Dear
Friends and Family,
We
hope that this letter finds each of you in good health and doing
well. Last month was a drastic change for the mission work here in
Costa Rica. Since the corona virus arrived here, schools have been
closed, civic events are canceled, and the government has suspended
all religious gatherings. While the number of confirmed cases is
slowly rising, 40% of restaurants have closed and unemployment is
skyrocketing. Our last home bible study had a much lower attendance
and we have since switched to doing online Bible studies with a
program called Zoom. This allows for us to see each other and chat as
well as sing together while sharing the hymns through the
application. Since then, we have seen attendance begin to rise again,
though still just a bit lower than we were. Many have said that the
messages were very encouraging for them during this time. While many
churches are trying to "maintain" during this crisis, we
are trying to continue growing and plant a church for the glory of
God. We are very thankful for the month and a half or so we had to
get started before entering a national / worldwide crisis. We have
also begun holding Sunday morning services as we are working to
transition from an evangelistic home bible study ministry to a new
church. Another new part of our ministry is that we are now helping
to do shopping for some more vulnerable elderly folk as well and
those with great needs.
As
for our family, we have made many adjustments. The embassy has
informed us that there are no more planes returning to the states.
Costa Rica immigration laws have also changed. If we leave for any
reason at all, we will not be allowed to return for the foreseeable
future. We would also lose all of the time, work, and money invested
in the residency process. Unfortunately, due to their foreign license
laws, Jeremy can no longer legally drive on his USA license. Michelle
has 1-2 more months before she can no longer drive. We are unable to
get Costa Rican licenses until our residency application is approved.
We hope and pray that things remain stable, but we are prepared in
case things get rough. We know that God is in control and that
through this He will provide many opportunities for us to minister to
others. God is still on the throne. We know that "all things
work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the
called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28).
This
month, please know that we are praying for you. We are very thankful
for all of your prayers and support. Please pray for the following
requests.
1.
That God will keep His hand upon us and others during this tough
time.
2.
That God will continue to provide the needs of both churches and
missionaries.
3.
That God will use this difficult time for "the furtherance of
the Gospel" (Phil. 1:12)
In
Christ,
Jeremy,
Michelle, Lila, Ellowyn,
and Elijah
Blanz
