Gospel Presented to Unbelievers through Christmas Play
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
January 7, 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We hope that you have had a good holiday season with your family and friends and are getting off to a good start in 2019. Our past year has been filled with many blessings in spite of some sad moments.
The year closed well for the church at Tournefeuille. The children and young people presented a drama of the birth of Christ among the humans He created. It was a story within a story presented as an imaginary discussion between a believer and an unbeliever about the coming of our Savior. Abigail, our oldest granddaughter, translated the drama from English to French and the players prepared and practiced for several weeks.
The play was presented on Sunday, December 23 to a house packed with guests invited by family members and friends. There were several first-time attendees. Among those present were a number of non-believers. One teenage member of our congregation brought her mother, father, brother and paternal grandparents who are atheist. What a thrill it is to us that these and others who need Christ heard the Gospel presentation. My eyes overflowed with tears as I rejoiced and prayed for the salvation of these who are in need of Christ. Please pray with us that the Holy Spirit will use what they saw and heard to draw them to our wonderful Saviour.
Today is my birthday. God has blessed me with a wonderful life up to this point. Thanks to all who sent birthday wishes. From the eternal perspective our present life will look like a speck of dust no matter how long we live. My desire is to live giving evidence of Christ and proclaiming His Good News so that others may receive Him and live eternally in His presence.
Judy and I are grateful beyond words for the family and spiritual family that our Father in heaven has given us. Thank you for the part that you play in our lives. May God continue to channel His light through you wherever you live.
Serving Christ with you,
John and Judy
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]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
Read more
Evidence of God at Work in Believers 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.”
December 6, 2018
Dear Co-laborers in the service of our Saviour,
This is my last letter to you this calendar year. It has been an unusual year in many ways. Returning to the ministry in France at the beginning of the year brought us great joy.
My mother, Alta Hatcher – known to many of you, left this world to the presence of the Lord in March. Her departure was not complicated and her last words were repeatedly, “I love you, Jesus.” This year has been marked by the departure of several who had a special place in our lives. We miss them greatly. But, to be “absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” This thrills our hearts and encourages us as we seek to be a light where God has placed us.
Just after I sent my last letter, my nephew Odali arrived with his entire family. He is married to Amanda’s sister, Carrie. Philip and Odali had worked out the details of this trip to surprise Amanda on her 40th birthday. It was a surprise to us all and we certainly enjoyed our time with them. Odali is the son of Odali and Kathy Barros who are also supported by BFM as missionaries in Brazil.
This month has been one of good Sunday and weekday meetings. The evidence of God at work in believers is a cause of gratitude to God. Please pray for the service on the Sunday before Christmas when the children and youth of church will be presenting the Gospel in a special program.
Judy has had some good opportunities with a young lady who has come for years to the youth meetings. Her mother is muslim and her father, separated from her mother, is atheist. She is a school friend of our oldest granddaughter here, Abigail. Amanda, our daughter-in-law and co-worker here, has also had opportunities to communicate with this young lady about Christ. Please, pray for this friend of Abigail.
We enjoyed the live interaction that we were able to have with those of you who were at the Thanksgiving Conference at New Hope B.C. The faithful support we receive through Baptist Faith Missions provides for our needs and is a constant source of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Dinner in France
I have included a photo of our Thanksgiving Dinner with Philip and Amanda. They had us in their home to celebrate Thanksgiving on the Saturday after the U.S. Holiday. Wendy, who works with us and four friends of our granddaughters were with us as well.
Abigail, along with another Christian friend, are organizing a fellowship group for Christians at their High School. In a school of three thousand there are just a handful who profess faith in Christ.
You have probably seen news of the riots and disruptions that have been taking place in France this past month. These began as demonstrations against the increase of taxes on fuels which already were about 80% of the price we pay at the pump. The manifestations have been an inconvenience but have caused us no real harm. Thank each of you who have prayed for us.
May the Lord bless your time together with your families this Holiday Season.
From France,
John and Judy
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]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
Read more
A Visit with a 90-year-old Lady in Northern France
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
November 5, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Judy and I are very thankful for your participation in the ministry we are doing here in Southern France. Our health is good and we look forward each day to the opportunities the Lord will place before us.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Dave Parks—our fellow laborer in service—sent a message from Stephen Clark, pastor of First Baptist Church of Hazel Park, Michigan. The Clark family have been great friends for my whole life. As it turns out, a member of the church in Hazel Park was concerned about her French aunt, Monique, and wanted a pastor to contact her. When we got the address from Pastor Clark, we became aware of the fact that this French lady lives in Le Havre in Normandy. This is, of course in the region where the Allied troops in WWII disembarked to begin retaking France from the Nazi occupiers.
We attempted to contact a church that we knew of in Bayeux which is about two hours by car from Monique’s home. This approach met with no success, so Judy and I decided that it was the Lord’s will for us to drive to Northern France to visit Monique. The following Monday we drove to the opposite end of France from us. Though this may seem like a long way, to us it is nothing compared to the distance Christ came to save us.
It was a very rainy stormy week, but the trip was touched by “showers of blessings”. Before leaving we contacted Monique, explained who we were and asked if she would like to receive a visit from us. She was very receptive. Judy and I spent nearly an entire day with Monique. As we were leaving, and it dawned on her how long we had been talking, she said, “Time passes fast when you are having a good time”.
This 90-year-old lady has quite a history. Her family were involved in the French underground resistance during the second world war. This is how her oldest sister, who is now with the Lord, met her future husband, William, and how she ended up having nieces who were members of the First Baptist Church in Hazel Park, Michigan. Her family, previously catholics, became protestants because the priest would not allow another sister who died in infancy be buried in the catholic church cemetery. The reason for forbidding the burial was the fact that the infant had not yet been baptized.
We had a great visit with Monique who expressed the belief that Christ died for our sins. Sometimes it is difficult for us to know whether someone has personally placed their faith in Christ, but God knows the heart of each one. Monique was thrilled with the booklets that we left with her which are excellent excerpts of Scripture covering the life and ministry of Christ and the entire message of the Bible. We are planning on speaking with her by phone and discussing what she reads so this is an ongoing opportunity for which you can pray.
Well, I see that I am running out of space, so I will stop. Thank you for prayers and gifts.
Enjoying each opportunity God gives us in France,
John and Judy
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]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
Read more
Disciples Disciple
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
October 8, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I hope you had an encouraging day with God’s people yesterday as we did here. Our time of worship yesterday was very uplifting. Before Sunday School and teaching time, members of the congregation are invited to choose songs that God has brought to their minds and hearts. Between the singing of songs, the opportunity is given for the believers to read aloud scripture passages that God has used in speaking to them during the previous week. They are also encouraged to give witness of their gratitude for the way they God has worked specifically in their lives during the week.
This is our practice because God’s word clearly teaches us to “…consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another…” (Hebrews 10:24-25) and “speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16)
On Sunday afternoons we have a church leadership meeting to discuss how we are seeing God at work and how we can best proceed to do what He has given us to do. We are very encouraged by the spiritual growth of the members of the congregation and the way they are applying God’s teaching to their lives daily.
Besides Sunday School and worship there are a number of gatherings that take place during the week for learning and mutual encouragement. Here is what this week looks like: Tuesday morning, Judy participates in a ladies’ prayer meeting that is hosted this week by Amanda in her home in Plaisance-du-Touch. Tuesday evening I lead a Bible study from Ephesians in a home in city of Pibrac. Wednesday morning Judy participates in a Bible study led by our co-worker Wendy in the city of Toulouse. Wednesday afternoon I have a live interactive Bible study on internet studying the Gospel of John. Thursday evening Philip is leading a Bible study in Job held in a member’s home in the city of Cugnaux. Saturday evening Philip and Amanda host the Youth meeting in their home.
These meetings don’t take place in a vacuum. Philip works as an engineer and will be in Sweden a couple days this week. Philip and Amanda’s family is very active with four teenagers going to 3 different schools in three different towns and Amanda gives many piano lessons several days a week. All of us have other activities where we seek to contact unsaved people. We love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. Disciples disciple. Last weekend our two older granddaughters, Abigail (17) and Nathalie (16) were at a rustic conference location. They along with two of their Christian friends implemented a Bible program they had put together for the entire weekend and took care of a dozen children ages 18 months to 11 while missionary friends of ours from Bordeaux had leadership training for the leaders in their church plant and outreach ministries.
God has raised up good teachers in our church. There are two ladies and two men in the church who also teach. There are folks who were saved here who now are active as members and teachers in churches in other countries. What a joy to serve here and have you as our ministry partners. Please pray for us. Pray for God to help us to be effective in communicating the Good News of Jesus Christ and continue to make disciples who will also make disciples.
In God’s field in France,
John and Judy Hatcher
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]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
Read more
Open Opportunities to Share about the Savior at Breakfast Meetings, Piano Recitals, Dinners
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
September 1, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our house has seemed a bit empty the past week since David, Dulce and their children returned home to Chicago. We enjoyed immensely the time we had with this part of our family.
I am getting this letter off quickly before heading over to the next town to have dinner with Philip and his family in the home of one of their neighbors. The host family is a young couple with a two young boys that have had a good relationship with Amanda and Philip for several years. Judy and I had only a visual acquaintance with them until a couple of months ago when we got to know them better at a piano recital of Amanda’s music students. The young man recently started taking piano lessons with Amanda. After the recital this young man seemed quite interested in discussing spiritual things. Pray for this and many other ongoing relationships that we and all of our congregation has with friends and family members. Over 90% of people who trust Christ hear of Him and become convinced that He is the Savior through the influence of friends or family members.
Service at Philip and Amanda’s
Service at Philip and Amanda’s
This morning we had breakfast with the men of our congregation. We try to do this about once a month. These our great times of fellowship and are an important way to encourage one another to love and good works. This morning seemed to be one of the best breakfast meetings with have had. Two of the men spoke of the impact our church has had on them and their families. One of these men grew up in a non-religious family and the other in a catholic family. They expressed their gratitude for what they have learned and experienced with us in getting to know God and in the fellowship of the congregation. Another man, Yoann, who perhaps loves these breakfast meetings more than any who come has not confessed faith in Christ. He has met with our church regularly along with his believing wife and children for several years. He began our conversation by sharing how God had protected him and his family during their recent vacation trip to Italy. They had crossed the bridge in Genoa less than two days before it collapsed on the 14th of August killing 37 persons. The conversation developed along the lines of eternity, our life on earth, eternal life and witnessing to those who do not have faith in God. Yoann told about conversations with his brother who is a virulent atheist. Both of their parents, who died when their children were teenagers, were atheist. Please pray for the salvation of these brothers.
During the time that David and his family were staying with us this summer, our Sunday meetings were held in the home of Philip and Amanda. It is wonderful working together with them here. I am including a couple of pictures of this past Sunday meeting in their home.
Thanks for your prayers and support,
John and Judy
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]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
Read more
Fellowship with Friends & Family
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
July 30, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thank you for taking a few moments to read about what God is doing around us. We thank God for each of you who partner with us as we proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in Southern France and seek to make disciples to Jesus.
Our son David and his family arrived a few days ago from their home in Chicago to spend a good part of the summer with us. We are delighted by this opportunity to spend precious time with them. It has the added benefit of keeping us younger.
Celebrating grandson Téo’s 4th birthday
Relaxing time with Joachim and Family
Samuel, a young man who trusted Christ and was baptized in our church here in Tournefeuille a few years ago, was united in matrimony with a delightful young lady this past weekend. Though they now live in Paris, the marriage was held here to make it possible for local friends, family and spiritual family to participate. Philip’s family led and presented the music. The bride was saved and baptized in the Paris Center Baptist Church where Samuel is now a member. The mobility of our present world was clearly exemplified by the numerous nationalities of those present. It is a reminder to all of us that God often opens doors to other people groups by bringing them to our doorstep. Are there others in your community that you need to get to know so that you can present the Gospel in action and word?
Yesterday we had a packed house for the Sunday meeting. This is a bit rare in the month of July which is vacation time. Other than the previous week when nearly everyone in our assembly was out of town, we have had good attendance this summer. We are now studying the letter to the Galatians. One of the men in our assembly has expressed the delight that he sees in this book where we are reminded that God has saved us to set us free. He says that this is quite a contrast to the religion in which he was reared that constantly laid down requirements and never gave assurance.
A couple weeks ago Philip’s family, Judy and I had the privilege of having dinner and an evening of fellowship together with Joachim and his family. He was the first person baptized here. Philip and Amanda were the primary disciplers of this family which was with us for several years. We miss them greatly since they moved away but are grateful that they are actively involved in a good church near Hamburg, Germany.
Thank you for your active participation in what God is doing here and may He make you fruitful as you serve him where you are.
In Christ in France,
John and Judy
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]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
Read more
Being the Light of Jesus in Your Community
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
July 4, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It’s the 4th of July here as well as where you live, but it is business as usual here! This morning I was out doing banking and Judy was having a meeting with the ladies of the Tournefeuille Church discussing plans for children’s Sunday School classes for the next few months. We hope you are enjoying the holiday along with your family.
The past weekend was filled with fellowship. Sunday, after the morning service, the church families met at a nearby park to enjoy a shared picnic. The evening before, Judy and I had a dinner together with some of the folks in Mazere where we worked for over a dozen years. God continues to be at work using the believers there.
The month has also included large social events with folks who are not from the church. One of these was our neighborhood annual pot luck dinner. God has often opened doors during these gatherings and this year was no different. We had excellent discussions with some present. One neighbor told me that he had not forgotten our earlier discussions and certainly wanted to come attend a service.
Another event, held a couple of weeks ago at Philip and Amanda’s home, was a piano recital of her students. The place was packed and snack and chat time followed. I had a lengthy discussion about spiritual things with a young married man who lives across the street from Philip and Amanda. These, along with the daily contacts that we have with our neighbors are the primary means of being the light of Jesus in our communities. France is a very secular society. Roughly half of those who make up the population proclaim without hesitation to be atheist and there is a general aversion to religion, so it is out in the community that we share Christ.
The witness of believers of all ages is important. We continue to see God at work through middle and high school students who are part of our church. During this past year there have been 13 youth from our assembly and 18 others who are their friends who have come to youth meetings. Typically there 15-20 kids at each meeting where a clear presentation and discussion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ take place.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and giving.
In France to live and proclaim Christ,
John and Judy
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]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
Read more
Recalling the Start of Making Disciples 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 4, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The question arises from time to time, “How did you start the church where you are?” This is an excellent question. This past week we were vividly reminded of how the process of making disciples here began. We had the privilege of receiving for dinner and the Sunday meeting, Ursula, the first person to be touched by the Lord at the beginning of our efforts here. Ursula was here with her daughter, Veronika, who was about five when she and her younger sister came with their mother to Sunday School. She is now a fine young lady of 23 doing internship near us.
John & Judy with Ursula and Veronika
The neighborhood had a special welcome home party potluck for John & Judy. The party theme was “Dress like an American”.
Children at the neighborhood’s special welcome home party potluck for John & Judy. The party theme was “Dress like an American”.
In September 2000, we moved to Tournefeuille where we knew no one. The day we signed the rental contract on our house we were invited to a neighborhood gathering in the street a few dozen feet from our house. One of the neighbors organized the snack time so that all the new home renters could get to know each other. That event was an answer to prayer in ways I do not have the space to retell here. At this gathering, word got around that we were here to communicate the word of God and Ursula introduced herself and let us know that she would like to come to Bible studies. She a key person that God used to help us start here. She was very friendly and brought her friends and people she befriended. Ursula and her family returned to the home area of Germany in 2003. She expresses the fact that the crossing of our paths here changed her life. It was great to review those early days. I am including a picture of Ursula, Veronika and us following Sunday morning service.
One of our neighbors stopped by in early May to say that since we had been out of town for so long and missed the last couple neighborhood gatherings they wanted to have a special welcome home party potluck for us. The party theme was “dress like an American.” I am including pictures of the adults and children at this party which will give you an idea of how they visualize Americans. You might try to guess who Judy and I were trying to impersonate from an old TV series that was quite popular here. It was great to renew these acquaintances and keep the links warm for communicating the Good News of Jesus Christ. That evening I had the opportunity to spend a good amount of time giving the message of salvation to a man who is a new neighbor next to us.
The annual neighborhood party is to be held this coming Saturday evening. We thank God for all of these opportunities He gives us to link up with people and build credibility to communicate the Good News.
Thank you for your participation which enables us to be here as lights in this and other communities. God continues to work through the believers here for His glory and we are encouraged.
From southern France,
John and Judy
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]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
Read more
