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 the church 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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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.
Read more
Scenes of Christmas in São Paulo
Our “Um Sonho de Natal” had 406 in attendance, 89 cast & crew, and 16 decisions.
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.
Read more
A Vision Trip to Brazil
September 26, 2024
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Greetings in the name of our Lord! We hope this newsletter finds you well and filled with the joy of serving Christ. We are excited to have received Daniel Akers, Shamma Lorredan, and Glenn Tolson from Heritage Baptist Church, Lexington, KY. They were here on a vision trip to Brazil, which took place from September 3 to 17. The purpose of the trip was to map out future plans for yearly church mission trips to Brazil.
Together, we embarked on this journey with a heart full of anticipation and a desire to strengthen our partnerships in the field. The bulk of our trip was spent in São Paulo, where we visited our church planting framework for evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development. It was inspiring to see these men engage with Brazilian people and witness their dedication and passion for missions and our partnership to spread the Gospel in this vibrant city.
One of the key highlights was our visit to Raquel’s foster care ministry. This impactful initiative not only provides a safe haven for at-risk children but also serves as a platform for sharing the love of Christ with families in need. I was grateful for the opportunity to share Raquel’s passion for foster care, connect with those involved in this ministry, and explore ways to support those efforts.
The three men also joined us for a day at the soccer school and ministered to young athletes. While in São Paulo, they also learned of other sports evangelism opportunities in basketball and volleyball as potential opportunities for future sports mission trips. They received an invitation to speak at our kids’ school – PACA. Shamma shared his powerful testimony of salvation, how he became a professional musician, his survival of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and how the Lord equipped him to serve as a pastor in Lexington, KY.
Additionally, we traveled to the Marília and Cornélio Procópio regions to connect with the pastors and churches of the Togetherness Network. In Cornélio, we gathered with pastors, pastors in training, and spouses to discuss a bilateral partnership in ministry. This meeting inspired everyone, and the repercussions will produce a lingering positive impact. Daniel and Shamma spoke at the Pastors’ Symposium in Duartina, where they preached on “The Legacy of Faithful Preaching in Pastoral Ministry” and “The Legacy of Integrity in Pastoral Ministry”. It was a significant symposium full of enthusiasm and encouragement for pastors, aspiring pastors, and spouses. Everyone’s dedication to the Gospel inspired us, and it was a time of mutual edification.
During the second weekend of our trip, we joined Bobby and Charlene Wacaser in Curitiba. Here, we learned about Projeto Vida and the church’s ongoing efforts to reach the community through evangelism and discipleship. Together, we were able to have a firsthand experience of the depth and scope of the Wacaser’s ministry in Curitiba. The significance of the church’s Bible training for adults and the children’s ministry is self-evident.
As we reflect on this trip, we are grateful for Heritage Baptist Church. We are also thankful for your continued support and prayers. Your partnership enables us to engage in this vital work, and we are excited about the future opportunities that lie ahead. Please offer prayers for the ongoing ministries in Brazil so that they may bear fruit for the Kingdom and that more people will experience the love of Christ.
On another note, the soccer school continues to be a powerful tool for evangelism in São Paulo. This last month, we had two friendly games with other soccer teams, during which I was able to openly share about Christ. Through this program, we can connect with athletes and their families, sharing the Gospel and fostering relationships that lead to discipleship. The soccer school not only opens doors for sharing the Good News but also provides us an opportunity for discipling new Christians and developing leadership within the sport. We have seen firsthand how the Lord uses this initiative to minister to numerous families in their homes, creating a ripple effect of faith and transformation.
Thank you for standing with us in this mission. We look forward to sharing more updates and stories of God’s faithfulness in the coming months.
Always grateful,
Jud & Raquel
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.
Read more
Encouraging Brazilian Pastors, Evangelizing Students, & Youth Camp
July 15, 2024
Family News
Everyone successfully completed their school year and was promoted to the next grade. Sarah graduated from high school and two weeks later was accepted into ESPM, a Brazilian university. She plans to study communications and publicity. I (Judson) celebrated my birthday with dengue fever. The fever lasted for almost a month. Thankfully, the cold sweats, brain fog, and constant itching are over! Raquel is in excellent health and is actively engaged in serving others.
Evangelism, Five Decisions at Camp, and Ministry At Large.
The soccer school allows us to evangelize students every week and build bridges with the parents. Our teams participated in a one-day tournament, winning half of the matches against other teams.
Through Rede Convivencia (Togetherness Network), under the leadership of Pastor Eliezer, we had a youth camp with 40 students, which rendered five salvation decisions. Benjamin (my son) traveled 6 hours to join the camp and also made important decisions during the camp.
Last week, I visited several pastors and their families in our Rede Convivencia. We made stops in São Paulo state in Pompeia, Marilia, Vera Cruz, Alvaro de Carvalho, Fernão. In Paraná state, we visited pastors in Cornélio Procópio, Assaí, and Urai. Pastor Elieser joined me on this journey to minister to pastors and their families.
The one-year-old church plant in Marilia, which meets in Américo and Paula Pinotti’s garage, celebrated three baptisms and their first Lord’s supper last week. Américo was mentored by Pastor Gilberto Steffano during his formative years. Recently, Américo requested my mentorship for pastoral ordination and guidance in organizing the new work.
Pastor Raimundo Pinto, the lead pastor for the church plant in Aracajú (Northeastern Brazil), inaugurates the new building at the beginning of August.
Our student ministry evangelism gathering drew several new students and made new connections. We played volleyball, indoor soccer, and foot-volleyball.
Foster Care
Raquel actively works in recruiting, training, equipping, and networking couples and families to serve as foster care parents to attend to the immense need of at-risk children in São Paulo city. She is a strong advocate and voice in one of the world’s largest metropolises – São Paulo city is still learning what foster care means and how it benefits children and society. The court system recently inspected Raquel’s foster care intake facilities and received high marks from the city officials. We are grateful to Jason and Nikki Estes for their encouragement, mobilization, and partnership in significantly impacting the lives of precious children in foster care.
Prayer Requests
1) The purchase of a car.
2) Finances for Sarah’s first year in a Brazilian university.
3) The new school year is starting soon for Laura (12th), Benjamin (10th), and Melissa (7th).
4) Family health.
5) Evangelism and church growth
6) Judson’s doctoral studies and dissertation on pastoral succession in Brazilian churches.
Grateful always,
Judson and 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.
Read more
Students Surrender to Christ in São Paulo
4 students surrendered to Christ!
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.
Read more
Seeing God at Work in the Lives of Our Children
April 12, 2024
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is with great joy I write you once more. It’s a privilege to share with you all God is doing here in São Paulo City.
First, I want to share about God’s work in our children’s lives. Sarah is graduating from High School on June 10th. We celebrate her accomplishments and a new phase as she prepares to go to college here in São Paulo. We are grateful for God’s work in Laura’s life, as she demonstrates daily her spiritual growth and knowledge about Jesus. We praise God for Benjamin’s life also. He gives us so much joy as he develops not only in stature and academics but also in his faith and love for Jesus. Melissa, from all four, is who has grown the most in every area of life. She really has improved in her learning abilities, her performance in sports, her social skills, her confidence, and interest in spiritual practices. It’s amazing to watch them becoming young adults, and Melissa becoming a teenager, with all that phase brings (LOL). I’m thankful for your prayers; we need it so much!
Second, I would like to share the results of our First TBRI National Conference, organized by ABBA (Associação Brasileira Beneficente Aslan). We had people from six states, and more than twenty cities. We had five speakers, three representing Texas Christian University – Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, one from Pontes de Amor, an Adoption Support Group, and me. This conference was done by faith. I’m thankful to partners like Nikki and Jason Estes (iCG Pay), who raised funds and supported us from the start. I’m thankful for Srini Sirigire, he owns Whiztek. I’m thankful for D & A Papéis, and FlySkyCare. Without their contributions it wouldn’t be possible. I’m also thankful for an amazing team, who worked non-stop to make this conference a success. If you would like to support our ministries with Foster Care, and children and adolescents in risk and social vulnerabilities, please make donations to BFM and specify “Jud & Raquel’s Foster Care Ministry”.
Prayer Requests:
Our family health. There is a dengue crisis going on here in Brazil.
Our kid’s last two months of school, and future education plans for Sarah.
My dad’s health. He almost had a heart attack on April 10th. He’s on the waiting list for a heart valve transplant. His heart is very weak, and he is having symptoms such as shortness of breath, high blood pressure, and stomach discomfort.
My mom’s health. She was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer in September 2023. She’ll go through chemotherapy and radio therapy in the next months.
We have two babies in our foster care program. Please pray God will send us more foster families, it’s a challenge to recruit Christians families to receive these little ones in their homes.
Our TBRI trainings. Many non-profit organizations ask us to train their staff and team. Pray for wisdom, and funds.
Pray for our Agape Baptist Church. We’ll have a community outreach this upcoming Sunday. Pray for salvation.
It’s an honor to serve Jesus Christ through Baptist Faith Missions. We feel privileged to be part of this great mission. Thank you for all you do for our family.
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.
Read more
Scenes from São Paulo
Here are some recent snapshots from their ministry.
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