Strengthening Churches, Growing Leaders, and Sharing Grace in Brazil
May 31, 2025
Dear Friends and Faithful Partners,
As we step into the cooler months here in Brazil, our hearts are full of gratitude for all the Lord is doing through the Togetherness Network and the local church plants we serve alongside. We are continually reminded that ministry is never a solo endeavor—it’s the work of God’s people through local churches, united in purpose and carried along by your prayers, encouragement, and faithful support.
Together in Ministry: Paraná & São Paulo
This past month, we were blessed to visit pastors and their wives throughout the states of Paraná and São Paulo, encouraging them in their calling and listening to the unique challenges and victories they face. These visits are a vital part of the Togetherness Network, which exists to promote unity, support, and accountability among churches and their leaders.
One highlight was the Pastors’ Breakfast in Lupercio, a sweet time of fellowship, prayer, and vision-casting with faithful shepherds laboring in smaller towns. We also celebrated the anniversary of the church in Duartina—a joyful reminder of God’s sustaining grace in every season.
In Garça, construction continues steadily on the church building—a dream becoming reality. Though the dust is flying and work is ongoing, spirits are high as the congregation sees their prayers materialize in bricks and mortar. Please pray for this church. If you feel led to give toward this project, please designate “Church construction in Garça,”
We also had the privilege of visiting beneficiaries of the “Grace Extended” offering, and witnessing firsthand the impact of your generosity. Lives are being changed, communities strengthened, and the gospel shared in tangible ways. Thank you for giving sacrificially.
One especially encouraging development: a church that has been without a pastor for nearly three years recently reached out. We’ve begun conversations and are walking with them through the process of pastoral search and preparation. Please pray as they seek the Lord’s direction for new leadership.
Church Plants in Marília, Londrina and São Paulo – New Life, New Laborers
God continues to move through the Togetherness Network, and we are excited to share updates from two growing church plants—Marília, Londrina, and São Paulo.
Marília – A Church Rooted in Community
The church plant in Marília is establishing deep roots in a vibrant yet spiritually needy city. This work has steadily grown as the team led by Americo and Ana Paula focused on discipleship, outreach, and intentional community building. Weekly gatherings are filled with genuine fellowship, and several new families have begun attending regularly. There’s a hunger for the Word, and we are seeing steady spiritual growth in the congregation.
We are currently praying and planning for the next phase of development, including Americo’s pastoral ordination, leadership training and future property needs. The Lord is forming a strong core group, and we’re encouraged by the commitment of those serving faithfully each week. Please pray for this church plant. If you feel led to give toward this project, please designate “Church plant in Marilia,”
Londrina – A New Work with Great Potential
In Londrina, located in the state of Paraná, we’re supporting a new and promising church plant led by Sílvio and Kelly. The region has excellent potential for Gospel impact, and a small but passionate team has begun meeting regularly for worship, prayer, and evangelism. The doors are opening for relationships with families and young adults, and we’re starting to see fruit.
One of our goals is to come alongside this young team to offer mentoring and leadership development. Much like Marília, this plant is still in its early stages, but the foundation being laid is strong. Please pray for continued unity, vision, and spiritual maturity among the core leaders there. Please pray for these efforts. If you feel led to give toward this project, please designate “Church plant in Londrina,”
São Paulo – Church Plant Update
Our current church plant continues to grow and mature. Even while away, our ministry team and a sister church from São Paulo (also part of the Togetherness Network) will continue the work. We’re planning a baptismal service soon, weather permitting (our winter chills make outdoor baptisms a bit tricky!).
Praise God, two men have emerged as potential pastors. We’ve begun intentional training, and they are walking alongside us as we prepare to establish a pastoral team. Please pray for wisdom, humility, and unity as we invest in their development.
Raquel’s Foster Care Ministry
Raquel continues to devote herself to her work in foster care, training, and trauma-informed caregiving. As I write, she’s hosting a breakfast meeting with foster families in southern São Paulo, offering encouragement and guidance.
She is also busy preparing for the second National TBRI Conference in 2026, and regularly trains social workers, educators, caregivers, and judges across the city. In addition, she serves as the coordinator of a foster care center, providing daily leadership and oversight. God is using her in powerful ways.
Equipping the Next Generation: Master’s in Youth Ministry
I’m excited to share a new opportunity the Lord has opened and has been in the making for the last 5 years: I am assisting in the implementation of a Master’s degree in Youth Ministry at Word of Life Bible Seminary in São Paulo. I am assisting in this effort in partnership with Randy Smith and Dave Adams of Great Commission Youth Ministry.
The goal of this program is to train and equip youth leaders with a solid theological foundation and practical ministry tools to reach and disciple the next generation of Brazilians. The need is great, and we are praying that this initiative will raise up a new wave of passionate, grounded, and effective youth ministers across the country.
The first module launches in August, and we are already seeing strong interest from current youth leaders, seminary graduates, and church workers from various regions. Please pray for the instructors, the students, and the long-term fruit of this program.
This is another powerful reminder that training leaders is not just about the present—it’s an investment in the future of local churches in Brazil.
Looking Ahead: Home Visit, Missions Conference, and Liberty University
Our family is preparing for a short visit to the States from June through August. We’ll be visiting family, friends, and supporting churches across Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, Illinois, and Kentucky. A special invitation: we’ll be attending the Missions Conference at New Life Baptist Church in Lexington, KY, July 28–30, and would love to see you there!
We’ll also be helping Laura move into Liberty University, where she’ll begin her first year this fall. It’s a big step for her and for us—please pray for a smooth transition and a strong start to this exciting new season.
Prayer Requests
Please join us in prayer for the following:
- Property for the church plant in São Paulo – wisdom as we search for a permanent space to buy and build.
- Church planting teams in Marilia and Londrina – strategic ministry opportunities, evangelism, and discipleship.
- Pastors and churches of the Togetherness Network – for unity, encouragement, and spiritual vitality.
- Monthly finances and ministry wisdom – for both personal and ministry needs.
- Laura’s first year of college – peace, growth, and confidence as she adjusts to life away from home.
- Paul Hatcher’s health – strength, peace, and comfort for my father.
- Raquel’s leadership in foster care – for wisdom and endurance as she trains caregivers and influences systems nationwide.
- Master’s degree in Youth Ministry – translation of textbooks and the successful implementation of the program in Brazil.
Thank you for walking with us. Your prayers and support make all of this possible. We serve as your hands and feet here in Brazil, and we never take that privilege lightly. May the Lord bless you richly as you continue to live on mission—wherever He has placed you.
Serving together,
Jud and Raquel Hatcher
JUD & RAQUEL HATCHER
Contact Info:
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
São Paulo, Brazil
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
(872) 400-6522
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
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Faithful Through Every Challenge: God’s Grace Sustains Ministry Leaders
May 26, 2025
Dear Friends,
I spoke with three of our local pastors this week about their ministry needs and progress. As I reflected on what they shared with me, I was reminded that we all have similar challenges. Of course, each leader’s situation has some unique details, but the general challenges are very similar. Each of us deals with tight budgets, each of us deals with a few people who are obstinate or divisive, each of us deals with health struggles, either our own, or those of a close family or church member. What I was encouraged by, though, was how each of these men sees God’s grace and provision in the middle of their circumstances, and they remain faithful, and even excited, about all that God is doing in and through them. The Lord is blessing continuously in all our ministries. Our traveling evangelistic team, Projeto Vida, was invited to present gospel skits, personal testimonies, and to share God’s word one-on-one with over 2500 students and staff members in public schools and gyms this past month. At least 61 individuals from among that group confessed publicly that Jesus Christ was their Lord and Savior!
We thank and praise God for these conversions and for the privilege to make Him known to so many unreached people. Our team of young men and women who live with so little of this world’s “material” things is such a joyful example of a life surrendered to Christ. I am honored to know them and minister beside them.
We are still praying for Yago and Manoela in Portugal, and their “almost here” baby girl, Esther. We are still praying for the Lord to do what only He can do, and that is to bless Esther’s final days of development so that she is born fully developed. The doctors have grave concerns about the lower part of her spinal column not being completely developed, which would almost certainly leave her with a great degree of limited mobility from her hips down. Please pray with us for a miracle from our loving and powerful Father for Esther and her parents. They continue to serve their congregation faithfully.
Charlene and I are so grateful to you who pray for us faithfully and give so that we may continue to live for His honor and glory.
In Christ’s love,
Bobby and Charlene Wacaser
Contact Info:
Bobby & Charlene Wacaser
Currently Stateside ministering to Brazil
Phone: (813) 501-9328
E-mail: bobbymichael_1@hotmail.com
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280
Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online
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Spreading the Fragrance of Christ
May 16, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Judy and I are getting things together to head to our annual church weekend. This is a moment that all enjoy as our spiritual family spends a couple of days together in fellowship and worship. This is a great time of encouragement and sharing that is very who good for the body of believers.
I recently read two autobiographies of individuals who many would particularly find outside the likely realm of people to be saved. One was a lady born in the early sixties who was a professor in a well-known university in Syracuse, NY. She was an atheist, lesbian and ardent fighter for gay rights. She came to the Lord through gentle believers after many meals and discussions. She contacted them initially to get an opinion of “the other side” for an anti-God book she was writing. She is now very active as a believer who has been married to a pastor for a number of years. The other life story is of a high-class Pakistani lady who had been married to a general and ambassador who came to Christ. She came to Christ in the sixties when already a young grandmother.
The scriptural text that greatly touched me from this second mentioned book was, “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:14-15).
This morning Judy and I were having our weekly discipleship encounter with a new believer, and as she shared about encounters with others in her extended family of broken relationships and the opportunities that our Father gave her in the last week, I was touched by the reality of how God is using her to touch broken lives with which she has connections. We don’t have to make things happen. We just get doused with God’s perfume and it permeates the world around us.
I will close with another example of the power of God’s fragrance. Laure, the mother and wife in the family who hosts Bible studies in their home in a small rural town, told us in the meeting last Saturday about her surprise reception of a letter from a fifteen-year-old girl thanking her for impact Laure has had on her life. She had just trusted Christ as Savior. She is not from a Christian family and not in Christian circles. Laure had been praying for the girl’s mother who has gone through great difficulties. Laure was surprised that she had had any influence on the 15-year-old daughter…My answer was from the text I quoted above. God’s perfume…
John and Judy Hatcher
Contact Info:
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
2 T Impasse de la Picardie
31830 Plaisance du Touch
France
jmhatcher@aol.com
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
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The Oldest New Believer: 109 Years in Darkness, Now a Child of Light!
Mike and Beverly Creiglow have served the Lord in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil together since 1971. 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.
May 8, 2025
Dear Brethren,
Lots of news. My problem is that I would rather be out making news than reporting the news. My last report was January and here we are in May!
Here at First Baptist Church things are moving along nicely. Attendance is moving up steadily. We are now well past pre-pandemic numbers. We have had several services with over 800. Sunday morning and Sunday night attendance are running neck and neck at 600 plus, which indicates to me a healthy church. We had 6 more saved last week and baptized 27 the week before.
Our missionaries are very active. We had 2 teams on the Boa Fé River last month. One team worked from Gama upstream. The other team worked from the mouth to Gama. We have nice size congregations at Gama and Generoso which are at about half the length of the river. We have a full-time missionary couple at Gama.
Last week we had 2 more teams working the Liberdade River. The Transamazon Highway crosses the Liberdade 82Km from Here. Our teams went house to house from the bridge to the mouth of the river. There were a number of professions of faith. The largest village, Santa Catarina, (over 300 people) had been closed to us until recently. One of our missionaries is José Rondisson. He won another José to Christ. That in and of itself is a big deal. But even bigger is that Sr. José is 109 years old! He lives by himself in a little house beside his daughter’s house. He gets around quite well and was sitting in his rocking chair when Rondisson came to share the gospel with him.
The river has been high for several months, so I have been out there taking advantage of the high water to visit churches and congregations. There is plenty to tell, but I will limit to just one visit.
On my last visit to the works along the Peruvian border I was at São José on the Breu River. The Breu River is the border between Peru and Brazil. The river runs from east to west and dumps into the Juruá River (our main river). I went in my larger boat. The river was high when I left, but very low when I arrived at the border. They had gone 8 days without a drop of rain. We took 5 canoes up the Breu River to get to São José which is a Hunikuim Indian reservation 35 miles upstream.
The canoe I was in had a top, so I was somewhat protected for the elements. When we reached the village, the natives were all decked out in their outfits and paint. They had their clubs and bows and arrows. They were dancing and singing on the riverbank. All friendly, by the way. It had started to drizzle a little bit, so I stayed in the canoe hoping that they would forget about me. I knew what was coming, but the chief came down and asked me if I could get out. So,alas. I had to face the inevitable! They grabbed me by both arms and paraded me around the grounds and up to the “great house”. This is a large thatch covered meeting hall with crude plank benches around the perimeter. They had planned to circle around the compound 3 times, but because of the rain they cut it back to one round. Once inside the great house they seated me in a hammock which was the white “chief’s” throne of honor. This is how they see and treat me, so that is what I have to put up with and go along with.
That night we dedicated the building that had just been finished. We gave them the zinc roofing last year. The Indians sawed the lumber (much of it mahogany!). They had to carry it piece by piece for over an hour and a half through the jungle. They had some 50 guys carrying the lumber for several days. We sent a carpenter with the plans to do the actual construction. The building was packed out for all services. I preached in Portuguese and the Hunikuim pastor, Brother Aldenir interpreted. Most of them understand Portuguese and many of them speak it, too. Their services are all in their native tongue using a translation of the Bible in Hunikuim. Many of their songs are from hymns or choruses that you would recognize. Others are their own compositions. It is an interesting situation to say the least.
These folks like to eat. Lots of food, just don’t ask questions! They have horn made out of a reed and the hollowed tail of a giant armadillo that they use to call everybody to the mess hall for meals.
On Sunday morning they blew the horn at 4:00AM. I didn’t get up. Later I asked the horn blower what that was all about. He said that was the special call to the women to get up and go to the kitchen to make breakfast. So, wake up the whole village so that 10 or 15 women can go fix breakfast!
Okay.
On Sunday morning I baptized 16 as the tribe sang “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” in Hunikuim. Now I know that this letter is way too long already, but I can’t resist telling you 2 more things about my visit to the tribe. One is an oddity, the other is a miracle. Late on the first day there somebody informed me that the schoolteacher has a Starlink satellite antenna and if I wanted, I could get on the internet. So I went up the hillside behind the village to the teacher’s house. When I got there, I saw about 15 Indians with their cell phones surfing the world wide web! This is just crazy. I whipped out my phone, pulled up WhatsApp and made a video call to Beverly. Still crazy. Years ago Bev had no idea where I was or how I was while on these long mission trips. Now I am hundreds of miles out in the bush and can talk to here and see her beautiful face. That is not the miracle though.
It had now been 10 days without any real rain on the upper reaches of the Juruá River. The river is already critically low for my boat, and I am still 2 days away from time to return to Cruzeiro do Sul.
That means I might not be able to return, so I am a little concerned. After calling Bev I decided to take advantage of the teacher’s internet service to look up a site that shows satellite images of current weather conditions. Lo and behold there was one, just one giant rain cell in Peru over the headwaters of the Juruá River. This storm was just about 20 miles across the border and centered right over the main river. The rest of the region had not one little cloud in a radius of 600 or more miles. My next prayer was not, “Please Lord, send rain”, but rather, “Thank You, Lord, for the miracle”. That night the river was still going down. The next morning, I got up at 5:00 AM and went to the riverbank to see the effects of that miracle. The river had already come up 3 feet! The God who created everything created a downpour on one isolated place that had not had rain for many days and where there was no rain in the forecast for many more days. He did that. Not an accident. Not a fluke. He loves me that much. My team and I had a leisurely breakfast with our missionary at Foz do Breu then sailed easily back to our homes on Monday morning. He loves me beyond measure.
Thanks for all your prayers and support. God bless you as much as He has us.
In Christ,
Mike Creiglow
CONTACT INFO
Mike & Beverly Creiglow
Caixa Postal 24
69980 Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre
Brasil, SA
mdcreig@hotmail.com
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
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GracExtended! Update (May 2025)
GracExtended is a new initiative where the BFM directors will identify other ministries to support in a strategic way, further extending our mission efforts. Some of this support will go to current BFM missionaries as they seek to train and encourage local pastors and engage in new opportunities. Additional support will go to selected ministries outside our normal outreach, as we seek to partner with like-minded church-planting organizations. Below are two of the projects our support assists.
Pastor Alexandre’s work, a GracExtended ministry
GracExtended missionaries at work at a school, preparing to start a church plant in Londrina (Brazil)
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News & Reports – May 2025
The Online Edition of the May 2025 BFM News & Reports is available at the link below.
*Remember you can click on any headline to view the post/letter on our website.
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Doors God is Opening
April 23, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings from Southern France. We hope that your Easter Sunday was as enjoyable as ours. Sunday was a good day of rejoicing with the church at Plaisance du Touch. Emilie was here for the first time. She is the second child of parents who trusted Christ a few years ago; faithful participants in the church of Jesus that meets in our home each Sunday.
A few weeks ago, while Judy and I were out on our regular walk, we crossed a gentleman walking his dog. He was friendly and we exchanged phone information and discussed getting together. His wife is a High School English teacher. Last week we had them over for a snack and a friendship is developing. A door to connect with a couple who needs Christ.
Last week I was working in the front yard when a man about my age stopped and said, “Bonjour”. It was obvious that he was interested in chatting, so I stopped my flower planting and spent a few minutes getting acquainted with him. Yesterday afternoon a lady knocked on the door and invited us to come and snack at their home in a couple of hours. It was the man’s wife. He is a retired teacher and High School principal. God has opened another door.
On Monday afternoon another couple from further up our dead-end street spoke to me when they paused on the lane up the other side of our home. She was anxious to get better acquainted. Her husband is 93 years old. He did not talk as much but seemed to enjoy the conversation. God opened yet another door.
Each week Judy and I spend a bit over an hour speaking English with a couple of ladies. The last two times the subject has been primarily about Christ and the gift of life He offers us; walking through the door to share the Good News of Jesus.
This is our life here in Southern France. Praying for God to open doors and walking through them when they are opened.
The connections our Father gives us has led to many opportunities in the past and opened the doors to establish the Bible studies we have in seven different cities. The Word is the seed and the fruit is Eternal life. Rejoice with us in the work God is doing here as you partner with us in God’s work.
Your sister and brother,
Judy and John
Contact Info:
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
2 T Impasse de la Picardie
31830 Plaisance du Touch
France
jmhatcher@aol.com
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
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BFM Summer Conference 2025
Join us in
Lexington, Kentucky
for our Summer Missions Conference!
July 28-30, 2025
(Monday – Wednesday)
Hosted By
New Life Baptist Church
333 Redding Road; Lexington, KY 40517
Pastor Steve Wainright
(859) 983-9335
Speakers
Dave Parks
Sugrim Ramesar
Michael York
Ben Glover
Bobby Creiglow
David Pitman
Jud Hatcher
Barry Delaney
Donnie Burford
Schedule
| Monday Evening | July 28 |
| 5:30 PM | Supper |
| 7:00 PM – 7:15 PM | Singing |
| 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM | Speaker: Dave Parks |
| 8:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Singing |
| 8:15 PM – 9:00 PM | Speaker: Sugrim Ramesar |
| Tuesday Morning | July 29 |
| 9:30 AM – 9:45 AM | Singing |
| 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM | Speaker: Michael York |
| 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM | Speaker: Bobby Creiglow |
| 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM | Break |
| 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Singing |
| 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Speaker: Ben Glover |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| Tuesday Evening | July 29 |
| 5:30 PM | Supper |
| 7:00 PM – 7:15 PM | Singing |
| 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM | Speaker: Dave Pitman |
| 8:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Singing |
| 8:15 PM – 9:00 PM | Speaker: Jud Hatcher |
| Wednesday Morning | July 30 |
| 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Singing |
| 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM | Speaker: Barry Delaney |
| 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM | Break |
| 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Singing |
| 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Speaker: Donnie Burford |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| Wednesday Evening | July 30 |
| 5:30 PM | Supper |
| 7:00 PM – 7:15 PM | Singing |
| 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM | Speaker: Sugrim Ramesar |
Accommodations
A special rate is available at Hampton Inn Lexington Medical Center/UK (1953 Nicholasville Rd; Lexington, KY 40503), which is less than a 10-minute drive to the church.
Please use the following link if you are interested in booking at the special rate for New Life Baptist Church: Click here to Book at Hampton Inn
(Note: The rates are good for July 27-30. “Shoulder dates” have been added for those who may want to arrive a day prior or stay a day later; this is only an option and not required.)
[Click here for directions from hotel to the church.]
Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
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