The Importance of Connections
March 14, 2023
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Connections are important in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. This past Saturday evening at our youth meeting we discussed sharing the Gospel in deeds and words. Jesus said to his disciples, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The primary way we first start sharing our light is through our deeds. As the old saying goes, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” We discussed with the young people what they could do that would show God’s love and open doors for sharing the Good News.
One of our top priorities is doing good deeds; not to earn our way to Heaven but to channel the love of Jesus to those who need the same gift of eternal life that we have received. Everyone needs to be loved with the unconditional love of God who, “makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” As many of you know, our primary way of making disciples through inductive Bible studies. The people who come to these Bible studies are people with whom someone who is already a disciple of Jesus has made a connection.
Connections are made by helping people physically by taking them to the doctor, school or shopping; being a friend to those who are lonely; listening to those who need an ear to hear them; helping them with studies or language learning; taking care of pets when the owners are away; watching their houses, taking in mail and other things when they are away; and so on.
When people know you love them by the deeds that you do, they begin to listen when you share what makes you tick. If they conclude that you are happier, more at peace, or joyful than they feel, they are more likely to come when you invite them to a Bible study to share with them your motivating faith.
Your connection with us is the means that our Heavenly Father has used to keep us in France connecting with people who are or become seekers. One day you will connect with these folks in Heaven. And, I don’t think you will have to learn a new language to speak to them.
So, thank you for connecting with us and keep praying for us as we try to connect with others and pass on the Good News of Jesus Christ,
John and Judy Hatcher
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
Being the Light of Jesus in Your Community
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
July 4, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It’s the 4th of July here as well as where you live, but it is business as usual here! This morning I was out doing banking and Judy was having a meeting with the ladies of the Tournefeuille Church discussing plans for children’s Sunday School classes for the next few months. We hope you are enjoying the holiday along with your family.
The past weekend was filled with fellowship. Sunday, after the morning service, the church families met at a nearby park to enjoy a shared picnic. The evening before, Judy and I had a dinner together with some of the folks in Mazere where we worked for over a dozen years. God continues to be at work using the believers there.
The month has also included large social events with folks who are not from the church. One of these was our neighborhood annual pot luck dinner. God has often opened doors during these gatherings and this year was no different. We had excellent discussions with some present. One neighbor told me that he had not forgotten our earlier discussions and certainly wanted to come attend a service.
Another event, held a couple of weeks ago at Philip and Amanda’s home, was a piano recital of her students. The place was packed and snack and chat time followed. I had a lengthy discussion about spiritual things with a young married man who lives across the street from Philip and Amanda. These, along with the daily contacts that we have with our neighbors are the primary means of being the light of Jesus in our communities. France is a very secular society. Roughly half of those who make up the population proclaim without hesitation to be atheist and there is a general aversion to religion, so it is out in the community that we share Christ.
The witness of believers of all ages is important. We continue to see God at work through middle and high school students who are part of our church. During this past year there have been 13 youth from our assembly and 18 others who are their friends who have come to youth meetings. Typically there 15-20 kids at each meeting where a clear presentation and discussion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ take place.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and giving.
In France to live and proclaim 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
