French Ladies Express Interest in Reading the Bible
March 18, 2024
Dear Fellow Servants of Christ,
Judy and I hope you are enjoying the Spring of God’s creation. We are delighted to have you as partners in the service of our Savior.
The past few weeks have been an encouragement to us. A good illustration are the events of our last Bible study in the city of L’Union. You may remember us mentioning in our last letter that the lady who hosts this meeting expressed her desire to be baptized. Typically, the Iranian couple who never misses was not there because they were hosting an extended family member who lives in Iran. The three other ladies at these studies are French ladies who were drawn to the Bible study by what they see in the hostess.
In these meetings, we are studying through the Gospel of John. We were approaching the end of our study of chapter 12 when the ladies began asking us many questions. The Good News of Jesus Christ is clearly touching the core of their beings. One of the last who originally presented herself as syncretist, appealing to eastern religious philosophies, is now expressing her delight in what she is reading in the Bible. Another lady was catechized as a child in the Catholic religion of her mother and predecessors. She stopped participating at the age of 17 because she saw no hope in the rituals. She told Judy that she bemoans the years that she wasted because she did not know there was anything else. We arrived home from that study at 12:30 a.m.! The following day I received a lengthy text from her stating that she had decided to read the Bible and wanting a recommendation of where to start and a good sequence for reading the books of the Old and New Testaments.
For more than a dozen years we have been having well attended youth meetings. Most of those who participate are in middle school and high school. These have been very effective in evangelizing and discipling these age groups. Last week Philip and Amanda hosted the first meeting of university-aged young adults. There were 11 young adults present and the meeting went very well.
Our other regular meetings in a half dozen different places are going quite well and we are greatly encouraged by what God is doing.
With much gratitude,
John and Judy Hatcher
Contact Info:
John & Judy Hatcher
2 T Impasse de la Picardie
31830 Plaisance du Touch
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
Believers: Living Witnesses to Unbelievers
John and Judy Hatcher
2 T Impasse de la Picardie
31830 Plaisance du Touch
France
June 21, 2023
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
If you look at the heading of this letter you will see a new address. So, now is a good time to make note of our new home/hard mail address in your address book or file. God has answered your and our prayers about this matter. We have now been in a new house for the past three weeks.
Our church has also moved with us. We are only about two miles from our old location. God has already given us some connections with new neighbors and we continue to stay in contact with folks from our old neighborhood.
However, the best news of the last couple of months is in this paragraph. You may remember that a few months ago we began a new Bible study in the city of L’Union which is a thirty-minute drive north of us. Besides Judy and me, the only person who is a believer in these meetings is the lady who hosts them in her home. Even her husband is not a believer, but we have had a good friendly relationship with Him for many years. The attendees in this group have been stirred by God to seek answers. One married couple about our age are from Iran have undergoing much suffering. The husband was imprisoned a couple of different times for a lengthy period of time by the very oppressive government of their home country. They managed to escape to France about 25 years ago. They are both Muslim by birth and rearing. When we began the Bible study, they knew nothing about the Bible or Christ.
This couple, B—m and Sh—- have really paid attention, but just didn’t seem to understand about Christ. If you have no close friends from the Islamic culture it is hard to understand that for them Mohamed is the greatest prophet and Christ is just a man. God in the flesh just doesn’t make sense to them… until the Holy Spirit touches their heart. Last week, as I was once again explaining in detail that Jesus Christ is God, B—- who is normally very quiet spoke with a great smile on his face saying (in French) “I get it, I get it.” He was thrilled and so are we.
Another Bible study that we have is in the city of Mazere, about 40 miles south of us. A lady there, sister to the host in L’Union, has been hosting a Bible study in her home for many years and it has touched many. Several have been saved over the years. Those who now come to this Bible study are believers. They live in cities where there are no churches. This is their primary fellowship group. Last Saturday, both of these groups, the believers and the seekers met together for a picnic and we had a great day together. Believers getting an opportunity to be living witnesses to unbelievers. We had some interesting questions from those who need Christ. I am including a snapshot taking at the picnic.
One more tidbit and then I will close. Last year a young man who started coming to church and Sunday School with his parents when he was in Grade School confessed faith in Christ and followed the Lord in baptism. Philip, our son and one of the church leaders, has been discipling this young man. At our last youth meeting we had good number of youth, his friends, who were there for the first time. We were thrilled.
You will see a picture of the Bible discussion taking place at this youth meeting.
Well, I am stopping for now, though there are a number of other blessings I would like share. We are delighted that you are co-laborers with us. Please continue to pray for us and those that God brings across our path.
Serving in France,
John and Judy
Contact Info:
John & Judy Hatcher
2 T Impasse de la Picardie
31830 Plaisance du Touch
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
Spiritual Growth in Believers
April 17, 2023
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It is great to be teamed up with you. Judy and I enjoyed being able to join the Spring Conference hosted by Grace Baptist Church of Fairborn, OH. Thank you, Pastor Pyles, for inviting us to join you and making the arrangements for the Zoom meeting.
You will see along with this letter a picture of our Sunday service last week and one of our last youth meetings. We are particularly encouraged by the spiritual growth that we see in our young people and adults.
A bit over a week ago Judy asked me if I had anything planned to celebrate her birthday. My answer was, “No, what would you like to do?” I had sort of thought we would go to a nice restaurant to eat. Her answer was, “I would like to go to the Pic du Midi.” On a clear day this distinct mountain peak can be seen from the second floor of the house in which we live. It has an astronomy dome and research center at the top. We made the two-hour plus drive from our home to the base of this mountain. After a fine meal at the only available restaurant, we took two sequential cable cars to the top of Pic du Midi. It was a wonderful celebration of Judy’s birthday while enjoying a beautiful part of God’s creation. Though we have seen the Pic repeatedly over a period of 23 years, this was our first time to the top!
Sometimes it is hard to believe that we have been fulfilling our calling to bear the good news and make disciples here in Southern France for more than 23 years. It is a continuous joy to serve God in this way with helpers like you. A good number have come to Christ and become His disciples. They are actively serving the Lord here and in a number of other countries and regions of France. God enables us to have meetings on a regular basis in five different locations where He is at work.
We are getting older, but our Saviour has given us eternal life. One Eternal Day you will get to meet those who have come to Christ with your contribution of what God has given you.
Look up! We are closer to the day of our Lord than we have ever been before.
From France,
Judy and John Hatcher
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
The Importance of Connections
March 14, 2023
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Connections are important in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. This past Saturday evening at our youth meeting we discussed sharing the Gospel in deeds and words. Jesus said to his disciples, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The primary way we first start sharing our light is through our deeds. As the old saying goes, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” We discussed with the young people what they could do that would show God’s love and open doors for sharing the Good News.
One of our top priorities is doing good deeds; not to earn our way to Heaven but to channel the love of Jesus to those who need the same gift of eternal life that we have received. Everyone needs to be loved with the unconditional love of God who, “makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” As many of you know, our primary way of making disciples through inductive Bible studies. The people who come to these Bible studies are people with whom someone who is already a disciple of Jesus has made a connection.
Connections are made by helping people physically by taking them to the doctor, school or shopping; being a friend to those who are lonely; listening to those who need an ear to hear them; helping them with studies or language learning; taking care of pets when the owners are away; watching their houses, taking in mail and other things when they are away; and so on.
When people know you love them by the deeds that you do, they begin to listen when you share what makes you tick. If they conclude that you are happier, more at peace, or joyful than they feel, they are more likely to come when you invite them to a Bible study to share with them your motivating faith.
Your connection with us is the means that our Heavenly Father has used to keep us in France connecting with people who are or become seekers. One day you will connect with these folks in Heaven. And, I don’t think you will have to learn a new language to speak to them.
So, thank you for connecting with us and keep praying for us as we try to connect with others and pass on the Good News of Jesus Christ,
John and Judy Hatcher
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 is Answering Your Prayers
February 15, 2023
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We are grateful to God for your faithful support for many years. Our Father is answering your prayers. The Church meetings in Tournefeuille and Bible studies in six different locations are going quite well. We are doing studies in Isaiah, John, Hebrews, Ruth and a couple of topical studies. Some of these studies are with believers who are growing in the faith and encouraging one another. Other studies are with lost people who are interested in learning about Christ.
The newest Bible Study in the city of L’Union is, besides the hostess, a meeting with seekers. The term seekers fits them well because they do not miss and have become increasingly more open. One lady, who drives about a dozen miles to the meetings, has noticeably become more open and touched by the Gospel. In the beginning she was quite confrontational. It now is obvious that she has encased herself in an armor to protect sentimental wounds that have accumulated over her 56 years of life. She has invited us and others in the group to come to her house tomorrow. Please continue to pray for these folks. Jesus said, “Seek and you will find.”
Our youth meetings have been very exciting. As I mentioned in my last letter, our present study series is about being a witness for Christ. One way to express our faith is to communicate to others how God has worked in our lives. It may be telling how Christ brought you to Himself or how He has worked in your life since you trusted Him. The youth have been enthusiastic about sharing their testimonies and hearing the testimonies of others.
By the time you read this, Judy and I will have celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. It has been a wonderful life serving the Lord together on three different continents. She is a terrific teammate as well as a very loving spouse who has personally helped me grow spiritually. God has blessed us with four wonderful children, two wonderful daughters-in-law and a fine son-in-law. They are all serving the Lord in many different areas. We are really blessed to have 12 lovely grandchildren. Most recently God added a fine Christian grandson-in-law!
Many of you have been a part of our lives for many years and we thank God for you.
Serving our Savior together in France,
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
Fruitful Opportunities in New Friendships
January 15, 2023
Dear Fellow Disciples of Christ,
We hope your new calendar year is starting well. This is the first week of my 71st year and it doesn’t seem much different from last week. (LOL) It is good to remind myself that with the Lord “one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
We are thankful and encouraged by the blessings from our Father this past year. He has given us fruitful opportunities in new friendships. Last week Judy was out walking and saw a lady who had stopped and was swinging her leg. Judy asked her if she was OK and this lady responded that she was fine but had recently had a hip replacement. This encounter led to a long walk together. The lady began sharing details of her life. She just turned 70 on December 25 and was impressed that she was the same age as Judy and I. She was widowed a couple years ago, is quite lonely, and strongly encouraged Judy to come and visit her! They have been texting each other. God has given us a number of similar encounters this year and the process of pursuing these friendships and sharing what He has done for us continues.
Our church meeting today was wonderful. We are studying through the letter to the Hebrews. The congregation is avidly attentive. Our Bible studies during the week are also going well. During the last three days we learned that two of the participants placed their faith in Christ. One is Kerwan, a young man who is now a High School Science teacher. We have had the joy of presenting the Gospel to him since he was in Elementary School. He regularly came to Youth meetings when he was in Middle School and High School. He will be getting baptized soon. He is one of the two believers besides Judy and me in the Bible study in L’Union. The participants in this Bible study show a great interest.
The other confession of faith is by Elliot, the oldest son of the couple who host the Bible study in their home in Campagne sur Arize. He trusted Christ on Christmas Day. The Parents led him to Christ when he expressed a desire to trust Jesus.
The youth meetings are also very encouraging. Most of the teenagers who come are believers. This year we are discussing how to express your faith and share the good news.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Please continue to pray for the believers and those who are seeking as the Light of God draws them. Give thanks with us for the new believers and the growth of the disciples.
May our Father’s love be evident to you today,
Judy and John Hatcher
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
S’more Time to Share the Gospel!
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
October 10, 2019
Dear Co-Laborers in Christ,
We hope that this letter finds you enjoying the Lord’s presence and looking on the fields that are ripe for the harvest. Along the roads in Indiana yesterday I noticed many farmers gathering the harvest. This certainly reminds us of the Lord’s admonition that fields are ready for harvest.
It is cooler in France as well as in the USA, a good time to have one of the young peoples’ favorite activities for youth night…roasting hot dogs and marshmallows for “smores”. I am including a picture Amanda sent me of this part of the youth meeting this past Saturday. The youth meetings have been an excellent means to share the gospel. The believing young people have brought dozens of friends. Some of those who have come in recent years are now off to college. Pray for God to bring spiritual thirst and salvation to those who have not yet trusted Him. Pray also for those who are believers and now in University settings that the Lord would guide them and use them as His light in their new situations.
Roasting smores at a youth meeting in France
Judy and I have been volunteering in an excellent missionary outreach to children in the Evansville Public Schools. Cheryl Simmons, a lady who was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church when I served as pastor before going to France, is the director of this ministry. Steve, her husband, who came to the Lord during our ministry at Emmanuel moves and sets up trailers near each of the 23 elementary schools in Evansville. One day per week the third and fourth graders in each school who have their parents’ permission are released to go to these trailers to be taught Bible lessons. A number of volunteers serve as teachers and assistants in this great Bible ministry to children. Each year a number of these children trust Christ.
Thank you for your prayers and faithful support.
Your fellow servants,
John and Judy
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
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
Greatly Encouraged by Youth Outreach
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
February 11, 2019
Dear Co-Laborers,
We continue to be greatly encouraged by the youth outreach of the church here in Tournefeuille. It is truly the church youth reaching out to bring their friends. Each month we have a meeting that includes games, eating and most importantly, Bible study. This year we are going through the Bible looking at the major miraculous events. So far, we have read and discussed the Biblical narrative of Creation, the worldwide Flood, and Israel’s Exodus from Egypt.
I am including pictures of the most recent youth meeting the night before last. We had 16 young people here on Saturday night. The meeting is for Junior High and High School ages. Thomas, a H.S. Senior from our church brought two of his High School friends. One of them had never been to a religious or church event before. Yesterday, in church, Thomas testified that this friend who was here for the first time felt well received and quite interested. He wants to return and is interested in discussing spiritual matters. We are thrilled by initiative of the young members of our church to bring their friends.
We and others in our church pray for acquaintances and family members and in the last couple of weeks we have seen God answer a number of these requests. We continue to be encouraged by the spiritual growth of our members, adult and youth.
The yellow vest street protests have continued for several months now. These have gone on much longer than we expected. It is to a great degree a headless show of discontentment about many different things. It is certainly a manifestation of the reality that in all of our countries people are looking for answers and fulfillment in the wrong places. As believers we need to keep our eyes on Christ and remember that first and foremost we are members of His family and Kingdom.
The regular Bible studies and prayer meetings in homes are going well. Thank you for your continued participation in the ministry here. Please, continue to pray for God to stir up a hunger for spiritual things in those who live around us and give us the wisdom to display and communicate Christ.
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
