Dear Friends and Family,
Time is flying! Last month was like a marathon. In many ways it was a "down and up" kind of month. Unfortunately, there are a few who have stopped attending church regularly. Jeremy has been very diligent in visiting and trying to encourage them and at this point we must leave them in the hands of the Lord. On the upside, there are some new families that have visited and others who have expressed interest in the church. As for our legal IDs, they were delayed once again. Eventually, we were able to get IDs for 4 out of 5 family members... but even one week after that Michelle is still waiting for hers. It appears that there must be some sort of problem and it will require a bit more work to figure out what is going on. With IDs in hand, Jeremy has been able to drive the family around... but Michelle had to keep taking buses and trains to cross the metropolitan area for some ministry commitments. Thankfully, around the end of the month the government finally made an announcement that would allow her to drive even without her ID. Jeremy has been spending time each week discipling a young man who received Christ last year. Jeremy was also given the opportunity to preach in the chapel at a local Christian school. He is also continuing in and increasing evangelistic efforts as much as possible. We also held a family activity at the church and had a decent turnout with about 25 people including several new visitors. We have done a lot of work planning a special service for Resurrection Sunday and many new people have expressed interest in attending. We have also received good news that a couple sent out from the church we began in Nicaragua has now begun a new church there.
As for our family, we have been so busy! Thankfully, school has been going well for the kids. Elijah is now learning more Spanish, which is a big plus! At the end of the March and beginning of April, they had a week off of school for Semana Santa (Holy Week). It has been nice to spend a little extra time with the kids. Michelle was also able to use part of that time to visit some missionary friends with the kids. Although we are not working with other missionaries in the church plant, we try to keep in touch with other missionaries and try to encourage one another when possible. One other piece of family news is that we are planning the baptism of our second daughter, Ellowyn. Last year during the lockdown she placed her faith in Jesus as Savior, but we have not yet been able to schedule her baptism. We have been working on plans and hope to have a special baptism service soon for her and at least one other person.
Last month had its ups and its downs. It had its share of both encouragement and discouragement. In difficult times, we are reminded that church planting is not easy, but Christ is building His church. We are so thankful for all who support our ministry and pray for us. This month, please pray
1. That God will help us to get Michelle's legal ID this month.
2. That God will bless our evangelistic efforts and continue adding to His church those who are saved.
3. That God will provide the funds for us to be able to build our own church building in His timing.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, Ellowyn, and Elijah Blanz
