Encouraging Brazilian Pastors, Evangelizing Students, & Youth Camp

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Jud and Raquel Hatcher are third generation missionaries serving 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 15, 2024

Family News

Everyone successfully completed their school year and was promoted to the next grade. Sarah graduated from high school and two weeks later was accepted into ESPM, a Brazilian university. She plans to study communications and publicity. I (Judson) celebrated my birthday with dengue fever. The fever lasted for almost a month. Thankfully, the cold sweats, brain fog, and constant itching are over! Raquel is in excellent health and is actively engaged in serving others.

Evangelism, Five Decisions at Camp, and Ministry At Large.

The soccer school allows us to evangelize students every week and build bridges with the parents. Our teams participated in a one-day tournament, winning half of the matches against other teams.

Through Rede Convivencia (Togetherness Network), under the leadership of Pastor Eliezer, we had a youth camp with 40 students, which rendered five salvation decisions. Benjamin (my son) traveled 6 hours to join the camp and also made important decisions during the camp.

Last week, I visited several pastors and their families in our Rede Convivencia. We made stops in São Paulo state in Pompeia, Marilia, Vera Cruz, Alvaro de Carvalho, Fernão. In Paraná state, we visited pastors in Cornélio Procópio, Assaí, and Urai. Pastor Elieser joined me on this journey to minister to pastors and their families.

The one-year-old church plant in Marilia, which meets in Américo and Paula Pinotti’s garage, celebrated three baptisms and their first Lord’s supper last week. Américo was mentored by Pastor Gilberto Steffano during his formative years. Recently, Américo requested my mentorship for pastoral ordination and guidance in organizing the new work.

Pastor Raimundo Pinto, the lead pastor for the church plant in Aracajú (Northeastern Brazil), inaugurates the new building at the beginning of August.

Our student ministry evangelism gathering drew several new students and made new connections. We played volleyball, indoor soccer, and foot-volleyball.

Foster Care

Raquel actively works in recruiting, training, equipping, and networking couples and families to serve as foster care parents to attend to the immense need of at-risk children in São Paulo city. She is a strong advocate and voice in one of the world’s largest metropolises – São Paulo city is still learning what foster care means and how it benefits children and society.  The court system recently inspected Raquel’s foster care intake facilities and received high marks from the city officials. We are grateful to Jason and Nikki Estes for their encouragement, mobilization, and partnership in significantly impacting the lives of precious children in foster care.

Prayer Requests

1) The purchase of a car.

2) Finances for Sarah’s first year in a Brazilian university.

3) The new school year is starting soon for Laura (12th), Benjamin (10th), and Melissa (7th).

4) Family health.

5) Evangelism and church growth

6) Judson’s doctoral studies and dissertation on pastoral succession in Brazilian churches. 

Grateful always,
Judson and Raquel Hatcher

Contact Info:
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
São Paulo, Brazil
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
(872) 400-6522

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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Training Pastors & Leaders, New Church Planted, Evangelistic Cookouts, Couples Gathering, Update on Needs

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Jud and Raquel Hatcher are third generation missionaries serving 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.

June 22, 2023

Dear friends,

We are delighted to bring you an exciting update on the ongoing ministry work in Brazil. God’s grace and favor continue to pour upon us as we witness His transformative power at work in the lives of individuals, churches, and communities. Here are some highlights from recent events and initiatives:

Pastors’ Conference with Pastor Hanibal Rodriguez:

We were privileged to host an uplifting Pastors’ Conference in partnership with Pastor Hanibal Rodriguez from Wheaton Bible Church. This conference served as a time of refreshment, equipping, and encouragement for pastors across the nation. Through Pastor Hanibal’s insightful teaching and powerful ministry, pastors were equipped to shepherd their congregations with renewed vision and passion.

Church Ministries Conference with Eight Workshops:

In our commitment to fostering growth and excellence in church ministries, we organized a dynamic Church Ministries Conference. This event featured eight different workshops covering various aspects of ministry, including worship, discipleship, children’s ministry, evangelism, and more. Pastors, leaders, and volunteers gained valuable insights, practical tools, and inspiration to enhance their ministry effectiveness.

Pastor and Leaders Monthly Gathering:

We continued our monthly gatherings for pastors and leaders to strengthen unity and provide a platform for mutual support and growth. These gatherings took place in São Paulo and Parana, attracting participants from various regions. Through worship, prayer, and the sharing of testimonies and challenges, we witnessed the power of collaboration and the edification of leaders as they sharpened one another for a more significant Kingdom impact.

Church Plant in Marilia led by Americo and Paulinha:

Praise God for the establishment of a new church in Marilia under the leadership of Americo and Paulinha. This church plant represents an answered prayer and a strategic step in reaching the unreached in that area. We believe that this congregation will grow into a vibrant community of believers, passionately sharing the Gospel and transforming lives.

Three Incredible Evangelistic Cookouts:

Evangelism remains at the core of our mission, and we rejoiced in organizing three incredible evangelistic cookouts. These events provided opportunities for fellowship, engaging conversations, and sharing the love of Christ. Many individuals encountered the truth of the Gospel, and we witnessed the power of God’s Word breaking strongholds and bringing salvation to those who were lost.

Couples Gathering:

We organized a special Couples Gathering to recognize the importance of healthy marriages and families. This event aimed to strengthen marital relationships, enrich communication, and provide biblical principles for navigating challenges. Couples left the gathering inspired and equipped to build strong foundations in their homes, becoming beacons of Christ’s love and grace.

Evangelistic Cookouts, One-on-One Discipleship, and Small Group Bible Studies:

Our evangelistic efforts continued through three incredible cookouts, creating opportunities for fellowship, conversations, and sharing the Gospel. We also engaged in one-on-one discipleship meetings and small group Bible studies in homes, nurturing spiritual growth and community among believers.

Family News:

In the midst of our ministry endeavors, we rejoice in celebrating the accomplishments of our family:

Sarah won her school’s “Talent Show” with her beautiful singing, showcasing her God-given gifts and talents.

Benjamin shone brightly as the protagonist in his 8th-grade theatrical performance, displaying remarkable acting skills.

We joyfully celebrated Benjamin’s 8th-grade graduation, marking a significant milestone in his academic journey.

Melissa achieved a new level of proficiency in her Jiu-Jitsu class, earning a well-deserved stripe and demonstrating her determination and discipline.

Laura received the prestigious “Outstanding Student of the Year Award” at her school, recognizing her exceptional academic achievements and character.

I (Jud) marked my 46th birthday with a delightful date with Raquel at an incredible fondue restaurant.

The kids and I enjoyed a memorable day of bike riding at Ibirapuera Park, Brazil’s equivalent to NY Central Park.

Fundraising Requests:

We humbly reach out to you, our faithful supporters, with two pressing fundraising needs:

1)     Sound System, Stage, and Tent:

To enhance our church planting and network gatherings, we require a sound system, stage, and tent. The estimated cost for this essential equipment is 10,000 US dollars, considering the higher expenses for such equipment in Brazil.

2)     Second Car Purchase:

Due to the increasing demand and rising expenditures on transportation, we urgently need to acquire a second vehicle. The estimated cost for this much-needed resource is also 10,000 US dollars.

We are humbled by the privilege of serving alongside faithful partners like yourselves. Your prayers and support have been instrumental in the progress and impact of these ministries. As we press forward, we invite you to join us in prayer that God’s Kingdom will continue to expand and transform lives in Brazil.

May the Lord bless you abundantly for your partnership in the Gospel.

Grateful always,
Jud Hatcher

Contact Info:
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
São Paulo, Brazil
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
(872) 400-6522

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
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