Dear
Friends and Family,
We
hope that each of you are doing well. Last month was a super busy
month for us here in Nicaragua. We have continued to preach the
Gospel in the public schools on Fridays, and despite the difficulty
of reaching this generation, we know that God's Word will not return
void. In our own church, we now have 2 more teenagers who have begun
serving as teacher's assistants in Sunday School. Because we have
seen so much growth, Jeremy worked on a new budget and after a
financial meeting, the church voted to begin supporting pastor Berner
with a salary. This was a huge step in the right direction towards
financial self sufficiency. During visitation, we saw a few people
pray to receive Christ as Savior. Unfortunately, there was another
Baptist church plant on the other side of the city that recently
closed. There were a few adults and nearly 20 children that are now
joining with ours. Since then, we've been at max capacity in all 5 of
our Sunday school classes. In the end of the month, we did a special
Mother's Day service. We were at max capacity with approximately 120
in attendance. We believe God is doing a great work in our city.
Last
month was not only busy for the church, but also for our family. In
the beginning of the month, Michelle's parents came to visit us. It
was very nice to spend some time with them. After that, we then took
a little time to help some newer missionaries with the purchase of
their vehicle. We were glad to be able to help. To do something fun
for Mother's Day, we went to the Managua zoo. We all really enjoyed
seeing all the animals. Near the end of the month, we had a small
group visit us from Mt Zion Baptist Church in Jasper, GA for a Sunday
night service. We enjoyed getting to see them and show them what God
is doing here. All these blessings are not without difficulties. Each
person in our family took a turn with the stomach sickness, but we're
mostly better now.
As
we move into June, there is much to pray for. Will you please pray
for the following requests?
1.
That God will save many people and help us to disciple them.
2.
That God will give us good health.
3.
That God will guide us in His work here in Nicaragua.
In
Christ,
Jeremy,
Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Monday, June 13, 2016
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
May 2016 Prayer Letter
Dear
Friends and Family,
We hope that you are well. Last month was another busy month for us here in Nicaragua. Early in the month, we held a baptismal service and there were 5 baptisms. Also, the Lord has opened a door for us to preach the Gospel to well over 1,000 students in the public school system. Jeremy, Berner, and 3 other national pastors are now preaching the Gospel in the public school once per week. Many have responded and called upon Christ to be saved. There were also 2 others that called upon Christ in the normal visitation. For several weeks, Jeremy preached a series of messages on Biblical Stewardship. Several of the people of the church have begun to tithe as well as get involved serving the Lord. We are now beginning to train and prepare these servants to serve in the local church.
Despite the fact that we have been in Nicaragua for one year, we are still working to get more established here. As we were preparing for an out of country trip to Honduras for field conference, we had to change the ownership of our vehicle. After a couple weeks of working through a long process, we now have our vehicle properly registered and are able to take our vehicle across the border. Our family and another fellow BIMI missionary couple traveled to the field conference together in our vehicle. It was our first time passing through borders on land by ourselves. Thankfully, there were no problems. The field conference was a blessing and encouragement to us. We send special thanks to the churches who gave and help made it possible. During the conference, Ellowyn came down sick, but is now much better. Lila and Ellowyn really enjoyed making some new friends with the other missionary families. In the end of the month, Michelle's parents came to visit us for a week. It was nice to see them and spend some time with them.
As we continue moving forward in the development of our first church plant, we ask that you pray that God lead us every step of the way. It seems that every month we see more progress in the work. This month, please pray for the following:
1. That God do great things through our new outreach in the school system.
2. That God use us to see many souls saved and spiritual growth in each person.
3. That God do great things as we prepare and save for the purchase of land and a building.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
We hope that you are well. Last month was another busy month for us here in Nicaragua. Early in the month, we held a baptismal service and there were 5 baptisms. Also, the Lord has opened a door for us to preach the Gospel to well over 1,000 students in the public school system. Jeremy, Berner, and 3 other national pastors are now preaching the Gospel in the public school once per week. Many have responded and called upon Christ to be saved. There were also 2 others that called upon Christ in the normal visitation. For several weeks, Jeremy preached a series of messages on Biblical Stewardship. Several of the people of the church have begun to tithe as well as get involved serving the Lord. We are now beginning to train and prepare these servants to serve in the local church.
Despite the fact that we have been in Nicaragua for one year, we are still working to get more established here. As we were preparing for an out of country trip to Honduras for field conference, we had to change the ownership of our vehicle. After a couple weeks of working through a long process, we now have our vehicle properly registered and are able to take our vehicle across the border. Our family and another fellow BIMI missionary couple traveled to the field conference together in our vehicle. It was our first time passing through borders on land by ourselves. Thankfully, there were no problems. The field conference was a blessing and encouragement to us. We send special thanks to the churches who gave and help made it possible. During the conference, Ellowyn came down sick, but is now much better. Lila and Ellowyn really enjoyed making some new friends with the other missionary families. In the end of the month, Michelle's parents came to visit us for a week. It was nice to see them and spend some time with them.
As we continue moving forward in the development of our first church plant, we ask that you pray that God lead us every step of the way. It seems that every month we see more progress in the work. This month, please pray for the following:
1. That God do great things through our new outreach in the school system.
2. That God use us to see many souls saved and spiritual growth in each person.
3. That God do great things as we prepare and save for the purchase of land and a building.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
April 2016 Prayer Letter
Dear
Friends and Family,
We hope that you are doing well. The year is going by so fast! Last month, we had to work a little extra hard in our church plant because the national pastor we are partnered with took a 3 week trip out of the country. During our visits, we saw 8 people profess faith in Jesus Christ. For Resurrection Sunday, we also planned a special sunrise service and breakfast afterward. We saw a good attendance as well as many new faces. Of course, there is always work outside of the church plant. We have now spent a portion of several days working to get our vehicle properly registered. I think we are now near the end of the process. We have also been working to plan our trip to Honduras for the BIMI field conference. We are looking forward to that. There are many firsts for our ministry here in Nicaragua. This month, we are preparing to do our first baptisms. Because many people believe in a sacramental Baptism as a means of receiving grace, we have been working to lead new converts through a brief course to help them understand biblical salvation and believers baptism. This month, we are looking forward to seeing 6 young people follow the Lord in believer's baptism.
It seems that every month that goes by, Nicaragua begins to feel less and less like a foreign country to us. Lila is now getting more and more into her school routine. She has now made several friends in her school. For Resurrection Sunday, our girls really enjoyed getting to hear about how Jesus rose from the dead. We enjoyed teaching them that because He lives, we have the promise of resurrection from the dead. We understand that there may be some who pray for us who are unsure about salvation. If you are not 100% sure that you have eternal life, please read our post at:
Each
month that goes by, we are reminded that we need the blessing of God
here in the work. Our greatest ministry desire is that this church be
one that glorifies Jesus Christ and does what He has commanded us.
This month, will you please pray for the following prayer requests?
1. That God guide our church and continue to grow those who will be baptized.
2. That God “give the increase” as we labor here in His work.
3. That God help us to be faithful in our part, that God may be glorified in all we do.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
We hope that you are doing well. The year is going by so fast! Last month, we had to work a little extra hard in our church plant because the national pastor we are partnered with took a 3 week trip out of the country. During our visits, we saw 8 people profess faith in Jesus Christ. For Resurrection Sunday, we also planned a special sunrise service and breakfast afterward. We saw a good attendance as well as many new faces. Of course, there is always work outside of the church plant. We have now spent a portion of several days working to get our vehicle properly registered. I think we are now near the end of the process. We have also been working to plan our trip to Honduras for the BIMI field conference. We are looking forward to that. There are many firsts for our ministry here in Nicaragua. This month, we are preparing to do our first baptisms. Because many people believe in a sacramental Baptism as a means of receiving grace, we have been working to lead new converts through a brief course to help them understand biblical salvation and believers baptism. This month, we are looking forward to seeing 6 young people follow the Lord in believer's baptism.
It seems that every month that goes by, Nicaragua begins to feel less and less like a foreign country to us. Lila is now getting more and more into her school routine. She has now made several friends in her school. For Resurrection Sunday, our girls really enjoyed getting to hear about how Jesus rose from the dead. We enjoyed teaching them that because He lives, we have the promise of resurrection from the dead. We understand that there may be some who pray for us who are unsure about salvation. If you are not 100% sure that you have eternal life, please read our post at:
1. That God guide our church and continue to grow those who will be baptized.
2. That God “give the increase” as we labor here in His work.
3. That God help us to be faithful in our part, that God may be glorified in all we do.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Friday, February 26, 2016
March 2016 Prayer Letter
Dear
Friends and Family,
As always, there is much to do in the Lord's work. Here in Nicaragua, we have stayed busy working and trusting the Lord to strengthen His church. We have continued in visitation and evangelism, and Michelle has recently started a kids choir practice on Wednesday nights. For valentines day, we did a special service and focused upon the love of Jesus Christ in our families. For many, it was a blessing and encouragement. One faithful youth in our church recently enrolled in the three year Baptist Bible Institute in preparation for ministry. It is exciting to see young people with a heart for the ministry. Berner, the national pastor with whom we are working, will be taking a three week trip, so we will be working even harder over this next month. Over this next month or so, we will be doing a series on Biblical Stewardship. We believe that God will continue blessing and strengthening the church. We are also working to accommodate a medical missions trip in the coming months as well. We are planning for our first Baptismal service as well.
As for the family, we are keeping busy as well. This month, Lila started school for the first time here in Nicaragua. Despite differences in culture and language, she is doing pretty well. We pray that God will help her to flourish here in her new school. Ellowyn is now spending a bit more time without her sister, but it is good for her development. Last month, something very exciting happened. We have now completed the residency process and finally have our residency approved with government IDs. Praise the Lord! This now means that there are several other things we now have to do, but this is one big step in the right direction!
Last month, we requested prayer for our health. Thankfully, we are all doing better. Thank you for praying. This last month, God answered a personal prayer. I have been praying for God to provide land and a building for the church, and God has already begun putting it in the hearts of some to help with this need. God is good! This month, will you please pray:
1. For God to continue strengthening the church and saving souls in Berner's absence.
2. That God will provide every need for us to buy land and a building in His timing.
3. That God will lead Lila and help her to flourish in her new classes.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
As always, there is much to do in the Lord's work. Here in Nicaragua, we have stayed busy working and trusting the Lord to strengthen His church. We have continued in visitation and evangelism, and Michelle has recently started a kids choir practice on Wednesday nights. For valentines day, we did a special service and focused upon the love of Jesus Christ in our families. For many, it was a blessing and encouragement. One faithful youth in our church recently enrolled in the three year Baptist Bible Institute in preparation for ministry. It is exciting to see young people with a heart for the ministry. Berner, the national pastor with whom we are working, will be taking a three week trip, so we will be working even harder over this next month. Over this next month or so, we will be doing a series on Biblical Stewardship. We believe that God will continue blessing and strengthening the church. We are also working to accommodate a medical missions trip in the coming months as well. We are planning for our first Baptismal service as well.
As for the family, we are keeping busy as well. This month, Lila started school for the first time here in Nicaragua. Despite differences in culture and language, she is doing pretty well. We pray that God will help her to flourish here in her new school. Ellowyn is now spending a bit more time without her sister, but it is good for her development. Last month, something very exciting happened. We have now completed the residency process and finally have our residency approved with government IDs. Praise the Lord! This now means that there are several other things we now have to do, but this is one big step in the right direction!
Last month, we requested prayer for our health. Thankfully, we are all doing better. Thank you for praying. This last month, God answered a personal prayer. I have been praying for God to provide land and a building for the church, and God has already begun putting it in the hearts of some to help with this need. God is good! This month, will you please pray:
1. For God to continue strengthening the church and saving souls in Berner's absence.
2. That God will provide every need for us to buy land and a building in His timing.
3. That God will lead Lila and help her to flourish in her new classes.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
February 2016 Prayer Letter
Dear
Friends and Family,
Last month was an exciting month and great start to the new year. A ladies ministry named “Women of the Well” came to do a ladies conference at our church. Though we had little time to prepare, there was a great turnout of near 100 ladies and children and many were edified in the faith. We practiced the “Lord's Supper” as well as a special birthday service for pastor Berner. It was probably our highest normal attendance yet. Next month, we are planning a baptismal service, and there are several candidates ready to take this step of obedience. In our visiting, we saw 8 individuals who made the decision to place their faith in Christ alone for salvation as well as one young man who rededicated his life to the Lord. The Lord has been strengthening the church in number and maturity. There are several more who are beginning to tithe and serve in various capacities. In the neighboring city of Diriá, we are continuing to hold evangelistic services, and one young man has decided to continue this work as a church plant. Please pray for this.
While we are very busy in the ministry, we have a very busy familiy life too. We are presently still in the residency process, and take 3 trips to the migration office each month. We have also had to deal with minor car problems and it will need three days in the garage to get repairs from the accident that happened 1-2 months ago. We have enjoyed becoming more involved in life here in Nicaragua. We were invited to the birthday party of one of our daughters friends. It is a great opportunity to get to know the people more on a personal level. Near the end of the month, we took a couple days to help out some other missionaries who recently arrived here in Nicaragua. We know how difficult it can be, and are thankful to be able to help others as they get started in the work here. At the end of the month, Ellowyn and Lila both came down with a sickness of some sort. Please pray for them.
As always, we are so thankful to have churches and individuals who pray for us monthly. This month, will you please pray for the following?
1. The health of our family (particularly for Lila and Ellowyn)
2. That the Lord will raise up laborers here in our church to expand the ministry
3. That the Lord will continue to direct our ministry in the Lord's work in Nicaragua.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Last month was an exciting month and great start to the new year. A ladies ministry named “Women of the Well” came to do a ladies conference at our church. Though we had little time to prepare, there was a great turnout of near 100 ladies and children and many were edified in the faith. We practiced the “Lord's Supper” as well as a special birthday service for pastor Berner. It was probably our highest normal attendance yet. Next month, we are planning a baptismal service, and there are several candidates ready to take this step of obedience. In our visiting, we saw 8 individuals who made the decision to place their faith in Christ alone for salvation as well as one young man who rededicated his life to the Lord. The Lord has been strengthening the church in number and maturity. There are several more who are beginning to tithe and serve in various capacities. In the neighboring city of Diriá, we are continuing to hold evangelistic services, and one young man has decided to continue this work as a church plant. Please pray for this.
While we are very busy in the ministry, we have a very busy familiy life too. We are presently still in the residency process, and take 3 trips to the migration office each month. We have also had to deal with minor car problems and it will need three days in the garage to get repairs from the accident that happened 1-2 months ago. We have enjoyed becoming more involved in life here in Nicaragua. We were invited to the birthday party of one of our daughters friends. It is a great opportunity to get to know the people more on a personal level. Near the end of the month, we took a couple days to help out some other missionaries who recently arrived here in Nicaragua. We know how difficult it can be, and are thankful to be able to help others as they get started in the work here. At the end of the month, Ellowyn and Lila both came down with a sickness of some sort. Please pray for them.
As always, we are so thankful to have churches and individuals who pray for us monthly. This month, will you please pray for the following?
1. The health of our family (particularly for Lila and Ellowyn)
2. That the Lord will raise up laborers here in our church to expand the ministry
3. That the Lord will continue to direct our ministry in the Lord's work in Nicaragua.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Thursday, January 7, 2016
January 2016 Prayer Letter
Dear
Friends and Family,
Happy New Year! We hope that you had a Merry Christmas and a great start to the new year. Last month was an extra busy month for us. Aside from normal visitation, evangelism, preaching, and teaching Children's church, we had a couple special events. First, we did a Christmas event for the children. Besides all of the activities, every child received a gift. We saw about 65 people for this event. In our normal church services, we are close to max capacity at every service, and we are seeing greater commitment from those who attend. The neighbors, who have allowed us to use their covered porch area for a children's class, have expanded the area and are allowing us to hold services there with greater seating capacity. For the end of the year, we did a special service with a meal afterward. We were blown away when we maxed out the new larger area with approximately 90-95 people. The Lord is doing a great work here in San Marcos, and he has opened doors in a neighboring city named Diriá. We are hosting evangelistic services there about every other week. We are seeking the Lord's guidance in the first church plant as well as praying about our next steps in Diriá.
Last month, we celebrated our first Christmas in Nicaragua. We started the day reading the Biblical account of the very first Christmas. Each year, Lila and Ellowyn learn a little bit more about how and why Jesus left heaven to be born a child. They also enjoyed opening presents! Most importantly, we focus upon God's gift to us- Jesus Christ. While the people here celebrate Christmas very late on the night of Christmas Eve, we keep some old traditions and adopt some new ones. We made a somewhat traditional dinner and had a couple friends come over for dinner. We had a couple car problems, but thankfully we were able to get them both resolved without spending a lot of money.
We are so thankful for those who pray for us and support us on a regular basis. Thank you to all who send special Christmas offerings. That is a big blessing! This month, will you please pray for the following:
1. That the Lord continue to grow and strengthen our first church plant.
2. That the Lord give us guidance in the new work in Diriá.
3. That the Lord continue to save souls here in San Marcos, Nicaragua.
4. That the Lord continue to mature each saved person in the faith.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Happy New Year! We hope that you had a Merry Christmas and a great start to the new year. Last month was an extra busy month for us. Aside from normal visitation, evangelism, preaching, and teaching Children's church, we had a couple special events. First, we did a Christmas event for the children. Besides all of the activities, every child received a gift. We saw about 65 people for this event. In our normal church services, we are close to max capacity at every service, and we are seeing greater commitment from those who attend. The neighbors, who have allowed us to use their covered porch area for a children's class, have expanded the area and are allowing us to hold services there with greater seating capacity. For the end of the year, we did a special service with a meal afterward. We were blown away when we maxed out the new larger area with approximately 90-95 people. The Lord is doing a great work here in San Marcos, and he has opened doors in a neighboring city named Diriá. We are hosting evangelistic services there about every other week. We are seeking the Lord's guidance in the first church plant as well as praying about our next steps in Diriá.
Last month, we celebrated our first Christmas in Nicaragua. We started the day reading the Biblical account of the very first Christmas. Each year, Lila and Ellowyn learn a little bit more about how and why Jesus left heaven to be born a child. They also enjoyed opening presents! Most importantly, we focus upon God's gift to us- Jesus Christ. While the people here celebrate Christmas very late on the night of Christmas Eve, we keep some old traditions and adopt some new ones. We made a somewhat traditional dinner and had a couple friends come over for dinner. We had a couple car problems, but thankfully we were able to get them both resolved without spending a lot of money.
We are so thankful for those who pray for us and support us on a regular basis. Thank you to all who send special Christmas offerings. That is a big blessing! This month, will you please pray for the following:
1. That the Lord continue to grow and strengthen our first church plant.
2. That the Lord give us guidance in the new work in Diriá.
3. That the Lord continue to save souls here in San Marcos, Nicaragua.
4. That the Lord continue to mature each saved person in the faith.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Friday, December 4, 2015
December 2015 Prayer Letter
Dear
Friends and Family,
It is hard to believe we are already at the end of the year! As we approach Christmas, we know it is a privilege to proclaim the Gospel here in Nicaragua. This last month, we saw 5 people receive Christ as Savior. While we have focused upon door-to-door evangelism, we are also finding other ways to present the Gospel to unbelievers as well as edify the people of the church. We hosted a large ladies event and saw a great turnout. Nearly 40 ladies came as well as 15-20 children. We have seen steady growth and are now frequently reaching full capacity in our present location. Those who attend have shown an increase in desire to serve as well. Our church has also recently become involved in a new outreach in a neighboring city called Diria. One family invited several of their friends, and we held an evangelistic service. Several responded to the invitation, and we were given an open door to come and begin holding services in the same home. At this point, we are now looking to continue planting the seeds of the gospel in this area and preparing for a future church plant.
As for our family, we are continuing to adjust and adapt to life here in Nicaragua. We celebrated our first Thanksgiving last month, and although it is an ordinary day here, we were able to invite some friends to come to give thanks to the Lord and enjoy a somewhat traditional Thanksgiving meal with us. Another important experience was our first car accident. Somebody had hit our vehicle, and although the experience was difficult and scary, it was a blessing to see several of our Nicaraguan friends come to help us through the process. Although we've heard stories of injustice in situations like this, we were glad that in the official resolution, the other party was held responsible and we were cleared from any wrongdoing. This month, we are preparing for our first Christmas here in Nicaragua. It is the perfect opportunity to keep old traditions, make new ones, and most of all, celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
We are so thankful for those who pray for us on a regular basis. The greatest needs are generally unexpected. This month, will you please pray for the following:
1. The Lord to continue to save souls and help each person to grow in the faith.
2. The Lord to help us through the final steps of the residency process.
3. The Lord to guide and protect our family as we serve in Nicaragua.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
It is hard to believe we are already at the end of the year! As we approach Christmas, we know it is a privilege to proclaim the Gospel here in Nicaragua. This last month, we saw 5 people receive Christ as Savior. While we have focused upon door-to-door evangelism, we are also finding other ways to present the Gospel to unbelievers as well as edify the people of the church. We hosted a large ladies event and saw a great turnout. Nearly 40 ladies came as well as 15-20 children. We have seen steady growth and are now frequently reaching full capacity in our present location. Those who attend have shown an increase in desire to serve as well. Our church has also recently become involved in a new outreach in a neighboring city called Diria. One family invited several of their friends, and we held an evangelistic service. Several responded to the invitation, and we were given an open door to come and begin holding services in the same home. At this point, we are now looking to continue planting the seeds of the gospel in this area and preparing for a future church plant.
As for our family, we are continuing to adjust and adapt to life here in Nicaragua. We celebrated our first Thanksgiving last month, and although it is an ordinary day here, we were able to invite some friends to come to give thanks to the Lord and enjoy a somewhat traditional Thanksgiving meal with us. Another important experience was our first car accident. Somebody had hit our vehicle, and although the experience was difficult and scary, it was a blessing to see several of our Nicaraguan friends come to help us through the process. Although we've heard stories of injustice in situations like this, we were glad that in the official resolution, the other party was held responsible and we were cleared from any wrongdoing. This month, we are preparing for our first Christmas here in Nicaragua. It is the perfect opportunity to keep old traditions, make new ones, and most of all, celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
We are so thankful for those who pray for us on a regular basis. The greatest needs are generally unexpected. This month, will you please pray for the following:
1. The Lord to continue to save souls and help each person to grow in the faith.
2. The Lord to help us through the final steps of the residency process.
3. The Lord to guide and protect our family as we serve in Nicaragua.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
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