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A Season to Shine: Preparing to Share the Gospel This Christmas

Posted on 31Oct CATEGORIES: General, Jud & Raquel Hatcher [Brazil], Letters Tags:Tags: Christmas Evangelistic Event, evangelism, evangelism at Christmas, Joinville, Jud Hatcher, Laura Hatcher, Masters Degree, ministry conference, Raquel Hatcher, Santa Catarina, Sarah Hatcher0

Jud and Raquel Hatcher are third generation missionaries serving the Lord in São Paulo, Brazil. They are part of the “SeedFactory” church planting initiative, which is a movement to plant churches in all 26 Brazilian capitals. Since 2006, 43 churches have been started in 5 states.

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