Dear Friends and Family,
We hope that you are well. This last month, we were able to take a much needed break from our travels and spend some time at our home church. We were able to spend a little time with family and friends. Jeremy spent some time working on a home that we will be basing out of for the rest of our time on furlough. He was also able to go on visitation with our home church. Jeremy was contacted by a church and asked to preach a Spanish family camp in Pennsylvania later this month. In most cases, we would not be able to do that. However, we will be very close to the area and it will be a good opportunity to both refresh our Spanish and minister to a Spanish congregation.
One issue that has been difficult for our family has been to keep up with everything going on in Nicaragua. Over the last 1-2 months, there have been deep divisions and massive protests throughout the country. There had been a "peace dialogue," but even that have been called off. More than 110 have been killed and nearly 1,000 people injured. The situation can not be summarized in a short prayer letter. Most major U.S. news networks are now covering the situation and articles are easily found online. According to the Washington Post, "Nicaragua is moving from national crisis to potential national catastrophe." We are praying daily for peace for the Nicaraguan people.
As for our family, we have had some sicknesses this last month. We have also been able to take care of some doctors appointments while we were in Jacksonville. Since we have moved into the "new" house, it has been good for our family to settle in a little bit before resuming travels. Our girls have really enjoyed getting to see her grandparents. It was a blessing for Michelle and I to see both of our mothers for Mother's day. Our baby, Elijah, is now crawling around and getting into everything!
This month, there is so much to pray for. Although, we are not in Nicaragua going through this, we cannot help but to share in the pain of the Nicaraguan people. Please pray:
1. That God help the people of Nicaragua to have peace and stability.
2. That God direct, guide, and comfort us as we travel and continue making future plans.
3. That God continue to bless his work and protect the churches in Nicaragua.
4. That God strengthen and bless the ministry of the churches during this difficult time.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, Ellowyn, and Elijah Blanz
