2011-2012 Thanksgiving Offering Update
PRAY – PURPOSE – PLAN – PREPARE – PERFORM
[2 Corinthians 8-9]
Please give as generous an offering as the Lord enables you to give.
We praise God for each of you who has given to our ongoing Thanksgiving Offering. Our current total offering amount is $56,065.38. While this amount is still less than last year’s offering [$63,720.13], we do know that every one of you who has given has done so graciously, generously, and gladly. We bless you and commend you for your obedience to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Please continue to give to our still-open Thanksgiving Offering and also to our Monthly General Fund as God gives you something to give. 2 Corinthians 9:8-15
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Missionary Update: John Mark & Judy Hatcher in France [February 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 Co-Laborers in Christ,
Greetings from frozen France. Well, I hope that we are not still frozen as you read this, but the last couple of weeks have been marked by unusually cold weather in all of Europe including Tournefeuille, France. Our winters are generally mild compared to where many of you live. There is rarely snow and little accumulation of the frozen flakes. We have only had mail service one day this week and trash collection is not taking place. Frozen pipes have been a common occurrence. This winter reminds us that God is in control! This includes opening doors that no man can close.
On Sunday afternoons after the meal, we have a review time and prayer for the work of the Lord here. Last Sunday, following prayer time I took a couple of the grandchildren out to do some impromptu sledding. The hill near our house was covered with sledders with parents watching. This gave me the opportunity to connect with many people I had not seen for a while and seems to have opened more doors for the future. God uses cold winters!
Greta with mother and siblings. She is the daughter of Joachim and Angela.
During the past month we have had a couple of first time visitors. One is the most recent child born to Angela and Joachim. What a joy to see God’s blessings on this couple who demonstrate clearly a love for the Lord since being saved. Joachim was the first person to be baptized into our congregation here. Greta is their third child. Two weeks ago, Joachim broke some sad news to us. This summer they will be moving to Germany with his job. This departure will leave a big gap. Former members of the Tournefeuille congregation are now living in six countries besides France. We have regular contact with most of these. Though it is sad to see them go, we know that historically God has used these movements of His people for the propagation of the Gospel. The church at Antioch and beyond are a good example of this. We work at preparing those who are saved to be good evangelists and disciple makers here or elsewhere.
Paolo, a young man that sings in the community choir in which I participate, came to our Sunday meeting for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I have been acquainted with him for about a year, but did not know much about him. With tears in his eyes, he told me about seeing is father for the first time in 20 years. His father’s departure from his home was quite abrupt and has marked his life. I told him about the Heavenly Father Who was always faithful. We pray that God will save this young man.
Pasqualine, is an eight year old girl who has been coming regular on Sundays. She is the daughter of a couple who also sing in the above mentioned choir. I have had the opportunity to witness to both of them but they have never come. Nevertheless, this daughter is quite interested. “Let the children come unto me.”
Sunday, Gilbert, another one of our men members, is teaching the adults for the first time. We are studying through the wonderful letter to the church at Colosse. This young man has really grown in the Lord during the last couple of years. His wife is saved and they participate regularly along with their 3 children. She also helps in Sunday School.
Thanks again for your participation in what God is doing here. Until next month, stay warm and above all seek to maintain a warm relationship with the Lord and His people.
For Christ in France,
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
Click here to donate to BFM.
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Missionary Update: Nathan & Carrie Radford in Kenya [February 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 and premature babies.
Dear praying friends,
Another month has come and passed so quickly, and we thank the Lord for His care, protection, and guidance. What a great God we serve, and what a privilege it is to work for Him. God is so faithful, and we appreciate the opportunities we have to serve Him each day. This update will share ministry progress as well as prayer requests.
I realize that I don’t write a whole lot about our family, so I thought I would write a little about them. God has blessed me with a wonderful wife and two daughters that I love so much. Camille, Lord willing, will turn 1 year old later this month. Where has the time gone? She crawls all over, keeping us busy, and has even started taking steps when we hold her up. It is a joy to watch her grow and develop each day. McKenna is the typical 3 year old and she is also such a blessing. She turns 4 in April, Lord willing. She loves playing outside with our dogs and snuggling with her little kitten. She loves reading books and plans to start homeschooling in the future. Please pray for us as parents, that we would lead them in the ways of the Lord and be the example to them that we need to be. One of my favorite quotes is: “The family that prays together stays together.” How true this is.
The Annex prison ministry is continuing along well, and the Lord has provided good, serious Bible students who seem to be growing spiritually. I also am thankful for the administration for being supportive of this ministry and allowing it to continue on. We have studied several lessons of the course “Firm Foundations – From Creation to Christ.” It is a joy to minister to these men, when so much of society has forgotten them. The men seem to be enjoying the teaching and are also being challenged from the Scriptures. The Scriptures profit us in so many ways. 2 Timothy 3:16 states “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” We will keep you updated on this ministry and we thank you for your support and prayers.
Please pray for myself and my good friend Roger Tate, as we continue to work in Kitale in church planting. There are many challenges here and we would covet your prayer support. Please pray that the Lord would provide faithful servants to carry on His work here. We are working with different groups in their homes, teaching them the Word of God and challenging them from the Scriptures to carry it on to other villages that need the Gospel and churches started. It has been exciting to watch the Lord work in hearts and see men who want to take the teachings and reach others. In other words, reproduction. Please pray for us, that the Word would be taught with clarity, so that the Word of God would spread and many churches started in the Lord’s timing and plan. There are many challenges, but God is faithful and will help us each step of the way. I read a quote recently that I really liked. It said: “Nothing is too big for God.” What a great reminder this is, no matter what the task ahead of us is. Please keep this ministry in your prayers also.
We are so thankful to each one who writes us, encourages us, sends photos, etc. You all are so thoughtful and such a blessing. We appreciate each of you so much. Thanks also for your prayer support and sacrificial giving. We could not do this work without you. We will keep you updated of what God is doing in Kitale.
Until next month,
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa 30200
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Missionary Update: Odali & Kathy Barros in Brazil [February 2012]
Odali and Kathy Barros have served the Lord in Sao Paulo, Brazil for many years. In addition to leading their newest church, they also run "Alpha Omega Family Development," which provides a home and stability for needy people, many of whom are recovering drug addicts, etc.
Time does not stop or wait, it keeps on moving, we must not loss time in sharing God’s love to those around us. The real purpose of why God put us on earth!! The final goal is eternity. Unfortunately most of the time we spend planning our earthly gains and forget the best investment of all times. SOULS! I pray each one of us will remember that the coming of our Savior is closer each day. That we will use each opportunity we have to tell someone about Jesus. We need to live a life that others may see Jesus in us.
Last Sunday we had a wonderful Sunday school. But, there was a specific thing that happened that touched my heart. One of the ladies who live with us, who has used drugs most of her life, asked me to go get a friend to come to church. I went with her to get her friend. The location is the worst place for drugs in this town. As I drove up the streets was full of people just standing around, drugged, drunk or both. People just standing around, with know meaning to life. The ladies husband at first hesitated in letting her go, but the friend finally convened him to let her come. When we got to church the bus route that Odali drives arrived. All of a sudden the lady I brought was hugging a little girl. It was the ladies daughter that she had not seen for 4 months. Because of the kind of life she was living the courts gave the children to her sister that does not let her see them. What a place to meet, at God’s house. This is only one story, but like this one there are many others. Pray for these children and these families that we can above all things place in their hearts that God loves them and that He died on the cross for our sins. That is worth living for!!!! God’s plan for us is simple. Let us not complicate it.
We have had lots of rain here in Brasil. Thankfully where we live is so high up that we do not run the danger of flooding. But in other places they have not been so fortunate. Many places have had some serious damage.
God has given us the opportunity to preach to 5 states with out going out of our house! Maybe you’re asking how could that be possible? Down the road from our house a construction company is building over 700 houses. The company needed a place to sleep their construction workers and came to talk to us. We let them use one of the halls where we used to have the school. They pay for the utilities they use. They are from at least 5 different states.
Most of them are from state in northeast Brasil. A mission field right in our yard! At the end of each day they play soccer with the guys that lives here at Alpha and Omega. We have made it a project to gain these men by our testimony. They have been here for 2 weeks. We have had the privileged of several of them come to church. Pray for them as they hear the gospel that they may understand and receive Him as Savior. Can you imagine these men getting saved and then going back to their families?! We praise God for this opportunity!
Kathy with her brother, missionary Paul Hatcher, and her son Gabriel.
I took our 3 boys to camp last week. What a time of refreshing. It is fun to watch them grow and enjoy camp in a different way. They made many new friends from other churches. They just had lots of fun and fellowship with other Christian teenagers. I also had a great time with my brother Paul and his wife Wanda and my parents. It is not often that we get together.
Odali & Kathy Barros
Caixa Postal 182
17400-000 Garca, SP
Brasil, S.A.
odali_kathy[at]hotmail.com
Blog
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Missionary Update: Roger & Julie Tate in Kenya [February 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 want to sum up the last month with the following two words: Exciting challenges. That might seem like an oxy-moron to some. This is true even for me as I have to remind myself repeatedly that the challenges we face truly should be exciting because God is working and doing things and He can overcome all challenges. Obviously, I would like everything we do to succeed and go smoothly. That’s my nature. I really don’t like challenges and difficulties. But I guess if everything went exactly how I wanted and all things went smoothly then I would be less dependent on God and more confident in my own abilities (which I am learning are quite limited). Anyway, that’s my pep-talk to you and to me. So, what are some of the exciting challenges? They center around the groups that we have started and hope to groom and mature into churches.
In the first group we have difficulty starting on time and having people show up at all. Last week we waited and waited to start the meeting and by the time we realized only the host couple was going to show up, it was too late to actually conduct the meeting. But, the exciting thing is what the host couple has been doing. They have been putting into practice the things we have been teaching them. The wife has been sharing her faith to multiple people every week and so far has led three people to Christ. She has exciting stories to relate to us of people trusting in Christ each week. Now the challenge is getting these people to come to the group meetings so they can start to learn how to follow and love the Lord Jesus. The husband wants to take the lessons and the model we are teaching him and start another group with some people he witnessed to a couple of miles from his house. This would be a major goal coming to fruition, to see a group or church reaching out to start another group or church all on its own and without the direct intervention of the missionary. This would bring on a whole new set of challenges. We will see how it goes.
In the second group we saw the members who were coming dwindle down to just two. This was discouraging but the exciting part was that one of the members who was coming faithfully wanted to move the group to his own village (he was coming from about five miles away) so that some of his family could come. We decided to move the group out to his village and start the lessons from the beginning for the benefit of his family. I was expecting about four or five people at the most. There was already that many people there when we arrived and over the next fifteen minutes the crowd grew to sixteen people, not including me and Nathan. We were crammed into the little house very tightly and I was beginning to get very nervous about my Swahili abilities but God gave us a good meeting and I think many of these people will return again next week.
As of this week we will also start our third group. This group will meet for the first time this Sunday and I don’t know how many people to expect. A friend of ours got us into contact with the elderly man in whose house we will meet. He is a believer but the only church in his village is a church that he says looks a lot like a Catholic church and he doesn’t want to go there. This is a village of people who are from the Bakusu tribe and I am hoping that they all at least speak Swahili (this is not a given). The greatest challenge for this week might be in finding his house again. He lives about 20-25 minutes from my house in a remote village. It will be difficult to find again and the only way I can see to get there is on the motorcycle as I don’t think the car will make it to his house. We pray that God will use this man and his household to start another church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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)
P.O. Box 761
Kitale, Kenya 30200
rojuta[at]gmail.com
Website
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Missionary Update: Mike & Beverly Creiglow in Brazil [February 2012]
Mike and Beverly Creiglow have served the Lord in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil together for 40 years. In addition to pastoring First Baptist of Cruzeiro do Sul, Mike builds his own boats and frequently travels up and down rivers to share the Gospel with those who have never heard.
Dear Brethren,
Hudson and I made 2 long trips this month. We visited several of our works at some of the farthest places on 2 rivers. The first trip was to the mountains on the Moa River. The second trip was all the way into Peru on the Juruá River.
We visited our congregations at Pé da Serra and República. Both are doing well. Pé da Serra is steady in attendance, but we don’t expect growth as it is inside the national park. The federal government is trying to get everybody to move out. Nevertheless, the folks there have put up a new building. We helped them with our standard floor plans, design and the roofing. It is almost finished. In fact, the day we arrived I got straight out of the boat and went to work with them on the building. We held services every night and worked on the building during the days. Our visit at República was brief. This work is in the Nukini Indian reservation, so growth there is slow and limited, too. Our pastor there is Aldenízio. He is 25 years old and just graduated from high school. The tribe wanted him to be principal of the school, but he felt that it would interfere with his ministry, so he declined. He made a wise decision. The cultural and political pressures would have been huge. The day with left the reservation, headed for home, we got caught in one of our all day tropical rains. We were in my little jon boat with 20HP outboard. It was over 5 hours of COLD rain. We survived, though and just a few short days later we were back on the river in the same boat and same weather.
Bro. Mike Creiglow baptizing a couple at Foz do Breu.
Our second trip was up the Juruá River. We visited 6 of our works, 5 of our missionaries, held 6 services, baptized 2 during our 7 day trip. We also helped settle in our newest foreign missionary family. Brother Eduardo is a Caxinauá native, from Peru. We have done some switching around of missionaries and fields. All the moves were natural and practical. Brother Tito (who had been at Tipisca, Peru) moved to Contamana to work among the Chipibo, his native tribe. We then moved José Maia to Tipisca from the Breu. José had been working with the Caxinauá. He was trying to learn the language yet. While Tito was at Tipisca he had worked only with the tribes and not the native Peruvians, so we feel that José Maia will be a better fit to work with the whole population. He has plenty of experience in this type of pioneer mission work. Then the Lord brought us Eduardo and family from the Purús River. He is Caxinauá. This gives him 2 big advantages: 1. He already speaks the language and knows the culture, 2. He does not need a government permit to go into the tribe. All this to say that all fields are covered, plus a new area was opened and a new missionary added. It was a great trip. This one alone was over 1000KM. Lots of sun and plenty of rain. Lots of blessings.
The newest missionary to the Caxinauá tribe, Eduardo and his family. He already speaks the language, knows the culture, and does not need a government permit to go into the tribe!
Let me remind you about the need to pay for the jet drive and satellite phone renewal, which costs $2,000.00. Our support has also dropped dramatically over the past few months. I know the US economy is in a deep depression, but I also know that God’s people will continue to give if they see the need. Bev and I are committed to continue to serve here regardless of the support level.
So, thanks for your faithful prayers and support. God will bless you just as much as He has us.
In Christ,
Mike and Beverly Creiglow
Caixa Postal 24
Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil 69980
mdcreig [at] hotmail.com
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Missionary Update: John & Alta Hatcher in Brazil [January 2012]
Missionaries John and Alta Hatcher have served the Lord in Brazil since 1955, planting over 70 churches that are still in existence.
January 17, 2012
Great News About the Building in Assai!
On January 4, fifteen men from the New Chapada Baptist Church in Manaus arrived in Assai to finish the new building. Manaus is about 3,000 air miles from Assai. The prefabricated basic structure and roof you saw in the last Mission Sheet. The men left Assai on Sunday, January 15. They worked almost around the clock. What they accomplished in ten days is a fabulous feat. The few pictures I am sending will tell you a little about their love and dedication to the Lord and to the work in Assai.
John & Alta Hatcher with the beloved brothers from Chapada who came to help build in Assai.
They built up the four block walls; they poured the floors, sidewalks and entrance; they installed lights, water system, and toilets with tiled floors and walls. The walls inside the building and the front of the building were plastered and painted.
Various views of the work.
The Chapada Church was the first church plant God gave us in Brazil fifty-six years ago. Our son David was the youngest founding member. He is now pastor of the church which has an attendance of about 3,000 persons each Sunday.
Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude to our Lord for what He has done and is dong in Brazil; and that He has permitted us as a family to have a part in this work. For you who have prayed and given as our supporters—this is your work.
Front view of the building almost finished.
Our hearts are filled with love and thanksgiving for the Chapada Baptist Church who sent these volunteers and, also, paid for the material used in the construction.
Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Chapada Church. Thank you, brothers that came and did such a great work of love.
Bro. Carlos Chaves from the Chapada Baptist Church in Manaus coordinated the mission team.
Sincerely,
John and Alta Hatcher
Caixa Postal 112
Urai, PR, Brazil 86280-000
jhatcher[at]uol.com.br
Click here to donate to BFM.
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Announcing New Directors and President
We are thankful to God that over the course of the past year, two faithful servants of Christ and of His churches have agreed to serve with us on our Council of Directors. They are David Pitman, pastor of Addyston Baptist Church of Addyston, Ohio, and Darrell Messer, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Bellbrook, Ohio. Both of these brethren are well known in our fellowship and will multiply our gifts and passion to increase Christ’s Kingdom in the world’s mission fields.
Also, in our November Thanksgiving Conference Business Meeting, we unanimously asked one of our present Directors to serve as our President. He is Randy Jones who serves the Lord in the Storms Creek Missionary Baptist Church, Ironton OH. Randy was the first Director to be asked to serve with us who was not an ordained preacher of the Gospel or a church pastor. But, Randy has been personally, actively, and passionately involved in missionary support for the past 20 years while serving in his church under the pastorate of Jim Orrick. He and his wife, Barb, have organized, promoted, and led groups from our churches to visit and help our missionaries with building and evangelistic projects for the past several years through Baptist Faith Missions Mission Adventures. They have done so on their own initiative and at their own expense. Randy’s background and vocation has been in academics, and he is currently concluding his tenured professorship with Marshall University in Huntington WV. After his transition from that position, he wants to devote the next active years of his life to helping cultivate interest and participation in our missionaries’ support among the churches.
Randy’s long-time pastor, Jim Orrick [who has also served as a past President] recommended Randy with this statement: “I was Randy’s pastor for about 20 years, and I never worked with anyone that had a more cooperative spirit or who had more of an interest in missions.” Our out-going President, Glenn Archer, said to us: “In my prayerful judgment, I am convinced that Brother Randy Jones would serve well as the President of our Mission. If that should be your choice, my joy will be full.”
You will be hearing much more from us about our hopes, plans, and prayers to God for BFM’s future ministry. We beg you to pray for us all as we labor together to serve our Lord, His missionaries – and you, His churches.
Current Board of Directors
Randy Jones, President
Dave Parks, Executive Secretary
George Sledd, Treasurer
Terry Adkins – Glenn Archer – Doug Armstrong
Bobby Creiglow – Bobby Greene – Darrell Messer
Millard Mitchell – Jim Orrick – David Pitman – Steve Wainright
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