Friends and family of Eric Volz - falsely imprisoned in Nicaragua.

Thank you very much for visiting this site that has been set up on Eric's behalf. This site is specifically intended to give friends/colleagues a place to go for thorough, current updates on the day-to-day activity in Nicaragua. A place where folks can get facts on this event, find out how to pray, where to connect and give funds and learn what/if anything, they can do to help. We will try to update as often and as accurately as possible. If you need immediate contact, please email Dane.
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Friends,
We just received a quick phone call from Eric telling us that he will continued to be held for Doris' murder.  A trial date has been set for January 24.  At this point we have few details, though we're certain to soon.  When they become available later today and/or tomorrow, we will forward them to you.  We know you've been praying for the situation and would want to know something as soon as we did.

Suffice it to say, Eric needs continued prayers for his safety and his spirit.  He did say that the letters he's received have been great and he wants everyone to continue to send them regularly.

  Please pray specifically for Jan as he's worked tirelessly these past days in Nicaragua.  He is scheduled to travel to the states very late tonight and is certain to be physically and emotionally exhausted.  

Thank you again for your messages of support for all of us - this has, without question, been the most difficult day of our lives.  

Blessings,
Dane & Maggie

Maggie and I just received a call from Eric's Dad, Jan, in Managua informing us that the hearing has been moved to Thursday @ 11am.  Jan was able to spend nearly an hour with Eric and his legal counsel this afternoon.  The report is that Eric looks pretty good, "a little scruffy" was Jan's description, but generally good. 

This was a difficult day for us, waiting in anticipation of what we may or may not hear; hoped, or hoped against.  Now that the hearing has been moved, we have another day to live this pregnant unknown.  A great friend asked us last night if it is like "living in a coma?"  That may the most apt description yet.

  For those who have sent emails encouraging and praying for us -- we could not be more grateful, truly!  We've heard directly or indirectly from all over the states, and from Mexico, Costa Rica, even New Zealand.  All we have in us to say at this point is thank you.  Thank you for carrying all of us; parents, sisters, cousins, aunts and his closest friends working tirelessly on his behalf.   

Please continue to pray for:
- Eric's safety and care in jail
- efficient and productive work for his legal team tomorrow
- our physical and emotional ability to maintain this vigil

A Psalm for us:
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
  9.9-10

This marks Eric's 11th day in jail in Rivas, Nicaragua!
In the absence of updates these past days, we've been holding fast the knowledge that you have continually carried Eric in your thoughts and prayers. It has been difficult and frustrating over the weekend not being able to reach individuals who might have another contact, or hold some level of influence, that would move us at least one step closer to Eric's release. Knowing you were interceding on behalf of each of us has truly been a Godsend.  

Please note: Eric's Dad, Jan, will be traveling to Nicaragua early Monday morning to visit with Embassy staff and be present for the hearing on Wednesday (12/6).  

Please pray that: - Jan's trip this week be a productive and safe one - that he be able to talk with Eric and convey the thoughts and prayers of each of us to encourage his spirit.
- the investigation continues to be effective, producing the necessary results.
- Eric finds good rest and knows full well God's presence with him.

A Psalm for all of us:
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
The poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the man who take refuge in him.
Fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
 -- 34.4-8

Lord have Mercy,
Dane

Friends,
This morning finds us deep in the world of international phone calls, emails to and from friends, acquaintances, and those to whom we hope we'll be forever in debt for what they promise to do. It's daunting! This has all taken on a life of it's own and so large it's absolutely impossible to wrap your arms around. So we forge ahead, tackling those things that are directly in front of us, pray quickly and jump to what is next in line begging to be attended to. This is our new reality and there is no escaping it...  

One specific answer to prayer is the provision of food. Eric is now receiving good food several times a day. An answer to prayer for which we could hardly be more grateful. In response to Caitlin's commitment to fast for Eric, a host of others have committed to join her, including one Nashville church who will fast and pray for Eric all day tomorrow. Keep pressing on!  

Please continue to pray for: - efficiency and tangible progress in the investigation - the synergy of influence to take hold to have an immediate impact - Eric's spirit to be renewed and refreshed with hope and promise - stamina for everyone involved!!!  

A Psalm for us:
"I will praise the Lord who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken." 16:7-8
 
A Psalm for Eric:
"...I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, do not delay." 40:17
 
O Lord, come quickly --
Dane

Friends & Family, 
The list of those receiving these updates grows daily. We continue to covet your prayers and thoughts for Eric, and for those working on his behalf to bring about truth, justice and freedom. We are honored by your commitment to him as we are your words of encouragement and hope to us during these harried and uncertain times.   

Some very promising events have taken place for Eric this afternoon that bring us at least a ray of hope. He was moved to another cell this afternoon and provided a cot, blanket and pillow - we learned this morning he's been sleeping on a concrete floor - and that the new cell was in a more secure location in the jail.  

During dinner this evening, my daughter Caitlin expressed how difficult this has been for her; concentrating in school, being distracted by words and thoughts that normally she would dismiss.  Below is her way of expressing how her lack of control and desire to do something - anything - meet. I'm both honored and challenged by the beauty and power of her words and look forward to joining her in this pursuit.  

Caitlin:  
  As I was reflecting on the entire situation that's happening I realized how little control I have over the events occurring with Eric. I have such a control-oriented personality; I have to know what is going on at all times and how I can help to improve the situation. Eric's circumstance is one that I have no understanding or power over and that has been eating me inside. Tonight as I was thinking about any way that I could help and I came to my conclusion of how I could, in my own personal way, help Eric.

I am going to begin a 30-hour famine for Eric. Eric is not receiving the proper food that he should be provided with and if my brother can't eat well, neither will I. This to me is my one way to help and remember to keep my brother in my thoughts and prayers at all times. God has blessed me with this thought and I hope that you will join me if you feel the calling.

Please continue to pray for:
  - continued safety in jail
  - efficiency of the investigation for the legal team
  - consistent food sources to give Eric strength and hope 

Christ have Mercy,
  Dane

Dearest Friends,
Today, Eric appeared again in court, in Rivas, Nicaragua, to hear the prosecuting attorney officially read the charges of "first degree murder" - not words any of us believed we would ever hear - they shock us every time we repeat them. During his visit to court, Eric was given a phone and was able to speak to Maggie for 3-4 minutes - a blessing beyond all measure. He sounded strong, but expressed fear about being in prison.

On December 6, Eric will be back in court with his legal team to present their evidence to a judge. The significance of this court date is that either the charges will be dismissed, or it will be held over for trial, which, unfortunately, promises to be a long term situation.

Please pray for:
His safety & stamina - both physical and emotional,
His legal team - that their investigation over the next 10 days would produce the evidence that proves Eric's innocence concretely.

Dearest Friends-
The last couple of days have been excrutiatingly slow, numb and cloudy, but also filled with prayerful support and encouragement - thank you for carrying us through on your prayers and words. We are truly in a state of shock and disbelief; as though a really bad movie was suddenly being filmed about us without our permission and with no script.

As promised, here is an update as of this evening:
Eric is in jail in Rivas, Nicaragua.
Monday he will be in court in Rivas to have the charges formalized by the prosecuting attorney.
He has a new, very experienced attorney w/his own investigative team now handling all aspects of the case - an encouraging move forward.
It will be 10 days before Eric appears in a court before a judge to have his case presented by his attorney to determine what comes next.
We are being told to expect this to go on for some time - no real sense of what that means right now.

Please pray for:
Stamina for Eric, his Team, his friends trying to help him, and us - especially Maggie!  
Quick resolution, free of charges and Eric's ability to leave the country  
Safety for those in-country associated with Eric  

Thank you for your love and concern, offers to do ANYTHING, mostly for continually offering all of this up to God's great mercy and compassion. I'm not a big fan of pithy slogans on church signs, but one struck me the other day that seems to be part of my sustenance. It read, "Waiting is the hard work of Hope."

In Grace & Peace,
  Dane

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