Missionary Update: Jud & Raquel Hatcher in Brazil [October 2014]
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.
In this newsletter I’d like to share with you about the Evangelistic cookouts, the home prayer groups, new converts, pastoral mentoring, the monthly pastor’s gathering, our revival conference, my health and how we can stay connected thru Facebook. I’d love for you to read further.
HEALTH ISSUES
I caught dengue fever a few weeks ago and it has been a rough 3 weeks. There is no medication for it; one must just wait until the virus finishes its course. Some of the symptoms are severe bodily pain, constant fever, nosebleeds, burning eyes, muscle weakness, vomiting and dizziness. There is no cure. I have to make sure to stay hydrated and keep the temperature down. An awful experience.
A week before catching dengue fever though, I was enduring leg pain as a result of a childhood disease called “Legg-Perthes” (many of you may remember, I was 8 years old at the time). The dengue fever intensified the anguish. Yet, I realize my Savior endured much greater pain. I sure am grateful for Him. I am currently 85% back into health. Still tire quickly and have occasional nosebleeds. Please, pray for my health.
EVANGELISTIC COOKOUT
Our latest Evangelist cookout was a true success. Lots of first time visitors and many decisions throughout the following weeks. We had roughly 250 people in attendance. All of our adult guests and their children had a blast. Our next Evangelistic event is set for October 12. Please, join us in prayer.
HOME PRAYER GROUP
Currently, “Ativa” has four home prayer groups meeting every week. The group that meets at our home on Wednesdays has rendered a lot of individual spiritual growth due to personal interaction. In the picture, you will see our people sitting around the dining room table.
NEW CONVERTS
The couple you see in the picture, accepted Christ this week. They have an interesting salvation story of how they realized the need for a Savior. They attended their first Evangelist cookout over a year ago and came again just recently. Since the last cookout, they have attended every service, and participated in the home prayer group that meets on Fridays. They were devout Catholics and adverse to idea of a Savior who cared for them personally. As a result of the love interaction they observed within our church people, the Lord began changing their hearts. Now, they glow of happiness.
PASTORAL MENTORSHIP
I love mentoring new pastors. The Lord has blessed us with three men who He has placed in their hearts the desire for pastoral ministry. They have tight schedules during the week, so I meet with each one individually. We plan, pray, read and discuss. It an encouragement to see how God is molding these men.
PASTOR’S GATHERING
Last year we began a monthly gathering called “Pastores Amigos” (Translated- Pastor Friends; or, Pastors who are friends). The monthly meeting starts in high gear with dinner at a restaurant, praise music, prayer and solid preaching. I am sure you would love to participate with us, it’s a blast. Attached are 2 pictures for you to see as well.
REVIVAL CONFERENCE
Ativa: uma Igreja Batista (translated – Ativa: a Baptist Church) is two years and a half now and we held our first revival conference and invited a few other sister churches two join with us. It lasted three days, had a special guest speaker and an average attendance of 300 people per evening.
FACEBOOK
If you’d like see more, please add me on Facebook by going to www.facebook.com/judsonhatcher
Thanks for praying,
Jud Hatcher
