September 2, 2025

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,

We are continually grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and support as we seek to serve the Lord in Brazil. In this letter, I would like to share a few important updates from the past months and invite you to rejoice with us in God’s faithfulness.

Family Update—A Season of Faith and Hope

Recently, we had the blessing of spending time with my parents before my father began his bone marrow transplant. As many of you know, this treatment is a very demanding process, both physically and emotionally. Yet, we are encouraged by the early reports that the graft is taking well, and the doctors are optimistic. The journey is far from over, but we see the Lord’s sustaining hand in each step. Please continue to lift up my father’s health, my mother’s strength, and our entire family as we walk through this season together.

Missions Conference at New Life Baptist Church

Another highlight of these past months was the Missions Conference hosted by New Life Baptist Church in Lexington, KY (Steve Wainright, pastor). The speaking schedule, the organization of the sessions, and the richness of the messages shared made this conference an extraordinary experience. It was a joy and privilege to be part of such a well-planned, Scripture-filled, and Spirit-led gathering.

Even more than the program itself, the conference was an exciting opportunity to reconnect with dear friends and supporters who have walked with us over the years, while also making new friendships that we trust will blossom into ongoing ministry partnerships. The fellowship, encouragement, and shared vision for the Great Commission left us deeply refreshed and inspired to press forward in the work God has called us to.

Laura at Liberty University

Another significant milestone in our family life is that our daughter Laura began her first semester at Liberty University this past August. Moving into a new rhythm of college life—classes, chapel, dorm responsibilities, and a new circle of friends—has been both exciting and stretching for her. She is thriving in this environment and adjusting well to the daily routine. As parents, it is both humbling and joyful to see her pursuing God’s calling for her life in this way. We ask that you pray for her continued growth academically, socially, and spiritually during this formative season.

Launching a New Master’s of Youth Ministry Degree

It has been an honor to serve as a liaison and contribute to the implementation of the Master’s in Youth Ministry program at the World of Life Bible Seminary in São Paulo. Working alongside Dr. Randy Smith and Dr. Dave Adams (dear friends and mentors of mine) has been both a sharpening and rewarding experience. This program is designed to equip the next generation of youth leaders with solid biblical foundations and practical ministry tools to reach young people across Brazil. Along this journey, I’ve had the privilege of meeting pastors, leaders, and students who are deeply committed to the gospel and passionate about discipling young hearts. The first cohort of 40 students will provide the next generation of qualified instructors for the master’s program in subsequent cohorts. Seeing this vision take shape fills me with gratitude for how God is raising leaders for the future of solid youth ministry in Brazil.

New Baptist Conference in Manaus

In late August, a team from our church plant traveled to Manaus (a four-hour flight) to participate in a ministry conference hosted by Nova Baptist Church (my uncle David Hatcher serves as senior pastor there) held from the 20th to the 24th. It was truly an incredible experience to gather with pastors, missionaries, and friends from across Brazil. Worship, learning, and fellowship filled the time, challenging and encouraging us in our calling. The main sessions inspired us to continue the course while staying firmly grounded in Scripture. The ministry workshops were practical and sharpened our team’s skills, aligning our hearts and ways of thinking. Each day, our team gathered to pray, discuss, and plan in light of the teaching and insights we encountered during the conference. It was a great experience and allowed our team to grow together as a unit. I was humbled and grateful for the opportunity to speak twice while there and to share in the fellowship of so many committed servants of Christ. The church invited all present pastors to participate in the pastoral ordination (during the conference) of 14 men who had already received approval for ordination. 

We made the most of the opportunity to connect with leaders from diverse regions, exchanging insights and strengthening partnerships that will further the work of the gospel. Manaus itself is such a unique setting—standing at the heart of the Amazon—and it reminded us that the good news of Christ is reaching even the most remote places.

Upon our return to São Paulo, we continued the momentum with focused planning meetings. These sessions have already yielded practical strategies for both implementing new ideas and refining existing ministries. We are encouraged by how God is guiding us, not only to learn but also to apply and adapt what He is showing us for the sake of the gospel in Brazil.

Closing Thoughts

As we reflect on these recent months, our hearts are full of gratitude. God is at work—in our family, in the ministry here in Brazil, and in the lives of so many who are seeking to serve Him faithfully. Thank you for walking this journey with us through your prayers, encouragement, and support. We could not do this without you, and we praise the Lord for your partnership in the gospel.

With love and gratitude,
Jud & Raquel Hatcher

JUD & 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.