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 28th. 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
Monday, December 30, 2013
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
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
Friday, November 8, 2013
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 13th, 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
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 13th, 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
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
October 2013 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
Fall is here and things are picking up! Each month that passes brings us closer to our goal! Last month, we saw 1 new supporting church and several other potential supporters. Although, Michelle and Lila could not travel during this time, Jeremy drove well over 4,200 miles in September! He had meetings in 5 churches, including 1 missions conference, in the states of NJ, PA, MD, MI, and TN. During some time on the phones, we were able to book several more meetings in FL. As for deputation, we are getting much closer to seeing the finish line. Though we have not officially set a departure date as of yet, we are working out the details to leave in Spring 2014!
Last month, we spent some time preparing both our home and our car (AKA our second home) for our next baby girl. Michelle is due on October 2nd, so we should see our second baby girl any day! We were also able to celebrate Lila's second birthday! She is growing into a very sweet little girl! During our time at home, it was a blessing to be here for our 2013 missions month at our home church. It is so exciting to see how we can have a part in supporting missionaries all over the world! We serve such an amazing God! Though we long to be in Nicaragua, we must always remember that our present missions field is wherever the Lord has us at each moment. It never fails to do our heart good to be involved in telling people about our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Over the last few weeks, the Lord has greatly impressed upon us the need to pray. As we look upon the state of our communities, our nation, and our world- we desperately need God to to an amazing work. The only answer for the problems of this world is Jesus Christ! Will you pray for us as we seek to bring the Gospel of Salvation to those who have never heard? This month, please pray for:
1. Michelle and our second baby due on October 2nd.
2. The Lord to use us as a blessing and encouragement to the churches we have the privilege of meeting.
3. The Lord to guide, direct, and supply our support needed to bring the Gospel to Nicaragua.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, and Lila Blanz
Fall is here and things are picking up! Each month that passes brings us closer to our goal! Last month, we saw 1 new supporting church and several other potential supporters. Although, Michelle and Lila could not travel during this time, Jeremy drove well over 4,200 miles in September! He had meetings in 5 churches, including 1 missions conference, in the states of NJ, PA, MD, MI, and TN. During some time on the phones, we were able to book several more meetings in FL. As for deputation, we are getting much closer to seeing the finish line. Though we have not officially set a departure date as of yet, we are working out the details to leave in Spring 2014!
Last month, we spent some time preparing both our home and our car (AKA our second home) for our next baby girl. Michelle is due on October 2nd, so we should see our second baby girl any day! We were also able to celebrate Lila's second birthday! She is growing into a very sweet little girl! During our time at home, it was a blessing to be here for our 2013 missions month at our home church. It is so exciting to see how we can have a part in supporting missionaries all over the world! We serve such an amazing God! Though we long to be in Nicaragua, we must always remember that our present missions field is wherever the Lord has us at each moment. It never fails to do our heart good to be involved in telling people about our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Over the last few weeks, the Lord has greatly impressed upon us the need to pray. As we look upon the state of our communities, our nation, and our world- we desperately need God to to an amazing work. The only answer for the problems of this world is Jesus Christ! Will you pray for us as we seek to bring the Gospel of Salvation to those who have never heard? This month, please pray for:
1. Michelle and our second baby due on October 2nd.
2. The Lord to use us as a blessing and encouragement to the churches we have the privilege of meeting.
3. The Lord to guide, direct, and supply our support needed to bring the Gospel to Nicaragua.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, and Lila Blanz
Monday, September 2, 2013
September 2013 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
Summer is nearly over and we are ready for the weather to cool down! August was another busy, yet fruitful month for us. Last month, we were in scheduled meetings in 8 churches in the states of TN, WV, OH, PA, and NY. Jeremy also got to speak at a Senior service, preach at a new church plant, and bring the devotion to a Men's prayer breakfast! Between meetings, we drove well over 5,300 miles! In the month of August, we saw 5 new supporters and several churches that are good possibilities. During our time in WV, Jeremy was able to help out with youth visitation. It is always exciting to see the different ways that churches bring the gospel into the community! Despite our calendar filling up, we were still able to squeeze in some more meetings in NY, FL, and MI.
Although traveling can be very exhausting, it also has its perks! During our time in Western New York, we were able to take a family day and see Niagara Falls! Because Michelle is due for our second baby on October 2nd, she stayed home for a few meetings. This was a good opportunity to work on potty training Lila. While it is difficult to do now, it will pay off once we start traveling with two little ones! During Jeremy's time in WV, he was able to see a college friend who helped us with the Kids Club Evangelism ministry. He has now graduated Bible College and is a teacher in China! So many of our co-laborers in that ministry are now serving the Lord all over the world! It is always exciting to see how God will use his faithful servants!
As we head into September, please keep us in prayer. This month, please pray for the following:
1. Michelle and her pregnancy as we approach her due date- October 2nd
2. Jeremy- as he finishes his last two trips before the baby comes.
3. That the Lord will continue to guide, direct, and provide the support needed for us to begin our ministry in Nicaragua
In Christ,
Jeremy and Michelle Blanz
Summer is nearly over and we are ready for the weather to cool down! August was another busy, yet fruitful month for us. Last month, we were in scheduled meetings in 8 churches in the states of TN, WV, OH, PA, and NY. Jeremy also got to speak at a Senior service, preach at a new church plant, and bring the devotion to a Men's prayer breakfast! Between meetings, we drove well over 5,300 miles! In the month of August, we saw 5 new supporters and several churches that are good possibilities. During our time in WV, Jeremy was able to help out with youth visitation. It is always exciting to see the different ways that churches bring the gospel into the community! Despite our calendar filling up, we were still able to squeeze in some more meetings in NY, FL, and MI.
Although traveling can be very exhausting, it also has its perks! During our time in Western New York, we were able to take a family day and see Niagara Falls! Because Michelle is due for our second baby on October 2nd, she stayed home for a few meetings. This was a good opportunity to work on potty training Lila. While it is difficult to do now, it will pay off once we start traveling with two little ones! During Jeremy's time in WV, he was able to see a college friend who helped us with the Kids Club Evangelism ministry. He has now graduated Bible College and is a teacher in China! So many of our co-laborers in that ministry are now serving the Lord all over the world! It is always exciting to see how God will use his faithful servants!
As we head into September, please keep us in prayer. This month, please pray for the following:
1. Michelle and her pregnancy as we approach her due date- October 2nd
2. Jeremy- as he finishes his last two trips before the baby comes.
3. That the Lord will continue to guide, direct, and provide the support needed for us to begin our ministry in Nicaragua
In Christ,
Jeremy and Michelle Blanz
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Unable to Receive Calls until Monday, August 19th
I will be unable to receive calls until Monday, August 19th. If you need to reach me, you can do one of the following:
1. Call my phone and leave a voicemail. I can receive voicemails, and I will return the call using a google voice phone number.
2. Send me an email at Blanz2Nicaragua@gmail.com . I check my email regularly, and I can get back to you by either phone or email.
Thanks!
1. Call my phone and leave a voicemail. I can receive voicemails, and I will return the call using a google voice phone number.
2. Send me an email at Blanz2Nicaragua@gmail.com . I check my email regularly, and I can get back to you by either phone or email.
Thanks!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
August 2013 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
It seems like it was just last week that we were writing our July prayer letter. July has come and gone incredibly fast. This last month, we were incredibly busy. We were privileged to have 12 scheduled meetings in 10 churches in PA, MD, IN, MI, and NY as well as 1 drop-in service in GA! Apart from presenting our ministry and preaching, we were able to help churches with soul-winning, VBS visitation, digging, assisting in concrete work, and even pruning. In between meetings, we drove over 3,700 miles. Jeremy was able to book 7 new meetings, plus one missions conference. In July, we saw 4 new supporters and received good news that 4 more churches have committed to support our ministry! God is good!
During our time in Uniontown, PA, we were able to celebrate the 4th of July and see a small fireworks display. While Lila enjoyed the bouncy house that was set up, she did not like the fireworks one bit! Lila is really growing into a sweet little girl. Frequently, she asks to go to church. Sometimes, instead of going to the nursery, she gets to go to Sunday School. She really likes that. She especially likes to sing “Jesus loves me” and the “B-I-B-I-B-I,” otherwise known as the “B-I-B-L-E.” As she learns to speak, she often has her own versions of words and phrases. Michelle has now entered her third trimester of pregnancy and will be done traveling very soon. She really enjoyed our time in the UP of Michigan. During our time with one family, we saw over 16 wild turkeys, several deer, and even a black bear right in the back yard! We all enjoyed that!
We are very thankful for every church and individual that supports and/or prays for our ministry! For the month of August, please pray for the following:
1. Michelle and Lila at home while Jeremy does a bit more traveling.
2. Michelle as she gets closer to her October 2nd due date.
3. For safety as Jeremy continues to travel.
4. That the Lord will send laborers into His harvest in Nicaragua.
In Christ,
Jeremy and Michelle Blanz
It seems like it was just last week that we were writing our July prayer letter. July has come and gone incredibly fast. This last month, we were incredibly busy. We were privileged to have 12 scheduled meetings in 10 churches in PA, MD, IN, MI, and NY as well as 1 drop-in service in GA! Apart from presenting our ministry and preaching, we were able to help churches with soul-winning, VBS visitation, digging, assisting in concrete work, and even pruning. In between meetings, we drove over 3,700 miles. Jeremy was able to book 7 new meetings, plus one missions conference. In July, we saw 4 new supporters and received good news that 4 more churches have committed to support our ministry! God is good!
During our time in Uniontown, PA, we were able to celebrate the 4th of July and see a small fireworks display. While Lila enjoyed the bouncy house that was set up, she did not like the fireworks one bit! Lila is really growing into a sweet little girl. Frequently, she asks to go to church. Sometimes, instead of going to the nursery, she gets to go to Sunday School. She really likes that. She especially likes to sing “Jesus loves me” and the “B-I-B-I-B-I,” otherwise known as the “B-I-B-L-E.” As she learns to speak, she often has her own versions of words and phrases. Michelle has now entered her third trimester of pregnancy and will be done traveling very soon. She really enjoyed our time in the UP of Michigan. During our time with one family, we saw over 16 wild turkeys, several deer, and even a black bear right in the back yard! We all enjoyed that!
We are very thankful for every church and individual that supports and/or prays for our ministry! For the month of August, please pray for the following:
1. Michelle and Lila at home while Jeremy does a bit more traveling.
2. Michelle as she gets closer to her October 2nd due date.
3. For safety as Jeremy continues to travel.
4. That the Lord will send laborers into His harvest in Nicaragua.
In Christ,
Jeremy and Michelle Blanz
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