Dear Friends and Family,
This is our first prayer letter from
Nicaragua. Since last month, we have graduated from language school
in Costa Rica. Thankfully, we have studied hard, made good grades,
and now have a strong foundation in the Spanish language. We will
surely continue learning in our personal studies for much time to
come. At the end of the month, we moved from Costa Rica to
Nicaragua. Thankfully, the Lord brought us here with relatively few
problems. We were also able to save a significant amount of funds by
driving, rather than flying. Since arriving, our Nicaraguan friend
and partner in the ministry, Berner, has done a great job helping us
to get around and find the necessary things for our family.
Since arriving, we've had a few
difficulties, but nothing significant. We are spending our first
month in an apartment in Managua while we searched for a car, a
house, and all of the smaller things we have needed. Thankfully, we
have found a house that will be a great fit for us in the area where
we intend to serve. We will be moving in at the beginning of next
month. We have also been working hard to find a good, reliable
vehicle at a decent price. We expect to have a car by the time we
write our next prayer letter. Our girls have certainly had to make a
few adjustments with the change of lifestyle and climate, as it is
much hotter here in Managua, Nicaragua. However, they are doing well,
singing in Spanish, and making new friends.
This month will be an exciting month.
While we still have much work to do to get settled, work on
residency, and begin our ministry, we believe the Lord is going to do
some amazing things in the coming months. This month, please pray:
1. That the Lord guide us to the right
vehicle.
2. That the Lord guide our plans and
open doors to share the Gospel.
3. That the Lord help us improve in
the language so we may be better witnesses.
In Christ,
Jeremy,
Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Sunday, April 5, 2015
April 2015 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
Here in Costa Rica, we are now in the middle of Semana Santa or Holy Week. While the week is full of religious activity, there is little emphasis upon the simple truth of the Gospel. We are eager to make our transition to Nicaragua and begin putting a strong emphasis upon evangelism and discipleship. This month marks our last month in language School in Costa Rica. We have learned so much and though far from perfect, we are now much better equipped to share the Gospel in Spanish. Though we still have to focus much of our time on schoolwork, we are now making our plans to leave Costa Rica and enter Managua. We will be beginning our Nicaraguan ministry in the Managua area. There is much to do. We are working to acquire proper documentation, obtain legal residency, find a house, and to make plans to move all of our stuff across the border.
As for our family, our health has been much better recently. Michelle has had a few of the unusual symptoms that she had when she was in the hospital last year. After a recent appointment, we learned that her stomach ulcer has been cured. We are now awaiting results from a few more tests. As for our girls, they have been very healthy and are doing great here in Central America. People frequently tell me that Lila speaks Spanish really well. Even Ellowyn, who is 1 ½, knows many Spanish words. They both love to meet new people and open many doors for building relationships and sharing the Gospel.
This month is a big month for us. We will be selling many things and moving to Nicaragua. This month, please pray for the following:
1. Michelle as we are awaiting the results of a few medical tests.
2. Our family as we continue learning the language.
3. The Lord's direction as we continue to work on our ministry plans
4. The Lord to help our transition from Costa Rica to Nicaragua.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Here in Costa Rica, we are now in the middle of Semana Santa or Holy Week. While the week is full of religious activity, there is little emphasis upon the simple truth of the Gospel. We are eager to make our transition to Nicaragua and begin putting a strong emphasis upon evangelism and discipleship. This month marks our last month in language School in Costa Rica. We have learned so much and though far from perfect, we are now much better equipped to share the Gospel in Spanish. Though we still have to focus much of our time on schoolwork, we are now making our plans to leave Costa Rica and enter Managua. We will be beginning our Nicaraguan ministry in the Managua area. There is much to do. We are working to acquire proper documentation, obtain legal residency, find a house, and to make plans to move all of our stuff across the border.
As for our family, our health has been much better recently. Michelle has had a few of the unusual symptoms that she had when she was in the hospital last year. After a recent appointment, we learned that her stomach ulcer has been cured. We are now awaiting results from a few more tests. As for our girls, they have been very healthy and are doing great here in Central America. People frequently tell me that Lila speaks Spanish really well. Even Ellowyn, who is 1 ½, knows many Spanish words. They both love to meet new people and open many doors for building relationships and sharing the Gospel.
This month is a big month for us. We will be selling many things and moving to Nicaragua. This month, please pray for the following:
1. Michelle as we are awaiting the results of a few medical tests.
2. Our family as we continue learning the language.
3. The Lord's direction as we continue to work on our ministry plans
4. The Lord to help our transition from Costa Rica to Nicaragua.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Sunday, March 1, 2015
March 2015 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We hope that all of you are doing well. Around this time last year, we found ourselves in the middle of many winter storms. We are quite thankful to be able to avoid doing that this year. This last month, we have continued our progress in language school. While that has been our main focus, we have also been working on our plans for our transition to Nicaragua. We have been presented with many great opportunities and we are very excited about all of it. We have also enjoyed being able to be involved in various church activities throughout the month.
One Sunday, we had an all day church anniversary celebration at a local camp. We were able to fellowship, play games, and even observe many baptisms of people who had recently received Christ. For Valentine's Day, Michelle and I were able to attend a special married couple activity at the church. It was nice to have an opportunity to spend some time together while others were able to watch our children. During our time here in Costa Rica, we have been surprised at how many people like to practice their English with us. We were able to have a young man come over to our house for an English interview for his class. Because we are native English speakers, this may provide future opportunities to build relationships and share the Gospel with others in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Near the end of the month, we had a guest pastor from the Virgin Islands as a guest speaker. We were pleased to have him over for dinner at our house. He was very familiar with BIMI and was able to encourage us in our work.
This month, we will be making some big decisions regarding our next step after language school. Please pray for the following:
1. That the Lord will help us in learning the language
2. That the Lord will guide us as we make plans for after language school.
3. That the Lord will continue to provide opportunities for us to share the Gospel and encourage other Christians.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
We hope that all of you are doing well. Around this time last year, we found ourselves in the middle of many winter storms. We are quite thankful to be able to avoid doing that this year. This last month, we have continued our progress in language school. While that has been our main focus, we have also been working on our plans for our transition to Nicaragua. We have been presented with many great opportunities and we are very excited about all of it. We have also enjoyed being able to be involved in various church activities throughout the month.
One Sunday, we had an all day church anniversary celebration at a local camp. We were able to fellowship, play games, and even observe many baptisms of people who had recently received Christ. For Valentine's Day, Michelle and I were able to attend a special married couple activity at the church. It was nice to have an opportunity to spend some time together while others were able to watch our children. During our time here in Costa Rica, we have been surprised at how many people like to practice their English with us. We were able to have a young man come over to our house for an English interview for his class. Because we are native English speakers, this may provide future opportunities to build relationships and share the Gospel with others in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Near the end of the month, we had a guest pastor from the Virgin Islands as a guest speaker. We were pleased to have him over for dinner at our house. He was very familiar with BIMI and was able to encourage us in our work.
This month, we will be making some big decisions regarding our next step after language school. Please pray for the following:
1. That the Lord will help us in learning the language
2. That the Lord will guide us as we make plans for after language school.
3. That the Lord will continue to provide opportunities for us to share the Gospel and encourage other Christians.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Monday, February 2, 2015
February 2015 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
Last month was an exciting month for us here in Costa Rica. Besides language school, we were able to be a part of a Vacation Bible School here at the church we attend. During the last VBS, Jeremy was able to help out with security, but this time, he was able to help out on a higher level. This time, Jeremy was able to help out as a teacher assistant throughout the week. Though it was a very busy week, it was a great experience to be able to get more involved in Spanish ministry. Throughout the week, there were over 1000 people who attended. There were at least 87 children that made professed Christ as Savior, as well as at least 14 adults, not to mention many lives rededicated to Jesus Christ. It was a very fruitful week. We look forward to being able to do similar outreaches in Nicaragua.
The last month or so has also been very intense in our language school. We have been placed within the top level classes offered at our language school. Every new thing we learn is like another key to unlock the doors of communication. While we will likely continue learning Spanish for many, many years, we are determined to make the most of this brief time of intense language study, as it will greatly improve our ability to communicate the Gospel in the Spanish language. Our girls are also learning very quickly. Lila really enjoys being able to speak in Spanish, even if it is only a little bit. She frequently surprises us with new words or new Spanish songs that she has learned. Ellie has now learned to greet people with the Spanish, “hola!”.
It is such a privilege to be able to serve the Lord in Central America. We are putting much thought and prayer into planning our next steps after completing language school. This month, will you please pray for the following:
1. That the Lord will help us in learning the language
2. That the Lord will give guidance in our next step after language school
3. That the Lord will continue working in the lives of those who received Christ in VBS
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Last month was an exciting month for us here in Costa Rica. Besides language school, we were able to be a part of a Vacation Bible School here at the church we attend. During the last VBS, Jeremy was able to help out with security, but this time, he was able to help out on a higher level. This time, Jeremy was able to help out as a teacher assistant throughout the week. Though it was a very busy week, it was a great experience to be able to get more involved in Spanish ministry. Throughout the week, there were over 1000 people who attended. There were at least 87 children that made professed Christ as Savior, as well as at least 14 adults, not to mention many lives rededicated to Jesus Christ. It was a very fruitful week. We look forward to being able to do similar outreaches in Nicaragua.
The last month or so has also been very intense in our language school. We have been placed within the top level classes offered at our language school. Every new thing we learn is like another key to unlock the doors of communication. While we will likely continue learning Spanish for many, many years, we are determined to make the most of this brief time of intense language study, as it will greatly improve our ability to communicate the Gospel in the Spanish language. Our girls are also learning very quickly. Lila really enjoys being able to speak in Spanish, even if it is only a little bit. She frequently surprises us with new words or new Spanish songs that she has learned. Ellie has now learned to greet people with the Spanish, “hola!”.
It is such a privilege to be able to serve the Lord in Central America. We are putting much thought and prayer into planning our next steps after completing language school. This month, will you please pray for the following:
1. That the Lord will help us in learning the language
2. That the Lord will give guidance in our next step after language school
3. That the Lord will continue working in the lives of those who received Christ in VBS
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Saturday, January 3, 2015
January 2015 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We hope that each of you had an awesome Christmas and great start to the new year! Last month started out very busy as we were finishing up our second trimester of language school. Michelle and I were both heavily involved in planning the graduation program and reception. Jeremy was able to learn how to run a soundboard, which should prove to be beneficial in the future. As we are about to start our third trimester of language school, we are earnestly praying and seeking the Lord's direction for our next step. At this point, we have a few different options that we are considering, and we expect things to become clearer in the near future.
During the later part of the month, it was nice to take a moment to slow down and focus upon celebrating Christ coming into the world. One of our greatest goals for this Christmas, was to help out daughters to understand that Christmas is not about presents, big meals, Christmas trees, family, or any other good thing- but it is about Christ! All of those things are simply part of our celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. During the month, Lila frequently sang about Navidad and it was also exciting to see our youngest daughter Ellowyn showing interest in praying... even ending our family prayer with “Amen!” We are very thankful for all of our family, friends, and churches who gave gifts and cards during this time.
This year, we will complete language school, and officially begin our ministry in the Spanish speaking world. After all this time and preparation, we look forward to being able to bring forth much fruit for Jesus Christ. This month, please pray for:
1. The Lord to continue helping us in learning the Spanish language
2. God to guide us as we make important decisions regarding our next step after language school.
3. The Lord to provide opportunities to serve him during our last trimester of language school.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
We hope that each of you had an awesome Christmas and great start to the new year! Last month started out very busy as we were finishing up our second trimester of language school. Michelle and I were both heavily involved in planning the graduation program and reception. Jeremy was able to learn how to run a soundboard, which should prove to be beneficial in the future. As we are about to start our third trimester of language school, we are earnestly praying and seeking the Lord's direction for our next step. At this point, we have a few different options that we are considering, and we expect things to become clearer in the near future.
During the later part of the month, it was nice to take a moment to slow down and focus upon celebrating Christ coming into the world. One of our greatest goals for this Christmas, was to help out daughters to understand that Christmas is not about presents, big meals, Christmas trees, family, or any other good thing- but it is about Christ! All of those things are simply part of our celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. During the month, Lila frequently sang about Navidad and it was also exciting to see our youngest daughter Ellowyn showing interest in praying... even ending our family prayer with “Amen!” We are very thankful for all of our family, friends, and churches who gave gifts and cards during this time.
This year, we will complete language school, and officially begin our ministry in the Spanish speaking world. After all this time and preparation, we look forward to being able to bring forth much fruit for Jesus Christ. This month, please pray for:
1. The Lord to continue helping us in learning the Spanish language
2. God to guide us as we make important decisions regarding our next step after language school.
3. The Lord to provide opportunities to serve him during our last trimester of language school.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
December 2014 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Truly, we all have much to be thankful for. It is hard to believe it is now the end of 2014. November was an exciting month for us. First of all, we have now received our Dimex cards which are our identification of legal residency. Somehow, this make it all feel a bit more “real.” We were also able to cover much new ground in our Grammar class. Up until now, our ability to communicate has been restricted to the grammatical framework that we understand. It is as if many new doorways have been opened in our ability to communicate in Spanish. We are determined to put a heavy emphasis upon this time of preparation because we know it will be essential to our future ministry. We are now near the end of our 2nd of 3 trimesters. We were also able to attend our first missions conference in Central America. It is exciting to see churches here with the same passion to reach the world for Christ.
As I mentioned in our previous letter, this was our first Thanksgiving out of the country. At our school, we helped plan a large-scale Thanksgiving event for the students and staff. At home, we prepared a Thanksgiving dinner and were able to have some fellow missionaries as well as a family from our church come over for dinner. Lila now speaks and understands much more Spanish than ever before. She frequently will sing songs in Spanish. At times, she easily switches to speaking Spanish. There was a pre-school Christmas program at our school, and Lila gave quite the performance as she sang in Spanish! Ellowyn only knows a handful of words, but she has already said her first Spanish word: Agua! We are very thankful to have this opportunity to learn a language, a culture, and especially to bring the Gospel to those who have not heard.
As you all know, we have had much difficulty with recurring sicknesses since moving out of the states. We have a praise that this last month was much better! This month, please pray for:
1. The Lord to help us in learning the language the best we can.
2. The Lord to give us direction as we plan our transition to Nicaragua.
3. The Lord to open doors for us to serve here during our time in Costa Rica.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
We hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Truly, we all have much to be thankful for. It is hard to believe it is now the end of 2014. November was an exciting month for us. First of all, we have now received our Dimex cards which are our identification of legal residency. Somehow, this make it all feel a bit more “real.” We were also able to cover much new ground in our Grammar class. Up until now, our ability to communicate has been restricted to the grammatical framework that we understand. It is as if many new doorways have been opened in our ability to communicate in Spanish. We are determined to put a heavy emphasis upon this time of preparation because we know it will be essential to our future ministry. We are now near the end of our 2nd of 3 trimesters. We were also able to attend our first missions conference in Central America. It is exciting to see churches here with the same passion to reach the world for Christ.
As I mentioned in our previous letter, this was our first Thanksgiving out of the country. At our school, we helped plan a large-scale Thanksgiving event for the students and staff. At home, we prepared a Thanksgiving dinner and were able to have some fellow missionaries as well as a family from our church come over for dinner. Lila now speaks and understands much more Spanish than ever before. She frequently will sing songs in Spanish. At times, she easily switches to speaking Spanish. There was a pre-school Christmas program at our school, and Lila gave quite the performance as she sang in Spanish! Ellowyn only knows a handful of words, but she has already said her first Spanish word: Agua! We are very thankful to have this opportunity to learn a language, a culture, and especially to bring the Gospel to those who have not heard.
As you all know, we have had much difficulty with recurring sicknesses since moving out of the states. We have a praise that this last month was much better! This month, please pray for:
1. The Lord to help us in learning the language the best we can.
2. The Lord to give us direction as we plan our transition to Nicaragua.
3. The Lord to open doors for us to serve here during our time in Costa Rica.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
November 2014 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We can hardly believe it is already November! School is coming along, and so is our Spanish. Thankfully, we have been able to do very well in our classes. And while it is a good thing to receive correction from our teachers, it is encouraging that we are needing fewer and fewer corrections. We are finding ourselves more and more able to communicate with the public. We are beginning to understand the culture more and more as well. This month, the church we attend will be hosting their annual missions conference. Although this church was previously started by a missionary, it is exciting to see that it has sent forth missionaries into several other countries. It is very encouraging to see the Costa Rican people get involved in missions, just like churches in America.
Last month was a difficult month, and in some ways, we had to learn how to slow down a little bit while Michelle was recovering. She is now doing a little bit better, and though we missed a few days of school, we are effectively back on track. Besides school and church, we have been working on completing our legal residency process in Costa Rica. We have both taken trips to the fingerprint registration office, and this week, we will obtain our Dimex cards (equivalent to US Green Cards). Although, we are over half-way done with our time in Costa Rica, this is a good warm-up for establishing long term residency in Nicaragua. We have now established a good legal contact in Nicaragua. This is going to be our first Thanksgiving away from home. Michelle and some student leaders are working to organize a school-wide Thanksgiving meal for the students here at the school who are away from their families. It will be a great time to give thanks to the Lord for all He has done for us.
We are very thankful for each of you that pray for us every month. It gives us strength to know that there are many who are upholding us in prayer. This month, please pray for:
1. That God will continue to help us learn the language
2. That God will continue to open doors and give us opportunities to share the Gospel here in Costa Rica.
3. That God will help keep our family healthy.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
We can hardly believe it is already November! School is coming along, and so is our Spanish. Thankfully, we have been able to do very well in our classes. And while it is a good thing to receive correction from our teachers, it is encouraging that we are needing fewer and fewer corrections. We are finding ourselves more and more able to communicate with the public. We are beginning to understand the culture more and more as well. This month, the church we attend will be hosting their annual missions conference. Although this church was previously started by a missionary, it is exciting to see that it has sent forth missionaries into several other countries. It is very encouraging to see the Costa Rican people get involved in missions, just like churches in America.
Last month was a difficult month, and in some ways, we had to learn how to slow down a little bit while Michelle was recovering. She is now doing a little bit better, and though we missed a few days of school, we are effectively back on track. Besides school and church, we have been working on completing our legal residency process in Costa Rica. We have both taken trips to the fingerprint registration office, and this week, we will obtain our Dimex cards (equivalent to US Green Cards). Although, we are over half-way done with our time in Costa Rica, this is a good warm-up for establishing long term residency in Nicaragua. We have now established a good legal contact in Nicaragua. This is going to be our first Thanksgiving away from home. Michelle and some student leaders are working to organize a school-wide Thanksgiving meal for the students here at the school who are away from their families. It will be a great time to give thanks to the Lord for all He has done for us.
We are very thankful for each of you that pray for us every month. It gives us strength to know that there are many who are upholding us in prayer. This month, please pray for:
1. That God will continue to help us learn the language
2. That God will continue to open doors and give us opportunities to share the Gospel here in Costa Rica.
3. That God will help keep our family healthy.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
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