May 2014 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

Greetings from Costa Rica! Last month, we made the transition from life in the states to life in Central America! We started the month by finishing a 17 hour drive home from Peabody, MA. After being gone for over a month, we had to catch up on a few things at home. Next, our mission was to begin trimming down our possessions dramatically. You never know how much stuff you accumulate, until it's time to put it all in a few suitcases and kiss the rest goodbye! It was also a bit hard for Lila, who did not understand what all of this meant. She kept a good spirit for much of the time and looked forward to getting on the big airplane to flying to Costa Rica!

Early in the month, we took a trip to Atlanta to meet with the Consul of Costa Rica. While gathering the proper documents and certifications felt much like a graduation test, meeting with the consul was much like the commencement! Jeremy's family had a big get-together in GA. His family was a big encouragement and blessing to us. Michelle's family helped watch the girls as we did a lot of work around the house. During the last week or so, we stayed in the prophets chamber at the church. We then had a big yard sale and sold off the vast majority of our things. The hardest thing of all, is to move away from our family and friends. Many people would never understand why we would do this. Jesus said, “every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” Though we may say “goodbye,” it is only “goodbye for now.” One day in Heaven, we will see those who heard the Gospel because somebody was willing to follow Jesus.

As we transition into life in Central America, there will be sickness, trials, and many other hardships. We are so thankful for those who diligently pray for us. These are they who know, “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” This month, please pray:

1. The Lord to strengthen our bodies as we adjust to life in Costa Rica.

2. The Lord to help us learn the Spanish language

3. The Lord to use us as a witness during our time in Costa Rica.

In Christ,

Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz

April 2014 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

Although March was our last month traveling on deputation, it was a busy one! Despite having a meeting canceled, we were still scheduled to be in 12 churches in the states of GA, MD, NY, CT, and MA. In between meetings, we drove nearly 4,200 miles! In March, we saw 2 new supporting churches and 2 others that have promised future support. We have sent off our documents to the Costa Rica Consulate and received communication back indicating that everything looks good for our student visas. We will meet with the consul this month to get our visas. Securing our student visas marks the end of this long journey of deputation.

Despite having a full calendar full of long drives, March also gave us opportunities to see places we would never get to see in normal circumstances. During our time in the NYC area, we were able to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where Jeremy's grandfather once came through as an immigrant. Also, during our time in MA, we were able to walk the Historic Freedom Trail in Boston. Ellie is now making a variety of noises, grabbing at things, and capturing the attention of people everywhere we go. Lila is always making friends. Between the two of them, they open many opportunities for us to speak with others and share the Gospel.

We are so excited to be finishing up one chapter in this journey and starting the next. However, this is also a difficult time, as we will be preparing to leave behind so much. This month, we are working to sell most of our stuff, clean out our home, and prepare to move to Costa Rica. Please pray for:

1. Our family as we transition from life as we have always known it, to life in a foreign country.
2. Our family as we meet with the Costa Rica consulate to get our student visas.
3. That the Lord will provide the last 5% of our needed support to be fully funded.

In Christ,

Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz

March 2014 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

We hope that you are doing well! We may be near the end of deputation, but we are still pushing on full steam ahead! For the month of February, we were privileged to be in 7 meetings in the states of FL, GA, and NY. We were also part of a missions conference as well. In between meetings, we drove just under 4,000 miles. We saw 2 new supporting churches, 1 commit to future support, and few other possible supporters. We are presently at 93% of our needed support, and we are trusting the Lord to provide the rest before we leave the states. As for our student visa, we have acquired the final piece of documentation needed. We have also secured housing in San Jose, Costa Rica for our time in language school.

During our time in Florida, we were able to spend a little time with Michelle's family. As we prepared for our next trip to NY, we had to keep a close eye on Winter storm Pax. At the last moment, we had to make a decision to wait one more day before leaving. Due to extremely heavy driving and dangerous weather, Jeremy decided to make this trip alone. The Lord protected him on his way up to NY. On the morning of the first meeting, our car's back brake locked up completely, effectively disabling the vehicle. Thankfully, a church member assisted with transportation for both the morning and evening meetings. The next day, the brakes worked properly, and Jeremy was able to begin his drive back to FL. In the end of the month, we enjoyed the warmth during our missions conference in South Florida! As for our girls, Ellowyn is growing up quickly and is adored everywhere we go! Lila is constantly making friends and has become a professional at giving out prayer cards at each church!

Thank you so much for your prayers over this last month. This month, we will be on the road for our last trip of deputation. After this, we head home to pack our bags for language school! This month, please pray for:

1. Safety as we travel through much snow and ice.
2. The Lord to help us be an encouragement to churches and individuals.
3. The Lord to guide us raise our remaining support and secure our visa.

In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz

February 2014 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

As we are approaching our departure date in April, our time of deputation is rapidly coming to an end. In January, we were privileged to be in four scheduled meetings, including one conference, in the states of FL, GA, and NJ. We were also able to visit in a couple other churches that were not scheduled. We were invited to come to other churches and missions conferences, but had to decline due to a full calendar. Thankfully, we saw one new supporting church and two others commit to future support. We are working to secure plane tickets and housing in Costa Rica for our time in Language School. We now have all of our needed documents to get our student visa except for one. We are waiting for just the right time to apply this last document, as it must be less than thirty days old when we present it. We are so excited to make this transition to Central America!

During the first part of January, we were able to attend our home church. Jeremy always enjoys helping out with visitation and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. In the second half of the month, we found ourselves right in the middle of a snowstorm passing through SW Virginia. Even worse, Jeremy got very sick for a couple days. Thankfully, the snow was not as bad as predicted, and Jeremy recovered just a little before our missions conference. Near the end of the conference, Michelle and Lila also came down very sick. We are so grateful for our hosts, the Ramirez family, who were so accommodating and helpful during this time. After this conference, we headed up to BIMI in Chattanooga for our exit interview. It was during this time that Winter Storm Leon paralyzed the South. Because we needed to avoid Atlanta, we had to drive up to Knoxville and down through the Carolinas in order to get home.

In the month of February, we are looking at a very busy month full of bitter, cold weather. This month, please pray for the following:

1. Safety as we travel through ice, snow, and other wintry weather.
2. The Lord to provide our remaining support for us to get to the field.
3. The Lord to guide us in obtaining our student visas for Costa Rica.

In Christ,

Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz

January 2014 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

Happy new year! We trust that you have had a wonderful Christmas and new year celebration! As always, December was a busy month for us. We were privileged to be in 5 scheduled meetings in PA, NY, and FL. This brings a few more prospects for support. For the first time since starting deputation, we only have a few open services left between now and our departure date. Thankfully, we booked one of those dates in Northern GA. We have now finished and sent off our language school applications as well as all the paperwork for Lila and Ellowyn's passports. During our home time, we made sure to take care of several appointments. Unfortunately, Jeremy had a problem tooth that required extraction. OUCH! The socket is healing well and he is now back in action!

Perhaps the greatest part of December was the celebration of our Savior's birth! On Christmas morning, we always read the Bible before opening any presents. After reading a small portion of Scripture and thanking God for the birth of Jesus, Lila insisted that we read some more Bible before opening presents! Though she has such limited knowledge, it is our greatest desire to see her know the Lord at a young age. Ellowyn is also growing quickly and is now interacting with people and toys. During our church “family Christmas” service, we dedicated baby Ellie to the Lord. For Christmas Eve, we were able to see Jeremy's family in GA. Everyone enjoyed seeing baby Ellie and her big smiles! On Christmas day, we spent the day with Michelle's parents and grandparents in FL. It was a wonderful Christmas and will be our last one before leaving for Central America.

As we look forward to 2014, this is the year we move to Central America. We have now set our departure date for Monday, April 28^th. We will also work on establishing a set-up fund to go towards the costs of getting established in Costa Rica for language school. During the month of January, will you please pray for the following:

1. The Lord to provide our remaining needed support by April 2014.
2. The Lord to help us finish deputation strong and be an encouragement to the churches that we are in.
3. The Lord to guide us as we make preparations for our departure in April.

Thank you for all of your prayers! May the Lord bless you!

In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz

December 2013 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

We trust that you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. For the most part, November was a great month, but it came with its share of difficulties as well. For the majority of our 3 week trip, we took turns feeling the effects of flu season. After the last meeting of our trip, we began our drive home from Michigan. During a hotel stay in Columbus, OH, we found that our car window had been smashed and hundreds of dollars in equipment was stolen. Thankfully, we were able to get a temporary fix to allow us to get home.

Although we suffered a slight setback, we thankful for what the Lord has done in November. We were privileged to be part of 1 missions conference and share our ministry in 6 other churches across the states of IN, OH, MI, NY, and FL. Between meetings, we drove over 4,000 miles. Despite having a relatively full calendar, we were able to add 2 more meetings and 1 missions conference. All of this work was not without fruit! In November, we saw 4 new supporting churches, 3 others commit to future support, as well as several other possible supporting churches. Praise the Lord!

During the week of Thanksgiving, we were able to do an early Thanksgiving meal with Jeremy's family in GA, then spend Thanksgiving with Michelle's family in TN. All of our family enjoyed meeting baby Ellie and seeing how Lila is growing up into such a sweet girl! Because we will be leaving for Nicaragua in April, this is our last Thanksgiving here in the US (apart from furlough). More than ever, we are reminded to “be thankful in all things, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.”

As we move into December, let us remember that Christmas is about Christ, the greatest Gift ever given (John 3:16). Let us remember His Great Commission as we share the gift of Christ with the world. This month, please pray:

1. The Lord will provide our remaining support by April 2014.

2. That we will be sensitive to every opportunity the Lord gives us to share the Gospel with those around us.

3. The Lord will help us as we secure passports and prepare for our April departure.

In Christ,

Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz

November 2013 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

November is here and Thanksgiving is coming soon! We have so much to thank God for! The last few months, we have requested prayer for Michelle and our unborn daughter. Just after midnight on Sunday morning, October 13^th, Michelle gave birth to our new baby! Ellowyn Marie Blanz, also known as Ellie, was born at 7 lbs, 9 oz and 21” long! Ellie spent an extra day in the hospital for phototherapy, but is now doing quite well. Michelle is also recovering quite well. Lila is very loving towards her little sister and constantly wants to be with “baby Ellie!”

Despite having a baby and several follow-up appointments, we have done our best to keep on full steam ahead. We were privileged to be in two missions conferences, both of which are strong prospects for support. Jeremy was able to book 7 more meetings, including one more missions conference, in the states of FL, GA, MI, and CT. As we set our sights upon language school, Jeremy is preparing our application for language school in Costa Rica for Spring 2014. We still have about 20% more support to raise, but we are trusting in the Lord's provision. During our time at home, we enjoyed being able to spend a little time in our home church, teach Sunday School, be involved in prayer meetings, and help in door to door visitation. We believe best way to maintain a burden for the foreign mission field is to stay involved in reaching our home field.

We appreciate all of your prayers and support! Last month, God answered prayer in giving Michelle a safe delivery and a healthy baby girl. This month, please pray for the following:

1. That Ellie has good health and for Michelle to have a quick recovery.
2. That the Lord provide our remaining support by April 2014.
3. That the Lord help us to be an encouragement and blessing to the churches we have the privilege of being in.

In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz