Across Oceans, United in Christ: Back in France after Fellowship with Friends & Family
June 24, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We hope this finds you enjoying blessings from our Lord and Savior. Our last letter was earlier than usual and this one a bit late because we have had an active month and traveled thousands of miles. “Furloughs” or “stateside service” are not a part of our ministry. However, we usually try to spend 2 to 4 weeks in the USA to visit our children, grandchildren, people from our years of ministry in Indiana and some aging members of our extended family. A few hours ago we stepped off the plane back in Southern France.
While we were gone believers here continue to serve God reaching out to unbelievers, encouraging one another, and meeting together. Our Father has blessed us in ways that we can not imagine. You are an encouraging part of these blessings. A couple of weeks ago Philip and Amanda hosted the the College and Career young adults for a weekend retreat in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. These young adults are excitedly active in the ministry of Jesus Christ as they study and work.
On the third Saturday of June two of our group Bible studies, one in the city of L’Union and the other in the city of Mazère, had a picnic together in a natural bird park. These two cities are about an hour and a half apart. This is the third year that these two groups have met together for this event. There are two primary reasons they began this annual event; for fellowship and to invite all of there family members. Some of these family members are atheist. All are unbelievers. This picnic opens doors for friendships between believers and non-believers for the sharing of the good news.
Judy and I managed, with the help of believers here, to take the time to go Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana to see believers and family members. There are many hundreds that we would have liked to see but were unable to do so with the time we had available. We are blessed in these times with means to use God’s amazing created elements to visit each other at a distance. And … God has united us in His Spirit in a way that is wonderful though beyond human comprehension.
We arranged this trip so that we could see my brother Paul. Most of you know and have supported Paul and Wanda and Judson (their son) and Raquel. Paul has leukemia and is undergoing procedures for a bone marrow transplant. We were able to see them for four days. Please pray for Paul who also serves presently as a director for Baptist Faith Missions.
We are grateful that God has united us with you in His family.
In our Fathers love,
Judy and John
Contact Info:
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
2 T Impasse de la Picardie
31830 Plaisance du Touch
France
jmhatcher@aol.com
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
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VMP: Paul & Wanda Hatcher
PAUL & WANDA HATCHER
Paul and Wanda Hatcher served the Lord in partnership with BFM for over 40 years.
Paul grew up in Manaus, Brazil in the John and Alta Hatcher family. After marrying Wanda and pastoring here in the U.S., they returned to Manaus to serve in the Tabernacle Baptist Church. When John and Alta transitioned their church-planting ministry to the states in the south, Paul assumed the pastorate and leadership of Tabernacle Baptist Church. The church experienced phenomenal growth under his leadership and numerous churches were planted in the neighborhoods of Manaus.
In still later years, even while they were reaching Manaus, God laid it on their hearts to reach the states in NE Brazil. Through their outreach burden, vision, and efforts, numerous church-planting teams were sent out by Tabernacle Baptist Church, Manaus, Brazil, into the states and cities of the northeast. Churches that had been established in previous years were re-vitalized, and other church plants were established.
Just a few years ago, the Lord directed them to return to the States to provide care for their aging parents. They have faithfully fulfilled these services as well. They continue to serve and assist in their current home church in Clermont, FL.
Pray for them! Reach out to them through every means you can (call, write, e-mail), and let them know you still appreciate them and their service. They would love to hear from you personally, or from your Sunday School class, or your church leadership. Reach out via our Contact Page.
When you designate your offerings for ‘Veteran Missionaries Pension’ or for ‘Founder’s Month Offering’ [they are the same], they will be applied toward the continuing and on-going financial honor and support of these faithful life-long servants of Christ.
Click here to give now or you can mail your offering to:
BFM, c/o George Sledd
P.O. Box 471280
Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
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Missionary Update: Paul & Wanda Hatcher in Brazil [April 2016]
Paul and Wanda Hatcher have been serving the Lord together in Brazil since 1974. Their main ministry is church planting.
April 01, 2016
Dear Friends and Co-laborers,
We greet each of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are so thankful for God’s goodness and grace. We do not cease to be reminded, and Praise God the Father for providing unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He so graciously supplies our every need and much more; we want to always be grateful and gracious to others even as God has been to us.
My last visit to Brazil was mainly to look after the legal affairs with the government. Since the economy has had a major downturn, the government tax collection agencies are working overtime to raise revenue. Churches must request the tax exemption each year. Several of the new churches needed help to get all the filing done correctly. It is a complicated system and churches can easily lose the tax exemption if all is not exactly right.
The good news is the fields are ripe for harvest and many are turning to Christ. Many times an economic crisis creates a situation of much uncertainty and many seek spiritual help – a great time to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. I talked with Pastor Geraldo in the northeastern city of Natal and they are starting a second worship service on Sundays to make space for those God is adding to the body.
A new church was started, also in the city of Natal, led by Pastor Girlan. They are off to a great start. They would greatly appreciate your prayer in this new endeavor. They are having about thirty visitors in the Sunday services. God is blessing and it is great to see third and fourth generations of churches planted.
I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the Spring Missions Conference in Lexington. All our family is doing well. Wanda’s mom, Willa, celebrated her ninety-first birthday in March and Dad, John Hatcher, will celebrate his ninety-first birthday on April 30. Wanda and I thank you for your remembrance in prayer.
We thank you for your prayers and financial support. Pray for the ministries in Brazil as they continue to take the gospel to the regions near and far. Pray to the Father of the harvest to send laborers into a very ripe field of harvest. We know that all the fields are not ready to harvest at the same time; however, it is always timely to sow the gospel abundantly, water generously, and God gives the increase.
We pray that our knowledge and remembrance of our Lord, the only true God, may abundantly increase in wisdom and discernment, that our trust and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ may be steadfast always, and that the love of his Holy Spirit may fill and overflow in our every word and action, with thanksgiving to God though Jesus Christ our only Lord and Life. God bless each of you richly through Jesus Christ.
Thanks for your loving.
Love, Paul and Wanda
Paul and Wanda Hatcher
rphatcher[at]gmail.com
15905 Mercott Court
Clermont, FL 34714
(239)227-6551
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Missionary Update: Paul & Wanda Hatcher Stateside from Brazil [October 2015]
Paul and Wanda Hatcher have been serving the Lord together in Brazil since 1974. Their main ministry is church planting.
October 01, 2015
Dear Friends and Co-laborers,
We greet each of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are so thankful for God’s goodness and grace. God is greatly to be praised for all His generous and gracious benevolence.
It seems that the year has flown by, October again – a great occasion to count the many blessings God has given each of us. It is great to see how God is so marvelous. September the fourteenth, mom, Alta Hatcher, celebrated her ninetieth birthday, a celebration of God’s blessing to her. We thank the Lord for the many years she has faithfully served in the mission of sharing the good news of our Lord Jesus. We thank God for the health He gives her and the joy she brings to so many. Dad and Mom were missionaries for sixty years in Brazil. Praise the Lord!
This month I was reminded of a fond memory and a great encouragement. The first church Dad established in Brazil was in a very difficult place to get to, a community controlled by the roman church. The Bible was a forbidden item – explanation for the prohibition was that the “ignorant would reap damnation for misinterpreting the Bible”. A seed was planted. This was the place I attended church as a child, had friends, and joined in the visitation for Bible School and service. The last week of September they celebrated the fifty-fifth homecoming. For many years the church struggled. God preserved it thru many difficulties; and today, they have over seven thousand in Sunday attendance and the Senior Pastor for the last few years is my youngest brother, David Hatcher, who was also part of the small church plant fifty-five years ago. Lesson – never despise the day of the small things. Blessing – God does awesome things beyond our greatest imagination. Praise be to the Lord Jesus Christ!
Pray for the ministries in Brazil as they continue to take the gospel to the regions near and far. Pray to the Father of the harvest to send laborers into a very ripe field of harvest. We know that all the fields are not ready to harvest at the same time; however, it is always timely to sow the gospel abundantly, water generously, and, as we have witnessed, God gives the increase.
We thank you for your prayers and financial support. We pray that our knowledge and remembrance of our Lord, the only true God, may abundantly increase in wisdom and discernment, that our trust and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ may be steadfast always, and that the love of his Holy Spirit may fill and overflow in our every word and action, with thanksgiving to God though Jesus Christ our only Lord and Life. God bless each of you richly through Jesus Christ.
Thanks for loving us,
Paul and Wanda Hatcher
rphatcher[at]gmail.com
15905 Mercott Court
Clermont, FL 34714
(239)227-6551
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Missionary Update: Paul & Wanda Hatcher in Brazil [September 2015]
Paul and Wanda Hatcher have been serving the Lord together in Brazil since 1974. Their main ministry is church planting.
September 01, 2015
Dear Friends and Co-laborers,
We greet each of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are so thankful for God’s goodness and grace. We do not cease to be reminded, and Praise God the Father for providing unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He so graciously supplies our every need and much more; we want to always be grateful and gracious to others even as God has been to us.
The building for the new church plant in downtown Manaus was completed and the dedication service was the last Friday of August. The missions team and new members worked around the clock the last week to get everything ready. At the first service there were about 200 in attendance; and I spoke on the subject of being a sweet smelling perfume in the community. The building is a beautiful vessel, but the value is in the content—God’s loving children who meet there. The meeting extended through Sunday, led by Pastor Ivanildo Ross. There were two professions of faith in Jesus Christ on Sunday; thanks to God for His great blessing. Continue to pray that the community will be reached far and wide by the gospel of Jesus.
During my time in Manaus, I also visited several of the churches that have been organized in recent years and was so blessed in each service. It is great to see how God is blessing with people being saved and added to the churches. Each church is doing well in the task of making disciples and preparing leadership for the work of the ministry.
We thank you for your prayers and financial support. Pray for the ministries in Brazil as they continue to take the gospel to the regions near and far. Pray to the Father of the harvest to send laborers into a very ripe field of harvest. We know that all the fields are not ready to harvest at the same time; however, it is always timely to sow the gospel abundantly, water generously, and God gives the increase.
We pray that our knowledge and remembrance of our Lord, the only true God, may abundantly increase in wisdom and discernment, that our trust and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ may be steadfast always, and that the love of his Holy Spirit may fill and overflow in our every word and action, with thanksgiving to God though Jesus Christ our only Lord and Life. God bless each of you richly through Jesus Christ.
Thanks for your loving.
Love, Paul and Wanda
Paul and Wanda Hatcher
rphatcher[at]gmail.com
15905 Mercott Court
Clermont, FL 34714
(239)227-6551
Read more
Missionary Update: Paul & Wanda Hatcher in Brazil [August 2015]
Paul and Wanda Hatcher have been serving the Lord together in Brazil since 1974. Their main ministry is church planting.
August 07, 2015
Dear Friends and Co-laborers,
We greet each of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are so thankful for God’s goodness and grace. We do not cease to be reminded, and Praise God the Father for providing unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He so graciously supplies our every need and much more; we want to always be grateful and gracious to others even as God has been to us.
There is an update on the new church plant in downtown Manaus. The building is almost complete and plans are being made to start having services the last Sunday of August. The final painting and refurbishing of chairs is under way and all are excited about what God is doing and especially thankful for the provision that the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Manaus has made to complete the project. Pray that many will be saved and added to the church.
Three pastors and a deacon were ordained at Tabernacle Baptist Central in Manaus.
Tabernacle Baptist Central is rejoicing because three pastors and a deacon were ordained to the Gospel Ministry. The church’s senior pastor, Michael Samples, is doing a great job leading the body. They are beginning an additional service in mid August. Pray for them, as the gospel is sown and as leaders are equipped that the kingdom of God shall have great increase in fruit for the glory of God.
We had a great time with Judson and Raquel and the grandchildren. They spent a week with us at the beginning of their time in the States to visit supporting churches. Pray for their travelling safety and that the Lord will open many doors for the presentation of their mission ministry.
We pray for you that your knowledge and remembrance of our Lord, the only true God, may abundantly increase in wisdom and discernment, that your trust and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ may be steadfast always, and that the love of his Holy Spirit may fill and overflow in your every word and action, with thanksgiving to God though Jesus Christ our only Lord and Life. God bless each of you richly through Jesus Christ.
Thanks for your love and support.
Love, Paul and Wanda
Paul and Wanda Hatcher
rphatcher[at]gmail.com
15905 Mercott Court
Clermont, FL 34714
(239)227-6551
Read more
Missionary Update: Paul & Wanda Hatcher in Brazil [July 2015]
Paul and Wanda Hatcher have been serving the Lord together in Brazil since 1974. Their main ministry is church planting.
July 01, 2015
Dear Friends and Co-laborers,
We greet each of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are so thankful for God’s goodness and grace. We do not cease to be reminded, and Praise God the Father for providing unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He so graciously supplies our every need and much more; we want to always be grateful and gracious to others even as God has been to us.
There is an update on the new church plant in downtown Manaus. I met with the mission team for this church plant and they are praying and awaiting the new facility to be completed. Meanwhile they are meeting and getting things ready for the inauguration. Pray for them to have a fruitful ministry. It is an old part of the city where older and traditional families live, most of whom profess to be religious but not knowing or trusting in the living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks to you for your prayers in this matter and your contributions towards the building.
Meeting with the team for the downtown Manaus church plant.
I visited one of the churches that was started as an underground church plant. They have since decided to expand as a formalized church. They are now renting a place to meet. It was a great joy to meet with them and speak. It also was very special to see that the entire original group is active in the work, and that new disciples are being added. I rejoice to see the transformation of people’s lives by means of the gospel of Jesus Christ and their endeavors to reach their community with the Gospel.
I spent some time with our children and grandchildren. It’s always great to be with them and enjoy their company and see how the grandchildren are growing in stature and Christ-likeness. We thank God for your continued prayers and financial support to God’s ministry in Brazil.
I arrived back from Manaus two days ago on June 29th. Despite travel delays and resulting missed flights, all went well and I had a blessed time there.
We pray for you that your knowledge and remembrance of our Lord, the only true God, may abundantly increase in wisdom and discernment, that your trust and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ may be steadfast always, and that the love of his Holy Spirit may fill and overflow in your every word and action, with thanksgiving to God though Jesus Christ our only Lord and Life. God bless each of you richly through Jesus Christ.
Love, Paul and Wanda
Paul and Wanda Hatcher
rphatcher[at]gmail.com
15905 Mercott Court
Clermont, FL 34714
(239)227-6551
Read more
Missionary Update: Paul & Wanda Hatcher in Brazil [June 2015]
Paul and Wanda Hatcher have been serving the Lord together in Brazil since 1974. Paul pastors Tabernacle Baptist Church in Manaus, Brazil. Their main ministry is church planting.
June 01, 2015
Dear Friends and Co-laborers,
We greet each of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are so thankful for God’s goodness and grace. We do not cease to be reminded, and Praise God the Father for providing unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He so graciously supplies our every need and much more; we want to always be grateful and gracious to others even as God has been to us.
There is an update on the new church plant in downtown Manaus that I mentioned in a previous edition. At the time I wrote, the team was planning and praying for the building permit to be issued. The building permit was issued and building began immediately. As they get the building ready they are meeting at another location. On the Mother’s Day Sunday service five people made public professions of faith in Jesus Christ. During the week the team has been busy refurbishing and painting chairs to use in the new location. The roof is now on; the building on completion should seat three hundred persons.
Michael Samples, the new pastor at Tabernacle Baptist Church, is being richly blessed by our Lord Jesus. They are growing locally and very encouraged about the doors God is opening to sow the gospel, make new disciples of Jesus and form local churches. Pray for all the mission efforts of Brazilian Baptists to spread the gospel in the highways and byways. Pray that God will give wisdom and that we will have open hearts to hear His bidding and precious instructions. Pray that God would bless in the making of thousands of true disciples and hundreds of churches to the glory and exaltation of God the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The family is all doing well and in good health serving the Lord. We are grateful for all the blessings Jesus abundantly pours out on us and all His dearly loved children and disciples. We thank God for your continued prayers and financial support.
We pray for you that your knowledge and remembrance of our Lord, the only true God, may abundantly increase in wisdom and discernment, that your trust and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ may be steadfast always, and that the love of his Holy Spirit may fill and overflow in your every word and action, with thanksgiving to God though Jesus Christ our only Lord and Life. God bless each of you richly through Jesus Christ.
Love, Paul and Wanda
Paul and Wanda Hatcher
rphatcher[at]gmail.com
15905 Mercott Court
Clermont, FL 34714
(239)227-6551
Read more
