Betsy Blanchard

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Prayer Letter/Ministry Update

Dear Prayer Partner,

My last update, in November, was written before I had a diagnosis regarding the fall I suffered in October. It turned out that I fractured a vertebra, and a couple of ribs! The result of the diagnosis was an extension of my stay in the US in order to receive treatment and rehab. Thus, from a planned 2-week trip, it became a stay of over 2 months! I am so grateful for the wonderful support and medical care I received in Pittsburgh during my recovery. I am also very thankful for a bit of unexpected time with my Stateside children: Joy & Joe, and Josh & Jackie. What an unplanned blessing!

I returned to Spain mid January, with many ups and a few downs along the way. In God’s sovereignty, He orchestrated months ago, the return of my sister Susan, a few days before my arrival. What a blessing! Susan has served in Spain as a missionary for 33 years, and has recently retired with her hubby in Michigan. But they have committed to volunteer with the ministry of Cinderella’s House, and plan to be involved about 4 months a year. So, after their stay last summer, Susan purchased her next ticket for January. As you’ll see, this has been so timely!

We had not been home 48 hours before we had a distressing problem in the house, of raw sewage backing up. It lasted 3 days before we were able to resolve the problem. Unfortunately, this was ‘the last straw’ in a series of problems I’ve had in this house, which the owner is not happy or cooperative in resolving. So all those close to me here recommended that I should look for another place. I heeded their advice, and we find ourselves preparing for a move this week, which was definitely not on my radar for this season! As you can appreciate, having my sister here during these days has been a very special blessing!

With the negative elements out of the way, I would like to share the blessings of this season:

• The rental contract on the house was signed in December by my teammate Haije Bergstar. Upon my return, the keys to the house were turned over to us, and Cinderella’s House is now officially in our possession!
• Our new Cinderella’s House teammates have arrived! Ton & Agnes in early January, and Cecilia at the end of the month. This is such a huge step forward, and motive for great rejoicing!
• Ton and Agnes arrived from Holland a few days before my arrival. They are in the throws of their move into a lovely new apartment, with their shipment from Holland now delivered. They will be starting language study as soon as they are settled.
• Cecilia arrived from Argentina and will be moving into her own place this week. She has already begun a variety of projects to move us forward in preparation for start-up.
• Despite many set-backs or delays Haije & I experienced during the long season of preparation, God has continues moving us forward step by step, and we see His hand at every turn! His timing is perfect, and we continue to rest in His guidance and Sovereign control. Since last September, our goal has been a May start-up. We prayerfully and tentatively continue with that goal.

There are still numerous details to complete before our official opening. Your prayers are so vital right now, as we develop team dynamics, define our roles within the team and finish off items that could not be completed until the team was all here together.

How grateful I am for your part in this amazing journey! ‘Thank You’ to all who continue to pray and give through the Great Commission Fund and to the Cinderella’s House Project. See more info at "http://www.cmalliance.org/give/" Some options to consider: “Approved Special- Cinderella’s House Spain” or “The support of Betsy Blanchard.” The mailing address is: C&MA, PO Box 35000, Colorado Springs, CO 80935-3500.
Cecilia & I went to Malaga and spent several hours experiencing first hand the needs of the women caught in sexual exploitation last weekend. We spoke to a several women on the streets, and even had lunch with one gal! Every encounter and conversation is a reminder that these women are in a dungeon of darkness, and need a way out: from slavery to freedom, from despair to hope, from darkness to light. Jesus Christ is the way to Freedom, Hope and Light. This is our message; this is our calling! This is what Cinderella’s House is all about!

In the Joy of the Savior,
Betsy Blanchard

PS: At the sending of this letter (which I have been attempting to send for nearly a week!) I am asking special prayer for our team: Ton & Agnes, Cecilia and Susan & I have been in the process of moving this week. All of us have experienced unusual problems as we've moved into our respective new accommodation. We have all struggled with no heat or hot water, and many other frustrations and problems, too numerous to mention. This has proved very trying, exhausting and discouraging for all concerned.
Even something as simple as sending this letter has been fraught with delays and problems! I was unable to attach pictures or a lovely PDF version for printing.
Pray for renewed energy and encouragement, and that this season of trials will soon pass into a fruitful season of focusing on what God has called us to do.

Prayer Requests/Answers to Prayer

How to Pray for Cinderella's House:

1. Thank the Lord for the arrival of our team mates Ton& Agnes, and Cecilia. See photo

2. Thank the Lord that my new visa has been granted. I will be picking it up in the next week.

3.As a team, while we have been in the throes of our move, we have all experienced some unusual opposition in the way of multiple problems with our new housing. Lack of heat during our heaviest cold in 30 years has been very unpleasant, and a part of EACH of our moves! Many other problems have caused discouragement and exhaustion. Pray for God's protection and an end to the enemy's onslaught, no doubt sent our way to bring discouragement, frustration and distraction.

4. Pray for the 3 new team members as they settle in and adjust to life in Spain. Pray especially for Ton and Agnes, as they begin language study.

5. Pray for healing for Mariska, Haije's wife. She has a herniated disc that is causing great pain and difficulty with daily activities.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of faith as we Live the Call Together...

I count on your PRAYERS! They are my lifeline!

Spain

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