Safety in Nicaragua

One of the questions that people ask us about Nicaragua is this- "What do you have to do to ensure you and your wife's safety?" Good question. While I can easily admit that I've got a lot to learn, I did a little research just to find out some good tips to help keep safe. I found a great article on the travel.state.gov website. I have simply summed it up in 6 brief points:

1. Avoid Political Demonstrations- These demonstrations often result in riots and violence. Even demonstrations that appear to be "peaceful" can easily escalate in violence. Avoid them at all costs.

2. Be Careful at the Beach- Strong currents have resulted in drownings, and powerful waves can break bones. Stingray injuries are common, and lifeguards and medical equipment are rare or non-existent, even in popular "tourist" beaches.
   

3. Avoiding Violent Crime- Violent crime is rising in Nicaragua. Avoid poorer neighborhoods. Gang activity is rising in Nicaragua, but it is still lower than nearby Central American countries. Most crime is a result of criminals who want your money. Many robbers have weapons, so do not resist them. Most violence against US citizens is a result of resistance. Keeping money and travel documents in a belt under your clothes helps keep them safe.

4. Choosing the Right Taxi- If a stranger approaches you offering to help you locate or share a taxi, this is often a trap. There have been many cases of this with US citizens, and upon entering the taxi, they are threatened with a weapon, and forced to drive around to ATM machines until there is no more money, then left in a desolate area. When choosing a cab, only get an official taxi with a red bordered license plate with legible plate #. Note the driver's name and license #. Instruct them not to pick up anybody else. Agree on fare before departing, and make sure to have small bills as most drivers will not make change. When driving, make sure the windows are up, and doors are locked, as robbers can target you at stoplights.

5. Choosing the Right Hotel- Choose a hotel with strong security elements. One with a safe is a plus.

6. Use Common Sense- Always travel in groups of two or more, do not display valuables (jewelry, watches, etc). Use common sense as you would in a high crime area of a large city in the US. Don't look "touristy." This not only tells criminals you are out of your element, but also tells them you probably have money... money they want.

I am sure there is much more that we will learn when we get there, but this is just a few simple things you can do to have a much safer trip or stay in Nicaragua.

Source: http://travel.state.gov/about/about_304.html

December Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

November has been a busy and exciting month for us. As we enjoyed Thanksgiving, we remembered that this is a time when we thank God for all that He has given us. Throughout last month, God has blessed us abundantly and given us many things to be thankful for.

For Thanksgiving, we were able to take a trip up to Georgia to spend time with family. We thank God for the family that He has given us. Many of our family members were able to be an encouragement to us.

Throughout November, we had the opportunity to share our ministry with several local churches. Our desire is to share what God is doing in our lives so that we may be an encouragement to others. These churches have been very encouraging to us. We have seen many old friends and have met many new ones. One church even gave us a very nice projector! We prayed that God would provide our needs, but don't recall telling anybody that we had need of a projector. Yet our Father in Heaven knows exactly what needs we have, whatever they may be. "For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him."

To every church, friend, and familiy member that has given to help us bring the Gospel to Nicaragua- Thank you! To every person that has given prayers to help us and encourage us along the way- Thank you! May God bless you tremendously as we approach the celebration of our Lord on Christmas Day!

In Christ,

Jeremy and Michelle Blanz

November Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

Time is flying by and Thanksgiving is approaching quickly. This last month was an exciting month and we are excited about all that the Lord is doing. October was our first month that we were able to mail out our ministry packets. We were quite pleased to have been invited to share our ministry with churches in three different states. One pastor friend had us come to a fifth Sunday singing and fellowship service, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

This last month, much of our time devoted to deputation was in following up with churches and mailing out packets. We made many calls, and have even met one pastor whose son serves as a missionary in Nicaragua! We have put together our display table and we have built a temporary display to last us until we have a more permanent one. We have dropped in a new church nearly every week, and we have met many new friends and pastors who have committed to praying for our ministry.

As we move into November, we are getting closer to full time deputation. Starting today, November 1st, Jeremy will be working part time, and will be able to spend much more time on our deputation ministry. He will be focusing on setting up meetings to share our burden for Nicaragua with churches over our area. We are now having to demonstrate faith more and more as we trust in the Lord for our daily needs. God is good and He will provide! Please pray that He will direct our steps, and that He will use us to touch hearts and win souls for Christ. Pray that the work of God will prosper in Nicaragua, and that He will allow us to raise our support in a timely manner and bring glory to Him!

In Christ,

Jeremy and Michelle Blanz

Pictures

Here are some pictures we took while we were in Nicaragua. More pictures and information coming soon!

Great Week!

This last week or so has been a good week for us. Last week, we scheduled a meeting for next year at Grace Baptist Church in Georgia. Yesterday, we scheduled a meeting at Seven Oaks Baptist Church in Virginia. Sunday night, we dropped into Central Baptist Church of Orange Park, FL and to our surprise, they already had a scheduled missionary come to speak. We enjoyed hearing about the Hawkins' ministry to Brazil. We also were pleased to have dinner with pastor and Mrs. Thrower and the Hawkins'. We were able to hear about some experiences from veteran missionaries.

Right now, our goals are to continue to build a solid prayer and support base for our ministry, as well as set up meetings for the rest of 2010 and 2011. As beginning missionaries, there are so many things to learn. I've never realized how organized missionaries have to be. We are learning to put in practice processes now that will help us tremendously in the future. Please keep us in prayer as we gain momentum and expand our deputation ministry.

October 2010 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

Another month has now passed by, and we are inching closer and closer to beginning full time deputation. As we have spoken to various pastors, nearly everyone has asked: “Can you send me your packet?” Just recently, we completed our information packet and we plan to send it out to nearly all of the pastors we have met thus far. We hope that will open doors and provide opportunities for us to share our burden and our ministry. Our display table is also coming along nicely as well. Our website is also coming together as we have added some new pages with more information.

This last month, we were able to spend a few nights at our home church during our annual missions conference. We were encouraged by the preaching and challenged to reach people wherever we are. God is doing great things all over the world and we all have an opportunity to get involved. He has called some to become missionaries to other parts of the world and others to share the gospel right here in America. It is amazing that God would use us to do His work! What a privilege!

As we move into the coming months, we still have a lot of work to do. Please pray for us as we continue to branch out and visit more churches. Our desire is not only to share our burden for the people of Nicaragua with others, but to encourage others in fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. Also, keep our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters in Christ in prayer. Tropical storm Matthew just passed through Puerto Cabezas this last week. I haven't heard of any damage. Pray that God will keep his people safe during this hurricane season.

In Christ,

Jeremy and Michelle Blanz

September Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

It’s official! We have our prayer cards printed so now we are official missionaries! All kidding aside though, we are so glad to have that part of the process finally finished. Now that we have them in hand we have begun branching out and dropping in at some churches in our area so that we can start meeting people and introducing them to our ministry. So far we have been in the Sunday evening services of three great churches and each one has blessed and encouraged us.

We are currently working on our introduction packet. Our packet will include an introductory letter, a recommendation letter from Pastor Kelley, a brochure, and a ministry resume. Our full-color brochure should get printed this week! The rest of the packet should also be completed soon. To see all of these plans and ideas coming to fruition makes us feel like we are really starting to gain momentum! After the packet, we will put together our display table. Our church family is helping by giving us a table, as well as a Nicaragua flag! We also have some interesting things from the last time we were there. The main thing we will need is to design a backdrop to help present our ministry. Pray for us as we tackle this new design challenge!

In conclusion, we ask that you would also pray for us as we start making final decisions as to how and when we will transition to full-time deputation. We know that time is coming soon, so pray for us as we pursue God’s will as to when we should take these next steps of faith. We also ask that you would pray that God would keep the burden of Nicaragua heavy on our hearts.

In Christ,

Jeremy and Michelle Blanz