Dear Friends and Family
We hope that each of you had a wonderful Christmas and a great start to the new year! We celebrated Christmas throughout the month of December. Jeremy preached several Christmas themed messages from Matthew 1 and Luke 1-2. We also enjoyed singing our favorite Christmas hymns and even introducing some new ones to the church here in Costa Rica. As we knocked on doors sharing the Gospel throughout the community, it became apparent that there was a special love for the holiday of Christmas... but sadly, most do not trust in Christ alone for salvation by grace through faith. Our in home meetings have been going well with a good core group. One night, we had a special Christmas dinner for the church family with ham and all of the classic sides. I believe this was our first year on the mission field when we had a "real" ham! We also had a special Christmas activity for the kids at an artificial ice-skating rink. The idea was great... but the artificial ice was not so great. We were sliding around everywhere... but it was a good time with many laughs. We have also continued to make progress with our religious association. Many do not know this, but Costa Rica does not allow missionaries to legally come here without being sponsored by an existing ministry with a high level of credentials. Although these processes are very slow and time consuming, we are laying the groundwork not only for our own ministry, but also for other missionaries who seek to serve in Costa Rica.
As for our family, we had a special time this Christmas. Between school, church, and family activities, we stayed very busy! The kids had a nice break from school for a few weeks. We all had more than our share of hot chocolate and Christmas goodies! Although we love the Christmas season, we always remember the true meaning of Christmas and why Christ came to live among us and save us from our sins. As we start the new year, we are seeking the Lord for His direction and guidance as for 2022.
Last month, we requested prayer for the permits we were seeking for a building we were seeking to rent for our church. Unfortunately, the permits were declined. Here in Costa Rica, it is much harder for churches to obtain permits than it is for businesses, making it very difficult for new churches. However, we know that the Lord is in control. We will keep seeking a way to move forward. Also, we send special thanks to those who sent special Christmas offerings. This month, please pray...
1. That God will continue to use us to witness to the lost and see more souls saved.
2. That Christ will continue to build His Church in San Pablo.
3. That God will lead us and guide us as we seek a way forward for the church plant.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, Ellowyn, and Elijah Blanz
