Hundreds of Brazilian Students Hear the Gospel
December 2, 2025
Dear Friends,
In Brazil, summer is approaching around the same time as Christmas. The academic school year ends around the first week of December at most schools, and this is where we hold most of our public evangelistic events.
After our long 3,000-mile multi-state journey last month, our team had to spend some time doing maintenance on our vehicles and equipment. We got that out of the way and went back to work closer to our home base of operations. The Lord continued to bless with marvelous results. In one school rally, there were 634 students present as the gospel was shared through skits and personal testimonies. We weren’t permitted to give a broad invitation at the end of the session, but in private conversations afterward, several students said that they had understood the message and had given their lives to Christ as a result of what they heard.
In another session, at a high school, our team was allowed to give an invitation at the end of the presentations. There were 436 students present, and over 30 of them gave their lives to Christ. That school has a principal who is friends with the local Baptist pastor, and he allowed our team to pass the names and contact information of the ones who made professions of faith on to the pastor to visit with them and their families.
All of our local churches are getting prepared for big evangelistic programs at their churches and also in public spaces, like malls and plazas. These events get a large percentage of their congregations involved in evangelistic outreach using their gifts, talents, time, and resources. Many of our present church members started coming to church as a result of having come to one of these events in the past. We have found them to be very fruitful and worth the effort and investment.
We hope each of you has a wonderful Christmas holiday season. Thank you so much for another year of faithful prayers and 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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Much to Be Thankful For
November 17, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we have so much for which to be thankful. You are on our thanksgiving list and I would like to share with you other things for which we are thankful as we review the past year.
Judy had cataract surgery on both eyes in March and there have been no complications. She is delighted with the improvement in her eyesight.
God has brought a number of new people into our congregation and meetings in various locations. Several have trusted Christ and are growing in the Lord and spreading the good news to those around them. About three weeks ago Léonie, who trusted Christ recently and is the only believer in her family, followed the Lord in baptism. She gave her testimony telling how Roxane was used by God to lead her to Christ. Roxane has been a believer for about three years and is actively having Bible studies and sharing the Good News of Jesus with her acquaintances. We met a number of Léonie’s friends who came to witness her baptism and several of these are seeking spiritual answers.
Yesterday I received a text message from Patricia, the mother of Maxime telling about his enjoyment of the youth Bible study. He is the young man I mentioned in the newsletter last month who was taught by Judy in children’s classes in Mazère nearly twenty years ago. It is exciting to see God at work in the lives these young adults who are in University studies or beginning their careers.
A new couple participating in Campagne-sur-Arize are in their thirties and seem to enjoy the Bible study.
Paul, my brother, supported by many of you for over 40 years as a missionary in Brazil, has responded wonderfully to the bone marrow transplant he received a few months ago. He has been declared free of leukemia. God brought him through this difficult and painful procedure. We are very grateful along with his family for what God has done for him.
Judy and I are enjoying good health and are able to continue reaching out to those who need Christ. In the past few months God has enabled us to become acquainted with a number of people in our neighborhood. We enjoy the fellowship of those who serve along with us in the kingdom of our Lord and Savior.
Have a great Thanksgiving celebration!
John and Judy
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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New Boat, New Blessings: More Outreach along 3 Rivers
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.
November 11, 2025
Dear Brethren,
Greetings from warm and wet Cruzeiro do Sul. We feel for you who are already into freezing temps and rough weather. We had a mild dry season. The rains never really stopped. The river is coming up and I have already been taking advantage to get out there.
Bev and I have been on a marathon visiting churches over the past several weeks. I helped with a meeting at Refúgio Baptist Church. They are our third oldest church. We helped them celebrate their 82nd year. Then we went to First Baptist Church of Mâncio Lima. This booming town used to be called Japiim after the river that flows close by. Later the name was changed to honor the slave owner who grabbed the lands belonging to the Poyanawa tribe and made slaves of the true owners. On a more upbeat note, the lands have been returned to their rightful owners and we have a thriving church on the reservation and the pastor, Brother Amós, is a Poyanawa. Back to our visit to First Baptist. They are the second oldest of our churches. We helped them celebrate their 95th anniversary. One young man was saved on the last night of the meeting. Then last week we were at Moriá Baptist church in Mâncio Lima. It was their 4th birthday since they were formally organized in 2021. This church is a great-granddaughter of our home church. There are now 3 Baptist churches in the town of Mâncio Lima. All of them are doing very well. The buildings were packed in all of these churches for all services. If I had my “druthers” there would be only one Baptist church in in this town of just over 20,000 people, but we all know how these Baptists do things. Enough said about that.
There was still time to squeeze in one river trip. I threw some tools and building supplies into the 18-foot boat with 38HP tail motor along with 2 of our brick layers and we took off up the Moa River. We visited our missionary and congregation at the mountains. I only had time to hold one service with the folks there. The main purpose for this trip was to build a septic tank and bathroom for missionary Rivaldo and family. I drew up the plans and gave a copy to my main bricklayer beforehand. Since this was a new design, I knew I would have to be there to guide the guys along through the process. Once we got the septic tank built and the bathroom walls up to about 6 feet, I knew I would be able to turn them loose to finish up. I came back to town and few days later they arrived. It is not completely finished (lacks stucco and tile), but it is under roof and useable.
Here at the home church things are chugging along. We have had at least 3 more saved and several more folks added through church letters.
José Maia and I have been talking at least once a week since our visit to Pucalpa, Peru. The church there is excited to get started on some mission projects. They have already canvassed and chosen property to start a mission point in a new neighborhood on the outskirts of Pucalpa. They have also visited a town about 25 miles west of town on the main road to the Andes and Lima.
My special thanks to those who helped us build the new boat and buy the new motor that I used on this last mission trip. We have already used it on 2 trips on the Moa River, one trip on the Liberdade River and another on the Boa Fé River. It is a great and versatile piece of equipment. It already has a lot of mission miles on it. Pastor Mark Pyles and his church spearheaded this acquisition. Thanks again.
Thanks for all of 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 the yellow “Give” button on our homepage.
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A Season to Shine: Preparing to Share the Gospel This Christmas
October 31, 2025
Dear Friends and Faithful Ministry Partners,
Warm greetings from Brazil!
We are filled with gratitude as we look back over the past months and see the hand of the Lord guiding, strengthening, and expanding His work here. Your faithful prayers and partnership continue to make a tremendous difference in what God is accomplishing through our ministry.
Church Ministries Conference
Earlier this fall, our church leadership team had the privilege of traveling to Manaus—a four-hour flight from São Paulo—to participate in a Church Ministries Conference at Nova Baptist Church, where David Hatcher is senior pastor. The time together with other pastors and leaders from across Brazil was both refreshing and inspiring. Our team returned invigorated and full of vision for what God wants to do in our midst.
Since then, our weekly leadership meetings have taken on a renewed sense of purpose. Our student ministry is being reshaped with new ideas and energy, while our couples ministry is preparing to implement new strategies for growth and discipleship.
In the coming weeks, our leadership team will also travel to Joinville, in the state of Santa Catarina (a seven-hour drive) for a special time of exposure and leadership training. We are excited about how God is using these experiences to strengthen the core of our ministry team.
We praise God that He has raised up three men within our church plant who are now being equipped and mentored for pastoral leadership. Please pray for these brothers as they grow in their calling to shepherd God’s people.
Christmas Evangelistic Campaign
Preparations are in full swing for our Christmas Evangelistic Campaign! The entire church—young and old alike—is joyfully involved in rehearsals, recordings, painting, and artistic production. It’s such a blessing to see everyone’s gifts come together for the glory of God.
We are preparing to welcome between 800 and 1,000 guests during the two presentation nights. Please pray that every heart that attends will be touched by the Gospel and that many will come to know Christ through this outreach.
Master’s Degree Launch
Another exciting milestone has been the launch of the master’s degree in Youth Ministry here in São Paulo. The first module was a wonderful success, with Drs. Randy Smith and Dave Adams, and a cohort of 41 students beginning the program. We are encouraged by their enthusiasm and hunger to be better equipped for ministry. The second module will take place in November, and we covet your prayers for the faculty and students involved.
Family News
Our family continues to experience God’s grace in every season of life.
- Sarah, now a college sophomore, is thriving in her studies here in São Paulo and contributes meaningfully to our ministry efforts.
- Laura is adapting well to college life at Liberty University. She is attending Living Word Baptist Church, where Dr. Gary Yates serves as Senior Pastor and Dr. Scott Phillips as Executive Pastor.
- Benjamin, a high school junior, and Melissa, now in 8th grade, continue to bring much joy to our home and are avid students and athletes at school.
- Raquel remains deeply involved as a passionate advocate for foster care in São Paulo, equipping and encouraging caregivers and families who open their homes to vulnerable children.
Prayer & Praise
1. Praise God for renewed vision and leadership growth.
2. Pray for our upcoming Christmas Evangelistic Campaign—that the Gospel would be clearly proclaimed.
3. Pray for our three emerging pastoral leaders as they prepare for ministry.
4. Pray for our family’s health, travel, and ongoing ministry responsibilities.
5. Pray for daily wisdom as God’s stewards.
We remain deeply thankful for your continued prayers, love, and financial partnership. Each of you plays a vital part in this ministry, and we are humbled to serve as your representatives here in Brazil. May the Lord bless you richly for your faithfulness.
Grateful always,
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
Preparing for the Christmas Evangelistic Event
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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Totally Worth All the Challenges
October 26, 2025
Dear Friends,
It was totally worth it! All seventeen of our volunteer missionaries say the same thing. Despite the heat, the tiredness, the uncomfortable sleeping conditions, the many changed lives make it all worth these challenges. Our headquarters are located in Curitiba, Parana, in southern Brazil. Several geographical factors contribute to give Curitiba a pleasant climate, almost year-round. But we don’t have to travel very far to find hot and dry or hot and humid conditions. This last month’s mission included both of those. Part of the work was actually in a desert area. Our team has learned to focus on the people’s spiritual needs to the point that they can ignore the physical discomfort and show Christ’s love to those who so desperately need it. The Lord in His goodness blessed the efforts and many people came to know Christ as their Savior.
In order to receive invitations to minister in the public schools and city squares, Projeto Vida (Project Life) has developed a platform that makes it attractive, even essential, to public leaders. The gospel skits are based on societal struggles from people’s daily lives like drug abuse, alcoholism, domestic violence, molestation, and bullying. In all the skits, having Jesus as Lord and Savior is the solution to these problems and the only answer for eternal peace with God. It always amazes us how He uses such simple and humble efforts to open hearts and impact lives. Our missionaries spend much time in prayer before the presentations and demonstrate genuine love for those to whom they are ministering. This past month we had the joy of seeing several hundred young people trust Christ with their eternal destiny.
I do need to ask if you might be led of the Lord to help with the repairs and maintenance on our travel van and equipment trailer that suffered from the many miles on the highways? This last trip was over 3,000 miles total. Many of the highways that were traveled on are not well paved and they damage the suspension and wheels of both vehicles. If you’d like to help, please send your contribution designated, “Projeto Vida” and we will get our equipment back in tip-top shape.
Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
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
Read more
God’s Promise, God’s People: A Rainbow of Redemption Across Generations
October 22, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As we were driving back from the pharmacy this morning Judy said, “Look at the rainbow.” Looking up at the sky before us I saw a beautiful rainbow.” I love this manifestation of God. First, it reminds us of the promise made to Noah, but it is also a demonstration of God in the world He created. We are here to communicate the rest of the message. God is love and God the Son came into the world to save us, give us new life and make us eternally His children united with Him.
It is wonderful to see God at work around us. This weekend Leonie is following the Lord in baptism. God used Roxane to touch her life and bring her to Christ. You may remember us mentioning Roxane in previous letters. She came to Christ through the witness of a High School friend’s mother. Since trusting Christ, she is very committed to knowing God through the study of His Word and is passionate about sharing the Good News with others through Bible studies. We are delighted to see God at work in this new generation.
Maxime came to the youth meeting for the first time last Friday. Judy taught him and his sister children’s classes in Mazere many years ago. He is now completing a Master’s program. We had only seen him a couple of times in a number of years; however, his mother has trusted Christ and is on fire for the Lord. She is an active participant in the Bible study in Mazere. She asked me about the youth meeting Bible studies expressing Maxime’s renewed interest in the Bible. He came to the last youth meeting and displayed a great interest.
So, we praise our Savior for what He is doing here and thank you for your regular participation with us.
Your fellow servants of Christ,
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.
Read more
“Jesus Is Better”: A Kenyan Student’s Insightful Reflection on Hebrews
October 10, 2025
Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ,
While I enjoy teaching and mentoring very much it is not always fun and sometimes quite frustrating. Sometimes a teacher can wonder whether what he or she is teaching is getting through to the students at all. I have had some frustrating times recently but also some very encouraging times as well. I have been teaching our upper classmen a class entitled Hebrews & General Epistles. It is a good class and my students are great, so it is profitable to them and to me. When I finished the Hebrews portion of the class, I gave them an assignment to write a short essay on the purpose of Hebrews. The responses I received from my students were so good and so encouraging. They all did a great job on the assignment and so I wanted to pick one to reproduce for you. The following essay is titled Jesus is Better by Qephax Peter Ndiba, one of my third-year students. The grammar may not be perfect, but the content is excellent and shows me that they are learning. Enjoy.
The book of Hebrews powerfully explains how Jesus is better than all significant figures and systems found in the Old Testament. “Jesus is better” is a theme that is central and the foundation of the book. It is woven between the many warnings and the explanations to show that without Jesus there is no other option or comparison. The writer explains the insufficiency of the Old Covenant hence Jesus is better. This encouragement reminds us that while the old covenant was established by God, it was merely a shadow of the perfect reality that Christ reveals. This message resonates deeply with the Church even today, urging believers to stay grounded in Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.
Throughout the book, the author consistently refers to the Old Testament. Heb 1:1-4, the prophets were faithful messengers of God, but Jesus is the son, the exact representation of God’s essence and radiance. He doesn’t just convey a message, he embodies it. Heb 1:5 -2:9, He is better than angels. Angels played a crucial role in delivering God’s law, but Jesus is exalted above them, having inherited promises and a name that is far superior. Heb 3:1-6, He is better than Moses. While Moses was a faithful servant in God’s house, Christ is faithful as a Son over that house. His authority far exceeds that of Moses. In Heb 3:7-4:13, while Joshua led Israelites into the promised land, Jesus offers a better rest. An eternal rest in the presence of God. In Heb. 4:14-10:18 Jesus is better than the high priests for they were limited by sin and death but He is the perfect High Priest, sinless and eternal, who offers Himself once and for all. In Heb 8:1-13 we see Him as better than the promises. While the Old covenant was based on the law which couldn’t perfect people, the New Covenant, through Jesus’ blood, brings heart transformation and lasting reconciliation with God. Heb 9:11- 10:18 explains how He is better than the sacrifices which had to be slaughtered repeatedly over and over but Christ’s sacrifice was once and sufficient for all at all times. Lastly, Jesus is better than the tabernacle and the heavenly Jerusalem, 9:1-28, 12:22. The earthly tabernacle was just a shadow of the heavenly reality that awaits us which is now accessed through the blood of the lamb. It was situated at one location but Jesus gives us access to God from all places at all times.
Jesus stands out as better because He not only fulfills but also exceeds every part of the Old Covenant and systems. He is not just a continuation, He is the perfect and the best. The one who the law and the prophets were always pointing toward. His priesthood is eternal, His sacrifice was for once and remains to be for all. His covenant is rooted in grace and inner transformation instead of just following rules. His supremacy is beyond theology, it’s about relationship and transformation. He perfectly reveals God, serves as the ideal mediator between God and humanity, and is the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. In Him, we discover true rest, lasting forgiveness, and an unshakeable hope.
Today’s church needs to cling tightly to the truth that Jesus is better, better than traditions, better than worldly achievements, and better than any alternative the world throws our way. The call in Hebrews encourages us to persevere, to avoid drifting away, and to embrace the “better” rest that can only be found in Christ. This theme prompts the church to reflect on its priorities: Are we putting Jesus at the center of everything? Are we relying on His completed work instead of our own efforts?
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.
Read more
Seminary Graduation Marked by Faith and Sacrifice
October 6, 2025
Dear Friends and Family,
Well, October is here, and the Bluegrass Baptist Seminary has celebrated its graduation for the Master of Arts degree program. How exciting for these graduates!
This graduation included two degrees: one for pastors (Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries) and the second (Master of Arts in Biblical Studies) for church workers and others interested in learning more about the Bible.
The ten who had pre-registered were the ones who participated in this graduation. The number may seem small, but think of the dedication of these students—the time to study, the expense, the workload at home, family time, ongoing ministries, etc. It can become overwhelming while pastoring a church.
The 2025 graduation was held in São Paulo at the Bible Baptist Church in the Indianapolis neighborhood. None of the graduating students were from São Paulo, demonstrating how the seminary—through its online class format—is reaching Brazil, Africa, and Canada with biblical education. This program has unlimited possibilities. AWESOME!
Then you ask, “How many were able to participate in person?” — only four. The other six will receive their diplomas via the post office. Of the four, three were pastors and one was a church worker—my daughter, Mary Katherine Hensley Quaresma. In total, six pastors and four non-pastors received their degrees. This reflects the economic realities of the times. Please PRAY for these students.
The graduation was AWESOME, and there were many stories from pastors about the challenges they faced to attend. One story stood out to me. As I stood in the crowd listening to these men speak, a pastor who had traveled from North Amazonas to São Paulo—a great distance—testified about how God had provided for him and his wife to make the journey. He spoke of the trip, the cost, and the pain of not having the money. I felt his sorrow.
His desire to be at the graduation was amazing. He had spent 10 years working toward his diploma and wanted to receive it in person. AWESOME! But even more amazing was his faith. He had spent nearly all his money to get there and stayed in private homes and churches to conserve travel expenses. When someone asked how he planned to get back home, his answer made me feel small (I cried inside). Simply, he replied, “With what money I have—and FAITH.”
And now, the rest of the story: You—givers and contributors to BFM—helped him with his return. Sometimes it’s AMAZING, AWESOME, what a good Kentucky handshake can do! You were part of his faith. God uses many people to show His mercy and goodness.
We do not realize the blessings that will be credited to your account in Heaven. Simply giving, simply praying, simply sponsoring the BFM missionaries and the projects they undertake—AWESOME!
I don’t have words to express my gratitude for your support, so I will just say thank you and ask for your continued support and prayers that make this ministry work.
In His service,
AJ and Barbara
P.S. Here are some photos from the trip, with more to come in future letters. We also got to spend some time with our grands on this trip.
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 the yellow “Give” button on our homepage.
Read more
