Dear Friends and Family,
We are now in full blown rainy season here in Costa Rica. As for the pandemic, new cases are still increasing faster than ever. We are presently in what is called a transition phase, but churches should be able to begin holding in-person services soon. We have a few obstacles that we are trying to work around. We are still awaiting the approval of our legal residency as well as the religious association which is necessary to exist as a church and not face government closure. Because of this, we are having to be both wise and creative in finding ways to move forward. Who ever said that planting a church during a pandemic would be easy? We have continued developing our online services and outreach. Jeremy has been preaching a series on "Jesus, The Savior" as well as teaching through the doctrines of the Holy Spirit. We have continued to see slow and steady growth. Michelle has kept busy in developing the ladies ministry. We have seen continual growth in the ladies ministry and have heard great feedback from some who have been attending. She has also been holding virtual children's classes which have also seen growth. We were also very excited that one of the first members of our first church in Nicaragua will be sent out in January with her husband to plant a new church in Northern Nicaragua. What a blessing! They have not only received the Gospel but are now multiplying the Gospel ministry through national church planting. Please pray for them.
As expected, the COVID pandemic has been challenging for our family and other families around us. Jeremy has been able to help some other needy families with food during this time. Michelle stays very busy with all of the homeschooling she does for our girls. She is actually doing both the local schooling in Spanish as well as a homeschool program in English. Between caring for the kids, schooling the kids, and doing lots of the ministry, it seems like the days just don't have enough hours to get it all done! But we are glad to see that they are both doing very well, despite the difficulties. Near the end of last month, we celebrated Elijah's 3rd birthday. It was a bit unusual to celebrate with only our immediate family, but that's just part of how life is at this time. During our nightly devotionals, Jeremy is now teaching him Bible verses for children from A to Z. This was a blessing for our girls and he has been enjoying learning these Bible verses as well.
As a result of the pandemic, we have seen a decrease in our support level. We are extremely grateful for all who have supported our ministry and for those who sacrifice in order to keep doing so. Please know that we are praying for you during this time as well. This month, please pray:
1. That God will help us to reach more souls for the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. That God will continue to build and establish His church here in San Pablo, Costa Rica.
3. That God will strengthen and provide the needs of churches in the USA and continue sending forth laborers into His harvest!
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, Ellowyn, and Elijah Blanz
