Hispanic Church Plant in São Paulo
The Lord has opened up doors to plant a church among Hispanics in São Paulo. September 4 was their first service in Spanish with 28 people in attendance. People from Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Spain & Venezuela were present! Pray for the Lord to open the hearts of the Hispanics in São Paulo.
———–
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
São Paulo, Brazil
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 [May 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.
May 12, 2016
Dear friends,
We are so thankful to the Lord for you. Here is a snapshot of what has happened and our plans for the near future. Read and pray.
SPRING CONFERENCE
A few days ago Melissa (4 yrs. old) asked, “When will I get to see my friend from the church? He is funny. I want to play with him and hug him.” She was referring to Chaden (Dan & Traci Price’s son, Jim & Mary Miller’s grandson) at Thompson Road Baptist Church during the BFM conference. I was encouraged to see how quickly the two of them hit it off so well. They played, ran and laughed together. An enjoyable experience like this makes the conference even more special. Traci “Miller” Price is a long time family and college friend who travelled to Lexington from Tennessee for the BFM Conference in April. I am so glad the conference generated a meaningful friend for our little Melissa and that our families are connected because of Jesus. The conference was themed “Every disciple… A disciple-maker” and the speakers were a great encouragement to us all. I enjoyed speaking on a subject that is close to my heart, “Disciple-Makers”. I am so grateful to our friends at Thompson Road for the love demonstrated to us all during our time together.
FAMILY
We have a huge blessing to share. Sarah, Laura, Benjamin and Melissa have progressed well in their English language, reading & comprehension skills. When we first arrived in the States in July 2015, they spoke some English, but didn’t know how to read and write. Almost a year later, they are now fluently speaking, thinking and writing in English. The school year will be over on June 9th and they look forward to swimming, camping and hiking during the Summer (until our return to Brazil). In the meantime, we are having fun with the family, which includes Melissa having decided to cut her own hair after finding the scissors. Fun times. Raquel has the privilege of receiving Vanessa Martiny this week. Vanessa and Raquel were in the same doctoral program several years ago. She was also our neighbor for many years in Virginia Beach.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE
The school year at Liberty University is officially over. During this time I was able to influence several hundred students within the undergraduate Pastoral Leadership Program at Liberty. I enjoyed meeting and befriending several world-renowned professors and pastors, locally and from around the country. Thanks to the Lord for the many lasting memories and connections made during this time. In addition to serving as adjunct faculty, I had the privilege of coordinating the LU Pastoral Advisory Board with 51 pastors. I also joined the Pastoral Leadership capstone course panel in oral finals for graduating seniors – an ordination simulation. It has been a blessing to serve under the leadership of my dear friend, Dr. Dave Adams. I was honored to be the recipient of the Liberty University’s “Church Leadership & Church Ministries Service Award” for my time and service invested at the School of Divinity. Following graduation next week, we will hit the road to be with the churches we’ve yet to visit.
VISION FOR CHURCH PLANTING
We are excited about returning to Brazil. Our plan is to move from Manaus to São Paulo as soon as we arrive. The vision in São Paulo City is to church plant using the subway system as our framework. There are 65 terminals and we plan to start churches within vicinity of each terminal entrance/exit. We need your prayers and support as we prepare the teams for each location. A lot of training and equipping is planned. Our vision is to recruit, train, place and network local church pastors for each church plant.
PRAYER REQUESTS
- Kids’ school – When we arrive, Brazilian schools will be in the second semester and we will need to find a school to enroll our four kids.
- Automotive – The sale of our car in the US and purchase of a new one in Brazil.
- Moving – Once we arrive in Brazil we will have to move our belongings from Manaus to São Paulo, a total distance of 2,507 miles by road and river.
- Housing – Upon arrival in São Paulo city we will be looking for a home to live. We are searching for a safe, yet strategic place to call home.
- Finances – Any moving endeavor is always expensive. Pray for the Lord’s provision.
Grateful always,
Jud Hatcher
Furlough Address:
216 Mill View Ln
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(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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Missionary Update: Jud & Raquel Hatcher Stateside from Brazil [December 2015]
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.
December 14, 2015
Dear friends,
I recently received an email from a student, who had an assignment from his Christian School teacher to write about an overseas missionary. His great questions led me to include them here with my answers.
- Can you tell me a little about what you do in Brazil? I see from the Baptist Faith Missions website that you are part of the “Seed Factory” church planting initiative – can you tell me about that? How many churches have you planted?
I am a pastor, church planter, professor and pastor trainer in Brazil. I’ve participated in 24 church plants. My first church plant was in 1998, alongside me were 7 pastors-in-training. In one year we saw 320 people professed Christ and 285 of them were baptized. The “Seed Factory” is the concept where every church produces “seed” for sowing and heavily focuses on reproducing leadership and sends out as many church planters as possible. My wife (Raquel) and I have four children – Sarah, Laura, Benjamin and Melissa. - Can you please tell me a few prayer requests you have so me and my classmates can pray for you?
- I am currently recuperating from a fractured fibula and a damaged Achilles tendon.
- Government instability in Brazil. The president is currently under an impeachment process for corruption.
- Economic vulnerability in Brazil. A year ago the Brazilian Real (currency’s name) was 2.35 for every 1 US Dollar. Within the last few months it has risen past BR$ 4.00 / US$ 1.00.
- Our children’s English and schooling.
- What challenges have you faced in Brazil and what changes have you had to make to your life to be a missionary in Brazil?
- I was held hostage by five armed thieves in a travel bus while traveling in Northeastern Brazil. An armed police officer was in the bus as well. There was gun fire exchange, with 1 dead and 5 wounded. Four of the wounded persons were sitting near my seat. Now, I try not to travel by bus at night.
- Two men (one was a pedophile who received church discipline the week before) attempted a force entry into my home as I stood at the door. Since then, cameras were installed at every point of entry of our home.
- Month-to-month financial support.
- When do you start your mission work in Brazil and how long have you been there?
I am a third generation missionary in Brazil. My grandparents (John & Alta Hatcher) arrived in Brazil in the early 1950’s and my parents (Paul & Wanda Hatcher) arrived in the early 1970’s. I was born and raised in Manaus. I am a dual citizen (American and Brazilian), bilingual (fluent in English and Portuguese) and am also bi-cultural.My family and I are on a one year furlough/state-side assignment. I am currently serving as visiting professor / adjunct faculty at Liberty University’s School of Divinity in Pastoral Leadership.
As stated earlier, I began my ministry in Brazil in 1998. I have served as a missionary support worker & as missionary through Baptist Faith Missions since 2003.
When we return to Brazil in July 2016, we plan to start churches in Sao Paulo city. Sao Paulo is the 7th largest city in the world with 29 million people. We plan to start churches throughout region of the subway system. The subway has a network of 67 stations and services 4.9 million people every day.
- What are some interesting things about Brazil that my classmates and I might not be able to learn from doing research online?
Watch this video on YouTube concerning Sao Paulo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3pBJTTjwCM You can find all kinds of interesting info by searching on the internet for the Brazilian cities. Here are a few: Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, Joao Pessoa, Joao Pessoa, cidade de Natal, Boa Vista, Macapa, Porto Velho, Londrina, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Recife, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Palmas, Rio Branco, Campina Grande, Teresina, Sao Luiz & Campinas.There is a lot of research & census info at: www.ibge.gov.br/english.
You can also find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/judsonhatcher
- I see that your wife, Raquel, is a Brazilian. Has that helped your ministry in Brazil? Describe any extra challenges you face.
Yes, the fact that my wife is a Brazilian is a major advantage for doing ministry together. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from an American university. So, our American education and connections open a lot of doors. Essentially, what an American pastor/family is to a successful church plant in the United States, we are in Brazil.The greatest challenge was getting Raquel’s American citizenship. It was only on May 19, 2015 that she finally received her American citizenship, despite being married for 17 years. Now, all of us have dual citizenship. All this time, she was an US “Permanent Legal Resident”, but every time she traveled she endured 4 to 5 hours of waiting at the airport and was threatened to be deported once. Later, we received a letter of explanation from immigration services stating they had lost her documents/file internally, thus complicating our life. Thankfully, these years of extra legal costs and travel frustrations are over.
Grateful,
Jud Hatcher
Furlough Address:
216 Mill View Ln
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(859) 608-4742
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
Website | Twitter | Facebook
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Missionary Update: Jud & Raquel Hatcher Stateside from Brazil [November 2015]
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.
November 8, 2015
Dear friends,
Thank you for your faithful support and prayer. We are truly grateful.
FAMILY
The kids are doing well in school. Laura went on a field trip to the historic Jamestown settlement with her 3rd grade class. Sarah has a field trip this month too. Everyone is enjoying the time in Lynchburg, VA during our furlough. The kids’ language is coming along successfully, but I ask you pray for them to learn to speak English without an accent.
TESTIFY TO THE GOSPEL CONFERENCE
This last month I had the privilege of attending the Testify to the Gospel Conference at Grace Baptist 
Church of Fairborn, OH (Pastor Mark Pyles). There were several great speakers and we enjoyed listening to each one of them. I had the opportunity to speak twice. It was a long drive and well worth the trip. Mark & Valerie Pyles are dear friends, we’ve known each other since 2003. I love them a lot. I cherished every moment with the folks of the church, the guests, Mark and his family.
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH
We were also delighted to be with our beloved friends and supporters at Calvary Baptist Church, Teays Valley, WV, where pastor Jeff Hurst is senior pastor and David Mitchell is an associate teaching pastor. We also enjoyed meeting Jeff Hurst’s wife, Kim. We had a blast together while at their home.
ELEVEN DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
I was invited to speak at the student ministry’s evangelistic event of Hyland Heights Baptist Church, Rustburg, VA. There were over 150 young people present. It truly was a great evening with much celebration in heaven. The reason for the celebration? Well, 11 decisions were made: 7 for salvation and 4 for reconciliation. I was delighted to be with Pastors Brandon Vieth & Brian Freeksen.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
The Lord continues to open doors as I serve at Liberty University. I meet with local pastors on a weekly basis and with future pastors on a daily basis. Thomas Road Baptist Church has a yearly pastors conference called Refuel. This year over 1800 pastors and leaders attended. I was invited to the platform for introduction as a BFM missionary/church planter in Brazil. I am amazed at how the Lord is making these new connections.
A few weeks ago Dr. Jerry Falwell’s wife, Macel Falwell, passed away. The funeral service at Thomas Road Baptist Church was an encouragement to all who were present. It truly was a wonderful memorial and celebration of her life and ministry here on earth.
ACHILLES TENDON
Last week I was admitted to the Emergency Room at Lynchburg General Hospital. I suspected a fractured fibula on my right leg. Instead, it was a severe sprain of my Achilles tendon. The kids and I were playing football in the backyard when this happened. I am currently wearing a cast and expect to use it for a few weeks. Please, pray for healing.
ON FACEBOOK
If you’d like to know more information, please visit www.facebook.com/judsonhatcher.
Grateful always,
Jud Hatcher
Furlough Address:
216 Mill View Ln
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(859) 608-4742
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
Website | Twitter | Facebook
Click here to give now.
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Missionary Update: Jud & Raquel Hatcher Stateside from Brazil [October 2015]
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.
October 7, 2015
Dear friends,
This last month has passed so quickly.
Family
Our kids are doing well in school. Their greatest difficulty is still the English language, but they are committed to learning. They regularly bring books home from the school’s library and we take them once a week to the public library. Bedtime is a hard time for me, as I have to insist they stop reading and turn off the bedroom lights. I am grateful for their desire to read in English. The kids are doing well socially too, as friendship comes easy to them. I would be harder on us as parents if they were having difficulty making friends. Raquel is doing great, she participates in a women’s midweek Bible study and is connecting well.
Teaching and Networking
I am enjoying my time at Liberty University as an adjunct professor. Teaching and mentoring is part of my DNA and I feel at home engaging with students. The Lord is giving me the opportunity to connect and network with new pastors at existing churches around the Virginia and North Carolina region. The opportunities to work with Dr. David Adams at the School of Divinity in the Pastoral Leadership Program and with Dr. Matt Willmington at Thomas Road Baptist Church is never boring. This experience is also a great learning opportunity for me. I do stay busy, but that is part of my life’s routine anyway.
Upcoming
This coming weekend we plan to participate in the “Testify to the Gospel Conference” at Grace Baptist Church in Fairborn, OH where my dear friend, Mark Pyles is pastor. The following week I will participate in the Refuel Conference at Thomas Road Baptist Church, where Jonathan Falwell is senior pastor.
Our prayer requests are as follows:
- Our finances.
- Our children’s education and English language.
- Expanding our support base network.
- For our unsaved neighbors.
Grateful,
Jud Hatcher
Furlough Address:
216 Mill View Ln
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(859) 608-4742
judsonhatcher@hotmail.com
Website | Twitter | Facebook
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Missionary Update: Jud & Raquel Hatcher on Furlough from Brazil [September 2015]
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.
September 3, 2015
Dearest of friends,
I just want to start out by saying thank you. Thank you, Lord, for blessing our family and for blessing the families and churches that bless our family. A personal thank you to the following churches and their pastors that have blessed us since we arrived in the States:
- New Life Baptist Church – Pastor Steve Wainright
- Calvary Baptist Church – Pastor Jeff Hurst & Pr. David Mitchell
- Thompson Road Baptist Church – Pastor David Parks
- Center Point Church – Pastor Tim Parsons & Pr. Todd Thomas
- Addyston Baptist Church – Pastor David Pitman & the women’s ministry
- Concord Baptist Church – Pastor Jimmy Reagan
- Grace Baptist Church – Pastor Mike Pyles
- Buck Run Baptist Church – Pastor Hershael York
- Thomas Road Baptist Church – Pastors Jonathan Falwell, Matt Willmington & Dave Adams
- East Keys Baptist Church – Pastor Dan Hillard
- The Baptist Church at Andover – Pastor Eddie Schwarberg & Pr. Donovan Stewart
So much has happened during these last several weeks since we returned to the United States—it is unbelievable. For starters, the Lord provided us with a great car for a great price. We purchased a KIA Sedona 2009, in clean condition. Already we’ve driven over 5,000 miles in 6 weeks as we’ve traveled and visited family, friends and churches.
Jud is currently assisting in teaching a Church Planting course for Pastoral Students with Dr. Matt Willmington.
A casual family picture of the Hatchers!
Secondly, the Lord opened up the door for me to serve at Liberty University’s School of Divinity as part of our stateside assignment (furlough) during this year. Several months back, while in Brazil, I contacted Dr. Dave Adams, who is the director of Pastoral Leadership program at Liberty University and requested to serve with him in any capacity that I might gain additional mentoring. (Dr. Adams was one of my professors at Lexington Baptist College along with Dr. Ed Overbey, Dr. Hershael York, Dr. David Hatcher, Dr. Larry Robbins, and others.) Through Adams’ leadership I was invited to assist in a non-remunerated role as Adjunct Faculty for Pastoral Leadership in the School of Divinity. Per agreement, my financial support continues through Baptist Faith Missions. I was also grateful for the response received from Bro. Dave Parks as he communicated with the directors of BFM concerning this matter. The Lord has opened many doors for additional mentoring and networking opportunities. I’m overwhelmed by the receptivity of the faculty and staff and overjoyed with gratitude with this one-year partnership. I’ve had the privilege of interacting with world-renowned faculty and leaders, including Jonathan Falwell, Drs. Ed Hindson, Elmer Towns, Troy Templeton, Jonathan Geukgeuzian, Scott Phillips, Chris Gnankan, Troy Matthews and others. I am currently under the mentorship of my dear friends Dr. Dave Adams and Dr. Matt Willmington—what a delight it is to see strategic leaders in action. I see this moment as additional training grounds for what lays ahead in Brazil when we return in July 2016.
Finally, the Lord has directed us every step of the way in our transition from Brazil to Lexington, KY, and then to Lynchburg, VA. We are currently renting a three-bedroom townhome in a quaint neighborhood with campus transportation to and from work. The kids are enrolled in a local public school and loving it. We look forward to connecting with you and at each opportunity.
Jud Hatcher
Judson Hatcher
judsonhatcher@hotmail.com
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