Challenges in São Paulo, God’s Faithfulness Through It All
Jud and Raquel Hatcher serve 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.
São Paulo, 8 of April of 2019
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
It’s with joy I write to you. God has done great things in our lives and around us. Since we arrived in São Paulo, on July 20, 2016 (almost 3 years ago), we have faced difficult challenges. But God is faithful and has given us wisdom in every step of the way. We thank you for your prayers and love demonstrated towards us in so many ways. Without you supporting our ministry, it wouldn’t be possible.
I want to share, even if in a nutshell, a little bit of our routine. When we first arrived, we were involved in starting/ministering at an English-speaking church and a Spanish-speaking church. Both were connected to a Portuguese-speaking church. Both churches were growing fast, and we were happy to be serving in that capacity. But God had other plans for us. Frustrated efforts in church plants in homes were discouraging. Through a turn of events, He redirected us to the other side of town. In the beginning, it was not easy. It was an unexpected change for all of us. There were questions in my mind at that time but never doubts about God’s faithfulness and love for us. As a wife, I learned I need to be prepared to follow my husband’s lead, and trust God. I think, this attitude of readiness (like Sarah – who had to pick up everything she had and follow her husband Abraham to a place where she did not know) was for me, the most difficult challenge as a missionary.
In August, we complete one year since the move. With God’s grace, we started two new churches. One meets on Saturdays – Hope Church. We have children’s church at 4:30 pm (they live in a very poor community, and they come by themselves bringing along their baby siblings; their ages average from 1-year-old to 13), and at 6:30 pm we have an open service to reach mainly adults. Another church meets on Sundays – Imagine Baptist Church. We have an English service at 5:00 pm and a Portuguese service at 6:30 pm. This church is an urbanized, more middle-class neighborhood. Jud is also mentoring a team of leaders from another Baptist church during the week (it is part of the network of churches Jud has started in São Paulo). But I stay home during the week. It is a tremendous joy to have the privilege to tell the good news of Jesus Christ to little ones, young and old. It’s an honor to serve Him.
Our children are very involved in both ministries – Hope and Imagine. They help us with children’s ministry on Saturdays, and in different ways on Sundays. It is priceless to see our daughters and son involved in church planting. I know the seed will grow in their hearts and be fruitful. They are a blessing to us. Sarah just turned 14 years old. Laura will be 13 in July, Benjamin is 11, and Melissa is 7 years old. They are attending an American Christian School. We are very happy. When we came to São Paulo, we brought material for me to home school them. Well, it didn’t work. So, they went to a public secular school. It was a mistake. Finally, we took a huge step of faith, and we registered them at Pan American Christian Academy, a well-known school for its strong biblical foundation and Christian worldview. They follow the US school calendar. With so many school changes, our kids had to adjust to the new school, which follows both curriculums: American and Brazilian. In other words, they have more disciplines in order to get both diplomas when they graduate. And 90% of their classes are in English.
During the week, I volunteer a few hours a week at our kids’ school. I also help families as a psychologist during the week. Next month, I’ll be guest speaking at a meeting for people who are thinking about becoming foster care parents, and families that already have a child under their care. This event is led by a Christian organization which has several ministry fronts in São Paulo. I also participate in a weekly, small group Bible study. It’s a blessing to study the Word of God with sisters in Christ. We are doing True Woman 201 – Interior Design – Ten Elements of Biblical Womanhood. It’s fantastic. I highly recommend.
There are so many other things I could share, but I need to save it for another opportunity. So, I will end with prayer requests:
1. For our ministries – that people can be saved
2. For our children – spiritual growth and studies
3. Our health, but especially for Laura who had her left eardrum ruptured and lost 90% of her hearing (the doctor in Brazil declared it as permanent hearing loss).
We are so thankful for each one of you. May God bless you with His spiritual blessings.
In Christ’s love,
Raquel Hatcher
Judson & Raquel Hatcher
(859) 544-9040
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
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São Paulo & Paraná Churches Gather in Marília
Jud and Raquel Hatcher serve 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 26, 2018
Dear friends,
The Lord is doing some amazing things around us and we are so grateful for all He is doing.
Family
We were growing uneasy with the education the kids were receiving, despite the local public school being one of the best in São Paulo. Through a series of rapid events we were able to enroll our children in an American Christian private school. The kids went through the assessments and necessary interviews to start and are loving their new school. We are now on the American academic calendar which facilitates when we travel to and from the States, as their academic school year will no longer be goofed. We are grateful to the BFM directors as they worked with and assisted us in the process of making this decision.
The school is located on the other side of town and with morning rush hour it took 1 hour and 40 minutes to arrive. The Lord again showed us His hand of grace and provided a good house. The first day of school was also our move-in to the house. We are now three minutes away by car.
The school has a great athletic program. Sarah and Laura are on the JV basketball team and Benjamin is in the boy’s soccer team. Melissa is learning how to play basketball. We are overjoyed with the academic and athletic attention our kids are receiving.
Raquel is working hard at making our new house a home. I admire her “can do” attitude as we work together in this home and school transition with the kids.
Ministry
I recently had the privilege to serve as the key-note speaker at the Baptist Faith (informal) Association of São Paulo and Paraná churches. These were churches started by John Hatcher and Odali Barros during their ministries in that region. Churches from all over drove into the city of Marília for this holiday event. The event was organized by Baptist Faith Church, led by Pastor Gilberto Stefano. Gilberto was mentored in pastoral ministry by Grandpa and he is a tremendous leader. There were 588 people in attendance. Marilía is a 5-hour drive from the capitol. I went and returned on the same day to fulfill my other commitments in São Paulo. It was a sweet, sweet day and it was amazing to see so many friends.
Our move still allows us to continue working with the three home gatherings in the other part of the city. It also allows us to expand. In this next phase we are looking to lease a meeting hall or school for church gatherings. I met yesterday with a pastor whose English speaking church does not use their facilities on Sunday evenings and sent a lease proposal for their consideration for us to use the space on Sunday nights and once a week. The location is situated near two subway stations of a recently inaugurated train line. If the Lord opens this door, this will be our new base and training center. Our team is coming into place too. We have a worship leader and a “knows everyone” leader that will compose our leadership team. Pray for us as we wait for the decision to lease the church’s facility.
Grateful always,
Jud Hatcher
Judson & Raquel Hatcher
(859) 544-9040
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
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In São Paulo for Two Seminary Classes
The Hensleys have spent nearly 20 years serving in Brazil. They have established a church in Caraguatatuba and mission points throughout the city. They have also recently started a seminary to train pastors.
October 13, 2018
Dear friends and family,
The last two months have flown by so fast, as though they were only two weeks. I have made two trips to Brasil planning for and doing research for the next seminary classes. I will be returning to São Paulo on October 14 for the next two classes in the Seminary. These classes will be “Survey of the New Testament” and “Pastoral Training”.
What a blessing it is that we have pastors here in the States that are willing to give of their time to help us with the training of Brasilian pastors and church leaders. We would like to give a big THANK YOU to their Churches for allowing them to leave their pulpits to come teach here in Brasil. What an AWESOME God we all serve.
We will be welcoming two new professors to our Brasilian Seminary this Month. They are Dr. Chris Dortch of First Baptist Church of Mt. Sterling, KY, and Dr. Steven Scherer of Central Baptist Church in Paris, KY. Dr. Dortch will be teaching New Testament Survey and this course is designed to provide a basic introduction to each of the New Testament books. There will be special focus on the revelation of Jesus Christ in each book. Also, it will focus on providing keys to understanding each book in the context of the entirety of the scriptures. Pastor Scherer will be teaching Pastoral Ministries. This course is designed to equip the student for Pastoral Ministry by examining the various aspects of ministry required of pastors serving in local churches. It also includes identifying biblical absolutes, priorities and qualifications needed for effective pastoring within the local church.
I am working with some Pastors from Garça, São Paulo, planning our next Seminary classes in 2019. We have asked Pastor Russell Zik of Durbin Baptist Church to be the professor for this class. Also pray for us as we consider the locations for the next classes. Pray for our professors as they leave their comfort zone to help further the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Children in Sunday School Class at Pr. Ricardo Posca’s church in São Paulo
Pr. Ricardo Posca’s church in São Paulo
While I am in São Paulo, I plan to see Pr. Ricardo Posca from our previous class who Barbara and I chose to help support in his endeavors to start a church in São Paulo. At this time, he has 20 members and is starting a Sunday School for the children and there are about 15 children in attendance (photos included). Please keep him and this work in your prayers. Also, one of the other missionaries that we are helping that works with the Indians in Parati, Pr. Valdival, has had a heart attack and has to leave his work for four months for recuperation. Please keep him and his wife in your prayers as they have to leave their home and work to recuperate.
I am planning to be back in the United States by November 1st because of my cancer treatments and my appointments. I have an appointment with the cancer doctor on the 3rd and hopefully I will get a good report. Please pray with me and for me in these days ahead.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
Aj and Barbara Hensley
ajcaragua[at]gmail.com
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P.O. Box 471280
Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
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New Believers & Opportunities in the São Paulo Metropolis
Jud and Raquel Hatcher serve 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 11, 2017
Dear friends,
We took the family to the dentist this month for routine check-up and teeth cleaning. Sarah and Laura will have braces installed. I had 3 wisdom teeth removed. The dentist did too much cutting on my gums during the two-hour procedure and was left with plenty of bleeding over the following 48 hours. A lot of swelling ensued and I was limited to drinking cold liquid foods only. Rough first week, by the end of each day my mouth was throbbing. The pressure in my mouth is subdued though – my wisdom teeth were growing against my other teeth and had been a constant annoyance for years. Glad that part is over. Pray for us, for the Lord to keep a constant smile upon our faces. I sure enjoy seeing our children smiling.
Melissa and Maggie: Springtime in São Paulo
This last month, 5 people surrendered to the Savior. I do a lot of talking with people around the targeted neighborhood prayer walks, stations, and convenient stores. Becoming familiar to people and developing a rapport with them leads to longer interactions as we encounter them. We have one-on-one discipleship on the rise too. Raquel is involved in counseling the women and enjoys the time invested with them. The Lord is opening lots of doors for connecting with the folks we have the privilege of meeting. We are grateful to be at His service.
Life in the São Paulo metropolis is a beast. Not a month goes by where we don’t have fender benders, but on a recent occasion, something worse happened. A couple of weeks ago I had a scary encounter. While driving on an expressway, a car to my left decided to speed up and cut across in front of me to get off the exit. I T-boned his car, because of his sharp right maneuver at 55mph. It wasn’t a collision bad enough for the airbag to deploy, but I dragged his car a few yards. By the time both cars came to a halt, we were already passed the exit. Neither one of us had passengers in the vehicle and there were no immediate cars behind us to cause a pile-up. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Praise the Lord for constant protection.
Thanks for your faithful prayer and support. We are truly grateful!
Prayer requests:
- Overall family health.
- Traffic safety and throughout the city.
- An increase in Evangelism opportunities.
- Discipleship and leadership consolidation.
- Opening of new homes to receive small group Bible studies.
Blessed by the Savior,
Jud Hatcher
Judson & Raquel Hatcher
(859) 544-9040
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
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Adjusting to Various Challenges in São Paulo
Jud and Raquel Hatcher serve 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.
February 1, 2017
Dear friends,
Thank you for praying and supporting us. Your love for us is always an encouragement. In this newsletter, I will share about our family’s health, kids’ education and ministry. Come visit us in São Paulo to see firsthand what the Lord is doing.
Family
The end of year has been an interesting one for all of us. Raquel, Sarah and Melissa are in good health. Laura has an ear infection that just doesn’t want to leave her alone. The antibiotics don’t seem to be having much effect. She is on a third round of medication and we are praying that she will recuperate. Benjamin has complained of stomach aches for a while. We took him to the ER a few weeks ago, but the exams were inconclusive. There are still more tests to run as we search for the root problem. I’ve had a lot of muscle issues. My hands and arms will typically swell up, go numb and my joints ache after carrying heavy luggage or after driving long stretches or holding heavy items for long periods of time.
This year we opted to homeschool our children using the A Beka curriculum. We have never done this before and it has proven to be a challenge for us. We are in the process of reconsidering our decision and enrolling them in a local school.
We ask that you pray for our health and our children’s education.
Ministry
We have connected with Igreja Batista Memorial de Alphaville (IBMA) here in São Paulo. Sidney Costa is the senior pastor and is a friend since 2004. He is a great leader and has coached us along this transition process (i.e. housing, local culture, friendship, banking advice, etc.).
I have an office at the church and lead the English and Spanish Communities, which are extensions of IBMA. The average attendance on Sundays is 90-100 people between the two communities. We are excited by this connection as it is an intensely missional church and extremely focused on Jesus as it plans to branch out into all regions of Greater São Paulo. In March, a new location is queued to begin in a section of the city called Berrine. We are enthusiastic with what the Lord is doing.
I am scheduled to be in the States for 9 days as of February 22. I will attend the Liberty University Pastoral Leadership Advisory Board, led by Dr. Dave Adams. I shall also meet with several pastors and churches in VA, TN & KY. Pray as the Lord opens doors.
Adjusting
We have made several new friends since we arrived in São Paulo, including the English-speaking expatriate community. We are still adjusting to pace in this massive metropolis. While the region has a lot to offer and has its advantages, traffic is always a killer. Getting to different areas where we must go can often take up to 2 hours. This, whilst dealing with crazy motorcycles that weave between cars and often bump into cars. Getting around town without Google maps or Waze is almost impossible.
Finding a good car mechanic that is close to home has been a tough one. The Lord provided us with a great car though, (a KIA Rondo, 7 seat, compact mini-van), but we’ve already taken it in for repairs. Finding parts for it is a challenge. Just the other day I needed to change the engine belt and it took me two days to find the crazy thing. It is an inconspicuous vehicle, great on gas and runs well. Adjusting has been tougher than expected, particularly because the cost of living is higher than we anticipated.
Our Prayer Requests are:
1. Family’s health. (Laura’s infection, Benjamin’s stomach, and my hands and arms.)
2. Children’s education.
3. Finances.
Grateful always,
Jud Hatcher
Judson & Raquel Hatcher
(859) 608-4742
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
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Back in Brazil!
Jud and Raquel Hatcher serve 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.
August 5, 2016
WE ARE BACK IN BRAZIL!! These last few weeks were intense. We departed from Lynchburg, VA, on July 19 at 6:00am and arrived at our destination in São Paulo on July 20 at 11am. Praise the Lord, we arrived with all of our 16 luggage items, 6 hand bags and 6 backpacks. We’d like to say a special thank you to all who were intricately involved in our departure. We are appreciative of your time and love poured into our lives.
We were able to sell our vehicle and keep it until the day we traveled. Since we’ve arrived, we’ve looked at over 30 (7 seat) vehicles around the city and almost the same amount of homes for rent. This means driving from one end of town to another, at times it takes 2.5 hours, just to cross the city. (At least I enjoy driving. LOL ). We have placed a rental bid on a home, but different than in the States, the process of renting a house is not short of extensive paperwork.
The Lord is already opening doors within the subway neighborhoods for church planting. I’ve shared the Gospel on numerous occasions and have made several new friends. Pray for us over the coming months as we survey the targeted areas, search for host homes, begin Bible Studies and assemble teams for each neighborhood.
Please, continue to pray for us as we settle into the city. We are searching for a car to purchase and a house to live. It is exhausting and satisfying at the same time. Certainly, the Lord has and is our strength.
The kids are doing well. They are always excited about each new step. Although, they are getting tired of looking at cars and homes. This new school year will be an interesting one, as we will be homeschooling all four of our children. This is our first time as homeschooling parents. Pray for us as we establish our new educational routine with the children.
Thank you for your prayers and support. We couldn’t do it without you.
Grateful always,
Jud Hatcher
Address:
Pray as they search for a home!
(859) 608-4742
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
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Missionary Update: Jud & Raquel Hatcher Stateside from Brazil [January 2016]
Jud and Raquel Hatcher serve the Lord in Manaus, 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.
January 5, 2016
Dear friends,
Thank you for your faithful support and prayers, for they are greatly appreciated.
Family
Melissa is sick. She woke up last night with an awful laryngitis cough – she sounded like a dog barking. We pulled out the vaporizer we brought from Brazil to provide the much needed relief. She cried and breathed in the medication for 20 minutes. In the midst of her struggles, Raquel and I were encouraged to hear her say: “Jesus is going to help me get better.” Certainly a healthy dose of applicable theology in her statement. I was reminded that we must trust Him for salvation, but we must also trust Him in times of need. We must have childlike faith, every day, every time and all the way. He cares for us.
Everyone else is in good health.
Sarah, Laura and Benjamin’s English has progressed extremely well. Every time I hear them speak in English I am surprised by their diction and ever expanding vocabulary. I am thankful for all the teachers at school and folks around us who instruct, chat and encourage each one of them as they catch up on their language skills.
I am recuperating successfully from the fracture to my right fibula and from the damage to my ankle’s tendons. The physical therapy is helping regain full movement and muscle confidence. Raquel is always healthy. Overall, I am thankful unto the Lord for taking care of our needs.
Jud with Dave Adams, Quincy Thomas, and Sam Stone
São Paulo, the 7th largest city in the world with 29 million people, is where the Hatchers plan to relocate in July 2016 to plant churches.
Liberty University
The partnership with Liberty is a tremendous blessing. I am truly grateful to my dear friend, Dave Adams. Without him and the support of BFM directors this wouldn’t have occurred. The first semester was a great success. I was involved in five courses and am individually mentoring several students. I was blessed when Dave Adams thanked me in front of the freshman class of pastoral leadership students and received a standing ovation. I am grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the lives of future senior pastors, for the connectivity with other professors, for meeting area pastors, and being introduced to pastors from across the country as they visit the university. I am also grateful to pastors Jonathan Falwell, Matt Wilmington, Charles Billingsley and Scott Phillips at Thomas Road B.C. for their ministry into my life.
Traveling
During the month of December we drove to Clermont, FL to be with my parents (Paul & Wanda) and with my grandparents (John and Alta Hatcher, and Willa McGary) during Christmas break. We enjoyed the time with them and my mother’s exceptional cooking. While we were there we visited Chapel Baptist Church, where Chris Lupino is senior pastor. We also enjoyed visiting with Pastor Doug and Ramona King. To this day, I remember a deeply moving conversation I had with Bro. King concerning missions/ministry while sitting in his silver Lincoln TownCar, I was twelve years old at the time.
From Florida we drove to Virginia Beach, VA to visit some dear friends and supporters, and to attend Atlantic Shores Baptist Church’s first Sunday service of 2016. It was good to see pastors Scott Dishong and Jerry Flug. I was ordained at this church.
We are back in Lynchburg, VA now and the kids have returned to their regular school routine.
Fire at the Estação Luz subway station in São Paulo.
Church Planting in São Paulo City
I am excited about what the Lord has planned for us upon our return to Brazil. As you may already know, we plan to relocate to São Paulo city upon our return in July 2016. São Paulo is the 7th largest city in the world with 29 million people. Two weeks ago fire broke out at the “Estação Luz” subway station. According to the local newspaper, the station receives 200 thousand people into the subway each day and houses the Portuguese Language Museum. This is a historic site in central São Paulo built 148 years ago. A firefighter died of cardiac arrest due to smoke intoxication.
We plan to church plant within the area of the subway network stations, “Estação Luz” being one of the 67 sites. Please pray for us as we make plans and raise additional support to reach this city.
Facebook
Let’s stay connected. Please, friend me on facebook.com/judsonhatcher.
Grateful,
Jud Hatcher
Furlough Address:
216 Mill View Ln
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(859) 608-4742
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
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