Thursday, April 2, 2020

April 2020 Prayer Letter


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