The God of Changing Circumstances
Jud and Raquel Hatcher serve 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.
March 9, 2017
Dear Friends,
The Lord never ceases to amaze us as He demonstrates His sovereign control over all things. Circumstances come and go, and the result always gives glory to God. If it is not glorifying Him, it is not over yet. Always trust Him. So, during the last few months, the verse that has been ringing in my ears is “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b. We endure all things joyfully, so that He may receive the glory. He does strengthen us, everyday. How comforting it is to know there is nothing our Father cannot resolve. (Can I get an amen?)
Family
As mentioned in last month’s letter, we stopped homeschooling and enrolled our kids in a Brazilian public school for this school year. The educational calendar begins in February and goes through December, with a month break in July. Homeschooling just didn’t work out as we anticipated. We rejoice and are counting our blessings for these reasons: 1) the school is seven minutes away from home; 2) it is one of the best public schools in the country; 3) this change in plans did not incur extra monthly expenses (private schools in São Paulo are generally more expensive than in the States); 4) the kids like their teachers and friends – the are loving it; and, 5) We can interact with our neighborhood families more effectively. One thing is certain, we are so glad the Lord placed us in our current home, as we are within an exceptional school district.
Health wise, Raquel and I are doing well. The children had it rough this last month, everyone was sick with different issues. Laura and Melissa still have an infection and Benjamin continues to have mild stomach pains. All four of them are doing blood work and doctor’s follow-up visits.
Ministry
I was in the States for 9 days during February. I meet with Bros. Randy Jones, Dave Parks and Steve Wainright and was highly encouraged by changes being implemented within Baptist Faith Missions. While in Lexington I also met with several pastor friends – Russel Zik, Donovan Stewart, Tim Parsons and Todd Thomas. Then, drove down to Tennessee and onto Virginia where I participated in the Pastoral Leadership Advisory Board at Liberty University, led by Dr. Dave Adams. There were 41 pastors from across the country, with lectures from Pastors Jonathan Falwell, Ed Hindson, Dave Adams, Troy Temple and Elmer Towns. We also had small group discussions coordinated by Jason Suitt. I connected with pastor friends Russ Dean, Matt Willmington, Tim Grandstaff Sr., Daniel Broyles, Danny Campbell, and Joey Bray. A special thank you to Scott and Cindy Phillips for hosting me in their home. I enjoyed visiting Scott Phillips’ SS class and the folks at Thomas Road B.C. and Living Word B.C.
The Lord has opened incredible doors for sharing the Gospel and mentoring here in São Paulo. We are praying as the Lord is confirming in our hearts where to start the next new works, including something within our own neighborhood. In preparation for this, we need to purchase 100 chairs – each at roughly 40 dollars. As you read this (and, if the Lord lays on your heart), would you consider a financial contribution for chairs? I am thankful for your consideration on this matter.
Adjusting
We are grateful as the Lord has taught us so much over the last 6 months and has guided us over hurdles. As mentioned earlier, our children’s education has been a major adjustment to our original plans. We are also grateful for the local community of English-speaking Expatriates – an informal association of English speakers who meet each month and organize family activities. We all share similar experiences in adjusting to life in this massive metropolis. Raquel and I were glad to be the host home for February’s monthly brunch. We have met so many wonderful people and our kids love interacting with other children who also speak English. Friends are always an encouragement.
Prayer Requests
- Children’s health and education
- Opening new doors for church planting
- 100 chairs
- Personal finances
- Missions Conference at Thompson Road B.C. in Lexington, KY in April
Please, continue to pray for us. We are grateful for every prayer invested on our behalf.
Thankful always,
Jud Hatcher
Judson & Raquel Hatcher
(859) 608-4742
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
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Missionary Update: The Radfords in Kenya [January 2016]
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.
January 1, 2016
Dear praying friends,
As I write this, we are right at the beginning of the year 2016. It is hard to believe how quickly the past year went. It seems they go faster year after year. I am sure many of you can identify with that. How quickly time passes reminds me of the verse in James. James 4:14 says “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” May we make not only this upcoming year, but the rest of our days on earth, count in service to God. Each breath we have is a gift from Him.
The past year was quite challenging in several ways. We had two families in Kitale that we have known over the years that moved this past year. Although this was difficult, and change is always happening throughout our lives, God has given us grace and strength for each day. Lord willing, there are two new families from America coming soon to Kitale. One of the families has several little girls, so we are hoping and praying that they will become long term friends for our daughters. The other family will be going to Tanzania to study Swahili, but they are around our age. It is always good to have new friends and develop new relationships.
In the annex prison this past month, I (Nathan) was blessed to be able to do a small Christmas project for the prisoners. I had not done one in several years, and felt led to this year. There are around 200 prisoners in the prison, so I discussed with the chaplain, and provided some basic, needed supplies to them, as well as Gospel tracts. It seemed to be received well and appreciated. Several of the prisoners thanked me and seemed very grateful. Many of them receive no visits from family, and are even abandoned by their families upon their release. They also have difficulty finding work, so this was the least I felt I could do this year. It was also a good time to announce about our classes there and invite the others who have not been coming to study with us. Please pray that more of the men would come to hear the teachings of the Word of God. I try to be faithful to pray for the men, sow the seed, share the Gospel, then entrust the results to the Lord. Jonah 2:9 states “Salvation is of the LORD.”
We trust the Lord with the upcoming year, with all its blessings and challenges. We know that He is in control, and nothing takes Him by surprise. We know He is sovereign, and we can entrust all to Him. Perhaps there is someone reading this update who is going through a trial or difficulty, or does not understand. We have passed through similar things this past year. I have to remind myself of Isaiah 55:8-9, which says “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God bless you all for the upcoming 2016, as you trust Him daily. Please pray also for us, as we trust Him. We will keep you updated, and each of you are such a blessing. Happy 2016.
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa, 30200
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