Missionary Update: The Radfords in Kenya [December 2014]
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
December 3, 2014
Dear praying friends,
It is now the end of 2014 and we are rapidly approaching 2015. We hope and pray that each of you had a great 2014 and will have an upcoming year of 2015 that is filled with all the joys of serving the Lord and trusting in His promises each step of the way. The future can be somewhat of a challenge to us, as we live day by day, but what a joy to know that the Lord will not leave us, forsake us, and will be with us through all our challenges. I love the quote that says “I do not know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future.”
As I reflect on this past year, it was certainly filled with challenges for our family. Our time of furlough in America was very nice, and as always, it was very busy and filled with much traveling. Upon our return back to Africa, Kenya specifically, there were other challenges, such as getting used to the way of life here, getting our family adjusted back, and getting our daughter McKenna started in homeschooling. These were just some of the changes from this past year.
The hospital ministry is continuing along well. My wife comes back after going and many weeks there are more babies and mothers than the supplies she took for the ministry! We have to regularly order supplies for this ministry as there are many mothers and needy babies. We need to remember to have a sensitive to heart to those who are in need. Psalm 41:1 says “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.” Please pray for my wife and all the babies there who are in need. Please pray also for the Gospel tracts that are given to the mothers, that the mothers would read them and be saved. We desire to be faithful and trust the Lord with the results.
The church planting ministry is continuing along, but there are definite challenges. One of the main challenges is to find men who will go out and be independent of us. Men that will rely wholly on the Lord and His provisions for them. Men that will be faithful to the Word and not change the truth of it. Men that will realize their responsibilities before God, their friends, and their families, and be faithful to them. These are the kind of men that we are looking for, and trusting God to provide in His time and plan. It is better to be patient and wait on the Lord than trying to rush ahead. Lamentations 3:25 says “The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.” We trust the Lord through all of these challenges, and know He will be faithful through it all. We appreciate your prayers, that the Lord would bring the right men to train in His timing.
In family news, it has been a good year, and a year of growth for our two daughters, McKenna and Camille. They have had to learn to get along, apologize to each other, and love each other through all the challenges of growing up. They both have a sensitive spirit and it is a joy to be their parents. McKenna has started homeschooling this year, and seems to be enjoying it. It takes much preparation for my wife, but she is trained in education and is enjoying this new role as schoolteacher. We thank the Lord that there is a family nearby with children around the age of our daughters that they can play with. This is a big answer to prayer, but we continue to pray for other missionary families to come who would have children to play with our children. Believe it or not, this is a major challenge for missionaries, to have friends for their children to play with. It is easy for the needs of children to be overlooked and unchecked, and I am mentioning this to ask you to pray not only for our daughters, but the children of missionaries around the world, as they have needs as well. God has been answering prayer for this, and we continue to pray.
We wish each of you a great 2015. May we each be faithful to serve, wherever the Lord has us. May we be fervent in our service, and faithful in our lives. May we continue to seek His will, pray, and have the spirit of service, even when it is difficult or challenging. Have a great 2015 and we will keep you updated.
Thanks again so much for all you do and your heart for missions in East Africa.
Serving in Kenya,
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa, 30200
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Missionary Update: The Radfords in Kenya [August 2014]
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
August 4, 2014
Dear praying friends,
We are now in the month of August, and it is hard to believe we are more than halfway past the year 2014. Soon will be the time for holidays and other times of fellowship with friends, family, and others. What a blessing it is to be a part of where the Lord is working. I pray that we will be faithful to where He leads. As one has wisely said, “Follow where He leads, and you will not go wrong.”
Thanks so much to each one who prayed for the hospital ministry permit. We greatly appreciate it. I am thankful to announce that the permit has processed successfully in Nairobi, the capital city, and my wife is official to continue along with that ministry. We are thankful for answered prayer and for the Lord leading and directing her to serve here in Kitale. The permit is good for three years, after which at the end of this time, we will need to reapply for it. We are thankful to each of you who pray for this ministry, give sacrificially, or help in any way. Please pray for my wife as she plans to begin soon, Lord willing.
There was a government rally in Nairobi this past month, called “saba saba.” In Swahili, the national language of Kenya, that stands for “seven seven,” or July 7th. People were concerned at this rally, as there were some grievances that were thought to be brought forth, which can lead to violence. There were thousands of police officers on duty and we thank the Lord that the rally passed along peacefully. God has answered a lot of prayer for safety, as even the last election went smoothly. Psalm 34:19 says ” Many are the afflictionsof the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” How we need to trust the Lord each day, and not just at times such at these. It is wonderful to know that even if we do pass through trials or times of uncertainty, the Lord is there and will protect and help.
In family news, the girls are doing well. We recently bought them a small puppy to help them to have a friend to play with here. The Lord provided one close by in Kitale at a very reasonable price. McKenna named the puppy “Betsy” and has loved each day of being with her, except when she cries at night and keeps us awake! This is all part of having a puppy to play with, and I am sure she will do fine as we have her longer. She is just six weeks old now, and a really good family dog that is loyal. Although this does help them, please continue to pray with us that the Lord will provide other children in Kitale the age of our daughters, as most of the children are older and it is difficult to make good friends. We know the Lord will take care of this in His time and plan. His plan is best, and we trust Him.
God bless each of you and we will keep you updated. Thanks to each of you for your heart for missions.
Serving in Kenya,
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa, 30200
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Missionary Update: John Mark & Judy Hatcher in France [August 2014]
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
August 4, 2014
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I am writing this letter to you from the Chicago where we will be during the month of August. On July 19, Téo Hatcher was born to David and Dulce Hatcher. He is their third son and our 10th grandchild. A few days after the birth we arrived to help the family. We are grateful for the good health of mother and child, that we have this wonderful privilege of being here with them and to visit with others in our family.
Philip, Amanda and their children just returned to France after visiting with family in the USA this school vacation. God has provided the means for them to do this once every two years. Things would be very different in France if we did not have Philip, Amanda and their children working together with us. We thank God for placing us together in the endeavor that He has set before us.
During the one Sunday that neither Philip or I were there, the services took place with the participation of the French believers. The report we received is that things went very well. Our long term goal is to leave behind us completely self supporting, autonomous churches with leaders from among those that God has provided. We see progress on many fronts, but would like to see committed leaders from among those that have come to Christ there. Please, pray with us for progress in this area.
Yesterday, I had the joy of meeting with the East Keys Baptist Church in Springfield, IL. We had a wonderful day in the Lord. I had promised Dan Hillard that I would visit the church where he is pastor during the next trip to the USA. The loaned car from Adam and Lydia Reece made it possible to drive to Springfield to spend this blessed day with these folks that we love in the Lord. Thank You brothers and sisters of East Keys Baptist church for sharing this day with me. And, thank all of you churches and individuals who support us faithfully and have done so for such a long time. We will not be able to see most of you during this short visit to the USA .
As my parents and Paul and Wanda Hatcher are on furlough, I will be with them for a few days. I write this letter with great joy, grateful for the parents, children and grandchildren that God has given us. Judy and I both were led to the Lord by our parents who also taught and set a good example for us. As we observe how God is working in the lives of our children and extended family our “cup is full and running over”.
Rejoice in the Lord this month. He has and is doing great things.
Serving with you,
John and Judy
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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Missionary Update: Sheridan & Anita Stanton in Peru [July 2014]
Sheridan and Anita Stanton have served the Lord in Peru since 1983. Their main ministry is church planting and they have helped establish churches all over the country. Sheridan also works to train pastors and Anita works with the ladies’ ministry and developing children’s material.
July 7, 2014
Dear friends,
Two accepting Christ this past month, four added by moving their membership, and two weddings, means we have been busy here at the Calvary Baptist Mission-Church! Anita works long hours every day getting Sunday School material ready for the teachers and soon they will be able to decorate their new rooms at the new building. Everyone is getting excited about getting the building finished. However, it seems that the “small stuff”, finishing touches take longer and longer. Laying tile and painting on Saturdays has become the church’s custom!
Anita and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary on the 7th of June and celebrated the event by visiting the Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. This was a trip Anita has always wanted to make and by the generosity of some dear friends it became a reality for us. We hope to be able to do something very special again in another forty years!
The Calvary Baptist Mission Church surprised us with a beautiful commemorative plate recognizing our forty years of marriage; it was a touching moment for Anita and me to feel the genuine love these dear saints of God have for us.
We were also blessed to have a visit from some dear friends, Jim and Lou Griffin from South Carolina come and spend some time with us. They helped paint at the new building and also played tennis with me. They were a delight to have and we hope they come back again sometime.
Our gracious God continues to bless the work here in Huánuco, Peru. I invest a lot of my time every day in counseling. Seeing hurting wounded souls find victory in Christ is a very rewarding experience. I enjoy counseling very much and I am always looking for better ways to share the message of “abundant, kingdom living.”
My Monday night Bible class with the local Baptist pastors, continues. At this present time I am teaching a course in “Administration of a Baptist Church.” Many times this course has led to lively discussion based on personal experiences. This has been a very effective method for training the younger preachers. Anita and I pray you all of you frequently and hope you are basking in the blessings of God’s love and grace.
Being “in Christ” by God’s grace,
Sheridan and Anita Stanton
Apartado Postal 140
Huanuco, Peru
South America
(614) 500-8823 – Internet Number
sestantonperu[at]hotmail.com – Sheridan
arstantonperu[at]gmail.com – Anita
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Missionary Update: John & Alta Hatcher from Brazil [July 2014]
Missionaries John and Alta Hatcher have served the Lord in Brazil since 1955, planting over 70 churches that are still in existence.
June 30, 2014
Dear Brethren and Missionary Friends;
It is difficult to believe that this day says that one-half of 2014 is history. Let us be busy about our Lord’s work for time is short. Our temporary address is still:
615 Key West Ave.
Davenport, FL 33897-3600
(Our son, Paul’s, cell number is: 239.227.6551)
We are living with Paul and Wanda in the house he has rented until something permanent shows up. Alta and I appreciate all the care and help they are giving two oldies.
This last month we have had the blessing of visiting several long-time supporting churches here in Florida. We visited the Jordan Baptist Church in Sanford, Florida. Brother George Sledd is the faithful pastor as well as treasurer for BFM. We were happy to see old friends and enjoy their fellowship.
Last Sunday we visited the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Mims, Florida. Brother David Humphreys is the pastor. Brother Humphreys has been a long-time giving and praying friend. Our fellowship began in the 12-Ryan Baptist Church in the Detroit, Michigan area, where Brother Hafford Overbey was pastor.
On the Sundays we do not have engagements we are attending the Chapel Baptist Church where the pastor is Christopher Luppino. Last evening they had the final service of their VBS. It was a very enjoyable and spiritual service with emphasis on the value of the home.
CRUISE WITH FAMILY – Thanks to the planning and dedication of our son, David, and his wife, Pennie, we enjoyed a four-day cruise from Miami to Mexico and return. The time we spent with Paul, Wanda, David, Pennie, Kathy, Willa, (Wanda’s mother), and Lucas (Michelle Hatcher’s son), was great. A rare treat! Each day I had the opportunity to tell persons about The Three Crosses and how Jesus saves. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.
In the Precious Name of Jesus,
John and Alta Hatcher
615 Key West Ave.
Davenport, FL 33897-3600
jhatcher[at]uol.com.br
Phone: [Paul Hatcher mobile] 239.227.6551
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Missionary Update: The Radfords in Kenya [July 2014]
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
July 4, 2014
As we reflect on this 4th of July holiday, may we remember to pray for our country, its leaders, and our future. A couple of verses come to mind. One is Proverbs 14:34, which says “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” Another verse to consider is Psalm 33:12, which states “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” May we always remember to keep our country in prayer as we continue to serve the Lord. We hope that each of you have a great holiday, with friends, family, and others at this time.
We praise the Lord that we have arrived safe and sound back to Kitale. It is one thing to travel to Kenya, and another entirely to travel to Kitale. Kitale is around 7 hours north, and is an exhausting trip by itself. We are thankful that we arrived back and were able to recover from jetlag, although it took a couple of days. It was so nice to see friends in the missionary community and meet new missionaries who have come before we arrived back. We are so thankful for those of you who helped us in any way with our travels, and who prayed for us as we traveled. We greatly appreciate it.
Please be in prayer for my wife and the hospital ministry as she is waiting for her permit to be reviewed. We have applied for it, filled out the papers, and now are awaiting a response, hopefully by next week. We trust the Lord will keep the door there open as long as He wants her to serve there. Psalm 86:11 says “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Thanks for your prayers for this ministry.
I thank the Lord for the plans that we have for this term in church planting. Lord willing, the plan that my partner Roger Tate and I have is to train Godly, qualified men to go out and start churches in Kenyan villages. We have rented a small room on the outskirts of Kitale town to begin our training. Please pray for us, that the Lord will lead and guide us in these endeavors. We can do nothing without Him, and we need help from Him each step of the way. We are excited about what God will do this term, and we will keep you updated.
Please also pray for the prison ministry, as I plan to go there soon to begin again, Lord willing. We lay all of our plans before the Lord, and trust Him each step of the way. He is so faithful, and it is a privilege to serve Him. God bless each of you for your interest in missions around the world. We will keep you updated. Please notice our change of address.
Serving in Kenya,
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa, 30200
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Missionary Update: The Wacasers in Brazil [June 2014]
Bobby, Charlene, Jessie, and Brennen Wacaser have served the Lord as church planters in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, since 1985.
June 6, 2014
Dear Friends,
I’m a happy man! Nothing makes me happier than seeing God get glory through my life and the life of my family. I get my greatest joy from seeing my family happily engaged in spreading the good news of Jesus’ love to others, and I’m getting a double dose of that right now.
My wife, Charlene, has been such an instrument in touching the lives of the families of her aerobics classmates. For years she has faithfully been an example of kindness and love among them and lately her effectiveness has only increased. So much so that these ladies have spoken with their kids at home about Charlene and, now, these kids want to hang out with her and join with her as she interacts in the public schools and parks sharing the gospel. Now I know that part of the attraction to her is that she is beautiful inside and out, and another is that she is a source for them to train English as a second language, but I also am certain that her winsome personality is ultimately what leads them to decide that they want to spend huge blocks of time with her. Charlene would blush to hear any of this said and would immediately start pointing out her shortcomings as an individual, but that just shows that Christ is truly present in her life and is making Himself known through her.
The second dose of my happiness comes through our daughter, Jessie. She lives in Tampa, Florida and works assisting in various ministries at a large Baptist church there. Today I will get the privilege of having her arrive to coordinate a group of translators who will minister with us as we host a youth group from a Baptist church in Phoenix, AZ. Jessie has such a passion for sharing God’s word and love and she uses her dual language ability and network of friends to put together a wonderful team of volunteers to help us. I could not be happier… well, unless our son, Brennen, could be here too. But then again, only Heaven reserves the perfect life. We’ll be missing you something fiercely, little Buddy. He just finished the 10th grade in the USA.
We have one of our Projeto Vida motorhomes repaired and back in operation and have begun the body work repairs on the Alpha motorhome. The Lord saw fit to raise up the funds to pay for these expenses and we are extremely thankful. During the month of May we were able to take the gospel message into 9 public schools and spoke to over 4000 students. We know many were touched by the Word and several shared with us that they had surrendered their lives to Christ. This week, with the arrival of the youth group from Phoenix, AZ we will be taking the gospel into 6 more schools and also presenting gospel skits in three public parks. We are praying and expecting the Lord to make Himself known through these efforts.
We just received a container full of gospel booklets to distribute during the World Cup Soccer games that begin this coming Thursday here in Brazil. Most of you know how much Brazil is enthused about soccer, so you also can imagine what a door of opportunity is open for us to share these booklets among the crowds that will be showing up at the stadiums and sporting venues. We will be leading our church members to seek to pleasantly offer these gospel booklets at these events and be willing to take a personal moment to answer any questions or more fully explain the Word of Christ.
Charlene and I are very grateful for your prayers on our behalf. We are also thankful to God for using your sacrificial offerings so that we may continue to carry on our outreach ministries here in southern Brazil.
Thank you,
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: Odali & Kathy Barros in Brazil [June 2014]
Odali and Kathy Barros served the Lord in Sao Paulo, Brazil together from 1987-2013. In late 2013, they transitioned to Manaus in Northern Brazil to start sharing the Gospel and planting churches in villages along the river.
For those who don’t know me, I am Odali Barros. Baptist Faith Missions means a lot to me. I have been blessed by BFM in more than one way. First, I was saved through the ministry of a BFM missionary in Cruzeiro do Sul. Second, God has allowed me to be a part as a missionary. Third, my wife, Kathy Hatcher Barros, is the daughter of BFM missionaries. Baptist Faith Missions has impacted my life for the last 40 years.
I was the first one in my family to accept Christ as Savior. Today there are many family members saved. Many have become preachers and pastors. It is always a great blessing to see what God has done and is doing. Our older children are involved in the churches they attend. They also serve and take mission trips. We praise God that they also have a passion for lost souls. The three younger boys that are still at home are also involved in our ministry. Titus loves to work with the children. Jonas and Gabriel work in the music ministry.
The offerings that we receive help us in many ways. It allows us to do more things. The money is used from buying supplies for teaching, to gasoline and to rent when needed.
We would like to take this moment to thanks Brother Dave Parks for his care for each of us. He is always prompt and ready to help in any way he can.
We have been in our new ministry for 6 months. It is amazing how many communities there are around here that can be reached by car, but there are still many communities that can only be reached by boat. We had some one to offer us a boat for $25,000. At the moment we do not have that money. We are waiting on God‘s timing.
The work in the community of Ubim is doing really well. We have a class for children and service on Monday night. This week we had 2 mothers that came to see what the kids were doing, because they loved it so much. They said they would be back. Praise God!
In Christ,
Odali and Kathy
Titus, Jonas and Gabriel
Odali & Kathy Barros
odali_kathy[at]hotmail.com
Blog
Manaus, Brasil, SA
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