Making Disciples, Investing in Lives
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
July 1, 2016
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
About three months ago, Judy and I were returning from an evening visit with Philip and Amanda. Judy was very quiet which signals my need to ask myself what I did or said wrong. Pondering this question brought me to the realization that this time I was not guilty. Philip and Amanda had been discussing their upcoming summer trip to the USA. As you know, they work with us in France. Once every two years they return to Indiana to see Amanda’s family and Philip’s siblings. On this particular evening they were discussing their plans to meet up with our other children. It has been 10 years since we have been together with all of our children. It seems that a longing to be with them was on Judy’s mind. My slow brain kicked into gear and I suggested that we should join them. After remonstrating a bit, Judy conceded to the idea and here we are in Chicago enjoying our children here while waiting to be with all of them next week.
Little did we know that it would give us the opportunity to spend last moments with a dear friend in Evansville. In 1974, when I began pastoring the small congregation which was later named Emmanuel Baptist Church, Gayle Evans had just turned 12. Last year she was diagnosed with aggressive ALS and when we arrived in Chicago from France she was nearing the end of her days on earth. A couple days later we drove to Evansville and spent two memorable days with this extended family that is so dear to us; sad because Gayle’s departure was imminent; rejoicing because her earthly struggles would be replaced by the Lord’s presence.
Here are some words I share with permission from Yvonne Dooms who came to know Christ in those early days at Morgan Ave. B. C. “I visited with the family of a childhood friend who died this week of ALS. As I stood in the visitation line, the memories of years ago came flooding back. Going to the Spring Conference in Lexington with John and Judy Hatcher and sleeping on Peggy and Robin’s living room floor; Listening to the muppets on a cassette recorder the whole way there and back; Hanging out with my sister Teresa and Gayle and Joanie Evans on Sunday afternoons and then singing together on Sunday nights. Going on vacation with my family to Columbus, Indiana and when we showed up at the motel pool there was Joanie and Gayle swimming. My biggest memory of Gayle was a Sunday School class in the old gray house where she shared her testimony with Judy and I; Just the three of us sitting in an old kitchen on folding chairs while Gayle Anne told us how she had turned her life over to Christ that previous week. I thank God for her life and for allowing me to be a part of it even for a little while.”
Our job is to make disciples and invest in their lives. This is a multi-way process as they and others invest in our lives. This is the calling we have all received. One you share with us, to God be the Glory!
This is what we are doing in France. Earlier this week I received this note from Wendy, the single lady who works with us in France. “Just wanted to let you know that all went well on Sunday morning. Denis did a great job leading and there was a good turnout. Everyone participated…Pascaline joined Jean-Luc and Lea in playing a few of the songs. I was super proud!!! It was a wonderful Sunday morning with almost everyone in attendance.” Denis is one of the church members who led Sunday. His daughter was just baptized last week. Pascaline was also baptized at the same time. She takes piano lessons from Amanda. Jean-Luc, another one of our members will be leading this coming Sunday. One of these days all of God’s children from every tongue, tribe and nation will be together physically. “What a day of rejoicing that will be!!!
Being in the USA also gave me the opportunity to fly down to Florida to spend a few days with Paul and Wanda and my parents. I feel so blessed by God and you are part of that. May you enjoy our heavenly Father’s richest blessings.
Your fellow servants,
John and Judy
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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Wrapping Things Up in Kenya for Furlough
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
July 1, 2016
Dear praying friends,
Another month has come and gone and there is much to update. As I write this, I (Nathan) am in the process of closing down and coming home for furlough. As I wrote earlier, our furlough has been moved up a few months early given some unrest in Kitale. I will update more about this in the current prayer letter.
Shutting down to come for furlough is a huge process. I did not realize how big of a process until recently. My family returned to America early, as there was unrest on our compound. There was nothing we could do about it, and our mission leaders were all in agreement that they should come early to be out of any potential danger. Closing down has been a big process to go through. It seems like once I get one thing done, ten other things come up. It has taken me over four weeks, and I am still not finished. I have yet to work on government items in Nairobi before I leave. Things such as paying insurances while away, paying food for all the animals, repairs, storing things, and the list goes on and on. I have a newfound appreciation for each missionary who closes down, as it is a huge job.
Thanks to each one who has written to let us know that you are praying for us in regards to our safety. Kitale is usually a very safe, quiet town. What has been going on for the past two to three months is very unusual. Our compound where we stay has been targeted repeatedly. The thugs have not managed to get in, but they have tried several times. They have broken boards on the back fence, cut down part of the hedge in the front, stepped on wire, etc. Our day guard has done a great job of making the compound more secure, by putting several layers of barb wire, extra security lights, mabati (a form of iron sheeting that covers the fence in exposed areas), and so much more.
We have recently planted a thornbush that is called “ngoja ngoja.” This is Swahili for “wait, wait.” The thieves detest this thornbush, as when they try to break in, it not only cuts them with the thorns, but also holds/grabs them so they cannot escape. I was told by a wise person to plant this all over the compound, as this would be a huge deterrent to the thieves. We have now planted the seeds all over and some of them have started to come up. Please pray with us that it would rain hard in the next weeks, so they bushes will grow quickly. I understand they will grow over six feet high, covering the whole hedge so no one can be looking in from the road. It is a very thick bush that is very difficult to cut through. My neighbor has planted it, with good results. This is exactly what we want. The police are patrolling at night but have not been successful as of late to catch these groups of thieves. People are coming in early and staying on their compounds until morning. I personally try my best not to be out past 7 pm. God is in control of all these matters and we trust Him to take care of it and to watch over those who serve Him. It has been difficult as of late, but He uses even the trials to our benefit. I like Psalm 27:1, which says “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Please pray for our family and our upcoming needs for furlough. One of our big needs right now is transportation. If anyone has or knows of a minivan for sale at a reasonable price, we would be interested. You can contact me (Nathan) at naterad@yahoo.com. We trust the Lord for all our needs.
Lord willing, next month will be an update from America. I am looking forward to rejoining my family soon. Please pray for me as I seek to finish with all I have to do and get to America for furlough. I am hopeful and confident that these security issues will subside while we are away. A good friend of mine who lives in Kitale called a big security meeting with the leaders of Kitale, informing them of what has been going on, as well as planning how to make Kitale safer in the future. This is much appreciated. Please pray for the Kitale police, the security companies, and all involved in the safety/security in Kitale. We will be keeping all these security issues in prayer while we are away. We are definitely planning to go back to Kenya to serve God next year after our furlough time is over, but looking forward to getting a much needed break, and spending time with family, friends, and supporters.
God bless you all and thanks to each of you for your prayers, sacrificial giving, and interest in what God is doing in Kitale, Kenya. You each are a big blessing and encouragement to us.
Until next month,
Nathan & Carrie Radford
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa, 30200
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Feeling Like a True Missionary
The Tate Family has served the Lord in Kitale, Kenya since January 2008. Their main ministry is indigenous church planting.
June 29, 2016
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Some days I feel like a true missionary. I felt that way a few days ago when Julie and I went to visit Amy and Josiah at RVA, their boarding school located in the Great Rift Valley. To get to the school we need to go down a steep, winding road to half-way down the escarpment where the school is located. Usually we are able to take this “main” road down the escarpment. But the government is currently paving parts of the road and with the recent rains in that area the road had been closed. So, the only way Julie and I could get down the escarpment to see our kids was to take the alternative route. This alternative route was a narrow, mud-filled path that led down the escarpment. It is primitive enough that nobody bothered to close it even though it was in much worse shape that the “main” road that actually had been officially closed. I put the vehicle in 4-wheel drive, low gear and started down the mountain. I guess some men would think this an adventure. I, on the other hand, get nervous in those situations, knowing that at any time I could be slipping off the crown of the path and hopelessly stuck. Julie and I were able to slip and slide our way down the path to the school, white knuckling the steering wheel the whole way. But we had to make it down because it was Amy’s 16th birthday. And make it down we did. That day I felt like a true missionary.
But I guess true missionaries do other things too, that are a bit more mundane, if not more important. This past month I taught a week long class to 11 students on Biblical Financial Management. It is an important class because the whole idea of managing finances is somewhat foreign to many Kenyans. There is very little concept of the future in their culture. And their cultural ideas of money is quite often very contrary to the Scriptures. For example, if money comes into their church via offerings and the Pastor has a need (say, to pay school fees for his kids), then he oftentimes feels quite justified in taking the church’s money and using it for his own personal needs. This practice is widespread and nobody thinks anything of it. The younger generation of Kenyan church workers see the practice as immoral but usually don’t have the clout to confront the older generation of pastors. The goal of my teaching in this class was to try and reach this younger generation and to get them to follow Biblical principles in the way they use money in their families and churches. We have to think “generationally” as we try to grow the Kingdom of Christ in Kenya.
I will be heading to the States for the month of August for Emily’s wedding. Please pray for our ministries and those here who will be overseeing things while we are in the States.
Until next month, beloved.
May God’s peace and joy be with you.
For the glory of God in East Africa,
Roger & Julie Tate (and Emily, Amy, Josiah & Chloe)
rojuta[at]gmail.com
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News & Reports – July 2016 [Online Edition]
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The Challenge of Missions (Part 6)
THE CHALLENGE OF MISSIONS
John A. Hatcher
Chapter 6
[click here for previous chapters]
MISSIONS IS ABOUT GOD’S WORK
Although men are indispensable to the work of missions, it is no human project. Love drew Salvation’s plan—eternal Love—long before man was brought on the scene. It is His plan for men to be shareholders in all that He is and has. “Let us make man in our own image,” said the Tri-personal God. “One that is like us who will be able to participate in and enjoy all that is ours.” Man would be able to be in God’s presence and enjoy communion with Him. Man was made to be free, but, his allegiance had to be voluntary. This makes the testing of man’s will not only a possibility; but a necessity. For this reason the arch enemy was allowed to enter man’s domain. Man’s will was on trial.
Man failed to make the right choice and forfeited his dominion to the ruler of darkness. Why was man created so he could sin? Here enters the debates about free will. C. S. Lewis wrote, “When we have understood about free will, we shall see how silly it is to ask, as someone asked me: Why did God make man of such rotten stuff that it went wrong? The better stuff a creature is made of—the cleverer and stronger it is—and the better it will be if it goes right, but, also, the worse it will be if it goes wrong. A cow cannot be very good or very bad; a dog can be both better or worse; a child better or worse still; an ordinary man, still more so; a man of genius, still more so; a superhuman spirit—best or worse—of all.” Satan went bad and man went bad because he chose to follow him. Due to man’s choice, eternal punishment, determined for Satan and his angels, became the lot of sinful man. Justice so demanded.
However, God is, more than Justice. He is Love and Mercy. He had another plan built upon the person of the Son. That project included grace and mercy for those under eternal judgment. There would be redemption for the cursed. —“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1 To justify sinners and be perfectly just, God gave His own Son to redeem men from the curse of sin. Romans 5:26
The Damascus Road experience of Saul of Tarsus shows that missions is God’s project. The glory of the risen Lord cast a blinded Saul to the ground. “And a voice said to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why persecutes thou me?’ and he said ‘Who art thou Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom thou persecute.’ Saul had persecuted the servants of Christ—the church—but in reality he was warring against Jesus, for He indwells His servants and His churches. Missionaries, get this into your minds and hearts. Missions is God’s work and when people despise you, they are despising the Lord. When God’s people and churches neglect this work they are neglecting the work of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit made this clear as he led Luke to write the book of Acts. It is the evidence that Missions is God’s work, and is under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught this to the apostles before returning to Heaven. “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he might abide with you forever; even the Spirit of Truth; who the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but ye know him for he dwells with you and shall be in you. (John 14:16-17) Jesus said the world would not receive (be able to take) the Holy Spirit. Then Judas, not Iscariot, asked how the Comforter could come and be known to them and not to the world. To this question Jesus replied, “If any man love me he will keep my words and my Father will love him, and we will come and make our abode with him…These things I have spoken unto you, being present with you. But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, which I have said unto you.” (John 14:23-26) In Chapters Fifteen and Sixteen of the book of John, Jesus continues His teaching about the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. In His last conversation with the apostles Jesus made it clear there would be a change of Leadership from the Son to the Holy Spirit. “And being assembled together with them, commanded that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which ye have heard from me.
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence…but ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. “(Acts 1:4,5,8)
The Holy Spirit came as promised. His coming was evidenced by miraculous gifts given to the apostles. They spoke in tongues without having studied them. They received the power to heal, to prophecy, to discern spirits, as well as other gifts. The Holy Spirit directed the apostles and the churches in the apostolic period concerning the work of God.
First, the Holy Spirit identified and accredited those chosen as apostles, His church, who were to do His work. Peter stood with the eleven and declared that the Holy Spirit was identifying the servants of the Lord (Acts 2:7,14,18). His presence and power were manifest in the apostles’ wisdom and courage, as (Acts 4: 13-16) well as in their works. The Holy Spirit directed the choice (Acts 6:4-8) of the first deacons. The Holy Spirit blessed the ministry of Philip, both in public preaching and in personal (Acts 8: 5-8,26-39) evangelism. The leadership in the churches was directed by the Holy Spirit: Peter was sent to the Gentiles to the house of Cornelius (Acts 10). Barnabas was sent to Antioch (Acts 11:22-24). Paul and Barnabas were sent from the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3). The book of Acts is the witness of the Holy Spirit as to whom God had called and set apart. The ministry of Peter is foremost in the first part of the book and the ministry of Paul is in the spotlight in the last half of the book. (Cf. Galatians 2:8) The Holy Spirit continues to call and prepare men for the ministry.
In addition to the choice and accreditation of God’s servants, the Holy Spirit instructed them WHAT to do. First, they were to preach the message of Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection. They did so continually. The twelve preached on the day of Pentecost, they preached in the Temple, they preached publicly, they preached from house to house, they preached to the Samaritans, and they preached to the Gentiles. They heralded the message of Jesus Christ to the multitudes, they conversed the message de Jesus Christ privately, they told the message as they fled, as they hid, when they were free, when they were in prison, when in court, and when shipwrecked. Secondly, they baptized the ones who believed. Churches were established and confirmed in the faith. They did not go about selling sacraments nor did they carry a pocket full (Chaucer) of pardons “hot from Rome.” Their ministry was of the Word of God. No sacramental plan of salvation is led by the Holy Spirit whether it be from the church of Rome or the churches of the Reformation. Preach the Word! because “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” is the Spirit’s instruction.
Not the least among the works of the Holy Spirit was His guidance concerning where and to whom to preach. He instructed the apostles to preach to Jew and Gentile. The twelve were reluctant to preach to the Gentiles—Peter being the most reluctant. But it was to Peter the keys of the Kingdom were given and he must be the one to use them. He and John (Acts 8:14-15) went to Samaria to verify the salvation of the Samaritans. It was righteous Peter who was sent first to the Gentiles—to the (Acts 10) house of Cornelius. After the vision in Joppa, Peter was sent to Caesarea with a zeal and enthusiasm equaled only by the prophet Jonas on his way to preach at Nineveh. But, the Holy Spirit taught him well and Peter learned the truth—Jesus died for Gentiles, also. Peter’s witness concerning the Gentiles was vital (Acts 11 & 15). The Holy Spirit led and directed the work of Paul. He did not permit the apostle (Acts 16:7) to go into Asia. He led him into Macedonia through a vision (Acts 16:9). The leadership of the Holy Spirit is just as vital to God’s messengers today.
J.A. Hatcher
[Click here to view all “The Challenge of Missions” posts by John A. Hatcher]
Missionaries John and Alta Hatcher have served the Lord in Brazil since 1955, planting over 70 churches that are still in existence. They now reside in Florida where they continue to share the Gospel with everyone they meet.
15905 Mercott Court
Clermont FL 34714
229-529-8497
jhatcher1925[at]gmail.com
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Blessed with 50 Years of Marriage
The Hensleys have spent nearly 20 years serving in Brazil. They have established a church in Caraguatatuba and mission points throughout the city. They have also recently started a seminary to train pastors.
June 9, 2016
A month that is moving quickly!!!
Friends and family, Well, for it not to be a busy month we have not had time to breathe. First we have poured cement for the pulpit area. We formed it up and had lots of help mixing the cement by hand. With over 12 men working we made fast work of it. It only took 6 hours or a little more. God is AWESOME!!!!!!! This area along with the floor of the sanctuary is now ready for the tile workers that will come in July.
We want to say a special THANKS to those of you who helped with the cost of the stuccoing of the walls. They are now done and sealed and painted. The man who painted for us is a recent convert. You see, we had a vision campaign and Jerry came to have his eyes checked and got more than he came for. Pastor Walmir talked with him while he was waiting for his eye exam and he came to church the next week. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and is now being discipled by Pastor Walmir. Along with a new heart, he got new glasses to help his vision. He, along with 3 others, will be baptized in July. How AWESOME is the God we serve!
We were needing some upgrades on our sound system, so this past week we purchased a snake and outlet box with 20 outlets. We were able to use it this week. It will need lots of refining and we need lots of prayers. We have had lots of help getting this system together and especially lots of help in the purchasing part. God is good.
Our Sunday School areas upstairs are being readied for painting and we are completing two bathrooms also. We are at a standstill waiting for the money for the fixtures for the bathrooms. Just another month here on the mission field. You have to decide which of your projects are the most pressing and wait to see which one God provides the money for. Speaking of money: our church sits on the very edge of the road and when we open the overhead doors we get lots of road noise. This creates the need for glass doors to cut some of this noise so we can have a service with less distractions. We have priced these types of doors and the cost will be $1,500.00. Pray with us for this need and if God leads you to help with this need we want to thank you in advance.
The Hensleys surprise presentation for their 50th wedding anniversary at Igreja Batista Caraguá.
Well, for Barb and I, the 4th of June was a milestone—an AWESOME milestone. We celebrated our 50th wedding Anniversary!!! We are totally blessed. The Lord has blessed us tremendously: raising a family, working, retiring, serving the Lord as missionaries here in Brasil after retirement. God is totally AWESOME!!!!!
For those of you who are nearing retirement, or are retired, talk to me about how you can be a bigger part of God’s work on the mission field. It could be full-time or part-time. God can always use you in His work.
I think I am recovering well from my surgery and I think that I will be ready for the radiation treatments in August. Continue to pray for this to be the case. We are trying to get tickets for the last of July or the first of August.
Vacation time has gotten here and if you don’t have plans for yours, we are always looking for some idle hands to put to work. The bed is turned down and I will turn the light on on the front porch. Come on down.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
Aj and Barbara Hensley
ajcaragua[at]gmail.com
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Full Missions Conference; Other Twin Saved; Special Family Time
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.
June 8, 2016
Dear Brethren,
We moved up our annual missions conference this year to coincide with the church’s birthday. The church was founded by Joseph Brandon on May 12, 1929 with 13 members. We are now 87, still young and growing. We started the activities off with a banquet for all of our missionaries, chapel pastors, pastors and the wives. Then we had four days of classes and services. The first night was about the church, her history and where we are planning to go. We closed out with a special night dedicated to our missionaries and their service. The building was full every night, but on Sunday night many people were turned away as there just wasn’t any way to get even up to the doors. The church had the children take up a special offering for our missionaries. They carried several fish nets around as the members used “fish” envelopes to put in their gifts. We were able to give each of our 10 missionaries a couple hundred dollars extra before they returned to their fields. This was pretty good, given the economic downturn (huge understatement) that we are in right now. On the final night we had one of our men surrender as a missionary. Now we have three to send, but are short of funding, so please pray that things will turn around soon.
A group of children singing about missions during the conference.
A couple of months ago I told you about the twins from the Kaxinauá tribe. Damiana was saved and I baptized her. Her sister Cosma was reading her Bible day and night. Well I just got word that she has been saved! In fact, there is another little side story to go along with this good news. A few weeks ago I was in a little hardware store downtown. It is a long narrow thing, old style where the owner sits at his desk near the door. There is a narrow passage between his desk and a jumble of motors, pumps and chainsaws. There was a family of Indians standing right there talking. I was on the inside waiting to get out. There was what appeared to be mom, dad and kids of different ages jabbering away in their native language. I just stood there smiling and waiting for an opening. The store owner’s wife informed me that they were planning on buying a motor. Then one of the children looked at me, grinned real big and said to mom and dad, “Pastor Miguel”. I shook everybody’s hands, but still didn’t know whom I was talking to. Then dad said in Portuguese, with a very heavy accent, “We are Cosma and Damiana’s family. You baptized our daughter. She is very happy.” We then proceeded to get caught up on all the news from their tribe way up river in Peru. It was a really fun experience to finally meet the rest of the girl’s family. Pray that the rest of them will be saved.
Our daughter Monica and her daughter Isabella came down to visit us. Monica had not been here since 2008 and Isabella, who is just 5, came for her first visit. We had 9 of our 11 grands together for a short 6 days. Talk about a party! All of us had a good time, playing ball, boating, swimming and camping. Melany (one of Andrew’s girls) and Adriel (one of Crissy’s boys) got really attached to Isabella and she to them. When it was time to say goodbye, things got really tense and sad. We miss them a bunch and will have to wait no telling how many years to get together again. Many times folks talk about the sacrifices that missionaries make to be on the field for life. Most of the time people are thinking about material comforts that must be given up. We never give that a second thought. The distance between family members though, is hard to cope with.
Thanks for all of your prayers and support. God bless you as much as He has us.
In Christ,
Mike Creiglow
Mike and Beverly Creiglow
Caixa Postal 24
Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil 69980
mdcreig [at] hotmail.com
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Unbelieving Families Hear the Gospel at Baptismal Service in France
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
June 1, 2016
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I have wept a lot in the last couple of weeks. No, I am not sad, I am rejoicing. Rarely do I cry when I am sad, but when I am overwhelmed with joy the tears flow. Sunday we had a baptismal service and four young ladies were baptized. Two of these are our youngest grandchildren who live here in France. Camille is 12 years old and Emily is 10 years old. They had both trusted Christ some time ago. One of the others baptized is a college student who has come to church meetings with her family for several years as well as youth meetings. She now is a regular participant in Bible studies that Amanda has with college girls. I will tell you a bit more about the other girl.
Seven years ago I was praying for opportunities to become acquainted with people in our community in order to share the gospel with them. Judy noticed in the local paper that a choir was being formed. I inquired and decided that it would be a venue for meeting and witnessing to people. The only people that I recognized out of the 70 or so at the first practice was a couple that arrived shortly after me. They had just moved into a house about 100 feet from ours. We started going to practice together and I soon found out that he was reared in an atheist family and she had received catholic baptism as a child. They had a boy and girl about the age of our older grandchildren here.
We invited the children to come to the next Vacation Bible School we held. They had other plans for that week but the mother asked about the Sunday classes for children. Her daughter was interested in coming. The rest of the family has never come once on Sundays but the daughter has come regularly for about 6 years. Last year her mother told me that when her daughter first started coming she was afraid of dying but that this was no longer the case.
Two weeks ago, the mother and daughter stopped by because the daughter wanted to follow the Lord in baptism and the mother said that they would like for us to use their house for the service and baptize in their pool. There were over 50 people at the service last Sunday. The son of the hosting couple beamed the whole service and baptism live using “Skype” to both sets of grandparents. The paternal grandparents are both atheists. The message given by Philip was a clear presentation of Salvation by grace from Ephesians chapter 2. The parents were both greatly moved by the service and baptisms. Pray with us for the salvation of this entire family.
I am including pictures taken by a young married man who has been coming for about five years. He was orphaned early in life. I think he was 11 when his mother died and 13 when his father died. They both professed to be atheists. He is the husband of one of our members and hardly ever misses on Sundays or the monthly men’s prayer breakfast. He has confidence that God opens doors that are good for them. Please pray for his salvation.
I am filled with joy as I see God at work in believers and touching the hearts of those who have not yet believed.
Rejoicing in Southern France,
John and Judy
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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