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
Sunday, March 1, 2015
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
Monday, October 13, 2014
October 2014 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We are now nearly one month into our second trimester of language school in Costa Rica. We are making modest improvements in our comprehension and ability to speak in Spanish. While we still have many struggles, we are becoming more and more able to communicate. Our coursework is not only helping us to learn the language, but to be prepared to minister in a Spanish speaking country. For example, Jeremy has been able to study and give a presentation (in Spanish) on the history of Roman Catholocism, which is the major religion in Nicaragua. Michelle was able to study and give a presentation on Judaism. We are also required to speak with the locals on a variety of issues, which helps us to learn the culture. Jeremy has been giving weekly devotions in Spanish, and has been able to preach and serve in student council leadership of the language school as well.
Our time in Costa Rica has been a good transition for us. This is the first time we have experienced “Rainy Season,” which is now in full swing! Because there is so much rain, we are staying indoors a little bit more. On the bright side, we are now beginning to use Spanish more around the house. Lila speaks good Spanglish. She frequently asks how to say words in Spanish ,and she enjoys learning. Sometimes, she will begin singing songs that we don't even know. Ellowyn is making growing quickly. She recently started walking and even saying things like “Hi,” “Bye,” “Hey Daddy,” and “Bath!” In October, we will celebrate her 1st birthday! It is our greatest desire to raise our girls up to love the Lord with all their hearts. Near the end of the month, Michelle began having some strange health symptoms. After a couple examinations, she was referred to the hospital for tests on her heart. After two days in the hospital, the results show that her heart is healthy. The doctors found a stomach ulcer, which they believe may be the cause for the strange symptoms. She is now on medication and a special diet.
Last month, we requested prayer for our language school counselor. He has had an amazing recovery- Glory to God! This month, please pray for:
1. The health of our family, especially for Michelle to recover.
2. Our language acquisition
3. The Lord to provide opportunities to be a witness and encouragement.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
We are now nearly one month into our second trimester of language school in Costa Rica. We are making modest improvements in our comprehension and ability to speak in Spanish. While we still have many struggles, we are becoming more and more able to communicate. Our coursework is not only helping us to learn the language, but to be prepared to minister in a Spanish speaking country. For example, Jeremy has been able to study and give a presentation (in Spanish) on the history of Roman Catholocism, which is the major religion in Nicaragua. Michelle was able to study and give a presentation on Judaism. We are also required to speak with the locals on a variety of issues, which helps us to learn the culture. Jeremy has been giving weekly devotions in Spanish, and has been able to preach and serve in student council leadership of the language school as well.
Our time in Costa Rica has been a good transition for us. This is the first time we have experienced “Rainy Season,” which is now in full swing! Because there is so much rain, we are staying indoors a little bit more. On the bright side, we are now beginning to use Spanish more around the house. Lila speaks good Spanglish. She frequently asks how to say words in Spanish ,and she enjoys learning. Sometimes, she will begin singing songs that we don't even know. Ellowyn is making growing quickly. She recently started walking and even saying things like “Hi,” “Bye,” “Hey Daddy,” and “Bath!” In October, we will celebrate her 1st birthday! It is our greatest desire to raise our girls up to love the Lord with all their hearts. Near the end of the month, Michelle began having some strange health symptoms. After a couple examinations, she was referred to the hospital for tests on her heart. After two days in the hospital, the results show that her heart is healthy. The doctors found a stomach ulcer, which they believe may be the cause for the strange symptoms. She is now on medication and a special diet.
Last month, we requested prayer for our language school counselor. He has had an amazing recovery- Glory to God! This month, please pray for:
1. The health of our family, especially for Michelle to recover.
2. Our language acquisition
3. The Lord to provide opportunities to be a witness and encouragement.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Sunday, September 7, 2014
September 2014 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
August has been an exciting and busy
month for us. We have now hit our first major milestone in language
acquisition. We have now completed our first trimester of language
school. Glory to God, Michelle and I received high A's in all of our
classes. Although it is a slow process, we are learning more and more
each day! We have now started our second trimester, and the
difficulty has been cranked up a notch. Our classes are entirely in
Spanish, and any communication in English is forbidden. We are also
required to engage in conversations throughout the community in
Spanish. While we still have a long way to go, we are steadily
getting closer to being able to effectively communicate the Gospel in
Spanish. Until then, we are being sure to stay faithful giving out
tracts, and helping in the church we attend.
In our last letter, we asked you to
pray for Ellie, who had a bronchial infection. Praise the Lord, she
has recovered well. However, Lila was then diagnosed with bronchitis.
After that, Michelle was diagnosed with bronchitis. Jeremy got sick
as well, but managed to recover without seeing a doctor. We are now
all healthy again, so thank you for praying for us. During our break,
Michelle's parents came down to visit us for one week. We enjoyed
being able to introduce them to life in Costa Rica, as well as visit
a local volcano and waterfall garden. Although our double stroller
broke at the end of the trimester, it was a timely blessing that
Michelle's parents brought us another one from the States. During our
2 week break, we were also able to a blessing to incoming students at
the school. We were privileged to help other missionaries adjust to
everyday life here in Costa Rica.
We do have a special and urgent
prayer request. Our campus counselor has recently contracted an
unknown tropical illness/disease that has shut down his liver, and he
is presently in critical condition. This month, will you please pray:
1. For this counselor- That the Lord
heal his body and provide for his family.
2. For our health- That the Lord help
us to stay healthy and able to serve.
3. For our communication- That the
Lord help us to communicate the Gospel in Spanish.
In Christ,
Jeremy,
Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
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