Missionary Update: AJ & Barbara Hensley in Brazil [May 2012]
The Hensleys have spent nearly 15 years serving in Brazil. They run a vocational school and orphanage in Caraguatatuba and have also established a church and mission points throughout the city.
Hello to friends and family,
Sometimes you are so busy that you look back and say “What did I do or accomplish?” This month has been one of those. I will start with the van…we had to put it in the body shop because of its roof. It started rusting and the rust became holes and the rain came into the inside. So much for the ceiling upholstery! Oh well, that is what you get when you live at the beach. So when we repaired the roof we also had to put new seals around all of the doors. Now we are just about to put it back into use but there is still some mechanical work to do. While we are without our van we are borrowing or renting others to fulfill our church transporting. Pray with us that we could receive the financing for a bus to fulfill these transportation needs.
Lots of physical work is going on around the Church building. We have been painting, doing masonry work and various repairs. But the biggest of the projects is the pouring the sidewalk in front of the Church. We could have put off some of these projects but we are going to organize our Church and we would love for it to look good. The organization will be the 13th of May at 7:00 in the evening service. Pray that all goes as planned and that the Church continues to grow spiritually. We will have 81 members at this organization. Praise be to God for the growth in these 2 years.
We are having to do some construction around our home. Several years ago, we finished the area around the house but this year the city put in trunk lines for the sewer system. When we connected to these lines, we found out that all our lines had been put in wrong. So this week we are tearing up all the tile (because we bought the close out line to save money and there is none of that tile left at the construction stores) and the plumbing to redo everything.
We are starting to start work at the vocational school next week. The next step that has to be done is the electrical work. We have the conduit in the walls and next week we start installing the wire and the electrical panel. The next step is to tile the floors. There is a lot of paperwork to be done so we are starting to plot the buildings and the lots. For this we need an engineer. So today we began the measurements. The completed paperwork could take months to process. So pray with us about this also.
We have gotten back into our family discipleship and it is going very well. We are working with one family with 2 girls. They are 5 and 8 years old. These 2 young girls are memorizing verses and learning how to be children that God will be proud of. The government here does not cooperate with raising Godly children. As a matter of fact they promote anti-biblical things in the raising of children. So we are trying to help these parents to use the Bible in the raising of their children. In this process the parents are also growing spiritually. So our days and some nights are being dedicated to the helping of parents and children.
We had another baptism this month. There were 5 baptized and we (like good Baptists) had a cookout afterwards. We also have 4 more awaiting baptism so they will be our first candidates for baptism into our newly organized Church. God is AWESOME!!!!!!
I have given you an idea of what we will be doing for the next 2 or 3 months so read it over and decide which you would love to participate in and then go and buy your ticket and COME ON DOWN. We will treat you so many different ways that you will have to like one of them. Come see what God is doing with your mission dollars!!!!!
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
ajcaragua[at]gmail.com
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Missionary Update: John Mark & Judy Hatcher in France [May 2012]
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making,”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We hope this finds you enjoying the Lord’s blessings. Thanks for your faithful support. We have had good church meetings during this month with a good attendance. Several of those who come are not believers. The believers seem to be growing in the Lord.
My brother Paul and his wife, Wanda were here for a 10 day visit. This was their first time to come to France. We enjoyed immensely the opportunity to converse about the things of the Lord. It had been many years since we had been able to do so. Paul spoke to our congregation one Sunday and also to the youth in the young peoples meeting. None of these young people have made a profession of faith but we see indications that the Lord is at work in the hearts of some of them. Once there are young people participating, if they feel loved, they will bring their friends. We are thankful for the open door that God is giving us with this age group.
We now have adult Bible studies on-going in the Book of the Revelation, Luke, I Timothy, John (3 different studies), Ephesians, and another which is topical. Our goal is to help believers grow up in Christ as they study God’s Word and put it into practice in their lives.
French people tend to spend a lot of time outdoors. Sunny weather and longer days give us many opportunities to visit with people and this opens doors to share the gospel. One of our neighbors organizes a neighborhood potluck dinner at the beginning of each summer and this will happen again this year. As we eat with folks, they are often inquisitive and open to hearing about our faith in Christ. We would be grateful for your prayers concerning these contacts.
Yesterday, the citizens of France elected a new president. In a few weeks we will have legislative elections. Presidential elections are approaching in the USA. This should remind us to pray for all men, especially for those who are in positions of leadership as we are instructed to do in I Timothy chapter 2.
Thanks again for your faithful support and prayers. God is using you to help us in the Cause of Christ and the spread of the Good News here.
Gratefully in Christ,
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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Missionary Update: The Tates in Kenya [May 2012]
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,
I pray that this letter finds you all joyful in the Lord as “the joy of the Lord is our strength”. Like you, I am not joyful in the Lord at all times. Like you all back in the States, we missionaries in foreign fields struggle with that fruit of the Spirit sometimes. However, just as Paul wished the following blessing upon the Roman believers, I say concerning you all “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
So, let me try and keep this joy in mind as I describe a couple of things concerning our ministries. The first concerns one of the groups I described to you last month. This group was the one that was expecting us to give them things, build buildings for them, support them financially in their ministries, etc. After we had explained our model of ministry to them, there were some who questioned the wisdom and rightness of this approach. From the outside, the next couple of weeks looked “OK” as we continued to teach and see how God would lead. From the inside, however, certain things were happening. Some of the members of this group started rumors and accusations that the owner of the house in which the group was meeting was receiving financial kickbacks and support from the missionaries so that we could meet in her house. This was not true as we clearly explained to all those who attended the group meetings. The accusations didn’t stop there, however. We also found out that our small house group was being accused of witchcraft. Yes, witchcraft! Now, I know that our approach is different than what the Kenyans are used to, but anyone with an observant eye whatsoever would easily be able to discern that no witchcraft was going on within our group. We get together, pray, sing, and study the Word of God. Everybody that walks by knows that this is what we are doing. But this did not stop the accusations, however. This was the first time I have been accused of witchcraft. I think somebody is trying to run us off and out of this village. Nathan and I have talked and prayed about the situation and want, more than anything, to just have the wisdom and guidance of the Lord concerning this group. We want to know and follow his will concerning this group, no matter what that will is. The next day, as I was contemplating these events, a friend of mine approached me and said, “Congratulations, I hear you’ve been accused of witchcraft”. I thought he might be out of his mind but he just stood there and smiled at me. He said, “You should be joyful. Satan is opposing you strongly. He must not like what God is doing in that group. That means God is doing something great”. Upon further reflection I decided I had to agree with him, even though I told him I still thought he was off his rocker. How would you take accusations of witchcraft? Ought I not to be joyful in this situation knowing that God is on our side and that no weapon formed against us can prosper? I guess the answer is “YES.”
Now, fortunately, there is something else that I can easily find joy in. One of our group members, after hearing our teachings and encouragements, was empowered by the Lord to start another group in another village. I have spoken of his group before. He started with three people, then it grew to seven, last I heard it was ten, and this morning found out it was sixteen! They filled the house where they were meeting! He has taught them all the basic lessons we taught to him and has proceeded to the next step of teaching them inductive Bible study. They are going passage-by-passage through the book of Matthew. He told me that this is the first time any of these people had ever studied verse-by-verse through any book of the Bible and that they were learning so much from the Word of God. This has all been done without missionary presence in the group. As you can see, this was something I could easily find great joy in.
Until next month, beloved.
May God’s peace and joy be with you.
For the glory of God inEast Africa,
Roger & Julie Tate (and Emily, Amy, & Josiah)
P.O. Box 761
Kitale, Kenya 30200
rojuta[at]gmail.com
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Missionary Update: The Radfords in Kenya [May 2012]
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.
May 2, 2012
Dear praying friends,
Another month has come and passed so quickly, and we are now nearly into the middle of the year 2012. It is hard to believe how quickly time passes by. What a challenge there is to us to make the best use of the opportunities that we have to serve the Lord. What a great reminder we have from the Word of God, which states in Ephesians 5:16, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” This update will share current ministry progress, as well as prayer requests.
In regards to church planting, my good friend Roger Tate and I are continuing to pray, seek the Lord’s guidance, and work with groups of people in different areas of Kitale. We praise the Lord that one of the groups has already expressed a desire to definitely move in the direction of a church. Recently, a different group has also expressed the intentional purpose of moving towards a church. We are so excited with what the Lord is doing here.
In a different group, false rumors have been spreading in an attempt to divide and disrupt the ministry. We know that the enemy is not happy and he is opposing what the Lord is doing. While it may seem that this would be discouraging, we are actually excited to see how the Lord is working. This reminds me of Ephesians 6:12, which states “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” We are definitely involved in a spiritual battle, and we would covet your prayers for us as we continue in these ministries. A verse that often comforts me is 1 John 4:4, which says, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” We are thankful for what we see God doing amongst the people.
The Annex prison ministry is also continuing well, for which I thank the Lord. We are continuing in our studies of the course “Firm Foundations – From Creation to Christ.” The men who have been coming seem to be growing spiritually from the teaching and studies that they are receiving. These men seem to be taking seriously their study of the Word of God. How we need to study the Scriptures well, and apply ourselves to digging deep into the truths of the Bible. 2 Timothy 2:15 states “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” I am thankful also for the support of the staff at the Annex prison, and ask you to please keep this ministry in your prayers.
In regards to the country of Kenya, please be praying for the upcoming elections, as this is an election year. Every five years, an election is held. As far as I know, there has not been a definite date selected. I have heard December of this year, and also March of next year. When the time for the election draws near, please be praying for fairness in the elections and also for the safety of the people of Kenya and those that work and minister in this country. There was a lot of violence in the country during the 2007 election and we do not wish to see these actions repeated. We know God is in control, and we can trust in Him at all times. What a mighty God we serve!
Please keep us in your prayers for our safety, health, and faithfulness to serve here. Also, please pray that we will rely fully on the Lord to help us each day. We are so thankful for each of you and greatly appreciate your cards, emails, or letters of encouragement. May each of you have a great 2012. We will do our best to keep you updated.
In Him,
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa 30200
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Update on Irene Orrick
Irene Orrick was brought home this past Monday, April 29, and is being cared for at home for now with the help also of Hospice attendants.
They want to care for her at home as long as possible, though it may become necessary for her to receive care in some kind of facility when her physical condition weakens.
The report from the biopsy reveals the presence of cancers on her liver, and in her colon and lungs. Doctors are giving them a prognosis of maybe two months. She is still sleeping much of the time and eating very little.
I hope you will continue to pray for her…and for all of them.
[You can read the original post about Sis. Orrick here.]
[Irene Orrick went home to be with her Savior on May 9, 2012.]
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Please pray for Irene Orrick
Dear Praying Friends – we are asking you to pray for Irene Orrick, Jim Orrick’s wife.
She has been suffering from congestive heart failure and declining health and strength for quite some time now, but was recently hospitalized with a rapidly increasing weakness and dehydration that left her just too weak to take care of herself.
In fact, the week we hosted our Spring Missions Conference, Brother Orrick came to Lexington just long enough to attend the Directors’ Business Meeting that Monday afternoon [2 April], and then had to return home to be with Irene.
Here is her present physical status: over the past two weeks+ while she has been hospitalized, the doctors have conducted all kinds of tests to determine the source of her present weakness. They have discovered the positive presence of cancer cells in her body, but they don’t know at this time where it is coming from.
They have also discovered a couple small spots on her liver, and the attending physician says that from his experience, he is pretty sure it is cancerous; but again, he is not certain where the cancer originated. They conducted a biopsy a couple days ago, and they are waiting now for the results of that biopsy to try to determine exactly what kind of cancer it is.
She is very weak and sleeps much of the time. She has no appetite and they are trying to coax her to at least drink her Ensure supplement drinks to sustain her. But, frequently, just drinking the Ensure makes her sick on her stomach.
They also are saying that the physical stress of these most recent illnesses have further damaged and weakened additional portions of her already-diseased heart.
Humanly speaking, the Drs are not giving them an encouraging prognosis…maybe as short as 2-6 months If they choose to treat the cancer on her liver [if that is what it turns out to be], they can administer treatments by way of pills that might lengthen her life by a couple months – but she has already rejected any suggestions of any kind of chemotherapy, and she is still weighing the pills option if that is what they choose to administer.
But, as Brother Orrick told me, “It doesn’t look good from here, but we are also talking with the Great Physician, and we haven’t yet heard from Him what His definite will and plans are.” And, of course, they all know they are in His loving, gracious, and healing hands.
She is presently in Baptist East Hospital in Louisville – but she is so weak and exhausted, she wants to expend what little strength and energy and waking time she has to visit with her family members who are constantly attending to her.
You may send messages via email to jimborrick [at] gmail.com.
They are very grateful for the many kind expressions they have already received from many of you and others of their friends.
Please continue to intercede for them to God.
Grace and love to you all.
-Dave Parks
[Read an update from May 2]
[Irene Orrick went home to be with her Savior on May 9, 2012.]
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Missionary Update: Harold Bratcher in Brazil [April 2012]
April 10, 2012
Dear Brothers of the Blessed Lord and Sisters of the Savior:
Once again we (Asa Mark and I) greet you from the Amazon Valley of Brazil, South America. The 2 million residents of Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas are enjoying the pleasant weather of not quite so hot, due to the frequent rains. The rainy season continues, but we have had no more blackouts and floods, for which we are thankful. Tuesday there was a city wide bus strike, and the city turned into chaos. The mayor was conveniently (for him) traveling, and confusion reigned, but that is the present reality of Manaus. Manaus and the Mayor desperately need our prayers. During the month of March, each Sunday morning, evening, Wednesday evening,and some Saturdays, I have left my house and home and gone by the taxi of one of our members ,Bro. Raimundo, or the car of Bro. Mario Jorge, to the 24th of March Baptist Church, where I either preached or heard a sermon by another preacher. My assistant pastor, Bro. Williams Mendes, 49 years old, and his family, have been a blessing to me and the church. Continue to pray for them and for us.
This Mission Sheets month began March 5th and finishes today. During this period I preached 10 sermons, all at the 24th of March Baptist Church where I serve as the pastor. I have during this period heard a total of 5 sermons preached at 2 different places. Also, I was able to pray at Marie’s and Joel’s grave, on Thursday the 5th of April, which would have been Marie’s 85th Birthday. It looks real nice, with a granite marker, pictures, and a bench in front. Besides the names, dates of birth and death, it is engraved with the words God is Love in portuguese and english, and the word SAUDADES (Remembrances and precious memories). We sure have a lot of those, and the pain of temporary separation is great, but as I prayed, we are thankful they are already safely home.
May we all continue to heed the pleas of Pastor Dave Parks for more offerings for Baptist Faith Missions. I am praying that during the remainder of this year of 2012, he will not have to reduce the benefits and salaries that the missionaries of Baptist Faith Missions receive. The Bratchers in Brasil need the prayers of those we love, as well as those that love us. Until the 10th of May,at least, that includes Stephen who arrived last month, to continue his ministry here for 6 weeks. Please pray for him, that he may soon have his boat totally ready for the planned river trips. He had to cancel the first one to Olinda, because of problems with the new motor. He has already been a Big blessing to us personally and the work here, as he always is. Continue to pray also for Asa Mark, that his right eye may be completely healed, of the retina surgery. He is about 50 percent better. I am doing well, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. On the 24th of March, I turned 85 years of age on this old earth. In August, the Lord willing, I hope to celebrate 65 years of ministry, 53 of those in Brasil and with BFM. To God and Him only, Be the Glory, for what He has done, is doing, and will still do through his humble servants. Until next month.
Yours in the Service of the Savior,
Harold Bratcher
Rua Francisco Jose Furtado No. 2
Bairro de Sao Francisco
69.079-200 Manaus, Amazonas
Brasil, S.A.
harold_bratcher[at]yahoo.com
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Missionary Update: AJ & Barbara Hensley in Brazil [April 2012]
The Hensleys have spent nearly 15 years serving in Brazil. They run a vocational school and orphanage in Caraguatatuba and have also established a church and mission points throughout the city.
Dear friends and family,
What a wonderful time we have had in the States. It has been so good that I have returned to Brasil 20 lbs. heavier. (Lol!) And guess what that means– I have had to increase the size of my clothes. And that means new clothes. Oh well, so goes life –next week I’ll start a diet (Lol!).
At Church Sunday we were welcomed back with a surprise party. Cake and the works. I guess this means more pounds. Not only did we receive a warm welcome from the Church people we also received a WARM welcome here in Brasil. The temperature has been in the high 90’s. How great it is to serve such and AWESOME God!! With the temperatures being so high that means that the Church building also is extremely hot. Something like 105 degrees So I picked out place in the Church where a fan was blowing completely on me—-(just a little selfish). But none of this high temperature keeps our people from coming to Church, Sunday morning we had 104 in attendance and 140 on Sunday night. Our Choir presented a piece for our Easter Sunday that was great.
Upon returning to Brasil we found that a very dear friend is moving back to the States. His name is John Norris and he is a retired fireman from Florida.He is having some health issues with his hearing–please put him on your prayer list.
While there we had a meeting with a young man in Georgia, Jason Hamlin, and set up for us to meet him in Atlanta for him to visit Brasil one more time to see where God would like for them to base their ministry. His ministry is to train youth pastors all over Brasil. To start with, they will be getting some basic language training here in Caraguatatuba. And no, I will not be doing their training because if I did they would definitely have my mountain accent (Hillbilly) This is another prayer request, please put this family on your personal and Church prayer list.They are making a big transition with 3 kids.
This has been a fast-moving week here and we have lots more to catch up on in our ministries. So pray for Barb and I as we re-connect and integrate ourselves here.
We need a new bus!
Sunday night again it was so obvious that we really need a bus. The van was so over-crowded and the people were so uncomfortable but they did not murmur or complain. We work with some very special people.
While we were in the States we were able to visit many Churches and meet many new people. If we were not able to get to your Church we would like to put you on the top of our list for our next time. We would like to give a Special Thanks to everyone where we presented our ministry and preached. Everyone was so gracious and loving. We were treated like royalty.
We would like to thank BFM and all of you who support us financially and prayerfully. Without this support we would not be able to stay here in Brasil doing what God called us to do. Don’t take our word for what is going on here and what God is doing, come on down and see for yourself. We have been here long enough to be able to turn the bed down and put a mint on the pillow, so come on down.
In His service,
Aj and Barb
ajcaragua[at]gmail.com
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