Missionary Update: The Tates in Kenya [October 2014]
The Tate Family has served the Lord in Kitale, Kenya since January 2008. Their main ministry is indigenous church planting.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings, beloved, from the land of perpetual rain and blackouts. Well, OK, it’s not that the rain never stops. It just seems that way sometimes. This week the rain was mixed with a good amount of hail. This occurs here about once a year. The hail covered the ground and it looked like the ground was covered with snow (which never occurs here). Josiah played in the storm until it became too painful to be pelted by small hailstones. And, of course, we don’t have perpetual blackouts. In fact, the electricity is really on most of the time. However, it is off often enough to frustrate us. But right now the sun is shining brightly and the electricity is on, so I have nothing to complain about, right?
We were able to start up a new class at our church planting training center this month. It has pretty much gone the typical “Kenyan” way. Let me explain. The first day of class started with a nearly empty room. The room only contained two people – Nathan and me. We waited a long time by ourselves, waiting to see if any students would show up. An hour after the official starting time the students started trickling in. This is typical and to be expected in Kenya. A half hour later the room was filled with the students that had been recruited. We spent the first half of the class with introductions and getting to know these students better (It’s best to know up front: Whether they have more than one wife, which is a show stopper for some; What their purpose for coming to the class is, which for some is a free lunch; Whether or not they can give a good salvation testimony, which most Kenyan Christians do not know how to do; and etc.). They all seemed to be excited to study the Bible together, to learn to work for the expansion of the Kingdom of God, and to eventually learn how to start new churches of the Lord Jesus Christ. The second half of the class we began to lay out for the students what they should expect from us, the missionaries and teachers. We told them we would put great effort into teaching them from the Bible, into modeling for them how to do the work of the ministry, and into assisting them as much as possible in learning how to follow Christ, how to minister to God’s people, and how to start new churches of the Lord Jesus Christ. The excitement level was still high. Next, we explained to them what they should NOT expect from us, the missionaries and teachers. We told them they should not expect a salary, gifts, school fees, a church building, musical instruments, lunch or other handouts. We also told them that while we would teach them extensively, our training center was to train men to go out and do the work of the Kingdom, not to simply get a diploma. Many think they cannot minister or work in the Kingdom without a diploma. Diplomas are also seen as a way to advance oneself in the business world here and so we would not be administering diplomas or certificates. At this point the excitement level dropped a bit. We were not mean or nasty. We were not harsh or condescending. We were, in fact, gentle and meek with them. We wanted them to know up front what they should expect to get and what they should not expect to get. We wanted to be open and honest with them so that they would know what they were getting themselves into. The result? Well, over 80% of the class dropped out and never returned for the second session. This also is typical of Kenya and we have also come to expect this. We aren’t cynical. We’ve just come to know that only about 5% of those we train will actually progress to do the work of the ministry out of love for the Lord Jesus Christ. So, we are taking the remaining 20% of the students and have continued the class with them. We will train them, teach them, and model for them the work of the ministry. And we will be thankful for the ones that remain.
Until next month, beloved.
May God’s peace and joy be with you.
For the glory of God in East Africa,
Roger & Julie Tate (and Emily, Amy, & Josiah)
rojuta[at]gmail.com
Visit their blog!
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Missionary Update: John Mark & Judy Hatcher [October 2014]
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
October 6, 2014
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The beginning of September in France is referred to as “la rentrée” which translates into English, “coming back into”. It refers to the fact that everyone comes home for children to start school. It is also the time of the year when we restart most things that run on a weekly schedule. We are encouraged by the what has taken place this month.
Last Sunday we had a church dinner and the time of fellowship with God’s people went very well. Individuals who normally do not come were here, as well. This makes it possible for them to get acquainted with people who are members of the church. Outsiders are more likely to return to a meeting where they know someone.
Making meaningful contact with people is an essential part of making disciples. This is a reality of our ministry that is underscored in the Scriptures: “Go ye therefore”, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Paul in Athens) “in the market daily with them that met with him.” We pray for God to give us these contacts and we try to “walk circumspectly” (looking around) for those that God brings across our path.
Last week we had dinner with a couple of our neighbor families to discuss teaching English to the young children. The dinner allowed us to become better acquainted with these neighbors and we will be teaching their children simple English one afternoon each week. When you love and serve people they listen to what you have to say.
Wendy, the single missionary who works with us, hosts “English Night”. Teenagers and adults come because they want to improve their English (and enjoy a meal). We help Wendy with this because we want tell them about Jesus. This past Saturday we had an excellent discussion with those who were there about the dysfunction of human beings without God and God’s intervention to restore our ability to love and do right. Among those there was a young man in his mid-thirties who’s father was 16 at the time of his birth, a young lady who recently failed in her studies to be an interior designer and is now working as an aide in a nursing home, and a social worker; individuals who need Christ.
Tonight our Bible study in Mazère about 45 miles South of where we live was well attended. We began a study on the Sermon on the Mount. Douceline, who hosts this study in her home, meets with two ladies on other days for regular one-on-one Bible studies. There is evidence of God’s grace in many ways in the lives of the people who participate in the Bible study including the spiritual growth of the hostess.
Your giving demonstrates your love for God, us and people who need Christ. Your giving enables us to minister in five different cities. Your prayers are answered as God empowers His Word.
Let us all not weary in well doing for in due season we will reap if we do not faint!
In France,
John and Judy Hatcher
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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Missionary Update: Sheridan & Anita Stanton in Peru [October 2014]
Sheridan and Anita Stanton have served the Lord in Peru since 1983. Their main ministry is church planting and they have helped establish churches all over the country. Sheridan also works to train pastors and Anita works with the ladies’ ministry and developing children’s material.
October 5, 2014
Dear friends,
Well, the dedication of our new meeting house for the Calvary Baptist Church here in Huánuco, Peru was a great success. We invited our sister Baptist churches to come and celebrate with us in the dedication on Thursday 18th of September. The picture you see was taken a few minutes before we started and many more came in shortly after; packed out with many standing.
In just a few weeks we will organize the mission into an autonomous Baptist church on Saturday the 18th of October. Pastor George Sledd of our authorizing church will come down to oversee the proceedings. We are excited about this latest milestone in our ministry. I mentioned in last month’s letter that the church needs to call a pastor before we can proceed with organization. Last Sunday, 28th of September, the mission voted NOT to call my assistant pastor, so we have allowed two weeks for prayer before we vote on another, younger, candidate. The church needs a pastor so, once organized, we can get their legal non-profit organization status they need to own the new property. We would very much appreciate your prayers in this matter.
This past month I had the unique experience of counseling with a 50 year old man from London, England. To make a long story short, he came to me in a severe state of depression and left with the joy of Christ in his life. Andrew Lord, has been traveling around the world on a BMW motorcycle for the past seven years. He has been in India, Pakistan, all over the Middle East, Africa, and the past three years has traveled from Alaska, through Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America, and now is in South America. Some missionary friends (with a motorcycle ministry) met Andrew and recommended he come see me about his depression. Hope is the best therapy for depression and since the 2nd coming of Jesus is our “hope of glory” I always present the gospel to non-believers that come for counseling. He has several more months to go traveling to Chile, Argentina and Bolivia, but now he knows Christ and has peace. Remember Andrew in your prayers please. He has some very weighty decisions to make in the near future, and if you see him on the road somewhere, encourage him in his walk with Christ and tell him Sheridan says hello!
Last month I told you all about the Saints of Berea Baptist Church in Hiddenite, North Carolina calling me as their pastor. Anita and I are busy selling everything we have accumulated in thirty-two years on the mission field and making preparations for returning to the United States sometime in November. We are very excited about this new opportunity to serve our Lord with such a dedicated group of God’s choicest Saints. I ask you to pray especially for us that our Lord will continue to give His peace and encouragement as we go through the difficulties of what personal things we must leave and what we can take. It is hard because so many little things have so many memories attached.
Being “in Christ” by God’s grace,
Sheridan and Anita Stanton
Apartado Postal 140
Huanuco, Peru
South America
(614) 500-8823 – Internet Number
sestantonperu[at]hotmail.com – Sheridan
arstantonperu[at]gmail.com – Anita
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Missionary Update: The Radfords in Kenya [October 2014]
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
October 5, 2014
Dear praying friends,
We hope this update finds each of you doing well as you serve the Lord. We appreciate each of you so much, more than you know.
It is hard to believe we are only two months away from the end of 2014. As someone has wisely said, “Now is the time to invest in eternity.”
We thank the Lord for each of you who have written to tell us you are praying for us, or sent cards, etc. Your thoughtfulness means so much and we thank God for you and your encouragement. We are upcoming on a difficult time of year, as the holidays are coming soon. Homesickness is one thing we really struggle with at times, and we rely on the Lord to help us through it. It comes and goes at different times and in different periods of intensity, yet the Lord is so faithful through it all.
Church planting is progressing along well, although there are major challenges. My friend and partner, Roger Tate, and I are doing our best to teach Kenyan men to rely on the Lord and not us. This is a challenge for many of the men, but something they definitely need to see from the Word of God and apply to their lives. Psalm 34:8 says “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” We will keep you updated on the progress of training qualified Kenyan men to go and reach their own people and start churches in the Kitale area.
I thank the Lord that He has kept the opportunity of ministry open to the Annex prison. The chaplain there was so nice and helpful and I really thank the Lord for that. Please pray for the men there, that the light of the Word of God would shine there and many would be saved. Acts 26:18 states “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
The children are doing well and growing up too fast. McKenna has been in homeschooling for several weeks now and both McKenna and Mom seem to be doing well. Camille will be having her time to start schooling soon. This is definitely a new period in all of our lives and stretching for us. I am so thankful for my wife and her sacrificial spirit to work with each of our daughters each day. Not only is she a great teacher, but also mother and encourager to me. I am truly blessed. Please pray for this school year, that all will go well and much good knowledge will be learned and applied.
We thank the Lord for each one of you and your interest in missions. We will keep you updated. Have a wonderful upcoming holiday season.
Serving in Kenya,
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa, 30200
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Mission Sheets: September 2014 [PDF Version]
Your September 2014 Mission Sheets are hot off the press and ready to be read! Get your advanced PDF copy at the link below.
BFM Mission Sheets – September 2014
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Missionary Update: Jud & Raquel Hatcher in Brazil [October 2014]
Jud and Raquel Hatcher serve the Lord in Manaus, Brazil. They are part of the “SeedFactory” church planting initiative, which is a movement to plant churches in all 26 Brazilian capitals. Since 2006, 43 churches have been started in 5 states.
In this newsletter I’d like to share with you about the Evangelistic cookouts, the home prayer groups, new converts, pastoral mentoring, the monthly pastor’s gathering, our revival conference, my health and how we can stay connected thru Facebook. I’d love for you to read further.
HEALTH ISSUES
I caught dengue fever a few weeks ago and it has been a rough 3 weeks. There is no medication for it; one must just wait until the virus finishes its course. Some of the symptoms are severe bodily pain, constant fever, nosebleeds, burning eyes, muscle weakness, vomiting and dizziness. There is no cure. I have to make sure to stay hydrated and keep the temperature down. An awful experience.
A week before catching dengue fever though, I was enduring leg pain as a result of a childhood disease called “Legg-Perthes” (many of you may remember, I was 8 years old at the time). The dengue fever intensified the anguish. Yet, I realize my Savior endured much greater pain. I sure am grateful for Him. I am currently 85% back into health. Still tire quickly and have occasional nosebleeds. Please, pray for my health.
EVANGELISTIC COOKOUT
Our latest Evangelist cookout was a true success. Lots of first time visitors and many decisions throughout the following weeks. We had roughly 250 people in attendance. All of our adult guests and their children had a blast. Our next Evangelistic event is set for October 12. Please, join us in prayer.
HOME PRAYER GROUP
Currently, “Ativa” has four home prayer groups meeting every week. The group that meets at our home on Wednesdays has rendered a lot of individual spiritual growth due to personal interaction. In the picture, you will see our people sitting around the dining room table.
NEW CONVERTS
The couple you see in the picture, accepted Christ this week. They have an interesting salvation story of how they realized the need for a Savior. They attended their first Evangelist cookout over a year ago and came again just recently. Since the last cookout, they have attended every service, and participated in the home prayer group that meets on Fridays. They were devout Catholics and adverse to idea of a Savior who cared for them personally. As a result of the love interaction they observed within our church people, the Lord began changing their hearts. Now, they glow of happiness.
PASTORAL MENTORSHIP
I love mentoring new pastors. The Lord has blessed us with three men who He has placed in their hearts the desire for pastoral ministry. They have tight schedules during the week, so I meet with each one individually. We plan, pray, read and discuss. It an encouragement to see how God is molding these men.
PASTOR’S GATHERING
Last year we began a monthly gathering called “Pastores Amigos” (Translated- Pastor Friends; or, Pastors who are friends). The monthly meeting starts in high gear with dinner at a restaurant, praise music, prayer and solid preaching. I am sure you would love to participate with us, it’s a blast. Attached are 2 pictures for you to see as well.
REVIVAL CONFERENCE
Ativa: uma Igreja Batista (translated – Ativa: a Baptist Church) is two years and a half now and we held our first revival conference and invited a few other sister churches two join with us. It lasted three days, had a special guest speaker and an average attendance of 300 people per evening.
FACEBOOK
If you’d like see more, please add me on Facebook by going to www.facebook.com/judsonhatcher
Thanks for praying,
Jud Hatcher
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Missionary Update: The Wacasers in Brazil [October 2014]
Bobby, Charlene, Jessie, and Brennen Wacaser have served the Lord as church planters in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, since 1985.
October 3, 2014
Dear Friends,
I missed giving you a report last month on what’s going on, so I’ll try to get you caught up without making this letter too long.
In my last report, I mentioned that we were sending one of our young evangelists out into the jungle region where Brazil and French Guyana share a border. Alysson, our volunteer has now returned from that trip and has shared the experiences and results that he had while working there. In the course of one month the group went to several villages of Indian tribes and a few towns of small population. They were able to share the gospel in hospitals, public schools, public squares and in 67 homes. In all, they spoke to over 3390 persons and, of these, 750 made a profession of faith in Jesus. Alysson was so encouraged that now he wants to prepare to go to other regions as a missionary.
Our motorhomes are all running again and we have 3 teams out sharing the gospel as I write. During the last two months we took two of our teams to some neighboring towns to evangelize in the public schools and parks, as well as assisting some local churches with their missions training. Projeto Vida has gone through some very trying times, both financially and some health issues. Our leader of this ministry, Paulo Novaes, received a doctor’s report that he has cirrhosis of the liver. He, of course, is concerned and is having to change his diet, his exercise program and was advised that he’d have to stop stressing. It is this last item that is the most difficult. There are over 50 volunteers involved in this ministry and their well-being is a constant concern. Also, there are all the issues involved in maintaining 4 motorhomes equipped, fueled and running properly. Add to that, the relational issues between 12 people per motorhome living together in a small space for 3 weeks per month, 9 months per year. These are stress-generating issues, to say the least. Please pray for Paulo that he may know how to fully surrender these issues to the Lord and not let them destroy his health.
We just went through a rough period with the death of my co-pastor’s aunt. Glenda fought with breast cancer for nearly one year. She maintained a strong testimony to God’s grace and love throughout the ordeal, but the Lord saw fit to take her home last Sunday. Many of you have had to suffer a similar battle, either from having cancer yourself, or accompanying a loved one who had it. You know how hard this battle can be. My co-pastor’s family was strengthened by God’s grace as a result of this battle and we have seen in many ways how trials truly serve for our growth and spiritual well-being. We rejoice that Glenda no longer suffers the pain and uncertainty of how to please the Lord in sickness, but we are saddened by the family’s loss of their loved one.
Our church is experiencing encouraging growth, especially among our youth and children’s ministries. I am amazed every week while I’m preaching to look out upon the congregation and see so many new faces of folks that I’ve never met. Even more exciting than this is that they return week after week and several have come seeking to be baptized as followers of Christ. Next week we will be scheduling a baptismal service for 6-7 converts. We are so thankful to the Lord for using us and blessing us with these signs of His power at work around us.
Thank you for your continued prayer and faithful giving so that we may continue to serve the Lord here in southern Brazil.
In Christ’s love,
Bobby and Charlene Wacaser
Rua Laudelino Ferreira Lopes, 279-1
Sobrado 1, Bairro Novo Mundo
81050-310 Curitiba, PR Brasil
(813)481-7007
bobbymichael_1@hotmail.com
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Missionary Update: John & Alta Hatcher on Furlough from Brazil [October 2014]
Missionaries John and Alta Hatcher have served the Lord in Brazil since 1955, planting over 70 churches that are still in existence.
September 29, 2014
Dear Brethren and Friends,
Greetings once more from our new home in Florida. For you who have not heard Paul and Wanda have purchased a home in Clermont, Florida. It has a three-room apartment in the back area of the house where we are living.
Our address is:
John and Alta Hatcher
15905 Mercott Court
Clermont, FL 34714
Our new phone number is: 229-529-8497
It is a real joy to be close to Paul and Wanda. This past week I reread and edited my book on the Holy Spirit. Paul was a real help since I know very little about computers and electronic gadgets. The edition is in the English language. We have some copies printed in 8 x 11.5 book form, and also on CD. If anyone would be interested in getting a copy, you can write to the above address.
Last Sunday, Paul was invited to preach at the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Mims, FL. I was invited to teach the congregation during the Sunday School Hour. I spoke on being filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul brought two good messages concerning the Christian life.
Needless to say, life is quite different at eighty-nine than it was at 40 or 50. The body has weakened and the mind does not function as before. But, we praise the Lord for all that He has done and is doing. Our only desire is that He use our lives for His honor and glory.
September 14 was Alta’s big day. It was her birthday. Praise the Lord she is in good health and says she feels better than she ever has. We praise the Lord for each day He gives.
Each day I ask the Lord to give me opportunities to tell the Gospel to someone. I have had great opportunities. I always remember: Every person who dies lost will spend an eternity in Hell. Jesus can save if they believe, BUT, no one can believe unless they hear. Lord, help us to be faithful in telling the Story!
God bless you and we thank you for your prayers and faithful support through the years.
Sincerely, in His Name,
John A. and Alta Hatcher
John A. and Alta Hatcher
15905 Mercott Court
Clermont FL 34714
229-529-8497
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