Connecting with God’s Children and Those He is Seeking
Missionaries John and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
July 9, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Isn’t it great to know that Jesus, the King of Kings, will one day retake and re-create the earth as the New Adam, head of a reborn humanity made twice in His image? Meanwhile, I find myself, a child of the King, in a world that is broken, still under the influence of the old man. All too often, I too, find myself living the old Adam instead of the new Adam.
One of the many daily delights I enjoy is watching the amazing birds, squirrels, rabbits and other creatures that testify to the creative genius, outstanding power and love of our Creator. It is a source of thanksgiving from my heart to God in my conversation with Him. The question arises in my heart, “Do I represent the Redeemer’s beauty and voice as well as the beautiful birds and that little one, about the size of a thimble, whose melodious song I can hear a good block away, represent their Creator?”
The Hatchers this past Sunday joining the meeting of the church in Tournefeuille with whom they are worshiping using Skype.
So, we are able to shepherd, encourage, pray with, counsel, witness to, teach, learn from, and commune with God’s children and those He is seeking on three different continents. This week like the entire past month has already included several meetings with God’s children and those He is seeking using internet, social distancing and masks. The circumstances of our world may discourage us, but our Father is all powerful and uses for good what is meant for evil.
Thank you for your participation with us in what God is doing. May God use you in the present circumstances to be His witness to people with whom you can connect.
Seeking to connect 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
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
There are Always Ups and Downs
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
June 11, 2019
Dear Brother and Sisters,
Last month I wrote, “There are always ups and downs. Sometimes what seems to be a down becomes an up.” At the time I certainly did not think that I would be writing the present letter from Evansville, IN. Many of you know Judy’s only sister and that she has been dealing with cancer the last few years. At the end of May, Judy and I decided that the Lord wanted us to come to Evansville to help Peggy because of the illness related circumstances that she was facing. The encouragement of the believers in our congregation in Tournefeuille helped us much in the decision process. They have really stepped up to the plate. We have now been here for two weeks and thank God for the opportunity that we have had to be of assistance to Peggy.
A blessing that came along with our trip to the US was getting to see my sister and dear brother-in-law, Kathy and Odali Barros. Though I had seen Kathy not long ago, it had been nearly 10 years since I had seen Odali. They are in the US for a short time and will be returning to Amazonas next week. What a blessing to spend a couple of days with these members of our family this week.
We are not sure exactly what the next few weeks hold for us. I would be glad to set a tentative date to come to your church to tell what God is doing in France and minister to the folks in your congregation. You can communicate with us using the email address above. If you include your phone number I can call you to finalize plans.
Thanks for your prayers and continual support.
Yours in Christ,
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
Gospel Presented to Unbelievers through Christmas Play
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
January 7, 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We hope that you have had a good holiday season with your family and friends and are getting off to a good start in 2019. Our past year has been filled with many blessings in spite of some sad moments.
The year closed well for the church at Tournefeuille. The children and young people presented a drama of the birth of Christ among the humans He created. It was a story within a story presented as an imaginary discussion between a believer and an unbeliever about the coming of our Savior. Abigail, our oldest granddaughter, translated the drama from English to French and the players prepared and practiced for several weeks.
The play was presented on Sunday, December 23 to a house packed with guests invited by family members and friends. There were several first-time attendees. Among those present were a number of non-believers. One teenage member of our congregation brought her mother, father, brother and paternal grandparents who are atheist. What a thrill it is to us that these and others who need Christ heard the Gospel presentation. My eyes overflowed with tears as I rejoiced and prayed for the salvation of these who are in need of Christ. Please pray with us that the Holy Spirit will use what they saw and heard to draw them to our wonderful Saviour.
Today is my birthday. God has blessed me with a wonderful life up to this point. Thanks to all who sent birthday wishes. From the eternal perspective our present life will look like a speck of dust no matter how long we live. My desire is to live giving evidence of Christ and proclaiming His Good News so that others may receive Him and live eternally in His presence.
Judy and I are grateful beyond words for the family and spiritual family that our Father in heaven has given us. Thank you for the part that you play in our lives. May God continue to channel His light through you wherever you live.
Serving Christ with you,
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
Good News from a Far Country
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
November 8, 2017
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
“As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” (Proverbs 25:25)
So, we would like to share some of the good news that we have received this month.
A couple of weeks ago I received an email from Jean-François, the pastor who is caring for the congregation that meets in the Mazeres region about 50 miles south of Toulouse. After asking about news from our side and how Peggy was doing he wrote, “Il m’apparaît de plus en plus évident que l’implantation d’une assemblée serait pertinent, les compétences sont là et les personnes il me semble en attente, je te le laisse a ta réflexion. En espérant vous voir prochainement, Dieu voulant. Que le Seigneur vous dirige, priez pour moi.” Now that you have tried out your French, I will give it to you in English: “It seems to me more and more evident that planting a church in this location would be appropriate. There is competence and the people are waiting for this. I will let you think about it. Hoping to see you soon, God willing. May the Lord guide you, pray for me.”
A full house at the Tournefeuille Church
A full house at the Tournefeuille Church
You may remember that I called on this young man to take leadership of this group when I needed to return suddenly to the USA at the end of March. He did and does so willingly at his own expense. So, there is something that you can rejoice in and pray about. I did ask Jean-François if he would be interested in being the pastor. He works a full-time job and is involved in another church plant and has other Bible studies. This man of about 50 is single and the only member of his family that is saved. His father is an atheist and his mother a devout Catholic. He has witnessed and gives a great living testimony to his family. He was saved not long after we moved to France and I had the privilege of spending several hours a week with him in discipleship during several years.
Last weekend Rose and Jean-Luc, a couple from our church called us to find out about how we were doing and to encourage us. They and 3 of their children are very active in the Tournefeuille Church. A couple days ago Amanda told us that they had a full house Sunday. I am including a couple of snapshots one of the guys took of some of the people there.
Some of the senior saints in Evansville whom John Mark served as pastor years ago.
Here in Evansville things are going well. Yesterday we had lunch with some of the older folks I served as pastor. Well, older now, we were all a bit younger back then. The faithfulness of these disciples of Jesus Christ and scores of others who are active participants and leaders in a good number of churches here and elsewhere is very encouraging to us. I am including a snapshot of the senior saints who were together for lunch.
In Christ,
John and Judy
jmhatcher[at]aol.com
Temporary Address
John and Judy Hatcher
1901 Shepherd Dr.
Evansville, IN 47715
Field Address
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
Read more
20+ Young People at First Youth Meeting of the School Year in France
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
September 28, 2017
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you for your continuous prayers and support. We thank God for each of you. At the beginning of this month we were able to spend a few minutes in a video conference with more than 20 young people who were meeting in France for the first Youth Meeting of this school year. This is something that the young people wanted to do. How encouraging it is to see their interest in spiritual things.
Reports from the church in Tournefeuille are good. We miss the fellowship of our church and congregations there as well as the daily front line opportunities that we have in France to connect with French people who need eternal life. However, we are very thankful for the leaders and participants who are faithfully serving Christ there and reaching others around them.
John, Judy, & Peggy
Judy has now been cleared by her doctor for full activity following her knee surgery and has graduated from physical therapy. She continues to work hard at getting full strength and usage back. She also participates with Peggy in an outreach to ladies who are in the United States from other cultures. We both enjoy participating in a weekly Bible study that meets here in Peggy’s home. It is always exciting to see young believers growing in the knowledge and application of God’s Word in their daily lives.
Peggy is doing better and we are encouraged by her progress.
During the first two weeks of the month I was able to be in Florida to celebrate with the family my mother’s 92nd birthday. What a blessing it is to have parents who love the Lord and encourage us and the whole extended family to serve the Lord. The days there turned out to be more exciting than we had planned. Hurricane Irma came directly over Paul and Wanda’s home where Dad, Mom and Wanda’s mother live. Despite a few exciting hours the Lord protected us all and I was glad to be there to help. Thanks to all who were praying for us and others during the storm. Our hearts go out to those poor folks in the islands who suffered so much.
This is a reminder to us that we live in a world that “groans in travail waiting to be delivered”. We look forward to new heavens and a new earth where we will be forever with the Lord. May God help us to display the love of Christ in our lives and communicate the Good News of Jesus to all around us who so desperately need it.
We are looking forward to seeing some of you during the Thanksgiving Conference hosted by New Hope Baptist Church in November. Look for the information on the Baptist Faith Missions site and join us if you are able.
In Christ,
John and Judy
John, Judy, Peggy, & Sarah
10/18/2017 – PS: I did not realize that this letter never made it out of my box. The news during the last couple of weeks from the field is good. We also had an enjoyable visit with Sarah Wainright this past Sunday. Besides being a friend and sister in Christ she works diligently to publish and post our news. We thank God for her faithful service.
Temporary Address
John and Judy Hatcher
1901 Shepherd Dr.
Evansville, IN 47715
jmhatcher[at]aol.com
Field Address
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
Read more
Missionary Update: John Mark & Judy Hatcher in France [October 2015]
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
October 2, 2015
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Hope this finds you enjoying the Fall colors of our Father’s creation and many other blessings. Judy and I have been home for just a few hours from a month long trip to the United States.
A good part of this time was spent helping David and his wife Dulce following the birth of their 4th child, our 12th grandchild. The oldest child in their family is 7 years old. We were glad to be able to help them with the newborn Lua and others as the school year started. We were also able to spend some valuable time with our daughter Lydia and help them with their four children ages 2 months to 6 years old as Adam, our son-in-law recovered from surgery.
The same day that Adam had surgery in Chicago, Judy was in Cincinnati to help our oldest daughter Laura who was having a serious surgery to place a plate in her forearm to correct damage caused by an accident the week before. We were glad to be able to be of assistance.
Celebrating Alta Hatcher’s 90th birthday!
(Front: John & Alta Hatcher / Back L to R: Paul Hatcher, Kathy Barros, John Mark Hatcher)
On the very day the surgeries were taking place up north, September 14, I was in Clermont, FL with Mom and Dad, Paul (my brother) and Wanda and Kathy (my sister) celebrating Mom’s 90th birthday. The week spent with them was very enjoyable as I also got to spend time with many other friends and family members. We enjoyed a wonderful meal with many on September 15th to again celebrate Mom’s birthday. This allowed us to spend some quality time with Doug and Ramona King our long term friends and supporters.
I thoroughly enjoyed speaking at Hope Baptist Church in the Cincinnati area on September 6 and was blessed by the great hospitality of Steve and Debbie Hall and their family while in their home. Their heart to share the love and Good News of Christ to those in need is evident. We anticipate what God will be doing through this young church.
While in Evansville, IN for a few hours Judy and I were able to visit great friends and fellow servants whom we had the privilege of working with for a quarter of a century, Jim and Carolyn Evans and Frank and Sylvia Schofner. They still are on the front line serving the Lord in Evansville and they faithfully support our ministry in France. While we were rushing around the US, Judy’s dear sister shuttled us, loaned us her car and did many other things to help us as she always does. She also continues to be active daily in reaching others for Christ and discipling believers. God has blessed us far beyond our ability to enumerate.
Meanwhile, things are going well at the church in Tournefeuille and we restart all of our other Bible studies this coming week.
Thanks for your faithful support and prayers.
Sharing the Good News in France,
John and Judy Hatcher
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
Read more
Missionary Update: John Mark & Judy Hatcher in France [April 2015]
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
April 7, 2015
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Spring Conference hosted by Thompson Rd. Baptist Church starts 3 weeks from yesterday and we hope to see you there. It has been six years since we last participated in this conference in Lexington, KY. It is not possible for us to be away from Tournefeuille, France for lengthy periods of time, particularly during the school year, without adversely affecting the work here. We will be in the USA for just a few days to celebrate Dad’s 90th birthday and to attend the Spring Missionary Conference.
The main work here in Tournefeuille is going quite well. I am including some pictures taken during the song part of the service Sunday. We have had new visitors and promises from several others to come as well. The Lord has given us a number of good contacts lately and we are grateful for these opportunities to share the Good News.
At Pujaudran, our newest Bible study there have been new folks at each meeting and a great participation. The couple who host this Bible study came here in a job transfer and we met them shortly after they arrived. They were already believers and are great recruiters. Eva, the wife, was born in Malta to Polish parents. She grew up in Australia where she was taken to a Baptist Youth camp by a friend. She trusted the Lord and was baptized in a Baptist church. He grew up in a family of believers and trusted the Lord early in life. Their example underscores the importance of making disciples who are in love with the Lord and ready to communicate that love with others.
In Mazere, things are also going quite well. At our meeting last Wednesday we had two first time participants. Douceline the young lady who hosts this study in her home also has Bible studies with two other ladies at other times during the week. We are very encouraged by what is happening in this town.
There are other Bible studies that we do not lead. Philip and Amanda have a Bible study once a week and Wendy, the single missionary who works with us also hosts a weekly Bible study.
Inductive Bible studies are the primary means that we use to communicate the Gospel to those who do not know Christ. After people trust the Lord, these continue and become the primary means of discipleship. When people do not know God or do not have any knowledge of His word, they must first understand before they can trust. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. A passage which encouraged us to move in this direction is Paul’s experience at Ephesus which led to Gospel being propagated throughout Asia Minor where Paul himself was not able to enter earlier, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. (Acts 19:9-10)
So, we continue and are thankful daily for your faith support.
Anticipating getting to see you at the Lexington Conference,
John and Judy
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
Read more
