Derick and Jill Dillard did not waste time upon returning to their new ministry in Central America after spending a short vacation in the United States. Not only did they busy themselves with their Spanish language lessons, they also began exploring the local market and serving the community.

"It has been one week since we returned to Central America to continue our study of the Spanish language, and we've already taken advantage of many opportunities the Lord has given us to be on mission for Him where we are now," the couple writes in the Dillard Family Blog.

"This past week, we were blessed to serve in a birth center, an orphanage, and visit in the home of a local Mayan family. Israel has loved spending time with his grandma Cathy, as she was able to travel down with us to spend a week as we're transitioning back," they said.

Both Derick and Jill are very grateful for all the support and prayers they have received to boost their ministry, but they are hoping people can pray some more concerning three issues that are currently hounding Central America.

Without mentioning any particular country, they revealed that Central America is marred by political instability and gang violence. They admitted that these two things are making it more difficult for them to transition effectively.

The locals are also gearing up for their national and local elections, and Derick and Jill truly hope "that God would put authorities in place who would honour the Word of God and His people."

Lastly, the Christian couple expressed concern over the prevalence of criminal gangs in Central America which, they said, are destroying the lives of the youth.

"Many of the men in Central America are in custody for gang involvement, leaving the gangs themselves as the primary influence of many children, especially young boys, who, sadly, tend to follow in their fathers' footsteps. By God's grace and the prayers and fasting of his people, this deadly cycle can be broken and this land healed," they said.