near the end of the year, we had to
change plans due to the crisis in Nicaragua, but we are glad to be on
track to bring the Gospel to Costa Rica! Nicaragua is continuing to
face greater sanctions and external pressure. In the mean time, we
are maintaining a relationship with and supporting the church there
during this trying time. We were glad to see many teens surrender to
Christ and many follow the Lord in believer's baptism. We were also
encouraged to see many families growing and serving in the church.
God is doing a great work there in Nicaragua. We are encouraged that
He will also do a great work in Costa Rica! At present, we have a
short trip planned for mid-January to survey some areas and look at
housing, schools, etc. We now have most of our residency
documentation ready to go. We are hoping to have everything ready to
arrive in Costa Rica by the end of January. We were also encouraged
to be contacted by other missionaries who have expressed interest in
helping with our next church plant. We will be seeking God's will
every step of the way.
Although
we did not originally plan to be in the US with our family for
Christmas in 2018, we were glad to have the opportunity to spend the
Christmas season with our family. The girls enjoyed singing in their
Christmas play at church. Elijah has been zooming around the house
with some new toy cars he got for Christmas. We were also able to
send a special Christmas offering to the church in Nicaragua. They
did a special Christmas service for the kids and gave them presents.
Many families there can do nothing at all for Christmas, so it is
always a very special time for them. Around new year's day, Jeremy
came down sick with Strep throat. Thankfully, he is on antibiotics
and is doing much better. This month, Jeremy will have the privilege
of baptizing Lila. She trusted Christ as her Savior at home one night
and has been growing in her faith ever since. She has learned about
baptism and wants for all to know that Christ has saved her. Praise
the Lord!
We
send special thanks to all of the churches who sent us special
Christmas offerings. Thank you! That was a blessing. This month,
please pray...
1.
That God will continue to bless the church in Nicaragua during this
trying time.
2.
That God will lead us to the right people and place for our next
church plant.
3.
That God will bless and as we make the transition from the USA to
Costa Rica.
In
Christ,
Jeremy,
Michelle, Lila, Ellowyn,
and Elijah
Blanz