Missionary Update: John Mark & Judy Hatcher in France [August 2012]
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making,”
July 31, 2012
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I am writing a little earlier than usual. We have more than enough news for our allotted space in the the Missions Sheets, so we will share it with you and save what comes later for next month.
The young man who trusted Christ last month was baptized a couple of weeks ago. We do not have a baptistry so we just use a place that has “much water.” Theo asked to be baptized near his “fishing hole,” a location on a river not far from his house where he had fished with his dad and friend. We had a special afternoon meeting in this beautiful setting and a good number of believers and interest folks were there to witness the baptism, This included a couple of people (not in the pictures) that were just in the area. One of our men remarked that it may have been God’s way to give them the gospel. Theo was in his mother’s womb when she and his father first began coming. His father was the first person to trust the Lord and follow the Lord in baptism here.
John Mark Hatcher baptizes young Theo, who trusted Christ last month. He was baptized in a “fishing hole” not far from his house.
Though our attendance is usually down in the summer, we have recently had a good number on Sundays with a number of visitors. If my memory serves me well, we have had visitors every Sunday during the past month. One of these, this past Sunday, was a man we met at the neighborhood picnic last month. He seems to be quite interested and said he would return with his three boys when they get back from visiting their grandparents.
The Lord has opened doors for us to have increasing interaction with several families in our neighborhood. As a matter of fact we are watching houses for several people while they are on vacation. When they give us their keys and ask us to take in their mail, it is evidence that they trust us. When people trust you, they are more likely to listen to what you say. It is an indication that one has an effective life witness to them.
One of the families, whose house we are watching, moved in across the street from us last year. As they were preparing to leave, Judy got the idea of giving a CD to them that is Bible verses set to music sung by children. They were very appreciative and said that they would listen to it during their trip. This family has three primary school aged children.
A crowd gathers for Theo’s baptism
Another blessing during the last couple of months is that some who have trusted the Lord in the past have returned to participate more faithfully.
Philip and Amanda, our son and beautiful daughter (French way of saying daughter-in-law) return along with their children this coming Friday, the Lord willing. They have been in the states for six weeks to visit family and friends there. What a blessing it is to have them here working with us. As we have mentioned in the past, Philip works as an engineer to support himself and their family as missionaries here. It has been really encouraging to have participants from the congregation stepping up to the plate while they are away. Our job is to make disciples to Christ.
I will close, since my letter is long enough, with the news that Judy’s annual exam showed that she is still cancer free and now has been for over 11 years. God has truly blessed us with the opportunity to serve Him together. Thanks for your faithful participation with us.
Joyfully in Christ,
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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Missionary Update: John Mark & Judy Hatcher in France [July 2012]
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making,”
July 3, 2012
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The month has gone by quickly. Yesterday, I realized that it was time to send you a letter telling how God has blessed here during the past month. Judy and I hope this finds you enjoying the Lord’s blessings.
The youth meeting we had shortly after I wrote the June letter went well. We did not have a large number, but sometimes more progress is made when there are less present. Young people, like older people, invest a lot of effort into appearances. As the size of the audience increases, the sincerity tends to decrease as an effort is made to impress others, especially those of the opposite sex. We discussed the parable of the rich fool who made great plans, but whose life ended the evening of the day when he made his seemingly important decisions. Included in this discussion was the nameless man’s request for Jesus to make his brother share the inheritance and Jesus’ refusal to do so. Reflecting on this text in God’s Word would do us all good. Please, pray that God will move in the hearts of these young people. None of them has made a profession of faith.
The ladies in our church also had a ladies day (afternoon). They do this two or three times each year to encourage one another to love and good works. Judy said that this was one of the best.
The young married man that I mentioned in my last letter continues to come regularly and shows great interest and understanding though he has not yet made a profession of faith. We are greatly encouraged by his interest and pray that he will soon trust the Lord.
Another young man who has been brought by his parents since he was an infant, trusted Christ at home and wants to be baptized. Two other grade school aged children have indicated privately that they have trusted Christ. We are thrilled that God has used the teaching of His Word in words and actions to touch the the lives of these youngsters. In both cases, the parents have taught the children and sought to obey the Lord in their daily walk. This reminds me of two important scriptural passages. “Let the children come unto me for of such is the Kingdom of God.” and “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
We are greatly encouraged by another fifth grade aged girl who comes regularly, though no one else in her family comes. She is from a neighbor family. We pray that she will be saved and that God will use her life and words to lead her family to Him.
Our son Philip, his wife Amanda, and their children are in the USA for a few weeks to spend time with Amanda’s family, Philip’s siblings and aunt, and other family members. We are so grateful to have Philip and Amanda and their children serving together with us here. God has used them to multiply the outreach. As you pray for us, please pray for them. God has given Philip an engineering job here to meet their financial needs. They are an integral part of the missionary team here.
May God bless you and may your light shine for Christ where you are. Thanks for your faithful support and prayers.
In Christ in France,
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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Missionary Update: John Mark & Judy Hatcher in France [June 2012]
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making,”
Dear Co-Laborers,
We thank God for the blessings He has showered on us during the past month. You are among those blessings. Your faithful giving enables us to continue doing the work God has called us to do. Your prayers make us effective. The Sunday meetings in Tournefeuille have been well attended and there is evidence of growth in those who are believers. The Bible studies in various locations are also doing well with interested participants.
About half of the attendees in the Bible studies and Sunday meetings have not professed faith in Christ. It is encouraging when we notice their interest in spiritual matters, especially when they ask questions which indicate the Spirit of God is at work in their hearts and the Word of God is having an impact on their thinking. This has been the case this month with some of those who have not yet made professions of faith.
Attentive listeners in a children's class at Tournefeuille
We have also had a number of opportunities to present the Good News in contacts outside of regular meetings. This is very important and usually results from a long term commitment to the process that starts with making contact and continues with the training of disciples after they have publicly committed their lives to Christ. Activities involved take place in this sequence:
- Look for opportunities to make new acquaintances.
- Spend time with people with whom we become acquainted
- Listen to people in order to know them and build up credibility to get a valid hearing for the gospel.
- Converse with people about God, His Word, and the Good News in Jesus Christ.
- Pray continually during all of these steps since we can do nothing. It is Christ Who works through us.
- Read and study the Bible with those who show an interest. We usually begin studying through the Gospel according to John.
- Continue to study the Word of God with those who make a profession of faith helping them discover and put into practice the commands of Christ. This includes Baptism and participation in the assembly of believers using the abilities that God has given each one for the good of the body of believers and a witness to non-believers.
A number of important activities are on the books for the next couple of weeks. They will be history by the time many of you read this letter. Those who received the news electronically can pray for the upcoming Youth meeting, Ladies day, and Gospel concert. Please pray for Yoann, the husband of one of the believers. He attends regularly and needs Christ.
Your team mates for Christ in France,
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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Missionary Update: John Mark and Judy Hatcher in France [April 2012]
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making,”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the name of Christ from Southern France, which is north of most of you. We are approximately on the same latitude as Toronto, Canada. Yesterday we arrived back home from Manaus, Brazil which is just south of the Equator. So, we are a bit off keel time wise and climate wise. Some may think that I am always off keel.
We were in Manaus to see my parents and siblings. Though we are able to speak with dad and mom weekly by phone we wanted to be able to be with them for a face to face visit. Dad turns 87 on April 30 and mom will turn 87 in September. They continue to serve the Lord faithfully. They are still involved in a church plant about 30 minutes drive from their house. It was a great blessing to visit for about 10 days with the family, including Paul and Wanda’s children and grandchildren. We share in common not only family ties but spiritual family ties. We were also able to enjoy worshiping together with many of our Brazilian brothers and sisters in Christ and had the opportunity to speak and preach several times.
Two days before leaving France we had another meeting with youth. This time we had a progressive dinner. We had nibbles and salad at the first home, spaghetti and meatballs at the second home and dessert at the last home. Most importantly, we had spiritual food at all three homes. At each place someone gave their testimony about how they were saved and we presented the Gospel. Time in vehicles between homes was also a valuable opportunity to discuss spiritual matters and answer questions on a personal level. We have two more meetings with youth scheduled before the end of the Spring semester. This is presently an open door for reaching young people who are desperately in need of Christ in a godless society. We are a bit saddened by the fact that one of the teenage girls who has been most effective in bringing friends is leaving this week to spend the rest of the school year in Germany as a part of her learning German program.
On the next to last Sunday of March, two of our regular families communicated the news that they were being transferred elsewhere with their jobs. This will leave a sizable dent in the congregation because each of these young couples has three grade school aged children; ten people gone at once.
We have been praying for the Spring conference. May God used what took place there to help us all in the service of the Lord. Thanks for your faithful support.
Until next month,
John and Judy in France
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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Missionary Update: John Mark & Judy Hatcher in France [March 2012]
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making,”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The tornadoes and storms through which many of you are going have been in the news here. We think about you and pray that the Lord will protect you from harm. This relates indirectly to one of our Bible studies this week. This study is in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The judgments on the lost world symbolized by the blowing of the 7 trumpets draw our attention to the folly of human behavior.
Many people are concerned about protecting themselves from climate changes and the effects that these might bring on them. It is debatable whether we can do much to avoid these disasters. However, anyone can avoid the greatest disaster of all by trusting Christ and being eternally saved from all physical disasters. This is something that anyone, anywhere in the world can do. Yet, few are willing to surrender to Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, our mission here, and your mission there is to bring to the attention of folks around us that Jesus is the only sure hope. May our Lord help us to do the job effectively.
I want to mention three individuals for whom I am very grateful as we study the Word of God with others. The first two are my parents who are still serving as missionaries in Brazil at 86 years old. They taught me and, by example, encouraged me to read through the Bible and then continue reading through the Bible. This lifelong practice has helped me to see God’s revelation of Himself in a more complete and well rounded fashion than what is appropriated by reading most books and theological treatises and by listening to many well known preachers. Please, do not receive this as a condemnation of books or preachers. I am simply underscoring the value of knowing God’s word thoroughly and reviewing it regularly in its full scope. Thanks, mom and dad.
The other person who has had a great influence on me in understanding God’s revelation is Edward Overbey. As my pastor during my college years, he helped me greatly to work toward a correct exegesis of biblical texts. His patient and peaceful manner provided me with an outstanding example of applying Christlike principles in my interaction with others. Thanks, brother Overbey.
All of our Bible Studies are going well. We now have ongoing studies in Colossians, Revelation, II Timothy and the Gospel of John. God continues to open doors and we do the best that we know how in sowing the good seed. Last year three people who had professed faith followed the Lord in baptism. We would like to see many more saved and baptized, but our job is to display the light of the Gospel, sow the good seed, and disciple those who trust Christ.
The Hatchers sowing seeds in France!
As a boy, I was a charter member of the first church established in the work of my father in Manaus. Three baptized in one year would have been a banner year. Now that church, which has started many other churches, baptizes 50 – 100 hundred people every month. Last month they baptized 300 newly saved folks. These are folks who are serving the Lord and being discipled. I have been there among them. They are faithful to God’s word. So, what starts small can multiply…just as the Lord taught. This encourages us to keep working and trusting God.
Thank you for participating with us in the work of the Lord. Your praying and giving is not in vain. Many of you supported the planting of that little church in Manaus.
Today, Judy and I celebrate 39 years of married life serving the Lord together. It is a wonderful life. I asked God to give me the wife He wanted me to have. He gave and I have never been sorry for asking. Judy is a wonderful gift.
Serving the Lord in France,
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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Missionary Update: John Mark & Judy Hatcher in France [January 2012]
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making,”
January 9, 2012
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last month started well with the ladies of our congregation having one of their quarterly fellowship meetings at Suzanne Riedel’s house. The ladies have fellowship, share with each other the blessings they have received, pray together, and have a Bible Study. This time the Bible Study was on being the light of the world. Each lady listed the people that God had used as a light for them and then made a list of people for whom they could be light. They then prayed about this.
The men think these meeting are a great idea and want to have one for themselves, but they seem to have difficulties in planning and implementing. Philip and I have tried to leave the planning in their hands in order to help them take responsibility.
Lydia, our youngest daughter, along with Adam her husband, and their two children were with us for Christmas and New Years. This made the Holidays extra special. All the regular activities are going well.
Some ladies met together for a Bible Study and a time of fellowship last month. They studied about being the light of the world, listed people that God had used as a light for them, and made a list of people for whom they could be light.
Just before Christmas Steve Wainright asked me to put together some information about our call to France and what God is doing here. He wanted to make it a part of his message for the Winter Conference in Gotha, Florida. Since you may not have gotten to go to Florida, the same information might help drive some chill out of your bones wherever you are this Winter.
About fourteen years ago we were caught somewhat by surprise by God moving in our lives and hearts to move us to France in order to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The general job description did not change, but the people to which we were now directed was a total surprise.
In my teen years I had often told the Lord that if He wanted me to pastor or be a missionary I would be glad to do so. In response, Heaven seemed to be silent. Had God spoken to me earlier on this subject, I think that my preparation would have been quite different. As it turned out, following God’s general written directives and my interest in science, I prepared for a career as a doctor. My thinking was along these lines…people listen to their doctor so why not use this as a platform to communicate the Gospel.
I was totally upended by what seemed to be a clear call to be a proclaimer of the gospel that came to me in the middle of my Junior year at the University of Kentucky. It occurred when I was with a number of other believers in prayer. This was not the topic that we had been pursuing in the discussions prior to the time of prayer and it took me totally by surprise. Up to this moment I thought that I was following God’s will as I prepared for a career in Medicine. This new direction was confirmed in interesting ways from several different sources. After consulting with other believers, I said, “Lord, I am going to pursue this new direction assuming that it is your will.” Immediately, I had a sense of peace.
In retrospect, I realize that God wanted me to spend time on a public University campus in the field of natural sciences as part of the preparation for what He wanted me to do. God seems to be always using those who are willing in the present while simultaneously preparing them for service in the future. For brevity, we will skip forward through 26 years of preparatory service.
Once again, I was broadsided by this change in direction that God had in store for us. Within a relatively short period of time and through a number of confirming witnesses we became aware of the great spiritual need of the French people and were moved by a passionate desire to go and make disciples in this nation. A nation where over 50% of the people are atheist, 10% are Muslim, there is great despair and where all is tainted by general distrust. A nation where the number of believers is a fraction of a percent; one of the most unevangelized countries of the world. This country of 36,000 communities and a population over 60 million has just a few more than 100 Baptist churches with an average size of 30 members. Most of the people in these churches are immigrants. A nation for which I previously had no special interest!
We live and work in a city of 30,000. The only church besides ours is a small Catholic church. There is a synagogue that meets in a house. Our work includes several other communities in a radius of about 1 hour of driving time.
On arrival, we knew no one. God has marvelously intervened to bring people to Himself. Some of these have since moved away. There are people who were once a part of our congregation who now live in 7 different countries. We still have regular contact with many of these and they share with us what God is doing in their lives. There are about 35 people who meet in Tournefeuille. Of these, 19 have trusted the Lord and followed Him in baptism. There are other interested people and believers who participate in Bible studies at other locations. We have meetings for teenagers several times during the year. This is a new area of opportunity. Seventeen young people were at the last meeting we held.
We have contact with many people who do not participate in meetings and to whom we are able to witness. We are here to help them come to Christ and our desire is to see many disciples doing the same as God uses us and you in this endeavor.
Thank you for your participation. May God richly bless you.
Shining the Light in France,
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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