Spring Conference Recap [Monday Evening]
Our 53rd Annual Spring Conference began this evening at Thompson Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky.
The choir from Thompson Road opened with “Revive Thy Work, O Lord,” and the congregation joined in on the final verse (a slightly different version of the lyrics can be found here), followed by “Holy, Holy, Holy.” ♪
In his opening remarks, Pastor Dave Parks said, “If we’re not doing the work of God, we’re doing the wrong work.” Bro. Kenneth White then prayed specifically for the health of Pastor Glenn Archer, the missionaries, for our hearts to be stirred, and for the Lord to revive His work.
After, we sang the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” ♪ “As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free.” ♪
Pastor Harold Draper, former missionary to Brazil 32½ years who now pastors Seventh Street Baptist Church in Cannelton, Illinois, was the first speaker. His text was from Psalm 51:12-13 about reviving the Lord’s work.
What is the Lord’s work? The souls of men. We are His workmanship! So if the Lord revives His work, it will be because He revives His workers.
Revival fires are started with small pieces of wood–not wagon-loads.
If you want to get close to the Lord, get close to somebody who’s close to the Lord. –H.H. Overbey
How can we be revived as His workers and thus His work be revived?
David had two requests in Psalm 51:
1) Restore the joy of His salvation
2) Anoint with His Spirit
Revival is when God’s people rejoice in their salvation.
We’re to never get over the thrill of our salvation!
Our Salvation:
- was planned in eternity (Ephesians 1:4)
- was provided for in the past (Titus 3:4; John 3:16)
- is presently protected at the throne of grace (Hebrews 7:25)
- will be perfected in the future (1 John 3:2; Philippians 3:21)
- is an eternal possession (1 Peter 1:3)
Don’t take your salvation for granted. Let it motivate you and revive you. (Hebrews 2:3)
Then after you’re revived and made spiritually stronger, THEN you will be effectual in mission work and in the Lord’s work.
“Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.” -Psalm 51:12-13
♪ It was fitting to sing “Saved, Saved, Saved” following a message that left you so grateful for your salvation.
All the Pastors in attendance stood up to represent their churches (probably 20-25??), all the way from Florida, Michigan, and Brazil!
The conference offering was then given (not taken ;)) as Bro. Stanley & Sis. Emily Keyes from Illinois ministered in song through trombone, piano, and voice. ♪ He died for me! ♪ This couple has been so faithful to come and play at the Spring Conference for the past 18 years–and what a blessing they are!
♪ We then sang “Send the Light.”
Missionary Harold Bratcher, who just retired from 53½ years of service in Brazil, brought the second message, mainly using Habakkuk 3:1-2. “I’m glad to be here, but–excuse my English–I’m even gladder to be saved,” he said, and then broke out singing “Blessed Assurance.” His message was soaked with Scripture and song.
Revival means to reserve something alive, to regain to life and consciousness, to give new strength and energy, to improve the position or condition of.
♪ O, the love that drew salvation’s plan. O, the grace that brought it down to man! ♪
“O Lord, I have heard Thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive Thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” -Habakkuk 3:1-2
Bro. Bratcher read much Scripture in his familiar resonate voice–how encouraging!
Romans 1:16-18; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Hosea 14:9
Romans 5:1-11
He reminded us to rejoice in the Lord always! Quit your complaining! Quit your bellyaching!
Do you have the blessed assurance that we have a heavenly Advocate?
He read a passage from Dr. Louis W. Arnold’s devotional book, found in the April 12 devotion, titled “Our Heavenly Advocate.” Satan accuses us day and night, but his accusations amount to nothing because we have an Advocate with the Father!
Safe am I in the hand of God. Isn’t it grand to be a Christian?! ♪ Using an illustration with his coin purse, he reminded us that no one can snatch us out of the Father’s hand!
He ended his message by reading Romans 8:31-39. Romans 8 begins with no condemnation and ends with no separation.
“Nay, no, não!” he exclaimed. In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
♪ The Love of God is greater far… ♪
We ended the evening by singing, “He Hideth My Soul.”
♪ His perfect salvation. His wonderful love. I’ll shout with the millions on high! ♪
We hope you can join us tomorrow! [Schedule]
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Missionary Update: Harold Bratcher, on permanent furlough from Brazil [April 2013]
Harold Bratcher served the Lord in the Amazon Valley for 52 years from July 15, 1959 through December 29, 2012. His dear wife, Marie, faithfully served with him for 51 years until her death in February 2011. The Bratchers organized over 20 Baptist churches and many other missions in Brazil. He is now on permanent furlough in Kentucky, still in the service of the Savior.
April 8, 2013
Dear Brothers of the Blessed Lord and Sisters of the Savior:
Once again we (Asa Mark and I) greet you not from the Amazon Valley of Brazil, South America, but from my warm Kentucky home where the sun is shining bright!
This Mission Sheets month began February 11 and finishes today. During this period I heard 15 sermons, or Bible studies. I also had the privilege of preaching twice. Both times at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Richmond, Ky where Bro. Adrian McKinley is pastor. The first time was Sunday morning the 17th of March, celebrating the 85th Birthday of dear Brother Glyndon Dargavel. Afterwards we enjoyed a time of great food and fellowship. Then on Thursday the 28th, I preached the opening message of their revival meetings that went through Sunday. Then Sunday, the 24th of March, I celebrated my 86th Birthday. We attended Sunday morning at the David’s Fork Baptist Church and at 3pm, the Passion Play at the Gardenside Baptist Church. We had celebrated it in Frankfort with my Brother Charles and family on Saturday morning and that evening at the home of Pastor Mickey Hyder. One of the other messages we heard was at the funeral service of dear Sister Helen Palmer. She was a faithful friend of the Bratchers for over 60 years. Bro. Bob Jones preached a most comforting message on what awaits the faithful servants of our Lord.
On Easter Sunday, March 31st, we attended the third service at the Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfort where dear Bro. Dr. Hershael York is pastor. We were royally received and heard a good message. Then at 1pm, we enjoyed a time of great food and fellowship at the home of Charles and Reva Bratcher, along with some 15 more family members. The following Wednesday we attended the service at the David’s Fork Baptist Church, where after a meal, we heard Charles and Alice Tillet, missionaries to Kenya. On Friday, the 5th of April, we met my sister in law, Deane Cruise, at the Richmond Cemetery, and honored Marie, on her 86th Birthday, by placing beautiful roses, at the grave of her mother and father, Sherman and Flossie Moore. What precious memories, how they linger! We also were able to visit Sis. Ella J. Casey, a dear family friend.
During this period, we were able also to visit the Bryan Station BC, Broadway BC, and Trinity BC, all in Lexington, among others. Continue to pray for Asa Mark, as he had the fourth surgery on his eye, on March the 12th, but the Doctor was not able to reattach the retina, because of so much scar tissue from the 3rd surgery, that in her opinion, should never have been done. We appreciate my granddaughter, Lucy Marie, coming from Houston and spending 10 days with us during this time.
I hope to be a blessing to many of you, during this first year of my permanent furlough. I would like to report and thank each of you that have supported us during these past years. We appreciate the invitations we have already for this month, May and June. I look forward to seeing many of you during the Spring Conference at Thompson Road Baptist Church. I will be speaking on Monday night, the 22nd, two weeks from today, The Lord permitting. Until then, or next month.
Yours in the Service of the Savior,
Harold Bratcher
1012 Balsam Drive
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 277-3716
(859) 806-9827 cell
harold_bratcher[at]yahoo.com
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Missionary Update: Harold Bratcher [February 2013]
Harold Bratcher has served the Lord in the Amazon Valley since July 15, 1959. His dear wife Marie, faithfully served with him for 52 years until her death in February 2011. The Bratchers organized over 20 Baptist churches and many other missions in Brazil, and he currently serves at the 24th of March Baptist Church in Manaus.
February 10, 2013
Dear Brothers of the Blessed Lord and Sisters of the Savior:
Once again I greet you not from the Amazon Valley of Brazil, South America, but from my cold Kentucky home where the sun is shining bright!
This Mission Sheets month began January 6th and finishes today. During this period I heard 12 sermons, or Bible studies. On Wednesday night, January 9th, we had the privilege of attending at the New Life Baptist Church here in Lexington. We heard an excellent Bible study on Isaiah 7, by Pastor Steve Wainright. On Friday the 11th, we moved into the Mission house on 1012 Balsam Drive. We are enjoying the house, while we await the sale of my house in Manaus. We also appreciate the excellent condition it was left in by Anita and Sheridan.
The second Sunday of January found us at the Clarksville Baptist Church of Richmond, Ky where we participated in the lesson taught by dear pastor Bradley Johns, and then I heard Asa Mark preach in the AM service. We then had the privilege of having lunch with Deane Cruise. The next Wednesday night, we had the privilege of hearing dear pastor Mickey Hyder at the 212 year old Historic David’s Fork Baptist Church. We are attending Wednesday nights there for the Bible Studies, the Story, studying the Bible, book by book during the year.
On Sunday morning the 20th, we attended the also 212 year old Glen’s Creek Baptist Church in Versailles, Ky and heard the Pastor Justin Rader. We then participated in a Chili dinner to raise money for a Mission trip to Central America. The next Sunday we attended the am service at the Ashland Ave. Baptist Church here in Lexington, hearing the sermon by Pastor David Prince. That pm, we heard Dr. Greg Waltermire at the Heritage Baptist Church, in Lexington.
During the month of February, we have attended services at the Clays Mills Road Baptist Church here in Lexington where my niece, Carolyn Sue Bratcher is a member. Dr. Jeff Fugate is the pastor. We also have attended the service at Lexington Baptist Temple, at the invitation of our dear family friend, Sister Ann Burris. Appreciated the music and message by the pastor, Derek Holmes.
I hope to be a blessing to many of you, during this first year of my permanent furlough. I would like to report and thank each of you that have supported us during these past years. We appreciate the invitations to come during the Spring. Until next month.
Yours in the Service of the Savior,
Harold Bratcher
1012 Balsam Drive
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 277-3716
(859) 806-9827 cell
harold_bratcher[at]yahoo.com
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Missionary Update: Harold Bratcher [January 2013]
Harold Bratcher has served the Lord in the Amazon Valley since July 15, 1959. His dear wife Marie, faithfully served with him for 52 years until her death in February 2011. The Bratchers organized over 20 Baptist churches and many other missions in Brazil, and he currently serves at the 24th of March Baptist Church in Manaus.
January 7, 2013
Dear Brothers of the Blessed Lord and Sisters of the Savior:
Once again I greet you not from the Amazon Valley of Brazil, South America, but from my cold Kentucky home where the sun is shining bright!
This Mission Sheets month began December 6th and finishes today, January 7th.. During this period I preached 2 sermons, one at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church in the interior town of the Vila do Engenho and the other one at the 14th of December Baptist Church in Manaus. These were special farewell services.
During this period I heard a total of 7 sermons preached at 6 different places. One was at the New Jerusalem Church, on Saturday night the 8th. The Church was celebrating their 18th anniversary. The three Sunday nights were at the Compensa Baptist Church where the president of the Brazilian Baptist Faith Missions, Bro. Ortan Barbosa is pastor, twice, and once at the Liberdade Baptist Church.
The last Wednesday night in Manaus, heard a sermon by evangelist Alessandro Braz of the 24th of March Baptist Church. On the first Wednesday of this year, I heard a sermon by the Assistant Pastor of the Porter Memorial Baptist Church, where I attended with our dear friends, Steve and Eva Blake. They have been a blessing to us in many ways already!
Yesterday, I had the privilege of hearing dear pastor Mickey Hyder at the 212 year old Historic David’s Fork Baptist Church.
On Friday, December 15th, we attended the third of five special farewell services. This one was at the Mount of Olives Baptist where almost 300 people representing all of the churches of the BBFM gathered to honor our missionary labors for the Savior. Very emotional and inspiring service. On Saturday the 16th, was the official farewell at the 24th of March Baptist Church where I served the last 12 years as pastor. They also honored me with a church wide supper. On Sunday morning, the 17th, attended the special farewell Breakfast and service at the Communion Baptist Church.
On Saturday night, the 29th, I left my home of exactly 47 years to begin our trip back to the States, after serving the Savior in Brazil for 52 and a half years. There were over 120 of our brethren from several churches there to see us off. I feel that in the past 3 weeks, I was probably one of the most photographed men in Brazil. We appreciate so much all the expressions of love and gratitude we received during these last 3 weeks. We left with mixed emotions, but with a profound sense of Mission Accomplished. To God Be the Glory, great things HE hath done!
After a safe trip and blessed trip with layovers in Miami and Dallas, we arrived at 6:30pm, at Bluegrass Field in Lexington. We were met by Carolyn Sue Bratcher, who was a blessing to us during this first week home.
On New Years Day we traveled in her car to Frankfort to my Brother Charlie’s home where we had a Delicious Dinner.
I conclude this letter asking that you pray for our future plans. We hope to soon move into the BFM Mission house in Lexington KY, while we await the sale of my house in Manaus, or the financing to go through to purchase one here. We have purchased a good car, thanks to the help of Bro. Glen Cummins in Richmond, Ky.
I hope to be a blessing to many of you, during this first year of my permanent furlough. I would like to report and thank each of you that have supported us during these past years.
Until next month.
Yours in the Service of the Savior,
Harold Bratcher
1012 Balsam Drive
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 277-3716
(859) 806-9827 cell
harold_bratcher[at]yahoo.com
Give to Baptist Faith Missions.
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Missionary Update: Harold Bratcher in Brazil [December 2012]
Harold Bratcher has served the Lord in the Amazon Valley since July 15, 1959. His dear wife Marie, faithfully served with him for 52 years until her death in February 2011. The Bratchers organized over 20 Baptist churches and many other missions in Brazil, and he currently serves at the 24th of March Baptist Church in Manaus.
Dear Brothers of the Blessed Lord and Sisters of the Savior:
Once again we greet you from the Amazon Valley of Brazil, South America. The 1 million 832 thousand and 423 residents of Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas are enjoying the pleasant weather of not-quite-so-hot, due to the frequent rains. The rainy season is in full force, with windstorms, flooding, blackouts, and even whole roofs being blown away.
During these last two months, each Sunday morning and evening, Wednesday evening, and some Saturdays, I have left my house and home and gone by the taxi of one of our members, Bro. Raimundo, or the car of Bro. Mario Jorge, to the 24th of March Baptist Church, where I either preached or heard a sermon by another preacher. My assistant pastor, Bro. Williams Mendes, was ordained to the gospel ministry on Saturday, November 10th. After the ordination sermon on: “The True Man of God”, I led the ordination prayer and over 20 pastors participated with an overflow crowd. Also, two Saturdays before, I attended in the wedding ceremony of dear Bro. Raimundo and Maria de Nazare Braz. It was a joy to witness this event after 25 years of living together. It was also Bro. Raimundo’s birthday. Continue to pray for them and for us.
This Mission Sheets month began October 5th and finishes today. During this period I preached 12 sermons, all at the 24th of March Baptist Church where I serve as pastor.
During this period I heard a total of 4 sermons preached at 3 different places. One was at the Second Baptist Church of Manaus where the pastors of the Amazonas chapter of the Brazilian Baptist pastors were offering a service of honor and celebration for my 53 and a half years of ministry here in the Amazon Valley. Pastor Norton Riker Lajes of the First Baptist Church of Manaus brought a most appropriate and inspiring message. Then we enjoyed the fellowship afterwards. The other 2 were at the Communion Baptist Church on November 17th, and 18th. On those nights, we were celebrating the ordination to the gospel ministry of Bro. Arao Alves Damasceno dos Santos. On Saturday night, I led the ordination prayer and over 30 pastors participated with many standing. On Sunday night, Bro. Arao was installed as pastor of the Communion Baptist Church in Manaus. Also, I was able to pray at Marie’s and Joel’s grave, on November 2nd, the “Day of the Dead” here in Brasil and hear Bro. Aurindo Folha preach at the grave site of E.A. Nelson, the Apostle of the Amazonia.
I conclude this letter asking that you pray for our future plans. At this time, we are seeking to purchase a house and car in the States. Our home of 47 years has sold, but I haven’t received the money yet due to many complications transacting the legal documents here. We appreciate the help of Bro. Paul Hatcher and Dave Parks in this matter and hope everything will be concluded by next week.
May we all continue to heed the pleas of Pastor Dave Parks for more offerings for the Baptist Faith Missions General Fund. I am thankful that during the remainder of this year of 2012 so far, he has not had to reduce the benefits and salaries that the missionaries of Baptist Faith Missions receive, and also for the good news of the raise, given and received by faith!
The Bratchers in Brasil need the prayers of those we love, as well as those that love us. I am doing well, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I am looking to conclude my mission here, and continue it in my new Nineveh, as He sees fit. To God and Him only, be the Glory, for what He has done, is doing, and will still do through His humble servants.
Until next month, I am yours in the Service of the Savior,
Harold Bratcher
Rua Francisco Jose Furtado No. 2
Bairro de Sao Francisco
69.079-200 Manaus, Amazonas
Brasil, S.A.
harold_bratcher[at]yahoo.com
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Missionary Update: Harold Bratcher in Brazil [October 2012]
October 3, 2012.
Dear Brothers of the Blessed Lord and Sisters of the Savior:
Once again I greet you from the Amazon Valley of Brazil, South America. The residents of Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas, are enjoying the pleasant weather of not quite so hot, due to the frequent rains. The rainy season does not officially start until late November and most days have been very hot and dry. So this summer has been unusual with even a cyclone two weeks ago.
During these last two months, each Sunday morning, evening, Wednesday evening,and some Saturdays, I have left my house and home and gone by the taxi of one of our members, Bro. Raimundo, or the car of Bro. Mario Jorge, to the 24th of March Baptist Church, where I either preached or heard a sermon by another preacher. My assistant pastor, Bro. Williams Mendes, will be questioned before the ordination council Saturday. Continue to pray for them and for us.
This Mission Sheets month began July 5th and finishes today. During this period I preached 25 sermons, all at the 24th of March Baptist Church where I serve as the pastor, with the exception of Monday night when I preached the 20 minute birthday sermon at the house of Bro. Francisco Chagas Braz, who was celebrating his 54th birthday. This dear brother is a great blessing to us as he is the watchman for the house on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. This is necessary in order to avoid unexpected, uninvited and undesired visitors. During this period I heard a total of 7 sermons preached at 2 different places. One was at the organization of the Church at Sao Pedro, where Jair Mendonca is pastor. The other was at the Communion Baptist Church on July 15th. On that very day, we were celebrating 53 years since arriving in Manaus for the first time with my family. Also, I was celebrating 65 years of being in the ministry. Pastor Teodorio Souza preached to over 300 people present, 15 pastors and 22 churches represented. The church also gave me a 650 reais ($350) offering, 10 reais for each year in the ministry. Also, I was able to pray at Marie’s and Joel’s grave on Father’s Day and deposit a wreath of flowers at the request and due to the generosity of Bob Porter. As I stood there in the 100 degree heat, I thanked our Savior that both of them are safely home, awaiting us. As we count the days, Saudades abound.
I conclude this letter asking that you pray for my future plans. As of now, I plan to conclude my missionary efforts in the Amazon Valley in January, when I will be returning home for my regular furlough. I don’t plan to return to the Land of Eternal Summer. I have my home of 47 years on the market and when it sells, I would like to buy a small one there in Lexington.
May we all continue to heed the pleas of Pastor Dave Parks for more offerings for Baptist Faith Missions. I am thankful that during the remainder of this year of 2012 so far, he has not had to reduce the benefits and salaries that the missionaries of Baptist Faith Missions receive. I need the prayers of those we love, as well as those that love us.
I am doing well, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Thank you to all of you who have asked about us. To God and Him only, be the Glory, for what He has done, is doing, and will still do through His humble servants. Until next month.
Yours in the Service of the Savior,
Harold Bratcher
Rua Francisco Jose Furtado No. 2
Bairro de Sao Francisco
69.079-200 Manaus, Amazonas
Brasil, S.A.
harold_bratcher[at]yahoo.com
Give to Baptist Faith Missions.
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Missionary Update: Harold Bratcher in Brazil [April 2012]
April 10, 2012
Dear Brothers of the Blessed Lord and Sisters of the Savior:
Once again we (Asa Mark and I) greet you from the Amazon Valley of Brazil, South America. The 2 million residents of Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas are enjoying the pleasant weather of not quite so hot, due to the frequent rains. The rainy season continues, but we have had no more blackouts and floods, for which we are thankful. Tuesday there was a city wide bus strike, and the city turned into chaos. The mayor was conveniently (for him) traveling, and confusion reigned, but that is the present reality of Manaus. Manaus and the Mayor desperately need our prayers. During the month of March, each Sunday morning, evening, Wednesday evening,and some Saturdays, I have left my house and home and gone by the taxi of one of our members ,Bro. Raimundo, or the car of Bro. Mario Jorge, to the 24th of March Baptist Church, where I either preached or heard a sermon by another preacher. My assistant pastor, Bro. Williams Mendes, 49 years old, and his family, have been a blessing to me and the church. Continue to pray for them and for us.
This Mission Sheets month began March 5th and finishes today. During this period I preached 10 sermons, all at the 24th of March Baptist Church where I serve as the pastor. I have during this period heard a total of 5 sermons preached at 2 different places. Also, I was able to pray at Marie’s and Joel’s grave, on Thursday the 5th of April, which would have been Marie’s 85th Birthday. It looks real nice, with a granite marker, pictures, and a bench in front. Besides the names, dates of birth and death, it is engraved with the words God is Love in portuguese and english, and the word SAUDADES (Remembrances and precious memories). We sure have a lot of those, and the pain of temporary separation is great, but as I prayed, we are thankful they are already safely home.
May we all continue to heed the pleas of Pastor Dave Parks for more offerings for Baptist Faith Missions. I am praying that during the remainder of this year of 2012, he will not have to reduce the benefits and salaries that the missionaries of Baptist Faith Missions receive. The Bratchers in Brasil need the prayers of those we love, as well as those that love us. Until the 10th of May,at least, that includes Stephen who arrived last month, to continue his ministry here for 6 weeks. Please pray for him, that he may soon have his boat totally ready for the planned river trips. He had to cancel the first one to Olinda, because of problems with the new motor. He has already been a Big blessing to us personally and the work here, as he always is. Continue to pray also for Asa Mark, that his right eye may be completely healed, of the retina surgery. He is about 50 percent better. I am doing well, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. On the 24th of March, I turned 85 years of age on this old earth. In August, the Lord willing, I hope to celebrate 65 years of ministry, 53 of those in Brasil and with BFM. To God and Him only, Be the Glory, for what He has done, is doing, and will still do through his humble servants. Until next month.
Yours in the Service of the Savior,
Harold Bratcher
Rua Francisco Jose Furtado No. 2
Bairro de Sao Francisco
69.079-200 Manaus, Amazonas
Brasil, S.A.
harold_bratcher[at]yahoo.com
Give to Baptist Faith Missions.
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