Missionary Update: John & Alta Hatcher on Furlough from Brazil [October 2014]

Missionaries John and Alta Hatcher have served the Lord in Brazil since 1955, planting over 70 churches that are still in existence.

September 29, 2014

Dear Brethren and Friends,

Greetings once more from our new home in Florida. For you who have not heard Paul and Wanda have purchased a home in Clermont, Florida. It has a three-room apartment in the back area of the house where we are living.

 

 

Our address is:

John and Alta Hatcher
15905 Mercott Court
Clermont, FL 34714
Our new phone number is: 229-529-8497

It is a real joy to be close to Paul and Wanda. This past week I reread and edited my book on the Holy Spirit. Paul was a real help since I know very little about computers and electronic gadgets. The edition is in the English language. We have some copies printed in 8 x 11.5 book form, and also on CD. If anyone would be interested in getting a copy, you can write to the above address.

Last Sunday, Paul was invited to preach at the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Mims, FL. I was invited to teach the congregation during the Sunday School Hour. I spoke on being filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul brought two good messages concerning the Christian life.

Needless to say, life is quite different at eighty-nine than it was at 40 or 50. The body has weakened and the mind does not function as before. But, we praise the Lord for all that He has done and is doing. Our only desire is that He use our lives for His honor and glory.

September 14 was Alta’s big day. It was her birthday. Praise the Lord she is in good health and says she feels better than she ever has. We praise the Lord for each day He gives.

Each day I ask the Lord to give me opportunities to tell the Gospel to someone. I have had great opportunities. I always remember: Every person who dies lost will spend an eternity in Hell. Jesus can save if they believe, BUT, no one can believe unless they hear. Lord, help us to be faithful in telling the Story!

God bless you and we thank you for your prayers and faithful support through the years.

Sincerely, in His Name,

John A. and Alta Hatcher

John A. and Alta Hatcher
15905 Mercott Court
Clermont FL 34714
229-529-8497

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June Bean is with the Lord

[Last updated 9:45 am, Thursday, December 13]

It is Wednesday morning, 12 December.  I am adding this update to the report below. Sister Bean’s daughter sent me this email this morning:

Bro Dave, Mom passed peacefully this morning.  We thought it was going to be last night,  and all her kids and grandkids that live in the area were here last night.  We cried and laughed as everybody had a story to tell about her.  She is at peace now.  Thanks for all your prayers and support. 

In Christ, Mary Ellen

Their other daughter, Cathy Pereira, sent us the following note of appreciation:

I just want to thank you for your faithfulness to my mother and father especially after dad went to be with The Lord. I am Cathy Pereira, George and June Bean’s other daughter. They taught us the love of Jesus and that is something that no one can take from us. They were loved everywhere they went and are remembered with very fond memories from friends in Brasil–believers and non-believers as well. They impacted many lives. Thanks for giving them the opportunity to serve their Savior as missionaries in Brasil and for us kids, the opportunity to be a part of that. For us it was home and having married Mauricio we go back as often as we can. And going we always visit the church and visit with our brothers and sisters there. We will miss mom but would not bring her back if we could and I’m positive she would say, “No thank you, I’m staying right where I’m at!” 🙂
Thanks again.

In Christ,
Cathy Pereira

We have posted the arrangements for Sister Bean’s memorial service here.

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Many of you will remember two of our faithful missionaries, George and June Bean. They went to serve the Lord in Brazil in 1964 and labored there for 31 years until their retirement in 1995 from active missionary service. For all of that time, they labored in Sao Luis in the northeastern state of Maranhao with the exception of a couple years when they went to relieve other furloughing missionaries.

Brother George Bean went Home to be with the Lord in May of 2000.  Sister Bean has been in declining health for the past several years and is now in the last days of her earthly life here. Their daughter, Mary Ellen [Bean] Jerden is caring for her now in her home. Mary Ellen sent us this note:

Date: December 9, 2012, 6:27:47 PM EST

Please pray for the Bean family. June Bean who was a missionary along with George Bean for many years in Brasil is not doing well. She has had dementia for several years, but has been declining in last six months. She has been receiving hospice care for about a month and has really been declining. This last week she must have had a stroke, and is just hanging on. Please pray that the Lord will be merciful and take her in a peaceful way. It is hard to watch her struggle to breath, and she looks so tired. I know it is not in our hands, so must wait on the Lord’s timing. One of her wishes was not to go to Nursing Home, and I’m thankful that we have been able to keep her at home. Will let you know when she does pass away.

Thank you, Mary Ellen (Bean) Jerden
maryjerden29 at gmail.com

Her mailing address is:
JUNE BEAN
401 County Road 213
Hollywood, AL 35752

Ada Mayfield Hunter

Also – Ada Mayfield Hunter is the widow of Del Mayfield. They served the Lord as missionaries in Peru for 18 years [1960-1978]. She, too, is in weak health and is currently residing in a skilled nursing facility in Litchfield. IL. She suffers from congestive heart failure with the accompanying shortness of breath and swelling from fluid retention. Their daughter, Loretta Hokenson, lives nearby and cares for her mother daily.

Please offer prayers to God also for her and her family.

You may correspond with Sister Mayfield-Hunter at Loretta’s address:
ADA MAYFIELD HUNTER
c/o LORETTA HOKENSON
305 South Street
Coffeen IL 62017

Harold Draper

Missionary-Pastor Harold Draper is still rehabilitating from his double-knee-replacement surgery on November 29. He has been receiving his rehab therapies in the Lourdes Hospital in Paducah KY – but as of today, Tuesday [December 11], he is being discharged home. He will continue his rehab exercises nearby where he lives. They request and appreciate our continuing prayers for him and Ursula.

Their home phone #: 270.628.9517
Their cell #: 270.562.0828

Their mailing address is:
HAROLD AND URSULA DRAPER
P.O. Box 395
Bardwell, KY 42023

All three of these dear servants of the Lord are faithful missionaries who have served in support partnership through BFM, and are currently receiving service pensions from BFM.


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