Travel for Church & Family Visits, Good Reports
June 17, 2022
Hello Friends!
Summer is fully on board! Here is the latest from us. Please, read on.
My grandfather John Albert Hatcher passed on May 14th. He and my grandmother went to Brazil after WWI and served faithfully as missionaries for 60 years. The Lord allowed me to fly to Florida to participate in the funeral services. This may have been one of the last extended Hatcher family gatherings, but it was great to be with so many of my aunts, uncles & cousins. I am grateful to my parents who took care of him for the last 8 years (along with his wife, my Grandma Alta Hatcher, and Grannie Willa McGary, from my mother’s side of the family). I was blessed to see my parents’ faithfulness and commitment to their parents in their later years. They truly exemplified what it means to “honor your parents”. We scheduled to be with my parents in Kentucky for one week. I pray our time together will be an encouragement to them.
Laura (15) was awarded a scholarship to attend Summit Ministries in Colorado at the beginning of this month. It was a two-week Christian worldview & current hot topics intensive designed for high school and college students. She had an incredible experience and highly recommended it. Sarah left for Manaus this past Monday for a two-month mission trip in the Amazon with Jonatas and Charis. Pray with us as the Lord uses her during this time and that the Lord will move mightily in her heart.
Laura’s last visit to the audiologist was yesterday. She continues to progress well as she adjusts to the cochlear implant and learns to hear through it. I had my oncologist visit this morning. Everything looks good, and the port catheter should be removed within the next few months. Everyone else is in good health.
Last week I spoke at the Ignited Sunday School class at Wheaton Bible Church, this weekend we plan to be at Durbin Memorial Baptist Church, Lexington, KY, and soon in Calvary Baptist Church, Teays Valley, WV. This last month there were several decisions in São Paulo with new opportunities for discipleship. I continue to mentor leaders through Zoom. We are currently finalizing arrangements for eleven pastors and wives (from four different states) to fly to Manaus to attend the church ministries & pastors conference organized by Nova Baptist Church, where my uncle David Hatcher is pastor.
Our hearts are ready to return to Brazil, but we must wait. Our current plans are to remain in the States until the end of the year to complete health treatments and follow-ups.
Attached is my article on disciple-making “The Zaccheaus Approach” and photos.
Grateful always,
Judson & Raquel
Contact Info:
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
São Paulo, Brazil
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
(872) 400-6522
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 Few Thoughts on Glorifying the Lord
Tuesday, March 1
Hello dear friends,
We are so grateful for your prayers and financial support. Our family is doing well. My treatment is over and side effects have subsided. Laura still has a long way ahead of her as she learns to hear again through her left ear with the cochlear implant. This month we celebrated Raquel´s birthday. We also enjoyed time with my cousins David and Dulce Hatcher during the beginning of the month. The ministry in São Paulo is doing well. Jonatas and Charis´ training and exposure trip to the States was a great success. Our children were greatly influenced by them during their time with us. We are truly grateful for what the Lord is doing during our Stateside assignment. I want to share something a little different with you this time. May I share a few thoughts on glorifying the Lord with you today?
God ultimately expects us to give Him all the glory. “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen (Romans 11:36). “To the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:11). So, how do Christians go about giving God all the glory? Here are two ways:
God receives the glory through our Faithfulness to Him.
God receives the glory when we demonstrate faithfulness. “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Faithfulness is evidenced when providing an account of what was entrusted by the Master. Matthew Henry states, “to the trust reposed in him… keeping back nothing…when he seeks not to please men, but God; and not his own glory, and the applause of men, but the honor of Christ” is how a Christian is found faithful. Our thoughts, plans, and actions should be developed based on God’s principles found in Scripture. Faithfulness is an issue of personal integrity. Luke 16:10 states, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much. Steadfast faithfulness to God goes beyond what the human eye can see. God examines the faithfulness of heart. We demonstrate our faithfulness and testify of Him by our internal and external mission. Faithfulness brings glory to God.
God receives the glory when we give account to Him.
God receives the glory when we provide an account of what He entrusted to us. The parable of the talents reveals this concept, “Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them” (Matthew 25:19). Everything a Christian is entrusted with is settled before God. It is impossible to omit anything from Him. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). Scripture is unequivocal regarding giving an account before the Master, “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). Another verse says, “they will give account to him who is ready to judge” (1 Peter 4:5). The Master can search the heart and test the mind. “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds” (Jeremiah 17:10). Each one of us must provide an account to God of the responsibilities entrusted to us.
Those whom He has entrusted must prove faithful, to use our talents, to maximize His Kingdom for all of us will stand before him to give an account. We do all things to give Him the glory.
May our commitment to give glory to God through our lives embolden us to live faithfully knowing we are accountable to Him for the talents he has placed in our lives.
Grateful,
Jud Hatcher
Contact Info:
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
São Paulo, Brazil
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
(872) 400-6522
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
Ministry & Leadership Training Continues; Health & Family Updates
January 29, 2022
Thank you for your faithful prayers and generosity.
Family
Thank you for praying for our family. I am currently undergoing radiation treatment five times a week. Laura is adjusting to her cochlear implant. The device was activated three weeks ago. Hearing again does not come automatically, it will take almost a year for her to gain maximum hearing through the implant. She wears it every day at school as part of the initial process of learning to hear again. Her first hearing therapy this week provided a glimpse of her progress. There is still a lot of work, as the learning curve for the brain to adjust to the implant is a lengthy development. As she adjusts to the new hearing process the cochlear implant must also receive fine tuning. This fine tuning requires the audiologist and the cochlear implant technician to work in conjunction with Laura to customize the programing based on her monthly hearing progress. We are praising the Lord for each positive step as she regains hearing from her left ear.
Regarding my cancer care, a PETscan in mid-February will provide us with the current status of the cancer. Chemotherapy is completed and now I go in for radiation sessions five times a week. At this point, the main side effect is fatigue. I keep a healthy dietary plan along with a consistent workout regimen at the gym with my son Benjamin. He is a great workout partner, and his avid participation is an encouragement to maintain our exercise routine. The cold winter makes it hard to get out in the early mornings, especially when it is snowing. I have glided on the ice a few times on the way to and from the clinic, but the Lord has provided safety on the roads.
Our oldest, Sarah, recently received her drivers permit and just this week began her first job working at Culver’s restaurant. Melissa (10 years old) has maximized her time in the snow. There are several kids in the neighborhood that enjoy playing in the snow with her. She is having the time of her life every time she goes outside. Raquel has participated in several conferences and training seminars over the last several months and acquired a new counseling technique called EMDR, which is a tool that allows past traumas to be processed with new insights. This season in the States has been full of first-time experiences and wonderful opportunities for our family. We praise the Lord for each one.
Ministry
Jonatas and Charis are currently in the States as part of their mentoring and exposure trip. They have invested time in West Palm Beach with our dear friend Todd Thomas who serves at Family Church (First Baptist Church WPB) at the Sherbrook campus. While in Lynchburg, VA they stayed with our dear friends Scott and Cindy Phillips, and connected with folks at Living Word Baptist Church. They also attended classes at Liberty University in the Pastoral Leadership program of the School of Divinity, under the leadership of my beloved mentor, Dave Adams. Jonatas and Charis also had quality time with Scott Bullman, Matt Wilmington, Tim Grandstaff, Russ Dean and Doug Randlett at Thomas Road Baptist Church. This next Monday they arrive in Chicago and will remain with us for one week prior to their return to Brazil. This time with us will also be filled with mentorship and learning opportunities at Wheaton College and Moody Bible Institute. Please, continue to pray and to financially contribute as we make concerted training efforts in training leaders.
The ministry in São Paulo is regaining momentum as COVID tensions cause less disruption. Pastor Helder´s wife, Renatha, lost her father this last month and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Please, pray for the family as they mourn his loss.
Again, thank you for your solid commitment to prayer and for your generous giving through Baptist Faith Missions.
Grateful,
Jud Hatcher
Contact Info:
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
São Paulo, Brazil
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
(872) 400-6522
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
Life & Ministry Updates
December 15, 2021
Family
Tomorrow (December 16), Laura will undergo a surgical procedure to install a cochlear implant in her left ear. The surgery takes 6 hours and a week to recover. The Lord provided us with one of the best doctors in the nation for this type of procedure at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Once the device is activated, she will begin hearing therapy along with the device´s fine tuning. We are grateful to the Lord for making provisions for Laura to hear again from her left ear.
On December 1st we celebrated Melissa’s 10th birthday. She requested an astronaut themed party. We could not take her to outer space, but she had an out of this world party with her siblings, school and neighborhood friends. Sarah received her driver´s permit and is excited to practice driving as much as she can. Benjamin is part of the wrestling team at his middle school and is doing incredibly well, as this is his first experience with the sport.
Raquel has completed several training courses, including an EMDR certification. She is an amazing psychologist and loves assisting people in counseling. She is also able to serve several missionary families around the world through online platforms and continues to provide leadership and consultation for foster care families in Brazil.
My lymphoma treatment is developing successfully. I received all three cycles of chemotherapy, on December 27th will run a CT scan in preparation for the radiation treatment. This last cycle hit me the hardest, but I am grateful to see the glory of God manifested through it all. As if my hands were not full enough, God allowed me a new learning opportunity. I started an online PhD in Organizational Leadership at Columbia International University. This is a degree I have aspired for many years as it directly relates to the work of our ministry. It should take 27 months to complete, and I am excited to get back into academic life once again.
We are so thankful to God for His Sovereign hand, for your prayers, and encouragement through emails, text messages, phone calls and cards in the mail. Words cannot fully express our hearts’ gratitude.
Ministry
All things are on queue for Jonatas and Charis to arrive in the States on January 15th for their training and exposure trip. They will be visiting three universities: Palm Beach Atlantic University, Liberty University and Wheaton College. This trip will also include visits with several churches as part of a mentorship plan developed for them. Jonatas was recently ordained and is a gifted servant of the Lord. I am thankful for all who are assisting in making this trip a reality.
The ministry in São Paulo is strong under Pastor Helder’s leadership. Christmas Season is always a culminating moment for people to become involved in serving the local communities and people are more approachable. Christmas Cantatas are well underway and the 2022 calendar is loaded with plans for connecting with new people and making disciples.
I plan to participate in the Missions Conference at Park Ridge Baptist Church in Orlando on January 17, 18 and 19. Would love to have you join us if you are in Florida and able to come.
Grateful always,
Jud and Raquel Hatcher
Contact Info:
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
São Paulo, Brazil
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
(872) 400-6522
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
Two Big Events Divinely Planned
November 8, 2021
Better than steak
Our time Stateside has been full of surprises. I want to share with you two situations where the Lord has made Himself known to us in a tremendous way. We are grateful to the churches that received us during these last couple of months: Faith Baptist Church in Kirksville, MO – Brandon Rhae; New Life Chapel in Glenn Elyn, IL – Sajan Mathews; Living Word Baptist Church in Forrest, VA – Gary Yates & Scott Phillips; Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA – Jonathan Falwell & Tim Grandstaff. Please, continue reading concerning the mighty hand of God. Yes, a spiritual meal with friends is better than steak, and we enjoy being with fellow believers!
Where do we park?
We also had a chance to visit two cousins of mine (David Hatcher and Lydia Reece) and their families. We met at a Chicago zoo/park and later that evening devoured a famous Chicago deep-dish pizza! Thanks for the great Saturday guys.
Refueling
I fully enjoyed being at REFUEL Conference 2021 in Lynchburg, VA. Blessed to be with Jonathan Falwell, Dave Adams, Scott Phillips, Doug Randlett, Matt Wilmington, Rob Wetzel, Charles Billingsley, Tim Grandstaff, Russ Dean, Troy Temple, Jimmy Scroggins, Todd Thomas, and Nick Parsons. It is a free conference for all attendees – sponsored by Thomas Road Baptist Church. There are several “Refuel One-Day” events across the country within the next several months. Pastor friends, you should consider going and taking your team. Plan to attend REFUEL 2022. Visit www.refuel.org. It is sure worth the networking and encouragement. (If you’d like me to go with you to a conference you believe in, please call me. I’d love to go with your team.)
Heavenly Hospitality
Raquel attended the “Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit 2021” in Cincinnati, OH in September. Thanks, Philip DuBarry for connecting her with Gary & Karen Gault for the week. Raquel was blessed by the Sunday night service at Addyston Baptist Church and the pizza dinner with David & Kym Pitman at the Gault home. Nothing beats Southern Hospitality? Wrong! Heavenly Hospitality is much better.
“You mean it is not a hernia?”
In early September, I went to see a surgeon regarding a hernia. I had a hernia surgery back in 2001, in the exact location of the current bulge. I was certain it needed to be redone. Upon visual examination, the doctor requested a biopsy. I went in for a biopsy on September 15. Turns out it was a swollen lymph node – 2 inches in size and growing quickly. The biopsy results came in – it was lymphoma. I was shocked by the news, as was Raquel. The surgeon said it was highly treatable and recommended I see an oncologist. I looked for the best oncologist in the region, but he was booked up to two months out. So, I searched for one with the soonest appointment available – in two weeks. Within the hour, my sister Michelle called and said, “Hey one of the best oncologists in the Chicago area has an appointment open for tomorrow. See if you can schedule it.” He was the exact one who was only available two months away. I logged in and scheduled! In less than 12 hours I was sitting in his office! Praise the Lord!
Over the coming weeks, I ran several blood exams, an MRI, a CAT scan (a Dog Scan), and a bone marrow biopsy. The oncologist proposed a chemotherapy and radiology treatment plan. I accepted and began the process. Raquel and I spoke to each one of the kids as soon as we knew enough about my lymphoma, and what to expect of the side effects during the oncoming months. We knew it would be a hard conversation with our kids. As just recently, Raquel´s best friend (Vanessa) passed away quickly from cancer at the beginning of this year. (Our kids knew Vanessa well and we visited her family in Pennsylvania a few weeks prior.) Everything was going well as I explained to our kids that I was sick with lymphoma. I wanted to explain thoroughly without using the word “cancer”, but knew that I needed to explain that lymphoma is a type of cancer. (Everyone always thinks the worst-case scenario when you use the word. But, Vanessa’s death due to cancer was very real to our kids.) Each one heard and understood everything I said up to that point. Then, I said, “Lymphoma is a type of cancer”. Tears began to flow. I reiterated, told them there was nothing to fear, to trust in the Lord and He would take care of all the details. We pray together daily knowing that our hope is in the Creator. We rest in His providence and provision, daily.
The first step was to install a port-a-catheter. The day before the surgery, I went swimming with my kids – as I presumed it would be my last time to submerge into the water for at least 6 months. (I have two friends who have a port that is exposed externally and have to be very careful with it.) I woke up after the surgery and to my surprise, there was nothing externally. I was elated! I spoke to the surgeon about what I thought I saw. He said, “Oh yeah, you can go swimming in about a week, the port is internal.” Praise the Lord!
On October 22nd, I began the first chemotherapy infusion cycle. Arrived at RUSH University Infusion Center at 7:30 am and was there for 7 hours. Some of the following days were rough, but the Lord has shown His grace. I will undergo chemo and 20 days of radiation – roughly 4 months. The oncologist originally suspected the cancer was in multiple locations. However, after all the scans/imaging and bone marrow biopsy, it was concluded that the Lymphoma is only in one location in my body.
After much prayer, I decided to openly speak of my cancer amongst friends on social media (in English and Portuguese) and request them to join us in prayer. Now, I am sharing in this publication and I ask that you join us in prayer. Earlier in this process, I was keeping it privately. Only family, close friends, and Baptist Faith Missions directors knew of it.
I thank you for the prayers, emails, and phone calls already received.
I want to thank the directors for the decision (over a year ago) to change the BFM health insurance to Cigna Global. We are well covered and medically well assisted through the plan, both Stateside and in Brazil.
Most importantly, I want to thank my Heavenly Father for His provision, and for the LOVE He instilled in you for Missions and for my family.
On October 30, Raquel and I went on a walk at Cantigny Park in the city will live while Stateside – Wheaton, Illinois. We enjoyed a full three hours of talking, praying, and enjoying the beautiful Autumn colors (in Brazil the Fall season is not as evident as it is here). I want to share with you a poem at I wrote that evening.
SURPRISING PEACE
A beautiful day at spectacular Cantigny Park,
Lovely amazing Autumn colors and never dark,
Delighted by the endless cool breezes in my beloved’s warm embrace,
She is the one designed for me, oh my.
Oscillating sunshine splattering on my face,
One Spirit, two people in Imago Dei,
Past abyss placed me in disarray,
How could I deny?
Desperately grateful, I never could repay,
My debt, “tetelestai”,
Oh, overwhelmed, full-fledged Grace.
This Saturday in “Le Jardin” makes three hearts
joined in fellowship rendered from the ultimate sacrifice.
We trust, fully surrender,
At the feet of the Creator in His plan for us.
Whatta Divine!
He placed in us His Holy mark,
Surpassing all human understanding ace,
Sealed in us is His endless, sustaining love,
Unrelenting confidence, trust immeasurable,
We trust in Thine!
He provides, surprising peace.
Judson Hatcher
Wheaton, Illinois – October 30, 2021
“Her inner ear is ossified”
Two years ago, while our kids were traveling by plane under the supervision of an adult friend (we remained in São Paulo), Laura ruptured her left eardrum due to an infection – we did not know of it prior to travel. She went to the emergency care upon arrival in Manaus and the doctor prescribed medication. It just kept getting worse… three days later she went back to the ER. The doctor on call said, “not sure why, but she was given the wrong medicine!” The proper medication treated the infection in due time, but the hole in the eardrum never closed. She has to use an earplug for showers and when near water.
In São Paulo, every ENT doctor stated, “Her inner ear / cochlear canal is ossified. Her hearing loss is eversible’, and the MRI images confirmed the disheartening diagnosis. We submitted it to God.
Upon settling into Wheaton, IL, we took Laura to an Otorhinolaryngology (ENT). Upon first look into the left ear, he said it was likely she could get her hearing back! He referred us to the best ENT surgeon in Chicago. We scheduled an MRI and upon receiving the result: There is NO OSSIFICATION in the cochlear canal! She can get her hearing back with surgery! Praise the Lord!
Laura is 15 years old, and we are allowing her to make the decision regarding the surgery. Since repairing her hearing involves installing a cochlear implant and wearing a small magnetic device attached to the skull – an inch over, behind her ear. Our next step is to visit the cochlear audiologist to field any questions about post-operative body adjustment and the device´s fine-tuning process. It should be about a month still. However, I do think Laura has already decided to install it (originally she said she did not want any external devices). Pray for Laura as she makes this important decision and we guide and support her through this process.
The Future
Between these two big events, we have seen so many amazing things happen that are simply miraculous! The unbeliever might label it as “lucky” or, state “it’s too good to be true”, or “this is unbelievable”, and “This stuff is absurdly, preposterously perfect”. It is! It is Divinely planned. Thankfully, it is real, and we trust the Creator, the great bio-engineer, and chief doctor. We know factually to believe and surrender our lives to the One who holds our future.
Request
Pray for Jonathan & Charis Escote. They are part of our team. We plan to bring them to the States for an intensive training and exposure trip in January 2022. They are ministry team members and we need financial help for their trip. Would you consider giving for them to come to the States? We need to raise 3,000 dollars to cover the cost of this trip.
Grateful always,
Judson & Raquel Hatcher
Contact Info:
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
São Paulo, Brazil
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
(872) 400-6522
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 Month of Quarantine with 4 Kids in Brazil
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I hope this letter finds you well and joyful, despite the circumstances. As you can imagine, we also are facing the threat of this new virus. The city of São Paulo has been in quarantine since March 20th. All schools, public and private, were closed, as well as non-essential businesses. Those who can are staying at home as much as possible. Our kids transitioned from traditional schooling to online home schooling. That in itself has been a major challenge. I thank God for my husband, who has helped them adjust to distance learning, and daily assists our four children in their studies. We had two computers, now we are trying borrow two more in order to accommodate their needs. Overall, they are doing amazing. Laura had all A’s this past quarter, Sarah and Benjamin also had A’s and B’s. Melissa has more difficulties, as she was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and memory problems, although she was also placed in the superior range for IQ. We ask your prayers regarding this subject. We do our best to find strategies and didactic approaches to teach her, but we notice that, in many ways, it has affected her self-worth. But we are blessed. Sarah turned fifteen on May 30th and Ben turned twelve on May 24th. Laura will be fourteen on July 20th, and Melissa will be nine December 1st. During this time of social distance, they have not left the house, so we try to keep them busy with different fun family activities, tasty meals and treats. They also enjoy videoconferencing with friends and family.
Benjamin 
Laura 
Melissa 
Sarah 
Regarding myself, I have been substituting for a missionary friend in his coordination position of a Christian Fostercare Project. He asked me to replace him temporary, as he needed to be with his family. He and his wife have five children and one of them, a 10-year-old boy, has battled leukemia for almost two years. A few weeks ago, he received a bone marrow transplant, but he is in critical condition. He has been hospitalized for the past seven weeks. There are hundreds of people interceding for his life and for his family. Please, pray for them also.
Our church, like most of them here in Brazil, has been meeting online to pray and encourage each other. One of the ladies who meets with us also has cancer and she does chemotherapy. Pray for her, and her husband and daughter.
I would also like to share about another friend of mine; we were neighbors during my graduate school, and since then we have been best friends. One year and six months ago, she was diagnosed with cancer in her pancreas. During this time, she did all the treatment she could at John Hopkins Hospital. For some months it was in remission, and it seemed to be fine. But now, she is sick again, and with little hope any treatment will help. I have been supporting her during this long journey, and I feel very sad. She adopted a little boy just five years ago. I ask you to please pray for my friend, her name is Vanessa Martiny. She lives in Pennsylvania, she is a believer in Jesus, she has a strong faith, and she holds on to the hope she has in Christ.
We sure live in difficult times. But we remember what the apostle Paul said in Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
We are the happiest people in the world because we know there is so much more ahead of us. Thank you for reading. Thank you for praying, thank you for supporting us with your finances, thank you for caring. May God give you peace and joy.
Much love,
Raquel Hatcher
Contact Info:
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
São Paulo, Brazil
judsonhatcher@gmail.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
