Dear Friends and Family,
We hope that you had a happy 4th of July! We began last month by making a few changes to our new location for the church. We bought and assembled shelving as well as some new chairs and other things. We also held our first monthly English service. We saw some new visitors including a few who had not attended church in nearly 20 years! We hope to see a few more new faces next time. We have continued our regular visitation and one lady named Theres (like Theresa) received Christ as Savior. We also completed lots of preparation for a brief US trip. Initially, Jeremy was scheduled for Jury duty (Yes, missionaries can be summoned for jury duty if they maintain a US license). We were able to also visit family, friends, and our home church. This was an important step for the church to be able to continue in our brief absence. Jeremy prepared one man to take the bus route. Michelle prepared lessons and materials for two women to take the children’s Sunday School class. Jeremy also prepared one man who has some theological training to lead the services and preach a couple of times. We have also had to copy keys, prepare bank accounts and other things. Even when not there in person, Jeremy kept contact with the church and provide guidance as needed. While in the US, Jeremy has been working with pastor Kelley from our home church to coordinate the plans for the youth group trip to Costa Rica in August. Jeremy was also able to give a brief ministry report and preach on a Sunday night.
Although we stayed busy, last month was a nice change of pace for our family. Elijah graduated from kindergarten and the girls got straight As in their classes. Once we came to the US, it was good for them to spend some time with friends and family in the US. They were even able to attend one VBS. What a blessing it was to attend church together as a family. Normally, we are the ones serving before, during, and after every service. What a blessing it is to be ministered to by others. This happens in churches all over the US every week – May we never take this for granted! We were also able to spend time with our families. We often go years without being able to see them… so we value every opportunity to spend time with them.
We are so thankful for all of you who pray for us regularly. This month, please pray:
1. That God will work in the hearts of the youth who will visit us on a short term trip next month.
2. That God will continue to save souls and add them unto the church.
3. That God will continue to care for our families in the US while we serve the Lord abroad.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, Ellowyn, and Elijah Blanz
