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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Making Plans for Conference in Paraguay
April 10, 2025
Dear friends and family,
With all that is going on in our native land, Kentucky, and the surrounding counties, please let us stop and pray for all those affected by the storms and the flooding and the families who have lost loved ones. What a tragedy. Kentucky has been hit by floods and tornadoes, and there have been loss of lives because of the storms.
Now some news from our Bluegrass Baptist Seminary. We have received news from our pastor-contact in Paraguay and he has his group ready for a conference and are now waiting on us for a confirmed date. God is AWESOME!! We are looking at sometime in September! Put this conference on your prayer list as this could add a great number of students to our seminary enrollment.
We are hoping we can work out the seminary graduation for this year at that same time. We have several in this semester’s class that will be completing their courses and we are looking forward to them applying for their diploma.
This also could be the dedication of the new building for the church there in São Paulo with our pastor-friend Pastor Marcos. Hopefully we can work all of this out in the same time period. If God is willing, we will do all of this in one trip—and we know Who is in control.
We are working on getting another translator for our classes. As all our classes are now online, it is important not to come up short with our translators. They are all residing in Brazil and they are the only paid workers of the seminary. As you know, our professors are all located in the United States and are pastors with degrees. Each of them are volunteers. The seminary classes are attended in four different countries: Brazil, Paraguay, Africa, and Canada (attending there is a missionary from Brazil). How AWESOME is the God we serve!!!
With all this hopeful planning, we are depending on your help in praying for everything to come together as we have planned so we can do less traveling to get more done in less time.
Barbara and I are not getting any younger and are trying to do many things, so please pray for us to stay in good health to continue God’s work till He comes.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
Contact Info:
AJ & Barbara Hensley
30524 Mimi St
Sebring, FL 33870-0530
AJ: 859-539-2302 | Barbara: 859-539-1424
ajcaragua@gmail.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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Funny (and Frustrating) Experiences on the Mission Field
April 9, 2025
Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ,
We are currently in between terms here in Kijabe and so there is not a whole lot going on. I am currently preparing for my next set of classes, but the students are all on break and back home (except for the international ones) and so things are a bit quiet. That gives me a little time to get my classes prepared and my heart prepared for the return of the students later this month.
Since there is not a whole lot going on currently, I will relate a funny (I mean, frustrating) situation I went through this month. So, here in Kenya we have many government documents that we need to keep up to date in order to remain in the country. When I say many, I mean MANY. One of those documents is an Alien ID card (I think the name has recently changed to the more innocuous Foreign National ID). Once you get it renewed it is good for two years. So, two years ago when my ID expired, I applied for a new one, jumping through all the required hoops and payments and trips to Nairobi to accomplish the task. I was supposed to receive my new card within three weeks. After a month went by and I still had not received my card I started inquiring to see where it might have escaped to. I was told there was no problem but that I just needed to wait, and it would come. I kept checking every month after that in order to try and get my new card. I kept on being told the same thing for about a year until someone finally admitted to me that it might have gotten lost and that I should file a formal inquiry into the situation, which I did. A month later I checked to see what had become of my formal inquiry. I was told it never made it into the system and was probably lost. I filed another one. The next time I inquired as to its status I was told to be patient because it was being looked into. Finally, last month, I was told that my card was officially lost and that I would need to re-apply for a new one (I would have to make a new application and pay the fee all over again because the fee I paid for the last one, that I never received, couldn’t be used for the new application). Thus, I reapplied, repaid, and made the necessary trip to Nairobi with my filled-out documents in hand so that I could go to the seventeenth story of Nyayo House (where the immigration department is housed), get fingerprinted, and submit my application. When I took my documents into the office and sat down in front of the immigration officer, she typed some things into her computer and then she asked me why I was applying for a new ID before picking up my previous one. I told her that it had been lost in their system for almost two years and that this is what I was told to do. She told me to wait and got up from her desk and left the office. I waited. Three minutes later she returned, with my lost Alien ID card in hand and handed it over to me, looking very smug. Here was my card that had been lost in the system for almost two years, and she had found it in under three minutes. I couldn’t believe it. However, when I looked closely at my card that she had just retrieved for me I noticed that it was going to expire in ten days. That’s right. It had been renewed two years ago, sat inside someone’s office for two years, and now would expire in ten days. I asked the immigration lady if I could just go ahead and apply for my new card seeing that this one was going to expire in ten days, I already had the renewal application documents in my hand right now, I had already paid (again) for the new application and was already in Nairobi at the immigration office. She promptly told me that I couldn’t apply for the new card until my previous card (the one she just gave me) was expired because the computer wouldn’t allow her to do it. So, I left her office with my card ready to expire in ten days and waited until it expired. Once it expired, I drove back to Nairobi to reapply. Arriving at the office I was told that the system was down and not functioning because the government had not paid their fees to the outsourced company that wrote the program. The outsourced company had shut down the system and was holding it hostage until such time as they would get paid. As of yet it hasn’t gotten paid. I now have an expired card in my pocket with no way to renew it. At least I had a valid card for ten days!
If you wish to minister the gospel of Jesus in Kenya, these are some of the things you have to learn to put up with.
For the glory of God in Kenya.
Blessings to all,
Roger, Julie, & Chloe
Contact Info:
Roger & Julie Tate
Moffat Bible College
P.O. Box 70
Kijabe, Kenya 00220
rojuta@gmail.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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Churches in Brazil Continue to Grow with National Pastors
April 3, 2025
We were pleased that our evangelistic partners from Roanoke, Virginia, were able to spend almost a week in ministry with our outreach team last month. The Lord blessed in so many ways. More than one hundred people surrendered to Christ through the gospel being shared in the schools and parks in a neighboring city, Araucaria. Our volunteers loved the time and effort spent with that team and look forward to future opportunities. One detail that stood out to me was how all four of them, though grandparents, were used so effectively among the youth of Brazil. We know that, first of all, God was working after much prayer in preparation for their trip. But I also believe that their compassion for the lost and their incredible work ethic and effort to get the word out to as many as possible were used of God for others to see Him in them. We have partnered with youth groups many times in the past, and will do so again, but observing grandparents like these minister with the passion and diligence these good folk demonstrated is inspiring.
Our traveling evangelistic team, Projeto Vida, just returned from their first full month of ministry in public schools for 2025 (the school year here begins in the middle of February). I was amazed at how the Lord opens doors of opportunity to get the gospel to so many people who may never set foot inside a church building. During this trip, our team had the privilege of sharing the gospel in 11 public schools, reaching 3056 people. Of those present, 203 professed publicly that they were trusting in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Our partnering pastors now have the contact information of these new converts and will begin the discipleship process with them for continued growth in Christ. We are expecting an amazing year of fruit for God’s glory.
I spoke with two of our national pastors this month and their reports are very encouraging. In Northern Brazil, the Nova Igreja Batista of Itacoatiara is experiencing some impressive growth. Pastor Daniel Sombra and his wife, Neuliane have a new baby girl and a lot of new baby Christians to minister to. They are having to add on to their church building to accommodate the new growth, thanks to God.
Pastor Cledson and his team in Curitiba put together a couples’ dinner for outreach and marriage counseling. The church continues to grow under his faithful leadership.
Charlene and I want to thank you for your prayers and loving support.
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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New Facility, Discipleship, Family Camp, Mentorship, & More
April 2, 2025
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Greetings from Brazil! We are excited to share how God has moved in our ministry over the past few months. Your prayers and support have been instrumental in these blessings, and we are grateful for your partnership in the Gospel.
Christmas Evangelistic Production
December was an incredible month. We hosted a Christmas evangelistic production that was attended by 406 people in two presentations. We rejoiced to see 16 individuals make decisions for Christ! Praise God for the work He is doing, and please continue praying for these new believers as they take their first steps of faith.
New Church Facility and First Wedding
In January, we had the joy of moving into our newly leased church facility! This was a milestone moment for our people and has already been a tremendous blessing. We celebrated our very first wedding in the new location—what a wonderful way to maximize the usage of this space!—we received extended family members and friends of the couple with the opportunity to share the Gospel message during the ceremony.
Discipleship Class for New Believers
After the big Christmas production, we continue to focus on spiritual growth and launched a discipleship class for those who have recently come to Christ. This has been a great time of grounding them in biblical truths and preparing them to walk faithfully with the Lord. Please pray for these new believers as they grow in their faith.
“Zeal” Family Camp
We had an amazing two-day youth camp called “Zeal,” which was filled with fun, fellowship, and most importantly, a deep dive into God’s Word. The energy and enthusiasm of these families was contagious, and we are encouraged by their desire to live boldly for Christ.
Soccer Evangelism and Discipleship
Our evangelism and discipleship efforts through soccer continue to thrive. The outreach is growing, and we are seeing lives transformed through the relationships built on and off the field. Please pray for endurance, wisdom, and continued fruit in this ministry.
The Togetherness Network
Pastors and churches part of the Togetherness Network continue to grow and collaborate with each other on building projects and other evangelist and discipleship efforts. Pastoral mentorship and fostering relationships are a significant component of my ministry to these pastors. The church plant in Marilia is growing steadily and has partnered with Heritage Baptist Church in Lexington, KY for prayer, support and mission trips.
Family Update
On the home front, we have much to celebrate! Our daughter Laura is preparing to graduate high school in June and will be heading to Liberty University in August. We are incredibly proud of her and excited to see what God has in store for her next chapter. We also had two birthdays recently, Sarah turned 20 and Benjamin 17. We thank the Lord for the blessings of family and the joy they bring to our lives. Melissa is in 7th grade and has grown tremendously in her academics and has become a key player in the sports competitions against other schools in São Paulo.
Raquel is actively training foster care parents, social workers, and childcare givers through online and in-person training modules and seminars. She also leads the fantastic children’s team leaders as we work with kids through our current church plant.
Thank you for praying for and supporting us. We are grateful for your faithfulness and encouragement as we continue the work God has called us to do here in Brazil. May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Prayer requests
1) Judson is recovering from left knee surgery and may have to operate on the right knee.
2) Laura twisted her ankle during volleyball practice at school, the MRI shows two torn ligaments.
3) Church growth, evangelism and discipleship.
4) Meetings with the Rawlings Foundation regarding camps in Brazil, networking and local church discipleship of kids who accept Christ during a camp.
5) Assisting with the translation of materials for the first Masters in Youth Ministry in Brazil that begins in August 2025.
Always grateful,
Judson & Raquel
Missionaries to Brazil
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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News & Reports – April 2025
The Online Edition of the April 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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A Delight to See God at Work
March 19, 2025
Dear Fellow Disciples of Jesus Christ,
We thank God for you and your participation in what God is doing here. The past few days have been extremely windy here. It is a reminder of a verse that Judy and I quote often “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8) God is at work in ways that are invisible like the wind, but the results are obvious.
Last night, we were at the regular Bible study meeting in Mazere about an hour and a half drive south of us. This is a group of believers who would have to drive an hour and a half to participate in a Baptist or similar church. We have been holding meetings in this city for about 20 years. Douceline, a believing young lady, moved to this city at that time. She was very discouraged because she knew no other believers in Christ with whom she could fellowship in that region. Judy and I decided to offer coming to her home weekly for Bible study and fellowship. Douceline loved the idea and soon began seeing herself as a light for Jesus in the area. She is the director of a History Museum in this city and has contact with many people. She began inviting people to the weekly Bible study we were having in her apartment. Over the years we have had scores of interested people participate. The group now is mostly believers growing in the Lord and we meet in the home of a couple on a farm just outside the city. Just one example of how the many outreaches God has given us began.
Tonight, we will be in a Bible study hosted by Blandine, Douceline’s sister, in a city about an half hour drive north of us. We will be meeting on a Wednesday instead of the typical Thursday night meeting because this is the beginning of the New Year in Iran. Blandine’s husband is Iranian and they will be celebrating the Holiday with Iranian friends on Thursday. God has saved individuals in this Bible study during the last couple of years. It is delightful to see God at work.
As I close, I want to tell you about two wonderful blessings among many for which Judy and I are especially thankful to our Heavenly Father. March 3rd was our 52nd marriage anniversary. We are so thankful for the children, their spouses and the grandchildren He has given us. What a delight it has been and is to serve the Lord in three continents and experience the way He has worked around us and the great number of friends and brothers and sisters in Christ God has given to us. Judy had cataract surgery on both eyes during the first couple weeks of March and she is doing very well and can see much better. Thank you for your prayers.
Your sister and brother in Christ,
John and Judy Hatcher
Contact Info:
John & Judy Hatcher
2 T Impasse de la Picardie
31830 Plaisance du Touch
France
JMHatcher@aol.com
Present USA phone 1-812-416-1033
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.
Read more
Introducing Many Pastors to Bluegrass Baptist Seminary
March 10, 2025
Dear friends and family,
Hope this letter finds each of you in good health. For us, the travel and the dental surgery in Brazil is over for a while. But during this time, Pastor Derek and I were in Fortaleza attending a conference of Brazilian Baptist pastors and, though it was tiring, it was successful.
We met many pastors and were able to get information about our Bluegrass Baptist Seminary in the hands of many of them to take back to present to their churches. We were able to schedule meetings with some of their churches and we are working on those meetings. It is just going slow, as all things do in Brazil. The bulk of these meetings will be in Paraguay and, at that meeting, the pastors hope to have 40 or 50 other pastors in attendance.
These pastors that we were able to talk to were very excited for the prospect of having the availability of a seminary in their town. Here we are looking for much interest and for the seminary to reach many more students. At this conference we did not have a speaking role, but as I said we were able to talk to many interested pastors.
Our semester is starting on March 10 and we will have four different classes in the Master’s Program with an enrollment of approximately 50 pastors! Also, the Doctor of Theology program for this semester has grown; we now have SEVEN students. God is AWESOME!! Going back to our upcoming meeting in Paraguay, it will hopefully be in June. We are waiting on our pastor friend, the pastor of the Bible Baptist Church in São Paulo, to set the date. All this will be decided around the dedication of their new church building.
We are trying to get as much done as possible in this time period as we can. We will have three more pastors complete their Master’s Program. So, as you can see, we will be very, very busy so I ask for your prayers during that time.
While we were in Fortaleza, we had a Brazilian helper who helped us with some of the administrative paperwork. All the volunteers make this seminary program really work. The professors, the U.S. pastors with PhDs and doctorates, one Brazilian pastor professor, and our translators help get the classes to the online system which allows all those who want to learn more about God and His Word do so. We are now presenting these classes in THREE countries, and we are looking forward to adding the fourth country, Paraguay, in the future.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
CONTACT INFO
AJ & Barbara Hensley
30524 Mimi St
Sebring, FL 33870-0530
AJ: 859-539-2302 | Barbara: 859-539-1424
ajcaragua@gmail.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.
Read more
