New Neighbor, Youth Meetings, & More
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
May 10, 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I just finished reading the letters written by the missionary wives and thoroughly enjoyed them. Maybe the ladies should write our letters more often!
Yesterday, I was enjoying a great “down home” lunch of butter beans and corn bread and my thoughts turned to the excited way God has touched my life. Here I was eating a good old Kentucky meal, a reflection of my parents’ and wife’s roots and I began thinking of just how multicultural our weekly ministry is. Already this week we have had several Bible studies and prayer meetings in French, English and Portuguese. People in these meetings were from France, England, New Zealand, Brazil, Portugal, Central Africa, Germany, Switzerland, America and Algeria. All of that in just five days… Sunday through Thursday. The week is not yet over. Tomorrow we have a full day of cleaning house for church, counseling and Youth Meeting.
We love it!
There are always ups and downs. Sometimes what seems to be a down becomes an up. I will just give you a little illustration of something that happened a couple weeks ago. Judy and I returned from a visit and shopping and I could not locate the keys to get in the house. Having looked every in and out of the car and trying to contain my frustration, I decided that I might as well break in the house. As I was in the process of doing this, a lady walks up to our open front gate and says, “I live next door and I have been wanting to meet you. What are you doing?” I sheepishly explained the situation. She then looked down just under the front wheel of the car, picked up a set of keys and asked, “Are these what you are looking for?” We then spent a few minutes getting acquainted with this new neighbor who mentioned that one of the reasons she had anticipated moving in next door to us was that a person who used to live on the next street over told her how friendly we were and what great music came from our house.
We had been praying to meet these new neighbors, but our plan had fallen through. Judy usually makes “from scratch muffins with hand-picked blue berries” for new neighbors to break the ice. Just a week or so before she had mixed a batch, but for some reason (first time ever) when they came out of the oven, they were a flop. All along God had a plan and a way of saying, “I hear your prayers and I love you and your neighbors.”
We continue to be very encouraged by the commitment of members of the church. Tomorrow is youth meeting to be held and Philip and Amanda’s home. We usually alternate between our homes hosting these youth activities. Having 25 or so teenagers in your home for a meal, interactive games and Bible study requires a bit of work…before and after. One of our families asked if they could host the next one. Tomorrow, this same family is having the whole church and friends brought by members to their home after the morning service for a “potluck lunch” and viewing of the film, “A Case for Christ”, by Lee Strobel.
We hope this little tidbit of what God is doing in our corner will encourage each of you, our partners.
Rejoicing in France,
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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46 Years of Marriage; Visitors from L’Union
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
March 11, 2019
Dear Brother and Sisters,
Last week Judy and I celebrated 46 years of marriage. As many of you would agree, the time passes quickly. Judy has certainly been a wonderful partner. We have had the opportunity to serve the Lord on three continents in very different settings. She not only is a model of encouragement, she has been a tireless worker.
Besides her continual zest in serving the Lord through in ministry beyond our family, Judy has truly been a great mother and grandmother.
This past week we also celebrated the 18th birthday of our oldest grandchild, Abigail. This summer Philip and Amanda will be taking her to Evansville, Indiana to begin her studies in Physical Therapy. We will certainly miss her in many ways. She is a good teacher, excellent musician and has touched the lives of many of her friends as a missionary. Among many other activities she is now leading a student Bible study with high school friends and acquaintances. She and another believer decided to do this and are now each leading studies on the High School grounds about the life of Christ through the Gospel according to Luke.
God has greatly used Philip, Amanda, Abigail, Nathalie, Camille and Emily in what He is doing here. We are so grateful for the partnership we have.
Yesterday, we had a great Sunday meeting with several visitors from L’Union, another city in the Toulouse metropolitan area. They are members of a family who are longtime friends of ours. Years ago, Wendy, a single missionary who works with us, and Judy taught English classes in Blandine’s home using Bible stories as the subject matter. Later, Blandine’s children were regular participants in our Youth meetings and brought their friends. This Sunday, the son, Kerwan, was here with his mother. He is now a 2nd year University student preparing to be a History teacher and shows a good interest in spiritual things. Blandine also brought a neighbor who was here for the first time. This lady expressed how much she enjoyed the Bible reading. I gave her a Bible and she was thrilled. When I suggested to Blandine that we would be glad to start a church meeting in their home, she seemed quite interested. This is something for which you can pray.
You might like to practice your French so here is part of an email I received this morning from Douceline (Blandine’s sister). She lives in Mazeres, about an hour to the south and in whose home we held Bible studies weekly for many years. She was also here yesterday.
Coucou John & Judy,
Un grand Merci pour ce repas, votre gentillesse et votre disponibilité ! Claude a été super contente ! C’était une super idée de lui donner la Bible… Merci aussi pour votre proposition concernant les études sur L’Union. Que notre Seigneur vous bénisse pour tout ce que vous faites pour vos frères et sœurs ! Que notre Seigneur œuvre dans le cœur de chacun et que ces études puissent voir le jour si c’est dans sa volonté !
We are here to let the light of Jesus shine through us so that others may know Him, trust Him and follow Him. There is no better life.
Your partners in France for Christ,
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
Read more
Greatly Encouraged by Youth Outreach
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
February 11, 2019
Dear Co-Laborers,
We continue to be greatly encouraged by the youth outreach of the church here in Tournefeuille. It is truly the church youth reaching out to bring their friends. Each month we have a meeting that includes games, eating and most importantly, Bible study. This year we are going through the Bible looking at the major miraculous events. So far, we have read and discussed the Biblical narrative of Creation, the worldwide Flood, and Israel’s Exodus from Egypt.
I am including pictures of the most recent youth meeting the night before last. We had 16 young people here on Saturday night. The meeting is for Junior High and High School ages. Thomas, a H.S. Senior from our church brought two of his High School friends. One of them had never been to a religious or church event before. Yesterday, in church, Thomas testified that this friend who was here for the first time felt well received and quite interested. He wants to return and is interested in discussing spiritual matters. We are thrilled by initiative of the young members of our church to bring their friends.
We and others in our church pray for acquaintances and family members and in the last couple of weeks we have seen God answer a number of these requests. We continue to be encouraged by the spiritual growth of our members, adult and youth.
The yellow vest street protests have continued for several months now. These have gone on much longer than we expected. It is to a great degree a headless show of discontentment about many different things. It is certainly a manifestation of the reality that in all of our countries people are looking for answers and fulfillment in the wrong places. As believers we need to keep our eyes on Christ and remember that first and foremost we are members of His family and Kingdom.
The regular Bible studies and prayer meetings in homes are going well. Thank you for your continued participation in the ministry here. Please, continue to pray for God to stir up a hunger for spiritual things in those who live around us and give us the wisdom to display and communicate Christ.
From France,
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
Read more
Gospel Presented to Unbelievers through Christmas Play
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
January 7, 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We hope that you have had a good holiday season with your family and friends and are getting off to a good start in 2019. Our past year has been filled with many blessings in spite of some sad moments.
The year closed well for the church at Tournefeuille. The children and young people presented a drama of the birth of Christ among the humans He created. It was a story within a story presented as an imaginary discussion between a believer and an unbeliever about the coming of our Savior. Abigail, our oldest granddaughter, translated the drama from English to French and the players prepared and practiced for several weeks.
The play was presented on Sunday, December 23 to a house packed with guests invited by family members and friends. There were several first-time attendees. Among those present were a number of non-believers. One teenage member of our congregation brought her mother, father, brother and paternal grandparents who are atheist. What a thrill it is to us that these and others who need Christ heard the Gospel presentation. My eyes overflowed with tears as I rejoiced and prayed for the salvation of these who are in need of Christ. Please pray with us that the Holy Spirit will use what they saw and heard to draw them to our wonderful Saviour.
Today is my birthday. God has blessed me with a wonderful life up to this point. Thanks to all who sent birthday wishes. From the eternal perspective our present life will look like a speck of dust no matter how long we live. My desire is to live giving evidence of Christ and proclaiming His Good News so that others may receive Him and live eternally in His presence.
Judy and I are grateful beyond words for the family and spiritual family that our Father in heaven has given us. Thank you for the part that you play in our lives. May God continue to channel His light through you wherever you live.
Serving Christ with you,
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
Read more
Evidence of God at Work in Believers in France
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
December 6, 2018
Dear Co-laborers in the service of our Saviour,
This is my last letter to you this calendar year. It has been an unusual year in many ways. Returning to the ministry in France at the beginning of the year brought us great joy.
My mother, Alta Hatcher – known to many of you, left this world to the presence of the Lord in March. Her departure was not complicated and her last words were repeatedly, “I love you, Jesus.” This year has been marked by the departure of several who had a special place in our lives. We miss them greatly. But, to be “absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” This thrills our hearts and encourages us as we seek to be a light where God has placed us.
Just after I sent my last letter, my nephew Odali arrived with his entire family. He is married to Amanda’s sister, Carrie. Philip and Odali had worked out the details of this trip to surprise Amanda on her 40th birthday. It was a surprise to us all and we certainly enjoyed our time with them. Odali is the son of Odali and Kathy Barros who are also supported by BFM as missionaries in Brazil.
This month has been one of good Sunday and weekday meetings. The evidence of God at work in believers is a cause of gratitude to God. Please pray for the service on the Sunday before Christmas when the children and youth of church will be presenting the Gospel in a special program.
Judy has had some good opportunities with a young lady who has come for years to the youth meetings. Her mother is muslim and her father, separated from her mother, is atheist. She is a school friend of our oldest granddaughter here, Abigail. Amanda, our daughter-in-law and co-worker here, has also had opportunities to communicate with this young lady about Christ. Please, pray for this friend of Abigail.
We enjoyed the live interaction that we were able to have with those of you who were at the Thanksgiving Conference at New Hope B.C. The faithful support we receive through Baptist Faith Missions provides for our needs and is a constant source of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Dinner in France
I have included a photo of our Thanksgiving Dinner with Philip and Amanda. They had us in their home to celebrate Thanksgiving on the Saturday after the U.S. Holiday. Wendy, who works with us and four friends of our granddaughters were with us as well.
Abigail, along with another Christian friend, are organizing a fellowship group for Christians at their High School. In a school of three thousand there are just a handful who profess faith in Christ.
You have probably seen news of the riots and disruptions that have been taking place in France this past month. These began as demonstrations against the increase of taxes on fuels which already were about 80% of the price we pay at the pump. The manifestations have been an inconvenience but have caused us no real harm. Thank each of you who have prayed for us.
May the Lord bless your time together with your families this Holiday Season.
From France,
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
Read more
A Visit with a 90-year-old Lady in Northern France
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
November 5, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Judy and I are very thankful for your participation in the ministry we are doing here in Southern France. Our health is good and we look forward each day to the opportunities the Lord will place before us.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Dave Parks—our fellow laborer in service—sent a message from Stephen Clark, pastor of First Baptist Church of Hazel Park, Michigan. The Clark family have been great friends for my whole life. As it turns out, a member of the church in Hazel Park was concerned about her French aunt, Monique, and wanted a pastor to contact her. When we got the address from Pastor Clark, we became aware of the fact that this French lady lives in Le Havre in Normandy. This is, of course in the region where the Allied troops in WWII disembarked to begin retaking France from the Nazi occupiers.
We attempted to contact a church that we knew of in Bayeux which is about two hours by car from Monique’s home. This approach met with no success, so Judy and I decided that it was the Lord’s will for us to drive to Northern France to visit Monique. The following Monday we drove to the opposite end of France from us. Though this may seem like a long way, to us it is nothing compared to the distance Christ came to save us.
It was a very rainy stormy week, but the trip was touched by “showers of blessings”. Before leaving we contacted Monique, explained who we were and asked if she would like to receive a visit from us. She was very receptive. Judy and I spent nearly an entire day with Monique. As we were leaving, and it dawned on her how long we had been talking, she said, “Time passes fast when you are having a good time”.
This 90-year-old lady has quite a history. Her family were involved in the French underground resistance during the second world war. This is how her oldest sister, who is now with the Lord, met her future husband, William, and how she ended up having nieces who were members of the First Baptist Church in Hazel Park, Michigan. Her family, previously catholics, became protestants because the priest would not allow another sister who died in infancy be buried in the catholic church cemetery. The reason for forbidding the burial was the fact that the infant had not yet been baptized.
We had a great visit with Monique who expressed the belief that Christ died for our sins. Sometimes it is difficult for us to know whether someone has personally placed their faith in Christ, but God knows the heart of each one. Monique was thrilled with the booklets that we left with her which are excellent excerpts of Scripture covering the life and ministry of Christ and the entire message of the Bible. We are planning on speaking with her by phone and discussing what she reads so this is an ongoing opportunity for which you can pray.
Well, I see that I am running out of space, so I will stop. Thank you for prayers and gifts.
Enjoying each opportunity God gives us in France,
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
Read more
Disciples Disciple
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
October 8, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I hope you had an encouraging day with God’s people yesterday as we did here. Our time of worship yesterday was very uplifting. Before Sunday School and teaching time, members of the congregation are invited to choose songs that God has brought to their minds and hearts. Between the singing of songs, the opportunity is given for the believers to read aloud scripture passages that God has used in speaking to them during the previous week. They are also encouraged to give witness of their gratitude for the way they God has worked specifically in their lives during the week.
This is our practice because God’s word clearly teaches us to “…consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another…” (Hebrews 10:24-25) and “speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16)
On Sunday afternoons we have a church leadership meeting to discuss how we are seeing God at work and how we can best proceed to do what He has given us to do. We are very encouraged by the spiritual growth of the members of the congregation and the way they are applying God’s teaching to their lives daily.
Besides Sunday School and worship there are a number of gatherings that take place during the week for learning and mutual encouragement. Here is what this week looks like: Tuesday morning, Judy participates in a ladies’ prayer meeting that is hosted this week by Amanda in her home in Plaisance-du-Touch. Tuesday evening I lead a Bible study from Ephesians in a home in city of Pibrac. Wednesday morning Judy participates in a Bible study led by our co-worker Wendy in the city of Toulouse. Wednesday afternoon I have a live interactive Bible study on internet studying the Gospel of John. Thursday evening Philip is leading a Bible study in Job held in a member’s home in the city of Cugnaux. Saturday evening Philip and Amanda host the Youth meeting in their home.
These meetings don’t take place in a vacuum. Philip works as an engineer and will be in Sweden a couple days this week. Philip and Amanda’s family is very active with four teenagers going to 3 different schools in three different towns and Amanda gives many piano lessons several days a week. All of us have other activities where we seek to contact unsaved people. We love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. Disciples disciple. Last weekend our two older granddaughters, Abigail (17) and Nathalie (16) were at a rustic conference location. They along with two of their Christian friends implemented a Bible program they had put together for the entire weekend and took care of a dozen children ages 18 months to 11 while missionary friends of ours from Bordeaux had leadership training for the leaders in their church plant and outreach ministries.
God has raised up good teachers in our church. There are two ladies and two men in the church who also teach. There are folks who were saved here who now are active as members and teachers in churches in other countries. What a joy to serve here and have you as our ministry partners. Please pray for us. Pray for God to help us to be effective in communicating the Good News of Jesus Christ and continue to make disciples who will also make disciples.
In God’s field in France,
John and Judy Hatcher
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
Read more
Open Opportunities to Share about the Savior at Breakfast Meetings, Piano Recitals, Dinners
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
September 1, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our house has seemed a bit empty the past week since David, Dulce and their children returned home to Chicago. We enjoyed immensely the time we had with this part of our family.
I am getting this letter off quickly before heading over to the next town to have dinner with Philip and his family in the home of one of their neighbors. The host family is a young couple with a two young boys that have had a good relationship with Amanda and Philip for several years. Judy and I had only a visual acquaintance with them until a couple of months ago when we got to know them better at a piano recital of Amanda’s music students. The young man recently started taking piano lessons with Amanda. After the recital this young man seemed quite interested in discussing spiritual things. Pray for this and many other ongoing relationships that we and all of our congregation has with friends and family members. Over 90% of people who trust Christ hear of Him and become convinced that He is the Savior through the influence of friends or family members.
Service at Philip and Amanda’s
Service at Philip and Amanda’s
This morning we had breakfast with the men of our congregation. We try to do this about once a month. These our great times of fellowship and are an important way to encourage one another to love and good works. This morning seemed to be one of the best breakfast meetings with have had. Two of the men spoke of the impact our church has had on them and their families. One of these men grew up in a non-religious family and the other in a catholic family. They expressed their gratitude for what they have learned and experienced with us in getting to know God and in the fellowship of the congregation. Another man, Yoann, who perhaps loves these breakfast meetings more than any who come has not confessed faith in Christ. He has met with our church regularly along with his believing wife and children for several years. He began our conversation by sharing how God had protected him and his family during their recent vacation trip to Italy. They had crossed the bridge in Genoa less than two days before it collapsed on the 14th of August killing 37 persons. The conversation developed along the lines of eternity, our life on earth, eternal life and witnessing to those who do not have faith in God. Yoann told about conversations with his brother who is a virulent atheist. Both of their parents, who died when their children were teenagers, were atheist. Please pray for the salvation of these brothers.
During the time that David and his family were staying with us this summer, our Sunday meetings were held in the home of Philip and Amanda. It is wonderful working together with them here. I am including a couple of pictures of this past Sunday meeting in their home.
Thanks for your prayers and 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
Read more
