Missionary Update: John and Alta Hatcher in Brazil [February 2014]
Missionaries John and Alta Hatcher have served the Lord in Brazil since 1955, planting over 70 churches that are still in existence.
February 7, 2014
Dear Friends and Brethren,
About two months ago our son David and his wife, Pennie, took Alta and I on a cruise of eight days on the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. I was there during the Second World War as a seaman and it was just as beautiful as the first time I saw it.
During the cruise I had asked the Lord to open opportunities to witness of the saving Grace of Jesus Christ. One morning we were up on deck and I asked a young man what were his thoughts about Jesus the Savior.
“I am an atheist,” was his answer.
“Sir, two minutes after you die, you will not be an atheist,” was my reply. Why? Because the Bible tells of one who was an atheist or lived as one. In the sixteenth chapter of Luke, verses 16-31, we have the story of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. If the rich man was not an atheist, he lived like one. Lazarus died and was carried by the angels to Heaven (Abraham’s bosom). The rich man died and was buried; in hell he lifted up his eyes and saw Lazarus in Heaven. When it was not possible for Lazarus to bring a drop of water for his burning tongue, he asked him to be sent back to tell his five brothers about Jesus.
I quickly told the young man about Lazarus and the rich man. I pray for his salvation each time I remember him. If God brings him to your mind, pray for him, also.
WHAT WE LEARN FROM THIS IMPORTANT STORY
- A person must hear the Gospel of Jesus to be able to believe.
- Each person who believes that Jesus died for them will be saved.
- After Death there is no second chance to be saved.
- He who dies in Christ will have eternal Joy.
- He who dies without the Lord will have eternal suffering.
- The most important task we have as Christians is to tell people that Jesus saves.
- With Jesus in our hearts, we should have at least as much zeal to tell the lost about Jesus as the rich man had as he suffered in Hell.
Sincerely yours in Jesus’ Name,
John and Alta Hatcher
Caixa Postal 112
Urai, PR, Brazil 86280-000
jhatcher[at]uol.com.br
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Missionary Update: AJ & Barbara Hensley in Brazil [December 2013]
The Hensleys have spent nearly 15 years serving in Brazil. They run a vocational school and orphanage in Caraguatatuba and have also established a church and mission points throughout the city.
Dear Friends and Family,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all from the beautiful country of Brasil. As you know there is some difference between the temperature here and there. Here we are in the 90% humidity and it is on the increase. How AWESOME is the God that we serve! There are many differences in our countries, cities, customs —-but only one Savior.
This month we are doing a lot of physical labor on the home where our Brazilian pastor is living, building closets, painting and whatever else needs to be done. I am being the handi-man for a while. If you have thought there is no physical labor on the mission field think again. Now for an advertisement, I think, and that is dangerous, that every missionary on the field needs a handi-man. So what I am saying is: “We need groups for construction projects.” Sometimes our need to do construction takes us away from the main thing, which is spreading the Gospel here in Caraguatatuba. So could you plan a mission trip with construction in mind? When planning this kind of trip you need to take into consideration that we not only need help with the construction but we need help with the financial part too.
We are working very hard on the things for the month of December. We have 40 or more children that we would like to give Christmas presents to and with your help we will be able to do this. We are asking our members to participate in this effort and we have had great response. If you would like to be a part of this just mark a contribution for children’s Christmas. Any and all help will be appreciated.
Our children are participating in the Christmas story for the Church. They are practicing the songs to sing and we will have a manger with Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus. Pray that the parents will come to see their children and hear the true Christmas story. Hearing their practice each week is putting the feel of Christmas in the air.
We have started two small groups on Friday nights. This is a time for studying the Bible for prayer and discussions about things from your daily life. Both are serving dual purposes as we have two women that are home bound and this also brings Church to their homes. One is in Gloria’s home. Her condition , for those of you who are praying for her, is progressing and I wish I could say the same about her treatment. We have been running from one Doctor to another and from one hospital to another for some months now. We finally got answers this past week. She does have cancer in the uterus and will have to have treatments. She will have to have chemo and radiation therapy starting on the 19th of the month. This will be for 30 days. Then they will do tests to see if she will still need surgery. Continue to pray for her to be strong and continue to rely on the Lord as she has done for so many months. Please pray for Gloria as she still has 3 children under age and one other living in her home. Pray for us as we are bending over backwards to do all we can for her and the family.
Throughout all this we have seen first hand again how the National Health program works. It is not a good thing!!! So, not trying to be political, but there in the States you are in for many issues and major problems with the health care that is being put into place there.
The second place that we are having the group is in the home of Jandira, another widow lady of our Church. She has had an infection in her leg for well over a year. This is the second time in this year that she has been put on total bed rest. The doctors are trying to take care of this problem with meds and rest but I am not seeing any progress. She does not have any children living with her so she is alone in this struggle except for her Church family and one adult son. Please pray for her and her financial needs. Her meds are very expensive and her income is very little.
I know that this sounds like lots of problems. But for our small Church it is a blessing. We are able to help financially, physically, and spiritually. God is AWESOME!!! Continue to pray for our Church and the many works that are being realized through her.
Thank you all for the many gifts and for the prayers that you say every day for us here. Without the help of many we would not be able to reach as many for the Lord. Again THANKS!!
As always, think about coming down and being a part of the work that is going on here in Caragua. We love to have groups come and help. You can see that your mission dollars are being utilized in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord.
Just say that you are coming and give us the date and we will put some more water in the beans and turn your bed down.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara Hensley
ajcaragua[at]gmail.com
Click here to give. | Like them on Facebook. (Their Facebook page has some videos of stuff they have written about!)
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Missionary Update: The Wacasers in Brazil [December 2013]
Bobby, Charlene, Jessie, and Brennen Wacaser have served the Lord as church planters in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, since 1985.
December 8, 2013
Dear Friends,
There is only one more week that I have to use crutches after my knee surgery. I can hardly wait to get around normally and not be a burden to Charlene around the house. Even the simplest of things requires help. It frustrates me when I try to get from the kitchen to the dining room with a cup of coffee or plate of food. Not only can I not help, but I also add the burden of having to be helped. As if she didn’t already have enough work on her slate. She doesn’t complain, but I know how much she has to do and, add to that, not being able to help is a bummer. I always appreciated everything she does for me, but that sentiment is even greater now. I am thankful for her and for the fact that very soon I’ll be able to relieve some of her burden.
Our much anticipated Marriage Workshop was a tremendous success last week. We had great attendance and especially from those we hoped to reach: non-church members. We encouraged our own members to invite friends, family and even strangers to attend and we had several visitors from each group. We have heard some fantastic feedback from most everyone and no negative comments from anyone. We will see today at our services how much of an impact the workshop made on those attending, at least whether or not any workshop attendees will return for regular worship service.
Our ministry through sports may be taking a leap of more effectiveness in the near future. We have been blessed recently with the addition of a married couple who was transferred to our city who are avid athletes. They have been dedicated Christians for several years and their doctrinal positions are completely in line with the Scriptures. The man holds an advanced level in Jiu-Jitsu wrestling and we already have another Greco-Romano wrestling trainer as a member. The interest in this type of sports in Brazil is very high and these men are anxious to use their skills to make an impact for the Lord’s kingdom. Adding these sports to our mountain trekking, soccer, football and we find ourselves positioned to have many hours of personal discipleship time with many young men.
In early January, Charlene and I will begin the experience of an “empty nest.” Our daughter, Jessie, left home nearly 5 years ago and now, our son, Brennen, will be leaving home to begin studies in the USA. We know that we will have some serious bouts of loneliness, but we have been praying for and preparing our kids for life on their own since their arrival in our lives. We trust that the Lord will guide and protect Brennen, just as He has Jessie and use them both for His glory and their joy in serving Him. We are eternally grateful for the privilege of being their parents. Please pray for us as we adjust to this new phase in our lives and, for them, that they may honor the Lord with their lives and decisions.
In Christ’s love,
Bobby and Charlene Wacaser
Rua Laudelino Ferreira Lopes, 279-1
Sobrado 1, Bairro Novo Mundo
81050-310 Curitiba, PR Brasil
(813)436-9980
bobbymichael_1@hotmail.com
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Missionary Update: Paul & Wanda Hatcher in Brazil [October 2013]
Paul and Wanda Hatcher have been serving the Lord together in Brazil for 36 years. Paul pastors Tabernacle Baptist Church in Manaus, Brazil. Their main ministry is church planting.
October 7, 2013
Dear Friends,
Last night was a great evening of celebration as another church was organized – Tabernacle Baptist Church of Japiim I. It was organized with 42 members and called Gilvani Brandao as their pastor. This church is in a community that is plagued with drugs and the accompanying violence. This community has been a long, hard battle; it’s great to see people saved and their lives transformed as well as the transformation of the neighborhood. Pray with us as the gospel continues to reach out to more and more communities and cities.
In my last letter I shared the story of Bro. Herman’s cancer and the difficulties his family was going through. A couple of weeks after I wrote, Herman went to be with the Lord. We await to see him in the resurrection with a glorified body. The funeral was a celebration of his life and thanksgiving for the many lives he touched. This became an opportunity for the church and God’s people to show Christ’s love to this family during these days of affliction. Pray for his wife and two sons as they make the adjustments to life without a husband and dad.
Wanda and I are doing well and send our love to each of you. We thank you for your prayers and request that you pray that God will continue to open opportunities to share the gospel.
In Christ,
Paul and Wanda Hatcher
Avenida J. Carlos Antony, 172
65063-150 Manaus
Amazonas, Brasil SA
hatcher[at]argo.com.br
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Missionary Update: Mike & Beverly Creiglow in Brazil [October 2013]
Mike and Beverly Creiglow have served the Lord in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil together for 40 years. In addition to pastoring First Baptist of Cruzeiro do Sul, Mike builds his own boats and frequently travels up and down rivers to share the Gospel with those who have never heard.
October 8, 2013
Dear Brethren,
Almost back to normal after the prolonged battle of 2 months with a flu. Besides all the regular duties, I have been back at construction jobs over the past 3 weeks.
We have been rebuilding the swimming hole at camp. Each of the last 3 weekends we have taken 30-40 people to work. We had three pieces of heavy equipment the first weekend draining and cleaning out the pond. Since then we have been rebuilding the walls and pouring concrete in the shallow side. We still have at least one more weekend before we can let it fill up again. All of us are beat at the end of Saturday. I usually get home around 9:00PM. Then early Sunday morning I am teaching 2 classes at church and preaching either the afternoon or evening service. Monday is supposed to be my day off, but this Monday I made 2 more trips to camp hauling building materials and getting the next step ready.
Working on the “swimming hole” at the camp.
We started a new chapel across river at Miritizal. We have already finished the foundation and slab for a new building there. That construction has taken a little of my time, too. Bev and I went over to visit them on their first Sunday night service. They had about 50 present for this first service. Since then the folks in the neighborhood have gotten used to the idea and started showing up. They had close to 100 this last Sunday.
We have had really good services at First Baptist with a few saved. Over 40 were baptized 2 weeks ago. Several of these are from our congregations.
I have had some good reports from places like Gama, Porto Walter, Vitória, Guajará, Rodrigues Alves, Serra do Moa and Pé da Terra. Folks are being saved and baptized. Everyone is complaining about the economy though. The churches and congregations are having a hard time supporting their pastors and workers. Our state is broke. We also had a young judge in Rio Branco that interfered with a lot of people’s personal investments. She (the judge) said she stepped in to “protect” the innocent from being hurt. Well we all know what happens when the government says, “We’re just here to help.” Many of you there in the States are probably going through the same thing. So, pray for us and we will pray for you!
Working on the “swimming hole” at camp.
We also had a big activity for our married couples this month. They called it “ChocoNight”. More chocolate candy than should be permissible in one building. There were over 200 couples. Many of these were visitors. It was a great opportunity to witness to these and encourage the home folks.
Bev and I also gave our first ever 4 week, 16 class course for couples who are getting ready to marry and newly weds. We also invited a few other couples to audit the classes as we want to have more people ready to help us with this kind of counseling. We had 20 couples to complete the course.
Sometimes all the building, studying, teaching on side issues and events make me feel like I am spinning my wheels without much progress. I guess these things have to be done, too.
Thanks for all of your prayers and support. God bless you as much as He has us.
In Christ,
Mike and Beverly Creiglow
Caixa Postal 24
Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil 69980
mdcreig [at] hotmail.com
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Missionary Update: Odali & Kathy Barros in Brazil [October 2013]
Odali and Kathy Barros have served the Lord in Sao Paulo, Brazil together since 1987. They are currently in the process of transitioning to Manaus to start sharing the Gospel and planting churches in villages along the river.
October 4, 2013
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Time goes by so fast that it is hard to believe that it is already October. It seems like–with all our moving plans and getting things in order here–there is just not enough time. It is a good thing that the day only has 24 hours. Things are coming along pretty well. We have a truck almost ready to go. The trip is a 10-days trip if all goes well. Kathy has bought her plane tickets for the end of November. So if all goes well, our next new letter will be from Manaus. I will be going on the next truck, which will be taking most of our furniture. I plan on getting there a little before Kathy so I can get the house painted and ready for us to move in. Pray for us as we get our moving done. We thank God for His protection till now.
The things here in the church are doing great. The folks are adapting well to the new pastor and his co-worker who will be involved with the Sunday school department. He has been working with us since Bro. John Hatcher was in Garca. He also plans on continuing with the seminary. One of his great qualities is that he loves starting churches. We have a great relationship with the pastor so he is already coming even before we leave. We pray that that will help the people to create a relationship with him before we leave.
Even though we have lived in Manaus before, it has been many years ago. But probably the biggest change of all is going from living with hundreds to living with our family. We will always help people, because that is part of our work. But having a children’s home is definitely a different thing. I always want to do for others what God once did for me through other people.
Odali with his brother Edson who is suffering from leprosy. Please pray for his salvation.
I would appreciate your prayers for one of my brothers. His name is Edson. He is not saved and has leprosy. At this moment he is doing well with his treatment. But the illness has left him with some difficulties with the nerves in his legs. Please pray for his salvation. God has been wonderful to my family. I came from a very Catholic family. In fact, all of my brothers and my sister and several relatives studied to be priest and a nuns. I was the first to get saved. Thanks to a faithful BFM missionary, today there are many saved in our family. Praise God!
Thanks for all your prayers and your support. God bless each of you.
Odali and Kathy Barros
Tito, Jonas and Gabriel
Odali & Kathy Barros
odali_kathy[at]hotmail.com
Blog
Av. Victor Hugo Boaretto S/N
Garca, Sao Paulo 17.400,000
Brasil, SA
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Missionary Update: The Wacasers in Brazil [October 2013]
Bobby, Charlene, Jessie, and Brennen Wacaser have served the Lord as church planters in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, since 1985.
October 4, 2013
Dear Friends,
So many opportunities surround us that we have to really focus so as not to attempt to put too many irons in the fire. If I had four times the number of committed volunteers than I have now, we still wouldn’t be able to fill every opening that’s available. That is why I must focus on multiplying leaders. My natural tendency would be to run from one urgent situation to the other, trying to handle each need, but I would only poorly address the issue and would soon be off in a rush to poorly address the next urgent situation. The Lord is helping me understand the Apostle Paul’s instructions to Timothy to take what I’ve learned from the Scriptures and teach it to faithful men who will then teach that to yet other faithful men. Alek, Tony, Daniel, Ruvian, Rafa, Brennen, Marcio, Aurelio and Guilherme are several of just such men. I am investing my time, energy and resources in them so that all of us may be more effective in spreading the Gospel and developing followers of Christ. These young men are exciting to train and their exuberance in their walk with the Lord helps me to stay encouraged as I see growth in their spiritual lives. As a result of their increase in knowledge and faith, our church is growing steadily and we are able to plan to launch new churches in the near future.
Two of the men mentioned above, Tony and Alek, are putting audacious faith into practice. They both want to serve as pastor/missionaries, so they are seeking ways to earn a living for themselves and their families, but reduce the hours they have to work at their income earning jobs so that they will have more time to invest into ministry. Tony is praying for a job that will allow him to work about 9 days a month and will still pay about what he makes at present as a mechanic. In order for him to get this job, he had to take a written test (which he already passed) and will still have to take a physical test to confirm the position. He isn’t just sitting around waiting for the Lord to miraculously give him the job, though. He was overweight for the job description and couldn’t meet the physical demands. Ever since he began praying for the job, he has been cautious of his eating habits and has been exercising daily. He has lost over 40 lbs and has increased his overall physical strength. Alek’s job opportunity will require that he pass a very difficult written exam. He has been investing time, energy and funds into his studies to prepare for this test while he prays that the Lord opens the door. They both understand that faith without works is dead. They know that only the Lord can give them these jobs, but they are working diligently to exercise their faith through deeds. In fact, it is because they trust the Lord that they are motivated to prepare themselves to walk through the doors when they open. These men are great examples of the type of leaders we want in our churches. I pray that the Lord will bless their faith and give them these jobs so that they will have more time available for ministry.
The Alpha team bus that was damaged in the accident last month will require some extensive and expensive repairs. The initial estimate is around $7,000. The Alpha team missionaries borrowed the Logos bus that was not scheduled for interstate travel and continued their journey to Rio de Janeiro to minister in spite of the trauma and sadness they suffered from the death of the other vehicle’s driver and passenger. The Lord blessed their three weeks of ministry and evangelism and many people became followers of Christ. We still need to do the repairs on the Alpha bus and will need the funds to do so. If you sense that God would have you to contribute to this need, please label your gift, “Alpha Bus”. It would be greatly appreciated and used to take the gospel to the lost in locations where there are no churches.
Charlene, Brennen and I are very grateful to you who pray for us and who give financially that we may live and serve the Lord in southern Brazil.
In Christ’s love,
Bobby, Charlene and Brennen Wacaser
Rua Laudelino Ferreira Lopes, 279-1
Sobrado 1, Bairro Novo Mundo
81050-310 Curitiba, PR Brasil
(813)436-9980
bobbymichael_1@hotmail.com
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Missionary Update: Jud & Raquel Hatcher in Brazil [June 2013]
Jud and Raquel Hatcher serve the Lord in Manaus, 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.
Dear friends,
I am grateful for every investment you make in missions, particularly as you pray to the Father on our behalf. In this letter, I want to share with you concerning our new cycling outreach, a challenge for you to participate in a successful church plant in America, our recent salvation decisions, the auditorium expansion, our children’s cookout and also want to share several pictures.
Cycling Evangelism
Since I was 16 years old, I always dreamed of cycling as an Evangelism strategy for making new friends and witnessing. I remember as if it were yesterday, writing in my prayer book what I imaged, including an artistic sketch of a big group of cyclers. Well, 20 years later, God decided it was time. A few weeks ago, two men in their late 20’s came to visit the main Sunday service. As we talked, they told me of how they cycle daily with groups of 20 to 30 people throughout the city. I told them I loved cycling and how I had been an avid cycler during my teens. They invited me to join them in cycling. I did not have a bike so they lent me one. God’s timing was perfect (always is), I was ready for this new challenge although I felt out of shape. I have met so many new people it is unbelievable! Raquel has since joined me in cycling as well. We do not have to invest energy in organizing cycling events; we just go along for the ride, meet new people and share Christ.
Church Planting
Church planting is such an uplifting opportunity and it is the best evangelism strategy developed by the Lord. Everyone should be a part of a successful church planting experience at least once in his or her lifetime. America is also in need of new solid churches. Consider following the Lord’s example in this way – we need more churches. I am grateful to have joined my grandfather, my father and uncles in church planting to during my formative years. Now, as I pass on to my children the experience in ministry through church planting I am grateful that they will have fond memories too. Every location has something unique. The Lord teaches us life-changing lessons through challenges in reaching people, lessons we might not learn otherwise.
Salvation Decisions and Expansion
Over the last month, 11 people have surrendered to the Lord. We continue with small group prayer meetings, home discipleship visits, breakfast, lunch and dinner meetings. Last week, the auditorium received a reorganization in its layout to accommodate more chairs. We now have room for 130 seats. Our main Sunday night service generally lasts 4 hours from start to finish. I generally preach for an hour, we sing, share and eat together. We have intense and sweep fellowship on Sundays.
Kid’s Club
Last month we reached 50 children, plus their parents through a children’s evangelism cookout and game day. It was a true success. As the children sang, heard a Bible lesson, played and competed, the adult members of the church plant made personal connections with the parents and witnessed. As a result, several families have visited during our Sunday services simply because the kids ask their parents to go to church. Most of the parents, who come from Catholic backgrounds, are not used to having a special focus on their children and they love it. One family has a 4 year old daughter who wakes up every day asking “Is today Sunday? Can I get dressed for church?”
Come and visit us anytime. If you want, give me a call. My phone number is (859) 544-9040. Yes, it is a Kentucky number and you can reach me in Brazil. Thanks again for all you do for the Gospel!
Grateful,
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
judsonhatcher@hotmail.com
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