Equipped to Endure: A Season of Faith & Hope
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.
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Across Oceans, United in Christ: Back in France after Fellowship with Friends & Family
June 24, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We hope this finds you enjoying blessings from our Lord and Savior. Our last letter was earlier than usual and this one a bit late because we have had an active month and traveled thousands of miles. “Furloughs” or “stateside service” are not a part of our ministry. However, we usually try to spend 2 to 4 weeks in the USA to visit our children, grandchildren, people from our years of ministry in Indiana and some aging members of our extended family. A few hours ago we stepped off the plane back in Southern France.
While we were gone believers here continue to serve God reaching out to unbelievers, encouraging one another, and meeting together. Our Father has blessed us in ways that we can not imagine. You are an encouraging part of these blessings. A couple of weeks ago Philip and Amanda hosted the the College and Career young adults for a weekend retreat in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. These young adults are excitedly active in the ministry of Jesus Christ as they study and work.
On the third Saturday of June two of our group Bible studies, one in the city of L’Union and the other in the city of Mazère, had a picnic together in a natural bird park. These two cities are about an hour and a half apart. This is the third year that these two groups have met together for this event. There are two primary reasons they began this annual event; for fellowship and to invite all of there family members. Some of these family members are atheist. All are unbelievers. This picnic opens doors for friendships between believers and non-believers for the sharing of the good news.
Judy and I managed, with the help of believers here, to take the time to go Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana to see believers and family members. There are many hundreds that we would have liked to see but were unable to do so with the time we had available. We are blessed in these times with means to use God’s amazing created elements to visit each other at a distance. And … God has united us in His Spirit in a way that is wonderful though beyond human comprehension.
We arranged this trip so that we could see my brother Paul. Most of you know and have supported Paul and Wanda and Judson (their son) and Raquel. Paul has leukemia and is undergoing procedures for a bone marrow transplant. We were able to see them for four days. Please pray for Paul who also serves presently as a director for Baptist Faith Missions.
We are grateful that God has united us with you in His family.
In our Fathers love,
Judy and John
Contact Info:
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
2 T Impasse de la Picardie
31830 Plaisance du Touch
France
jmhatcher@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.
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Men’s Retreat 2024
Addyston Baptist Church is hosting a Men’s Retreat March 8-9 at Higher Ground in West Harrison, Indiana, and you are invited to attend!
BFM Veteran Missionary Paul Hatcher will be the featured speaker. He will be bringing a series of challenging messages from Matthew 9, exploring how Christ’s compassion fueled his preaching of the Gospel. Visit their website to learn more or to register.
https://addystonbaptist.com/news-events/
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Partners in Missions
October 28, 2023
Dear friends,
I am sending several pictures and writing less this month. Please, view each picture prayerfully and receive our full expression of gratitude for your partnership with us in missions.
What an incredible time with David and Kym Pitman while they were in Brazil. During their 14 days with us, we traveled to 21 different cities, covering 2055 miles. Visited 24 churches, ministered to 20 pastors and their families in their homes, David Pitman preached 9 times, participated in two debate panels with Brazilian pastors, ministered at 5 Sunday services with 320 people in all, preached at the Saturday Churches’ Gathering in Paraná with 130 present. Spoke at the pastors & leaders’ breakfast meeting with 43 participants in Garça, Sao Paulo. Kym Pitman had 4 speaking engagements with women. We visited the foster care center Raquel coordinates in São Paulo and were joined by 250 people at the September Conference in Lupercicio, São Paulo. There were 48 decisions made (salvation, baptism, reconciliation, and call to ministry).
My parents (veteran missionaries, Paul and Wanda Hatcher) came to Brazil in October. During their trip, we had two leadership conferences where he spoke to the men and she spoke to the women, one in Cornélio, Paraná state, and the other in Alvara de Carvalho, São Paulo State. We visited several pastors and their families in their homes. We also had the opportunity to visit the foster care center Raquel coordinates. It was a significant time with them for us as a family and had incredible moments together at the lake, at the park, at home at the kids’ school, and at church gatherings.
We humbly reach out to you, our faithful supporters, with two pressing fundraising needs:
a) Sound System, Stage, and Tent:
To enhance our church planting and network gatherings, we need a sound system, stage, and tent. The estimated cost for this essential equipment is 10,000 US dollars, considering the higher expenses for such equipment in Brazil.
b) Second Car Purchase:
Due to the increasing demand and rising expenditure on transportation, we urgently need to acquire a second vehicle. The estimated cost for this much-needed resource is also 10,000 US dollars.
As we step into the new month, we ask for your continued prayers and support. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Let’s continue partnering in this Kingdom work.
Grateful always,
Judson 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
Back in the States!
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.
July 21, 2021
Hello friends!
WE ARE BACK IN AMERICA! Yes, we were due back a year ago, but COVID kept us from coming. We arrived in Florida on June 18th and got our vaccines. We will settle in Wheaton, IL for the kids´ academic school year. Our one-year Stateside assignment/furlough will last until July 2022. We desire to visit your family and/or church. If you’d like for us to come visit, please reach out to me. My cellphone is (872) 400-6522, and my email is judsonhatcher@gmail.com. We’d love to catch up with you! And, as they say on TV, “call us today!” Pun aside, we want to invest time with you and personally share what the Lord has done over the last 5 years. Yes, it has been five years since we last were in the States and we want to catch up and take pictures with you.
During our first month in the US, we enjoyed quality time at my parents’ home in Florida. It is a blessing to our four kids (and us) to have time with their Grandparents Paul & Wanda Hatcher and with their Great Grandpa John Hatcher. The Lord also allowed us to visit a few of our supporting churches and friends. For 4th of July weekend, my sister Michelle and her family came from Georgia, and we had a great time together. Sarah, Laura, Benjamin and Melissa were invited by our dear friend Todd Thomas to attend Family Church´s student camp at Lake Placid. The spiritual impact on their lives was tremendous. This last Monday our beloved friends Jason & Nikki Estes took us to Busch Gardens – Tampa Bay. The following day, we celebrated our daughter Laura´s 15th birthday at her favorite restaurant, at a plaster painting workshop and ice-cream with Grandpa, Grandma and cousin Luke.
In the meantime, the ministry in Sâo Paulo is well taken care of. But, we also have Zoom conference calls and individual follow-ups with people, even while in the US. In a nutshell, during the last 5 years in São Paulo, the Lord allowed us to start and/or revitalize five churches and assist several orphaned children into foster care. We are grateful to serve the Lord in His Kingdom!
Always grateful,
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
Return to France on the Horizon!
March 14, 2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
What a full month the past one has been. We have covered many miles on roads in seven different states since we last wrote to you. God has enabled us to spend wonderful moments with family and friends some for the first time in over a dozen years. Thank you for your continual prayers and support.
Meeting regularly with believers on three different continents via internet for prayer, study of the Word, worship of our LORD and Savior and counseling is a continuing blessing. And, the best news, our physical return to France appears to be on the horizon! We are hoping to complete the remaining task this week that will free us to return to Tournefeuille.
Judy and I celebrated 48 years of marriage on the third of March with a sirloin steak lunch and a nice walk along Lake Michigan. Paul (my brother) and Wanda Hatcher, missionaries to Brazil you helped for over 40 years celebrated 50 years of marriage yesterday… taking care of Dad… missionary helped by you for over 60 years in Brazil. They have all three been sick with the infamous Covid virus. Paul and Wanda are now well on their way to recovery and Dad is doing better. Our entire family is very grateful for the diligent care Paul and Wanda have provided for our parents. Paul tells me, “We are just contributing to your ministry so that you are able to serve where you serve.” Their contribution often includes sleepless nights.
We do not know all that you are going through, but our Heavenly Father, Eternal God and Creator of all does. He is reachable day and night … without internet. Feel free to email us using the address posted on the BFM site if you would like for us to pray for you.
May the blessings and peace of God be with you,
John and Judy Hatcher
PS – When you email indicate in the subject line some things that will help us know that it is not spam (church, or location, etc.).
Contact Info:
John & Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher@aol.com
Present USA phone 1-812-416-1033
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 Family
February 10, 2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
You are a source of encouragement and joy and to Judy and me. We are presently in the home of Paul and Wanda enjoying fellowship with them and Dad. David, our brother from Manaus, surprised us by arriving just a few hours after us earlier this week. The time together, so rare, is a blessing.
These have been trying times. A number of people we know in Manaus have died from Covid-19. The church that David pastors has been losing about 2 people each day as they pass from this world into the presence of the Lord. The church has been active in acquiring and distributing oxygen to the sick and supplying needs for the ill and families that are left with no living wage earner.
(David, John Mark, Paul, and John A.)
Judy and I have been working hard to wrap up things in the Evansville concerning Peggy’s estate so that we can return to France. There have been many complications, but God supplies abundantly and has displayed His love and grace in marvelous ways. Our spiritual and physical families have helped enormously in this process. All of our children have come to help for several days and we have enjoyed fellowship with them in the midst of intense activity.
We met twice physically with Resurgence church in January. It is very encouraging to witness the desires of this relatively young Baptist church. They want to reach the lost and help the saints. As with all of you, the meeting numbers are limited and many participate by means of the internet. It is a great blessing to have this medium available which also enables us to participate actively with our assembly in France.
Though there are many restrictions in France due the effort to minimize the spread of the Corona Virus, it appears that we can meet the requirements to return in the near future. Thank you for your prayers and support in every way. May God bless each of you as you seek His will in serving Him during these difficult times.
Your fellow servants,
John and Judy
Contact Info:
John & Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher@aol.com
Present USA phone 1-812-416-1033
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
God at Work in the Lives of His Children
November 8, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Two days after I wrote the last newsletter our lives met a steep curve in the road. The day before Judy and I planned on going to Florida to care for Dad while my brother Paul had surgery we received news that Dad had been taken by ambulance to the hospital. Within a couple of hours we were on the road south. Several other pieces of bad news pierced the next few days. But, God is in control.
Many of you are also faced with difficulties, often unexpected. But, as the eighth chapter of Romans assures us we will be delivered and in that hope we continue the race set before us. Dad is now in a Rehab facility. Paul, who is recovering well from surgery, is hoping Dad can return to his and Wanda’s home in a couple of weeks. Judy and I returned early to Evansville to care for Peggy. We are so grateful for the care given by Marilyn, Janet and Lisa during the days we were gone. The sisters in the Lord manifest God’s grace abundantly.
Meanwhile, France is back under heavy restrictions and our church can no longer have in person meetings. This morning our members met electronically from 9 different locations. Our text this morning was Romans 8:18-27. You might find encouragement in this passage! We are very encouraged by the fellowship with our French brothers and sisters and the work of God in their lives.
Four years ago, Jan, a lady with whom Peggy was having weekly Bible studies trusted Christ. We, along with Peggy, continue to meet for Bible studies with Jan and her husband. We are now doing this via Zoom. Two days ago, Tony professed faith in Christ and is to be baptized this coming Sunday.
Douceline, in whose home in Mazere we held Bible studies for many years, has Bible studies regular with a lady whose husband has vocally professed his atheism for years. This past week she very encouraged because she was able to witness to him and he was receptive. She also had some great opportunities to communicate the gospel at work.
Nathalie, our second granddaughter and member of the Tournefeuille Church, had extended her time of ministry in Austria. The mission project to refugees with which she has been serving has asked her to stay on until just a few days before Christmas. She is planning on doing so. She may also return to work there in the Spring.
So, along with the unwanted surprises we have many wonderful surprises. We are able to give thanks in all circumstances. Where sin abounds, God’s grace over-abounds.
Gratefully God’s children with you,
John and Judy
Contact Info:
John & Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher@aol.com
Present USA phone 1-812-416-1033
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
