Training Pastors & Leaders, New Church Planted, Evangelistic Cookouts, Couples Gathering, Update on Needs

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Jud and Raquel Hatcher are third generation missionaries serving the Lord in São Paulo, Brazil. They are part of the “SeedFactory” church planting initiative, which is a movement to plant churches in all 26 Brazilian capitals. Since 2006, 43 churches have been started in 5 states.

June 22, 2023

Dear friends,

We are delighted to bring you an exciting update on the ongoing ministry work in Brazil. God’s grace and favor continue to pour upon us as we witness His transformative power at work in the lives of individuals, churches, and communities. Here are some highlights from recent events and initiatives:

Pastors’ Conference with Pastor Hanibal Rodriguez:

We were privileged to host an uplifting Pastors’ Conference in partnership with Pastor Hanibal Rodriguez from Wheaton Bible Church. This conference served as a time of refreshment, equipping, and encouragement for pastors across the nation. Through Pastor Hanibal’s insightful teaching and powerful ministry, pastors were equipped to shepherd their congregations with renewed vision and passion.

Church Ministries Conference with Eight Workshops:

In our commitment to fostering growth and excellence in church ministries, we organized a dynamic Church Ministries Conference. This event featured eight different workshops covering various aspects of ministry, including worship, discipleship, children’s ministry, evangelism, and more. Pastors, leaders, and volunteers gained valuable insights, practical tools, and inspiration to enhance their ministry effectiveness.

Pastor and Leaders Monthly Gathering:

We continued our monthly gatherings for pastors and leaders to strengthen unity and provide a platform for mutual support and growth. These gatherings took place in São Paulo and Parana, attracting participants from various regions. Through worship, prayer, and the sharing of testimonies and challenges, we witnessed the power of collaboration and the edification of leaders as they sharpened one another for a more significant Kingdom impact.

Church Plant in Marilia led by Americo and Paulinha:

Praise God for the establishment of a new church in Marilia under the leadership of Americo and Paulinha. This church plant represents an answered prayer and a strategic step in reaching the unreached in that area. We believe that this congregation will grow into a vibrant community of believers, passionately sharing the Gospel and transforming lives.

Three Incredible Evangelistic Cookouts:

Evangelism remains at the core of our mission, and we rejoiced in organizing three incredible evangelistic cookouts. These events provided opportunities for fellowship, engaging conversations, and sharing the love of Christ. Many individuals encountered the truth of the Gospel, and we witnessed the power of God’s Word breaking strongholds and bringing salvation to those who were lost.

Couples Gathering:

We organized a special Couples Gathering to recognize the importance of healthy marriages and families. This event aimed to strengthen marital relationships, enrich communication, and provide biblical principles for navigating challenges. Couples left the gathering inspired and equipped to build strong foundations in their homes, becoming beacons of Christ’s love and grace.

Evangelistic Cookouts, One-on-One Discipleship, and Small Group Bible Studies:

Our evangelistic efforts continued through three incredible cookouts, creating opportunities for fellowship, conversations, and sharing the Gospel. We also engaged in one-on-one discipleship meetings and small group Bible studies in homes, nurturing spiritual growth and community among believers.

Family News:

In the midst of our ministry endeavors, we rejoice in celebrating the accomplishments of our family:

Sarah won her school’s “Talent Show” with her beautiful singing, showcasing her God-given gifts and talents.

Benjamin shone brightly as the protagonist in his 8th-grade theatrical performance, displaying remarkable acting skills.

We joyfully celebrated Benjamin’s 8th-grade graduation, marking a significant milestone in his academic journey.

Melissa achieved a new level of proficiency in her Jiu-Jitsu class, earning a well-deserved stripe and demonstrating her determination and discipline.

Laura received the prestigious “Outstanding Student of the Year Award” at her school, recognizing her exceptional academic achievements and character.

I (Jud) marked my 46th birthday with a delightful date with Raquel at an incredible fondue restaurant.

The kids and I enjoyed a memorable day of bike riding at Ibirapuera Park, Brazil’s equivalent to NY Central Park.

Fundraising Requests:

We humbly reach out to you, our faithful supporters, with two pressing fundraising needs:

1)     Sound System, Stage, and Tent:

To enhance our church planting and network gatherings, we require a sound system, stage, and tent. The estimated cost for this essential equipment is 10,000 US dollars, considering the higher expenses for such equipment in Brazil.

2)     Second Car Purchase:

Due to the increasing demand and rising expenditures on transportation, we urgently need to acquire a second vehicle. The estimated cost for this much-needed resource is also 10,000 US dollars.

We are humbled by the privilege of serving alongside faithful partners like yourselves. Your prayers and support have been instrumental in the progress and impact of these ministries. As we press forward, we invite you to join us in prayer that God’s Kingdom will continue to expand and transform lives in Brazil.

May the Lord bless you abundantly for your partnership in the Gospel.

Grateful always,
Jud 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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Coordinating Foster Care in São Paulo

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Jud and Raquel Hatcher are third generation missionaries serving the Lord in São Paulo, Brazil. They are part of the “SeedFactory” church planting initiative, which is a movement to plant churches in all 26 Brazilian capitals. Since 2006, 43 churches have been started in 5 states.

April 25, 2023

Dear friends,

I’m excited to write this letter because God has done great things. We arrived in São Paulo, Brazil, a week before Christmas. Being with my parents’ family for the holidays was so special after all we went through the last 18 months in the US. Everyone was amazed by how much our kids had grown.

On January 16, I returned to my role as coordinator in a Foster Care Program, but this time, in a new location and with a new team:

  • A psychologist
  • A social worker
  • A social worker intern
  • A social worker volunteer

We have worked very hard to organize and structure the program. Our inauguration was on April 4. We met with our jurisdiction judge and her foster care team to align procedures and receive instructions. We were glad the judge was very welcoming and open to foster care; she prefers placing babies, children, and teens in families. This positive attitude towards foster care is not typical among judges in Brazil, resulting in 96% of children and teenagers who are removed from their homes being placed in institutions and only 4% being placed in families. We want to change this sad reality by educating, recruiting, training, and supporting families in our communities to step out of their comfort zone and become foster care families. Most of our presentations are done in churches, but we also present in universities, maternities, business meetings, and others. Currently, we have two families ready to receive a child and one family finishing training. Our goal is to recruit ten families by the end of the year.

The two-bedroom townhouse we rented to serve as our office, where biological families will come for supervised visits, where foster care families will meet with us, and where adoptive families will meet their children for the first time, needs many things. We need sofas, lamps, rugs, decorations, stoves, children’s books, toys, crayons, colored pencils, and many newborn supplies, like clothes, bottles, baby towels, pacifiers, and everything else babies need. We give those items to the foster care families when they receive a baby since they are volunteers and only receive 264 dollars per month to help with medications (children come with many needs, physically, mentally, and psychologically) and other urgent needs the child may have. If you can help with a one-time offer, or if you would like to support this ministry monthly, please, specify your offering to Raquel Foster Care.

I’m also training professionals and foster care families in TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention), a Trauma-Informed Approach. I got licensed to train while we were in the USA. TBRI was developed at Texas Christian University by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross. If you would like to learn more about it, many TBRI videos are on YouTube. God has blessed us tremendously with many opportunities to serve Him through serving others. Our family is doing well. Jud is extremely busy with our church planting and training he does with pastors and church leaders. My oldest sister Valéria married on April 22; it was a beautiful celebration.

Lastly, Through World Without Orphans Brasil, we (WWO) are bringing Jodi Tucker to São Paulo on April 27. She is the mother of 9 children, some biological and many adopted. She wrote the devotional “Second Mothers.” She will be speaking to mothers by adoption and foster mothers. I will be the master of the ceremony (MC) for the event. We hope to bless those women who dedicate their lives to give hope to those without it.

I want to thank all of you for praying for us, loving us, and helping us financially. We could never do what we do without you. Thank you so, so much! My WhatsApp number is +(5511)99416-4149, if you would like to call me to get more information about our ministry. God bless you!

Love,
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

Developing Leaders to Equip Churches

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Jud and Raquel Hatcher are third generation missionaries serving the Lord in São Paulo, Brazil. They are part of the “SeedFactory” church planting initiative, which is a movement to plant churches in all 26 Brazilian capitals. Since 2006, 43 churches have been started in 5 states.

March 23, 2023

Dear friends,

We thank you for supporting us through prayer and financial giving. THANK YOU. Please, continue reading to know how your fervent prayers and investment impact the Kingdom of God in Brazil.

A Swiss Chalet & 98 Leaders

“Rede Convivência” (Life Together Network) had its first DayCamp on March 18th with pastors and their leadership teams to equip churches and inspire leaders. There were 98 participants from three different states. It was a memorable day of leadership development and exchange of ideas. “Rede Convivência” is a network of pastors and churches I started a few years ago that seeks to 1) Promote connectedness between pastors, pastors’ wives, and leaders amongst churches and within the church to make disciples, inspire and develop new leaders and pastors for the local church ministries. 2) Recruit, train, place, and network leaders and pastors to plant new churches and expand the Kingdom of God.

Hearting it Together from Chicago to São Paulo

On April 27, 28 & 29, we are hosting the “Heart of the Matter” seminar with Pastor Hanibal Rodriguez from Wheaton Bible Church, Illinois. Pastor Hanibal ministered to my heart and our family when I underwent cancer treatment a year ago. On May 1st (a Brazilian holiday), he will also speak at a conference in Marília, São Paulo, with churches from several cities coming together.

Intentional Expansion Strategy (IES)

The Life Together Network provides monthly gatherings for pastors, leaders, and team members to nurture a healthy context for the leaders to engage in metacognition in meeting local community needs with the Gospel and disciple-making. Healthy and intentional local churches need to develop a Biblically grounded and culturally relevant vehicle for people to hear the Gospel and to mature spiritually. Scripture is foundational, and the Gospel must always remain crystal clear. Additionally, understanding the culture (local context) and using the culture to reach the culture is vital to developing effective ministry strategies to connect with people. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:22, “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” He was intentional about the way he engaged with people in the context they were in and in a way they could understand. Five core values are: 1) Communication – precise, efficient, and frequent communication. 2) Consistency – all decisions need to be consistent with Scripture and the direction established by the church. 3) Creativity – there is a creative solution for almost everything. 4) Commitment – A commitment made is a promise kept. 5) Recruitment – recruit the right people to mobilize and work strategically. We must recruit for the Kingdom and the local church to inspire new leaders and expand the Kingdom of God.

An Evangelistic (Mexican Food) Picnic

This next Sunday, we are having an Evangelistic picnic with friends (this is an initiative through our current church plant). Over forty non-believer friends are confirmed to join us for an afternoon of Mexican food, activities, and lots of fun as we connect more closely with our friends. We have invited our next-door neighbors, the auto mechanic, the restaurant owner down the street, and friends we have met over the last few months.

International Foster Care Symposium & Center Inauguration

Raquel participated in the IV International Foster Care Symposium at the University of Campinas this week. She was one of the guest lecturers and spoke on “Trust-Based Relational Intervention.” A new foster care center for intake and foster parent training will inaugurate on April 4th. Raquel actively recruits new foster care parents and develops teams to assist orphans and at-risk children and parents.

Family Time

Overall, everyone in the family is in good health. Sarah sprained her left ankle but is recuperating quickly. Our kids are doing well academically and are heavily involved in school sports. Sarah is a starter for the varsity volleyball team. Benjamin is a starter for the jr. varsity volleyball team. Laura saved up money while working at Culver’s Restaurant in the States for horseback riding lessons in Brazil. Melissa is practicing basketball, soccer, and jiu-jitsu in the after-school program for elementary students. We love to hear our kids pray, are blessed to see how the Lord is growing them spiritually, and have a deep desire to see their unsaved friends surrender to Christ. Raquel has a constant smile in her heart – the joy of the Lord is her strength. I am progressing well in my doctoral studies and am currently in chapter three of my dissertation.

Investing

As you pray with and for us, please consider investing financially in our ministry fund – please designate for church planting, pastoral leadership training, the church network, or foster care.

Always grateful,
Judson 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

Churches Taking Steps to Expand the Kingdom

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Jud and Raquel Hatcher are third generation missionaries serving the Lord in São Paulo, Brazil. They are part of the “SeedFactory” church planting initiative, which is a movement to plant churches in all 26 Brazilian capitals. Since 2006, 43 churches have been started in 5 states.

February 21, 2023

Dear friends,

Thank you for praying and supporting us. We are truly grateful.

It has been two months since we returned to São Paulo. Our kids are in school and have settled into academic life. Everyone is in good health. Raquel celebrated her birthday this month. We have many things to be grateful for, particularly God’s providence in our lives. This month also was the one-year mark since the completion of my chemotherapy. Having gone through a battle with cancer brought a new perspective to this life and a sense of urgency in pointing people to the Savior and living generously. Every moment with the family has become more precious, friends more important, and speaking of the Gospel and mobilizing for Christ’s cause more vivid.

This month was productive as the churches, part of our Life Together Network, have taken significant steps to expand the Kingdom. I am grateful to invest time with pastors who desire to become more effective in the Gospel strategies. This weekend we have our next Network meeting as we prepare for a pastoral conference in April and actively work on shaping a leadership reproduction and multiplication culture. Additionally, several churches have taken bolder steps with evangelistic strategies within their communities. Last week I had several meetings with leaders in church planting here in São Paulo to iron out details to grow our discipleship gatherings further.

Grateful always,
Jud 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

Settling Back in Brazil

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Jud and Raquel Hatcher are third generation missionaries serving the Lord in São Paulo, Brazil. They are part of the “SeedFactory” church planting initiative, which is a movement to plant churches in all 26 Brazilian capitals. Since 2006, 43 churches have been started in 5 states.

February 1, 2023

Wow! It has been a joyfully exhausting time since we arrived in São Paulo. Long days and short nights, but plenty of energy and grace from the Lord.

Struggles of settling back in

It has been a crazy season for us as a family. We needed to remodel the house before we arrived, but contractors kept delaying and didn’t finish before we returned. We arrived at the house with over half of the work still needing completion. Fortunately (even after weeks of delays and endless hours on the phone), the remodeling is coming to completion, the dust is settling down, and we began unpacking our bags. Additionally, the car on loan to us ended up with multiple issues and left us stranded too many times – overheating, losing power due to the fuel injector, and other issues. Praise the Lord, we purchased a vehicle, but the loaned car is still in the shop.

Exciting times for the ministry

During all things crazy (of settling back into life in São Paulo), we managed to visit all the people who are part of the Imagine church plant in São Paulo. We plan to have our first evangelistic gathering in February— a one-day camp/picnic with plenty of food, games, competitions, and a Gospel message. This occasion will also serve as a team regroup strategy. Word is getting out among friends of friends, and it should be a great event. The post-event follow-up with families and those who make life-changing decisions is crucial in moments like this one. Please, pray with us as we prepare. 

I traveled to the interior of São Paulo and Paraná this last weekend to visit the churches my grandfather (John Hatcher) started. In Garça, I had breakfast with pastors on Saturday morning, where I proposed they join the network I lead, “Rede Convivência” (Life Together Network). All who attended came on board the network. In the afternoon, we (Pastors Gilberto, Epitácio, and I) drove an hour to Pompéia, where a church needs to be replanted/vitalized. We dreamed together at the building location and looked for houses for rent. Pastor Epitácio (Odali Barros’ brother) is considering leading the endeavor at Pompéia. I drove an hour and a half to Lupércio for their church anniversary on Saturday evening. The building was packed, and we had a marvelous celebration! Early Sunday morning, I drove an additional 2 hours to Cornélio Procópio, Paraná, to visit churches and Pastors Valdir and Silvio. We celebrated with them during the morning worship gatherings and had lunch together. We are discussing the possibility of starting a church in Londrina (the second-largest city in Paraná state). Please, pray with us as we mobilize churches and pastors to develop new leaders for church planting and kingdom expansion.

Our kids started school this week. We are grateful to finally begin a normal routine with the family and work. Grateful for your prayers and support. We are blessed by you.

Always grateful,
Judson 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

The Seed Factory Church Plant Initiative

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Jud and Raquel Hatcher are third generation missionaries serving the Lord in São Paulo, Brazil. They are part of the “SeedFactory” church planting initiative, which is a movement to plant churches in all 26 Brazilian capitals. Since 2006, 43 churches have been started in 5 states.

November 19, 2022

Dear friends,

Thank you for supporting and praying for us. We return to Brazil on December 19, 2022. Pray for us as the country is living through a season of unrest due to the recent presidential election and freedom of speech infringement by the supreme court. I often get asked by dear friends who pray and support us, “What do you plan to do once you return to São Paulo?” We are part of “The Seed Factory Church Plant Initiative.” Our vision is to have a church planting church in the capitol of every state. From the state capital, expand into other cities by sending church planting teams to make disciples and plant church planting churches where each church has its Seed Factory Training Center & Bible Institute/Seminary. A constant cycle of reproducing churches, leadership multiplication, team building, and Christ’s Kingdom expansion. Our purpose in Brazil is to recruit, train, place, and network pastors and leaders globally. Globally? Yes, we pray for Brazilian missionaries with the same vision and purpose to go to neighboring countries and other parts of the world.

Pastoral & Team Training

Pastoral leadership provides vision, Scriptural direction, and acceleration during church planting phases. A church planting team delivers the required synergy to plant and develop a multigenerational strategy.

Equipping & Sending Church Planting Teams to Every State

Theoretical & practical formation through mentorship nurtures the necessary framework for teams to function creatively and cohesively. Churches planting churches, each one with a Seed Factory Training Center to reach other cities.

National Leadership Network

Pastors train pastors & leaders train leaders. Developing a leadership pipeline within the local church that values theological integrity, spiritual accountability, formative mentorship, and metacognition / critical thinking skills under a steward leadership construct that delivers the necessary foundation for a continual leadership formation cycle, multiplication, & succession.

Foster Care Coordination

Foster care in São Paulo remains a novel concept. Through a divine appointment, Raquel engaged in foster care mobilization and coordination, and serves as a strong advocate for at-risk children. Metro São Paulo has 28 million inhabitants and has a large amount of vulnerable & at-risk kids.

Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) Training

Earning and developing a child’s trust often comes with complex challenges and must be overcome relationally. TBRI is a trauma-informed care & empirical intervention approach developed at Texas Christian University. Raquel is a practitioner for TBRI training nationwide.

Salvation Decisions in the Northeast

Last weekend I received news from Pastor Raimundo Pinto and his team in Aracajú, northeastern Brazil. They had a Saturday night youth rally with 40 teenagers and eight salvation decisions. Pray for them as we have embarked on a building project that costs $35,000. If you’d like to assist with resources, please designate your contribution through BFM to “Jud Hatcher – Aracaju Church Plant.”

Leadership Pipeline Training Series

Our current leadership pipeline series (recorded on Zoom and posted on YouTube) was kicked off by two guest speakers: Jason Estes and Bill Repke. We are discussing the need to nurture a strong Biblical Leadership Culture within the local church’s leadership pipeline. The recordings are available on YouTube for pastors to use as a resource and have several hundred views.

Grateful always,
Jud 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

Building a Leadership Team

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Jud and Raquel Hatcher are third generation missionaries serving the Lord in São Paulo, Brazil. They are part of the “SeedFactory” church planting initiative, which is a movement to plant churches in all 26 Brazilian capitals. Since 2006, 43 churches have been started in 5 states.

October 21, 2022

Dear friends,

Thank you for your financial and prayer support. We could not make it without you holding the ropes and encouraging us to keep pressing forward in the calling God has placed in our lives.

Family News

Laura completes her cochlear hearing therapy in November and is currently able to hear clearly through the cochlear implant in her left ear. I underwent a three-hour surgery on my right shoulder last week to address four issues on my rotator cuff and will be in an arm sling for 6 weeks. Next week I will undergo surgery on my nose to correct a breathing concern. Everyone is doing well in school as we plan to transition back to Brazil in the middle of the academic year. We are excited to return.

Ministry Testimony

Over a year ago, the Lord placed Pastor Sílvio in my heart as I noticed how the pandemic crippled his ministry and church. He was saved under my grandfather John Hatcher’s work in Paraná, called by God into the Gospel ministry, and mentored under him. He has always been resilient in ministry, but the struggle was more challenging than ever before. We sponsored his family (wife and three young adult sons) to participate in the church ministries conference at Nova Baptist Church in Manaus that occurred last August (a travel distance of 3k miles by plane). They returned home revitalized and with a renewed passion for ministry. The Lord has opened the doors for a weekly 15-minute radio spot on three different regional radio stations and various new bridging opportunities. Please, see the pictures of Pastor Sílvio and Kelly at the radio station and Kelly sharing the Gospel message at a school. Even while Stateside, we continue to encourage and mentor fellow laborers in Brazil. Through your financial giving and prayers, we can assist leaders and their churches in reenergizing and mobilizing strategically for the Gospel.  

Considering our ministry strategy, I desire to share (and inspire you) how we go about building teams for church planting. We aim to recruit, train, place, and network leaders for church planting and disciple-making in Brazil. This is part of the training framework I use:

Building a Leadership Team

When building a team, a Christian leader must rely on Divine wisdom, trust in the sovereignty of God and be passionately committed to the vision and mission. Notice the instructions given to Jeremiah in the Old Testament, where God provides a visual aid for the prophet to understand His sovereignty in how He chooses to change the world through His chosen people, the Israelites: “So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel (Jeremiah 18:3-6).

Furthermore, in the New Testament, we read about clay and its usage in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 where the Apostle Paul writes: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” God is in control.

Thankfully, in all circumstances, including team building, leaders can have the same confidence in God’s choice and plan for His people. Notice where Paul expounds on God’s lesson to him “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-11). It is not about the power that a team or a leader has, but rather the power He retains yet chooses to dispense through ordinary people. Once understood that all things reside in the hands of God, a leader can begin to build a solid team. Trust in God and proceed with the vision He has given you.

Building a solid team is a foundational step to moving forward with the vision God has given a leader. First and foremost, the criteria for selecting a team member requires a personal relationship with the Savior and personal integrity – this is paramount at the beginning and throughout any endeavor!

I have always seen the importance of having a variety of personalities and team member profiles as part of the leadership team, which included extravert personalities, such as sanguine (i.e., Peter) and choleric (i.e., Paul) and introverts, such as phlegmatic (i.e., Luke) and melancholic (Moses). After reading Gladwell’s “The Tipping Point” (2002), I narrowed it down even further. So, what are the necessary people for a core leadership team? Gladwell posits that team composition is foundational for developing teams and proposes that a successful team must have a connector, a maven, and a salesman. Connectors are the individuals in a community who have befriended or know vast amounts of people and make it their habit to make introductions and feel comfortable building connections with people. Mavens are information specialists; the team relies upon this person to connect them with new information and insights. Mavens are an excellent source of knowledge because they love to stay current on various subjects and are typically well-versed in numerous fields. Salesmen are persuaders, highly charismatic individuals with incredible communication skills. They have a way about them that draws people in beyond mere words, which inspires others to want to follow and agree with them. Salesmen are typically very likable individuals. (PS. None of these individuals substitute the work of the Holy Spirit in making disciples, each one is simply a jar of clay in the hands of the almighty God.)

Once the core leadership team is assembled, the following steps are: 1) getting to know one another and continually developing trust as a team. 2) Define short, mid, and long-range goals based on the mission. 3) Establish team values and personal conduct principles 4) Establish and agree on individual roles. 5) Develop an accountability framework and plan. 6) Agree upon and commit to a team contract.

When building a team, a leader must rely on Divine wisdom, trust in the sovereignty of God, be passionately committed to the vision and mobilize a solid team to accomplish the mission at hand. I will continue in next month’s publication.

Grateful always,
Judson 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

God’s Providence Shown Stateside

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Jud and Raquel Hatcher are third generation missionaries serving the Lord in São Paulo, Brazil. They are part of the “SeedFactory” church planting initiative, which is a movement to plant churches in all 26 Brazilian capitals. Since 2006, 43 churches have been started in 5 states.

September 20, 2022

Dear friends,

Last year as our family prepared to come to the US for the one-year Stateside assignment for 2021-2022, the Lord opened the door for Raquel to gain experience and expertise in foster care in suburban Chicago. In May 2021, it was confirmed she would begin an internship in August 2021. Consequently, we searched for housing. I signed a lease agreement on a home and placed a deposit. In the following weeks, significant policy changes were made in foster care services, and several people resigned from this organization, including the supervisor who hired my wife. The new supervisor informed Raquel she had to begin in mid-June or lose the opportunity. Logistically, she couldn’t begin before the initially agreed date. So, now we had two alternatives: (a) cancel the housing lease and go to another opportunity in a different state (but lose the deposit), or (b) move to suburban Chicago and see what the Lord had planned. Our decision-making involves this main principle: What is decided through much prayer and confirmed by the Holy Spirit should not be canceled haphazardly. So, we moved to Chicagoland, not knowing what the Lord had for us during this next season in the States.

A month after arriving in Wheaton, IL (September 2021), I was diagnosed with cancer and would need chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This shocked us as a family, but we rejoiced in the Lord to be in an excellent location for treatment. My wife found an opportunity to serve as a clinical therapist at a local clinic and participate in several equipping seminars to equip her to work better with orphans in Brazil. Our second child (who lost her hearing in the left ear two years prior) had a cochlear implant installed in December 2021 by one of the nation’s best cochlear implant surgeons and has regained hearing. I began my doctoral study at Columbia International University in January 2022 (began studying during my cancer treatment). This last month I was diagnosed with severe carpal tunnel syndrome on both hands. I underwent the surgical procedure and can now sleep at night uninterrupted by pain. It is impressive to see the hand of God at work in unique ways. I could write endlessly about God’s marvelous care for us during this season of life.

Our reaction to this turn of events was to trust in God and rest in His sovereign hand and providence. Matthew 6:25-27 often came to mind as we navigated these uncertain waters: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”
The outcome is that I am now cancer-free, can sleep throughout the night without waking up from the pain in my hands, my wife has grown in her expertise as a professional, our daughter can hear again, and I have begun my doctoral studies. Praise the Lord!

Another unique event over the last month is that our three older children – Sarah, Laura, and Benjamin – expressed a desire to be part of the “ministry team” and do more than just “help.” Raquel and I were elated to learn of their desire. We began equipping them with the same approach we use for training leaders for church planting. We are studying the philosophy of ministry, strategy planning, and having in-depth theological discussions. We love working with this great team!

Thank you for partnering with us through prayer and financial giving. We are grateful.

Always grateful,
Jud 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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