Trekking for Jesus
May 11, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Are you feeling shut in? Daily living has been quite different for most of us during the last couple of months. However, we are very thankful for many blessings that God has showered upon us during this time. Eternal life, the union of our spirit to God, is not affected one bit by the viral crisis other than for the good. We thoroughly enjoyed reading the letters of the lady missionaries in the Mother’s Day issue of the Mission Sheets online posting.
One of the many joyful experiences of the last month has been meeting with our church in France! Due to the danger of transmission and the governmental restrictions the congregation decided to meet live online. During the first meeting about 6 weeks ago Judy and I were moved to tears and had a hard time singing during the worship time. The online interactive fellowship has been GREAT! We are so thankful for Philip, Amanda and several other members of our church who work diligently each week to make these meetings a reality. We thank God for giving humans the technological abilities to make this kind of communication possible. Not only have we met with our church in France, we have also been able to “go to church” in America and Brazil. In ALL things God works for good!
Last week, Amanda sent me a text forwarded from a French friend of hers. Amanda has been displaying Christ to this very nice lady, who professes atheism, for several years. The lady’s son had leukemia several years ago when he was still a preschooler. God has graciously given the son physical life and he receives piano lessons from Amanda. The lady forwarded the request of a friend who was looking for someone to help him improve his English speaking. I was glad to help him and we had our first online conversation today. All of the above to ask you to pray for my communication with this young (40ish) husband and father of two sons. He had been told by his “atheist” acquaintance what we did in France. He asked questions and God opened up the door for an introduction of the Gospel. He was interested and I invited him to join us for our virtual Sunday church meeting.
Our dear Savior has also connected us to others in our physical neighborhood who need Christ. Judy and I exercise by trekking [walking with sticks… cross country skiing on dry ground in tennis shoes 🙂 ]. It is a practically unknown physical activity in Evansville. As more people are home bound, they are walking, riding bikes and working in their garages and yards. They keep social distances, but most are looking for social exchanges. This has let us to meet other believers and be able to witness to those who need Christ. It seems that we are well known in the neighborhoods. Sometimes you can be a spectacle for Christ!
On April 30th we celebrated Dad’s 95th birthday. We are so grateful that Paul and Wanda are caring for Dad (John A. Hatcher) as they did for Alta Hatcher (mom) and Willa McGary (Wanda’s mom). Their care for the senior missionaries has enabled us, the younger and aging missionaries to continue serving in the overseas fields. Paul and family set up a Zoom party and nearly all the extended family (7 time zones, 3 continents) were able to celebrate with Dad. God has blessed us beyond our imagination and ability to recount. Trekking for Jesus,
John and Judy
Contact Info:
John & Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher@aol.com
Present USA phone 1-812-416-1033
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
Where is Light?
Hello praying friends,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Light in the dark…
Good morning from the land of lockdown! As the world experiences the uncharted territory (uncharted for us…the world has experienced plagues, etc., throughout history), the question arises, where is light? Can we shine the good news of Jesus while being distanced from others? Can we encourage one another to love and good works while being isolated? I would like to take a few minutes of your time and share with you how God has used what was meant for evil to do good in our corner of the world.
Since John and I are in Evansville caring for my sister, we try to be on the lookout for those God wants us to touch. We walk with trekking sticks in the neighborhood every day. Of course, that makes us an oddity! …but also opens doors to share (from a distance, of course). The COVID-19 has given an awareness to people of the frailty of life…of what is really important…and we have had opportunities to share the reason for the hope we have! Whether it’s on the street, in line to get into the grocery or the checkout lady, there are moments to point people to Christ, the only Hope.
Distance separates from our French friends who don’t know Christ, but we have internet connections and are able to say, “Hey, how are you doing? We are praying for you”. We want those we love to know that even though we are far away, our hearts and prayers are with them.
As a result of the virus, our church in France is not able to meet together as usual. They decided to get together online. They decided to meet in the afternoon for them, so John, Abigail (our granddaughter) and I could attend. Oh, the tears of joy that John and I shed as we sang, prayed and shared with our brothers and sisters on the other side of the world!
Our Christian friends in the Ariège keep connected and we can share with each other our needs and blessings…in short, be an encouragement to one another.
I would like to leave you with a verse God gave me through my reading this week: “Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” Psalm 27:14 NKJV
As we wait, we can be the light, knowing that the LORD is with us.
Yours together for the sake of Jesus,
Judy
Contact Info:
John & Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher@aol.com
Present USA phone 1-812-416-1033
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
An Example of Love & Good Works
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
March 9, 2020
Dear Fellow Disciples of Jesus,
This morning Judy and I received a very welcome call from Jean-Luc and his wife Rose. They are members of the church at Tournefeuille and were calling to see how we were doing and to let us know how much they missed us. We are truly blessed to serve with them and others like them in France.
Last week we had a great time of fellowship with the folks of New Life Baptist Church in Lexington. God has blessed them with an excellent building from which to minister and we enjoyed getting acquainted with new members in this body of Christ. The previous weekend we spent three days with Emmanuel Baptist Church of Bellbrook, OH discussing how to follow Jesus making disciples. Judy and I were very encouraged by the interaction with the followers of Jesus there.
Though the word “missionary” does not appear in most translations of the New Testament, it is clear that all of us who are disciples of Jesus are His light on earth and we are instructed “to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called”. At the meetings in Bellbrook we became acquainted with Mike and Marci. They along with others shared how God had opened doors to communicate about their faith in Christ. I asked permission to share with you what they told us, and here is a bit from Mike and Marci in her words.
How it started –
Mike and I felt the need a few months ago to “reach out” where we can and thought home was the best, and, to be frank, easiest way to widen our comfort zone. I had been giving treats from baking to the neighbors in our condo so it seemed natural to have “Muffins and Prayer in the Stairwell”. Notes on doors for time and date and here we are. *It’s important to note that our first effort was ignored. But…God’s timing, not ours!
And… more recent news –
Thought I’d update on the “Muffins in the stairwell” happening. Monday before last we had three show up for what actually became coffee and brownies and prayers. Since there were only the five of us, we invited them in and it went great.
We met again last night and had two more! (Again, no muffins but great cookies from Kroger-God has given me grace on the scales!)
Last night it was decided that we would try to meet every other Monday. Prayer has been wonderful and the one couple that is moving has promised to keep meeting with us.
We ask special prayers for our young single neighbor upstairs. She is quite shy but seems to enjoy our “God talk”. We are hoping for God to lead us into a conversation on salvation soon.
We have what is a single gentleman downstairs who is an alcoholic and is basically walker bound. I leave goodies and encouraging notes for him as he seldom comes out or answers the door. Praying for him and patiently “wooing” him and trusting our God.
There is one other family downstairs that are polite and enjoy the goodies but show no interest. I’m sure God has His own plan and we’ll remain available.
Our current plan is to put chalkboard adhesive paper on our front door with a bag of chalk. We will put daily Bible verses on it and leave room for prayer requests when we aren’t home. We are learning to be hospitable, (I still tidy more than usual but I’m a work in progress.) And we are learning to REST in Him, not just SUBMIT!
That’s it for now. Just wanted you to know God used you to make an impact in our and other’s lives. Praying for you faithfully. God bless you!
Mike and Marci Walker
Well, I hope their words encourage you “to love and good works” as they have encouraged me. And… let others in your church and fellowship know how God is opening doors around you. In fact, I would be delighted to hear from you. I will not put it in my newsletter without your permission!
With you following the call of Jesus,
John and Judy
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
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
Always on the Mission Field
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, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
You never know when the Lord may open the door for you to speak to someone about Christ. I was flying back from Florida this past Friday night and a young man sitting next to me told me that it was only his second time to fly. His first airplane flight was just a week earlier on his way down to Florida. He was from western Kentucky.
As he spoke, I asked God to open the door for me to speak to him about the Good News of Jesus Christ. Maybe five minutes after that prayer Trenton asked me if I was speaking on the phone in another language when he first sat down next to me. I told him, “Yes, I was speaking in French.” This led to his inquiry about why I spoke French and I told him that I lived in France. Shortly thereafter he asked me if I was there for a job, and we were off… to heaven! So, for the rest of the flight we spoke of our need and Christ doing all necessary for us to be forgiven, become God’s children and live with an eternal purpose. He did not make a profession of faith on the spot, but did speak of his need and how God had brought others unexpectedly into his life to talk about salvation.
All of us are always on the mission field. It is important to realize that this is the reason our Heavenly Father has left us here on earth.
So, why was I in Florida, anyway? Paul and Wanda Hatcher were returning from Manaus, Brazil where they had been for the last 6 months. The Lord richly blessed their ministry to the Tabernacle Baptist Church and other churches during this time. They were returning bringing with them our father, John A. Hatcher, who’s health has declined substantially. All of us in the family are very grateful for the continual and demanding care that Paul and Wanda have committed themselves to provide for our parents during the past five years. They have done this as a ministry to enable Judy and me, David and Pennie, and Kathy and Odali to give ourselves to ministry where God has placed us.
So, I was at their house in Florida to clean, sort and move things to provide the best circumstances for their return and sort through documents so that Paul and Wanda would have the all they needed to care for Dad in the home and provide for future care.
I then drove to Miami to pick them up and taxi them back to central Florida. The Lord worked everything out perfectly and I also enjoyed visiting with a couple of churches in central Florida where we have family and friends.
We are looking forward to being back with Emmanuel Baptist Church of Bellbrook, OH, February 21-23, for a series of meetings on following Jesus to make disciples. If you live in this area and are interested, you can contact Pastor Darrell Messer for further information. We are also looking forward to being with New Life Baptist Church in Lexington, KY on March 1 and celebrate with them 23 years as a church.
We thank God for your prayers and faithful support.
May the Lord bless each of you,
John and Judy
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
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
Encouraged by God at Work in the Lives of Believers
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
January 13, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We just arrived back in Evansville a few hours ago from a very enjoyable weekend with Emmanuel Baptist Church in Bellbrook, OH and Grace Baptist Church in Fairborn, OH. It was encouraging to see the hand of the Lord at work in these two congregations of disciples of Jesus. We met young believers, servants of the Lord and God’s children preparing to serve Him in other fields.
Meanwhile, God has given Judy and me opportunities to be His witness to folks we have met here in Evansville who need Christ and to encourage believers who are seeking to serve Him. In the month of December, we were able to meet with believers from several churches for encouragement, fellowship and service. We met some believers that we did not previously know and were greatly encouraged by the testimony of God at work in their lives. We were also able to spend a good amount of time in fellowship with believers that we had the privilege of serving when we lived in Evansville.
Not only has a new calendar year started for all of us this recently, a new year in my life also began. It is hard to believe how fast the years have passed. It is even more difficult to count the many blessings God had given us. They are innumerable. You are part of these blessings.
We request your prayers for the believers in France, those who need Christ in France and for God’s continuous direction in our lives.
In a couple of weeks, I am going to Florida for a few days to help prepare accommodations for Dad’s (John A. Hatcher) return to Florida. For the past six months Paul and Wanda Hatcher have been active in the Lord’s ministry in Manaus, Brazil. God has blessed tremendously this time in the city where they served for forty years and hundreds of believers have come together with them for the Glory of God in the city. I will be with them for a few days in the beginning of February. We request your prayers for the transition of Paul and Wanda along with Dad back to Florida. Dad is approaching the completion of his 95th year on earth.
May God richly bless each of you as He guides us this year.
With you in His service,
John and Judy
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
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
Holidays that Underscore the Love of God
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
December 9, 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you for praying for Jean-Luc Veuillet, who was in the hospital being treated for a torn carotid artery. He is out of the hospital and was well enough to have Thanksgiving Dinner with Philip, Amanda and their family. A young lady who is muslim was also with them for the meal. She is a High School friend of Abigail’s who has attended youth meetings for years and sometimes comes to church meetings. Amanda and Judy have a good relationship with her and she often seeks counsel from them. We are praying for her salvation.
The Holidays are an excellent time to live out the light that we are in Christ. There are a number of reasons that this is true. Studies show that people are often depressed at this time of the year. This may result because the loss of family members and friends is evident as we get together for seasonal gatherings. On the positive side, the reality that Christmas as well as Thanksgiving clearly underscore the love of God for humanity makes it a good time to more easily direct conversations toward the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving in France
In addition, people are just a bit more open at this time because of the commonality that we share in these special events. Visitors and immigrants to America or people who have no connection with Christianity are often curious about the basis for the Holiday. So, let’s pray for God to give us opportunities to be light to those who walk in darkness.
Today as Judy and I were doing some Christmas shopping she mentioned to me that during our present time in the US she has noticed that there seems to be a greater disconnect between believers and the world at large. I agree with her and think that it is a trend that began decades ago. Should we ask ourselves if we are obeying Jesus? “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Though we are not presently in France, we are still missionaries. Missions is a worldwide responsibility. We want to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time.” If you would like for us to share the passion God has given us with your church, please contact us at jmhatcher@aol.com. Our primary desire is to encourage God’s children.
May God bless each of you.
Serving with you,
John and Judy
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
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
Thanksgiving Conference, Pray for Jean-Luc, Visiting Churches in USA
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
November 15, 2019
Dear Brothers and Sister,
Judy and I just returned from the Annual Thanksgiving Conference held in the facilities of New Hope Baptist Church, Dearborn Heights, MI. The folks from Grace Baptist Church, Wyandotte, MI, and New Hope worked together seamlessly to provide unforgettable hospitality and meals. We thoroughly enjoyed the time with you folks and were greatly blessed by the communication of God’s Word through the speakers.
As we returned home, we received the news that Jean-Luc Veuillet, a faithful member of the church in Tournefeuille. France, was in the hospital being treated for a torn carotid artery. Jean-Luc is a faithful believer and leader in the church. He and his family help in teaching and music ministries and are a source of great encouragement to the whole church. We would appreciate your prayers for this man of God.
We continue to hear good news from our home church in France. The church has an internet site for our church body only where the members can speak to one another sharing news, prayer requests and blessings. Judy and I are able to keep up with what is happening there and they can get first handed news from us.
I am scheduling meetings with churches in the USA between now and the end of January. We would love to come to your church to tell about the work in France and/or share what God has placed on our hearts that might help your church serve where you are. It is our desire to do whatever we can to be a blessing and glorify God. Contact me at jmhatcher@aol.com if you would like for us to come to your church.
Thank you for your faithful support and prayers.
Your team members,
John and Judy Hatcher
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
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
S’more Time to Share the Gospel!
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
October 10, 2019
Dear Co-Laborers in Christ,
We hope that this letter finds you enjoying the Lord’s presence and looking on the fields that are ripe for the harvest. Along the roads in Indiana yesterday I noticed many farmers gathering the harvest. This certainly reminds us of the Lord’s admonition that fields are ready for harvest.
It is cooler in France as well as in the USA, a good time to have one of the young peoples’ favorite activities for youth night…roasting hot dogs and marshmallows for “smores”. I am including a picture Amanda sent me of this part of the youth meeting this past Saturday. The youth meetings have been an excellent means to share the gospel. The believing young people have brought dozens of friends. Some of those who have come in recent years are now off to college. Pray for God to bring spiritual thirst and salvation to those who have not yet trusted Him. Pray also for those who are believers and now in University settings that the Lord would guide them and use them as His light in their new situations.
Roasting smores at a youth meeting in France
Judy and I have been volunteering in an excellent missionary outreach to children in the Evansville Public Schools. Cheryl Simmons, a lady who was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church when I served as pastor before going to France, is the director of this ministry. Steve, her husband, who came to the Lord during our ministry at Emmanuel moves and sets up trailers near each of the 23 elementary schools in Evansville. One day per week the third and fourth graders in each school who have their parents’ permission are released to go to these trailers to be taught Bible lessons. A number of volunteers serve as teachers and assistants in this great Bible ministry to children. Each year a number of these children trust Christ.
Thank you for your prayers and faithful support.
Your fellow servants,
John and Judy
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
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
