Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making,”

September 8, 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Thank you for your faithful support. God is using your investment in His Kingdom for the salvation of those who are in need of Christ and His glory. We hope that you will be encouraged as you read about what God is doing here in southern France.

Our world is constantly changing. This includes our lives, our churches and our opportunities. During the past month, two families that have attended regularly for several years moved with their jobs from here to to Northern Germany. Joachim Ilenberger, was the first person to be baptized here. His son, Theo, was the most recent. Out of this family of five, 3 were saved and baptized. Joachim’s father was a German fighter pilot during World War II. Isn’t it great how God works? His father is still living and advanced in age. Would you take time to pray for his salvation? Pray, also, that this family will be able to find a good church near them. Though this is not easy in Germany, humanly speaking, it is much easier than in France. Baptist churches in Germany have a total of about 300,000 members. Baptist churches in France have a total of about 3,000 members.

Joachim and his daughter,Carla, playing music before Theo’s baptism.

Our God does not cast dice; He is working out His plan. So, we are praying and have confidence that God will lead the Illenberger family to witness for Him and find a fellowship of believers where they can participate and continue to grow in the Lord. The other family of five who moved has one person that clearly indicated faith in Christ, but the others  came and showed an interest. They expressed great gratitude for the encouragement that they received in attending on Sundays and through the Bible studies. Pray that they will also will seek and find a congregation where Christ is exalted.

A part of our ministry here is staying in contact with and teaching those who have moved away. This unexpected opportunity has enlarged this “disciple making process” into 7 different countries. God has made it possible for us to do this relatively easily through electronic communication. God enables all people and uses even the products of their work for His glory. Man made boats transported Paul and man made technologies make it possible for us to stay in contact with those to whom we are ministering. But, it is people, like Paul, you and me through whom God displays the glory of Christ in a personal way. God has placed each one of us in the place where we can let the Light of Christ shine through us.

The Sunday services and Bible studies closer to us are going well. We rejoice in Christ and what He is doing in the lives of His children and how He is drawing others to Himself.

The Lord willing, we will be in the USA and at the 2012 Thanksgiving Conference sponsored by New Hope Baptist Church in Dearborn Heights, MI. We would love to see you there.

For God’s Glory in France,
John and Judy

John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com

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