Heading to Nairobi for Work Permit Requirement
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
May 29, 2018
Dear praying friends,
Another month has come and gone, and we are now nearly halfway through 2018. We thank the Lord for all His blessings, His goodness, and His care over us. What a mighty God we serve. This update will give ministry progress as well as prayer requests.
One big prayer request we currently have is in regard to our work permits. Both my wife and I are valid and have current work permits. However, there was a recent development that requires all current permit holders to go to Nairobi and provide current documentation to be entered into a new paperless system. From what we understand, there are around 34,000 foreigners in the country that are required to do this, including my wife and I. As of now, there is only one place in Nairobi that will do this, and from what we have heard, the lines are incredibly long. We have a friend who waited in line for seven hours before finally completing the process. Please pray for us this week, as we travel to Nairobi and seek to get this done. God has a purpose in everything, even in this, and we trust Him.
I (Nathan) am continuing in the discipleship lessons with a younger Kenyan man in the village of Rafiki. We have covered many lessons and I appreciate his interest in the Word of God and following and obeying it. There is still much to teach in the days ahead, so please pray for me as I prepare myself to teach, for the Word of God to lead and guide us as we study, and for the Lord’s leading in this ministry. I am trusting God each step of the way, and desire to go to village areas, teach in the Swahili language, train younger Kenyan men who the Lord would raise up, and trust God for the results. God is in control of all these things and I trust Him. Psalm 37:5 says “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” I am trusting God and committing all to Him.
The family is doing well. Our girls are now out of school for a break and will be homeschooling with my wife to keep them up with American standards. She is a great teacher and will teach them many important subjects. Please pray for this time, and for our daughters, that much will be accomplished and they will learn much.
God bless each of you and we thank the Lord for your interest in missions in Kenya, East Africa. To God be the glory for everything, as He deserves all praise.
Until next month,
Nathan and Carrie Radford
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa 30200
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.
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Praying God would Touch the Hearts of Friends
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
May 2, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Less than two months ago I wrote, “Paulette, the oldest member of our congregation who is faithful in seeking to reach others has had many physical problems in the last 2 or 3 years. Tomorrow she will be having a needle biopsy to determine if a tumor in her pancreas is malign. About two weeks ago she called me to ask me to meet her husband at his only brother’s home. They had just entered the house and found a suicide note on the table. There has been no sight of this brother now for over two weeks.” On April 5, the day after I wrote you last month, Paulette left this earth for the presence of the Lord.
There were about 150 friends of Paulette at her funeral service. Only about a third of these were believers as far as we know. My message was a presentation of the gospel for which Paulette’s life was a good illustration. We drove 600 miles round trip the next day to have a burial service at her tomb in the east of France. The drive was an opportunity to spend some valuable time with Gilbert, Paulette’s widower. Judy, Wendy and I from the church had lunch with about 20 members of her family before the graveside service. As far as we know none of these are believers. Pray with us that God will save these friends and family members to whom Paulette was a great witness.
Paulette and one of her many church art projects.
Paulette and VBS team members.
Judy celebrated her 65th birthday organizing the events surrounding the funeral. I am so thankful for Judy who is a wonderful wife and co-worker in the ministry to which God has called us. She is also a great mother and grandmother to her natural offspring and many others.
Last week one of our neighbors stopped by to say that since we had missed the annual neighborhood dinner last summer they were planning a special dinner among neighbors with us as the special guest. Please pray that God would touch the heart of these friends and draw them to Himself. We thank God for the opportunities to have meaningful conversations about spiritual matters with our neighbors and others.
The Lord continues to bless our fellowship of believers and we are very encouraged by the interest of the thirty or so young people who come to the youth meetings.
Thank you for your prayers and faithful support,
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
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Rolling Up Sleeves at Church is Providing Discipleship Opportunities
Bobby, Charlene, Jessie, and Brennen Wacaser have served the Lord as church planters in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, since 1985.
April 4, 2018
Dear Friends,
We just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday with a wonderful turnout at our special services. One of the most exciting things to me was that we had so many unchurched folks in attendance. Our members did such a great job of inviting unsaved family and friends to hear the gospel message. We are now praying that the message they heard will be used of the Lord to open their hearts to surrender to Christ as their Lord and Savior.
One of our traveling teams is leaving today on a one-month trip to the extreme western region of our state where they will be helping in new church plants of three local churches. There are 12 young men and women who will be sleeping on mats and cots during this trip and sharing the gospel in public schools and squares. This is their second long-distance trip this year. The new vans that some of you helped to purchase are really being a blessing. With them, the trips are much more economically efficient and less tiring on the team members as well. We are praying that the Lord will bless all their efforts in sharing the gospel and that many people will hear and receive the message with open hearts.
We have been extremely busy working on the maintenance and repairs of our facilities. In order to save money, we have been doing most of the labor ourselves. That has made for some long tiring days, but it also goes a long way showing the community and recent church attenders that we are willing to roll up our sleeves and work alongside our people. I also tried my hand at cabinet making with old pallet wood that turned out to look and function very well and saved us a bunch of money. As I was doing the job, I really enjoyed having the opportunity of mentoring a few men who volunteered to help me. We got several weeks of daylong discipling sessions in during the course of the work projects and they seemed to have developed a greater sense of participation in church life.
I didn’t ask for permission to use his name, so I’ll just say that we are very grateful to an anonymous pastor for the generous donation of funds to purchase a much needed vacuum cleaner for our home and church. We are grateful and we trust that God will bless you for this gift. I also want to thank all of our supporters who give regularly so that we can be here to minister and plant churches for Christ’s glory.
In Christ’s love,
Bobby and Charlene Wacaser
Bobby and Charlene Wacaser
Rua Laudelino Ferreira Lopes, 279
Sobrado 1, Novo Mundo
81050-310 Curitiba, PR. Brasil
Phone: 55-41-99899-2333
bobbymichael_1[at]hotmail.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
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Open Doors for Discipleship; 100 Chairs Needed
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.
July 12, 2017
Dear friends,
THANK YOU
We are grateful for your constant prayers and monthly financial contribution. Please know, we couldn’t be here without you.
FAMILY NEWS
The kids are all in great health and are doing well in school. They have two weeks break during this month and are enjoying it thoroughly. Playing at the beach, fishing and going to the mall are on their radar of events.
Raquel had a cold last week, but quickly recuperated. This must be the 4th time she had one during her lifetime. She has amazing health and stamina for daily adventures. Praise the Lord!
Thanks for the many birthday wishes on May 23rd.
So, I turned 40 years old and decided to do a complete physical exam at the doctor’s office. I am completing follow-up lab exams he requested and have several other appointments with specialists later this month. All the recent heavy lifting has caused a lot of swelling, pain and numbing in my arms. I went online to research the medication prescribed, and discovered it is “geriatric medicine”. Well, I must be getting old…But geriatric, already? Really?
It was especially revealing this week when I went to the barber shop for a much-deserved haircut and was asked “Do you want to cut any on top?” I responded, “Yes, please.” The barber then politely asked “Are you sure?” I couldn’t help, but chuckle, in the midst of being annoyed at my hair loss. But, it was most funny when Melissa (5 years old) pointed out, as she stood behind me – a day after my birthday – and said “Is that white hair on your head?” Well, so it is. I must be getting old! LOL
EXPANDING
As we interact with people, it is intriguing to see the understanding they have of evangelical Christianity. I often hear statements like: “People of different religions believe in the same God. The import thing is to have faith and do your part.”; and, “What? You are a pastor? But, you are so ‘normal’, different than the stereotypes from TV.”; and, “Your kids are so well behaved. Tell me your secret.”; and, “You have hope in your eyes. What makes you so happy?”; and, “I reject God, because Christians reject me. But, you´ve never said anything about my piercings or tattoos. How come you haven’t said anything about the way I look?” Love & hospitality never ceases to amaze people. This is how Jesus draws them to Him.
Over the last several months, the Lord has allowed us to meet so many unsaved people through the different community events. The canvasing, prayer walking, and evangelism visitation in strategic neighborhoods has created positive contacts. As a result, we have two meeting locations. There are several families that are considering opening their homes for a Bible study as well. Ultimately, we will go where doors open. It is exciting to see how people are responding to the Gospel message.
ADJUSTING
In the midst of everything, the Lord directed us to move into a new home. We are three minutes away from the previous house. The street is much calmer for the kids to play in the front lawn and the house is all on ground floor. We were tired of going up and down stairs in the house and all the accidents we were having (not a month would go by without someone getting hurt on the stairwell). Renting a house is very bureaucratic, but this time, it only took one month to get everything squared away and approved. Praise the Lord!!
100 CHAIRS
The Lord has opened incredible doors for sharing the Gospel and discipleship. One of the challenges we run into as we receive people, is seating. We need chairs! We need to purchase 100 chairs – each at roughly 40 dollars. As you read this, (and if, the Lord puts it on your heart) would you consider a financial contribution? I am thankful for your consideration on this matter.
FLOODED CAR REPAIR
A few months ago we had our car engine rebuilt due to a river flooding. The damage caused by water was repaired, but are still paying the cost. We are in need of $3,000 to cover the charge. Could you assist?
PRAYER MATTERS
- Family health and education
- Opening new doors for making disciples
- 100 chairs
- Car repair costs
Thanks for loving Jesus and loving us.
Grateful always,
Jud Hatcher
Judson & Raquel Hatcher
(859) 544-9040
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
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Rice and Jesus at Mama Njuguna’s
The Tate Family has served the Lord in Kitale, Kenya since January 2008. Their main ministry is indigenous church planting.
January 29, 2017
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Rice and Jesus at Mama Njuguna’s.
That previous statement might need a little explanation. Mama Njuguna’s is the restaurant at which I like to eat lunch in town. With that short sentence you now know what the “Mama Njuguna’s” in the above statement means. Mama’s isn’t really much of a place. You’d probably call it a dive. It’s rustic, dirty, made out of iron sheets and I sometimes share my space with mice. But the food is good and really cheap. I can usually eat my entire lunch for 50 shillings (about 50 cents). At Mama Njuguna’s I can get chai (tea), chapati (flat-bread), and cabbage and potatoes. But mostly I can get rice. Beans and rice; Ndengu (green grams) and rice; Githeri (beans and corn) and rice. Now you know where the “Rice” in the above statement comes from. The only thing left to explain is the “Jesus” in the above statement.
I try to eat at Mama’s 3-5 times a week (again, because it is so cheap and convenient). That makes me a regular at Mama’s. [But I am also very much a novelty. Mama’s being located on a back alley in town it doesn’t get frequented by many Wazungu (Swahili term for “White People”). In fact, I am the only one that has EVER frequented Mama’s in the entire history of its existence. The son of Mama Njuguna once told me how special a customer I was because I made the establishment international. Now, Mama’s may be a dive but it is a really happening place. It is always very busy with people always coming and going. So there are lots of customers and lots of workers constantly running around. The seats are wooden, no backed benches, and the tables are cut low so you have to bend way over to eat. I am usually packed into a bench with customers pushing in at both my left and right elbows. This is where the “Jesus” in the above statement comes in. With me being a novelty and the only white guy that has ever been in this place I inevitably get asked the question by someone at my right or left these questions in succession: “Who are you and what’s your name?“; “How long have you been here?“; “What do you do here?“. It’s almost always those questions in that order. So, guess how I get to respond. “I’m from the United States and my name is Rogers” (Yes, I have to say Rogers instead of Roger. For some reason they can understand and say Rogers but Roger is unintelligible and unrepeatable to most Kenyans). “I’ve been here for nine years now.” “And I’m here as a missionary doing work for the Kingdom of Jesus.” The following conversation always revolves around Jesus.
Sometimes I get to tell them why I would give up my life in the States to preach the Kingdom of Jesus in a foreign land. Sometimes they ask me for money. Sometimes I get to share a part of the gospel with them. Sometimes they have some project they want me to support. Sometimes they are Muslim. Sometimes they are “pastors” looking for support. Sometimes I encourage them in their faith. Sometimes they encourage me. But almost always we talk about Jesus. And being a regular at Mama’s, I know all the workers and get to hear about their day. Mash and Dan, the managers, never fail to tell me that they went to church last Sunday. I also get to show the love of Jesus to all the servers: Betty, Sonny, Margaret, Maurall, Mercy, Shiro, Ingrid and others. I’ve even met Mama a time or two.
Maybe your headline would read “Burgers and Jesus at McDonald’s” or “Coffee and Jesus at Starbucks” or “Donuts and Jesus at Krispy Kreme”. Beloved, never be ashamed to talk about Jesus, no matter where you might be.
Now you understand the meaning of “Rice and Jesus at Mama Njuguna’s”. I think that has a nice ring to it. And it’s not as unsanitary as “Mice and Jesus at Mama Njuguna’s”.
Please pray for me as I prepare for another trip up into the bush, to the village of Kasei in west Pokot, a long, long way from home both physically and emotionally. I am developing a series of messages entitled “Learning to Follow Jesus from the Life of Daniel”. I will be spending five days in Kasei for a seminar there. I hope to encourage the existing believers as well as lead unbelievers into a new relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Until next month, beloved.
May God’s peace and joy be with you.
For the glory of God in East Africa,
Roger & Julie Tate (and Amy, Josiah & Chloe)
rojuta[at]gmail.com
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God’s Children Living Love
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
January 28, 2017
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I am writing this letter ahead of time because very early Monday morning Judy and I will be heading to Florida to spend a couple of weeks with my parents, John and Alta Hatcher. They will both be turning 92 years old this year. Judy and I are very thankful for the parents that God gave to us. They led us to the Lord, discipled us and were excellent examples of serving the Lord faithfully. Our Heavenly Father has blessed us beyond our imagination.
Before sharing a little news from here, I wanted to mention how blessed I was to read the Hensley’s letter which told about hosting the French Bikers for Thanksgiving Dinner and overnight “camping”. Who knows how God will use this in their lives. Half of French people proclaim to be atheist. Atheists are not brought to Christ by arguing with them. You must start by letting “your light so shine … that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” God has chosen to use the example of His children living love to draw unbelievers to Himself Who “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son”. When they are amazed by our love they will listen to the gospel. This is true in America as it is in France and around the world.
Judy is known in our neighborhood as the lady that delivers blueberry muffins to new arrivals. In the middle of last year, a new family moved into our neighborhood and Judy made her “delivery”. The husband let us know that they loved them. The lady was expecting their third child and one day as she was out walking she stopped to say “hi” as I was trimming the hedges. I stopped and invited her in to visit with Judy and me. She came in and we had an excellent “get acquainted” visit. When she gave birth, Judy took a gift to them for the baby and had a good visit with the mother. The mother let Judy know that I could come and see the baby, too. A few days later she saw Judy and me arriving home and invited us over for coffee.
During this coffee visit I asked her about her beliefs. She nicely said that she did not believe in God. I asked her if she had ever read the Bible. She said, “No, but I like the stories from the roots of religions.” Today I took her a copy of a book which is a compilation of the exact text of all of the major Bible events. It begins with Genesis and goes through the New Heavens and New Earth in the Revelation including the Gospels. She was very appreciative and we pray the she will come to faith through the Word. She offered to water indoor plants while we were gone, so I gave her the keys to the house. We have found that when you trust them, they open the doors of their houses and hearts to us.
Part of the group that meets at Bible studies in the Arriège department south of the Hatchers.
Things have been busy around here. Besides getting ready for tomorrow’s church gathering and traveling we also hosted the regular men’s prayer breakfast here this morning. As I write this on Saturday evening, Judy should be on her way home from a ladies’ gathering.
I will close by telling a bit about the picture I am including. It is part of the group that meets at Bible studies in the Arriège department south of us. As I mentioned in one of my recent letters, three different people are now hosting these meetings in their homes. Judy took this picture after our last meeting. The lady third from the right is a believer who hosts us in her home which is the background. The young man on the right is her husband who is an atheist. However, he always visits with us before and after the meetings in their home and I suspect that he listens to the Bible study from the other room.
Until next month from France,
John and Judy Hatcher
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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Packed House! Ministering through Youth Meetings, English Nights, & More
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
October 3, 2016
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In many ways the past month seems to have gone by very quickly. It has been an encouraging month. Yesterday, we had a packed out house and were glad that we had purchased additional folding chairs a couple of weeks ago. On Saturday night, there were 18 young people at the youth meeting and some who wanted to come were not unable to do so. The topic for the meeting was the injustice in the world and in us and how Jesus Christ is just and justifier of those who believe.
At the same time as the youth meeting was going on, Judy was across the Metropolitan Area of Toulouse assisting Wendy with English night. Wendy has been doing this effectively for many years now. It is open to all who would like to attend and work on improving their English communication skills. This is very important to those who want to advance in jobs. They share a meal, watch an English video and then discuss the content. The purpose is to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
In these two meetings taking place on the same night, there were people from middle school to middle age (older if you count Judy and me) representing many different orientations in life. A few are believers and want their friends to know Christ. People come to the meetings because they feel loved and welcomed. Some who used to come with friends come of their own initiative and invite others. We want to love others as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. Thank you for helping us be ambassadors for Christ here.
Nearly all who come to Christ are touched first by encounter outside of church meetings. The church meetings have as their primary purpose helping God’s children learn and put into practice what Jesus has taught us.
Last week we had the privilege of dinner with Joachim who was in town briefly for a job-related activity. He was the first person baptized here. He and his family are now actively serving the Lord near Hamburg, Germany. Thirteen years ago Judy, Amanda and I were at a city park and Amanda met a young mother from former East Germany. Amanda cultivated a friendship with this lady who desperately needed encouraging friends and that led to Amanda meeting Angela. Angela had recently become a Christian before moving to France. God brought them to us when we were praying for a person who could translate from French to German. God answered our prayers and along with Angela brought Joachim into our lives. He was friendly, intrigued by Angela’s belief, but not particularly interested himself. For a couple of years, they met with Philip and Amanda to study the Bible. This is a very short version of how God brought Joachim to Himself.
We were also surprised to see Samuel show up Sunday. He is now active in a church in Paris where he now lives. About three years ago he began studying the Bible with me. A year later he trusted Christ and then publicly professed his faith in baptism.
It is always a thrill to see those to whom God has allowed us to be light and salt following Him. So, we continue to ask God to keep our eyes open as we walk. We ask God to help us seek those who are lost. We continue the Bible studies and prayer meetings with believers and seek ways to help them put into practice the life to which Christ has called all of us. There are believers hosting Bible studies, prayer meetings and serving in various ways in their surroundings and God is giving Life through His Son!
Thank you for helping us be a light here. May God help you be a light where you are.
In France for Christ,
John and Judy Hatcher
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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Outreach & Training in Mutirão
Odali and Kathy Barros served the Lord in Sao Paulo, Brazil together from 1987-2013. In late 2013, they transitioned to Manaus in Northern Brazil to start sharing the Gospel and planting churches in villages along the river.
September 14, 2016
Odali and Kathy Barros are reaching out to several different communities in Brazil.
The outreach stretches for eight weeks in three different communities.
Pictured below is a gathering in Mutirão where they had 150 people present.
The building pictured is 8 meters x 15 meters (~26 feet x 49 feet).
They are using this ministry to train some of their people and then plan to move it to cities far away. Pray for those serving and for those who will hear the Gospel!
Odali & Kathy Barros
Caixa Postal 1
Iranduba, Amazonas 69.415.000
Brasil, S.A.
odali_kathy[at]hotmail.com
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