March 5, 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Blessed Savior Jesus Christ:

This Mission Sheets Month began February 3rd and finished today March 3rd, 2007. Once again we greet you from our house and home located at number 2, Francisco José Furtado Street, São Francisco, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil. During this Mission Sheets Month I preached seven sermons – six at the 24th of March Baptist Church and one at the organization of the Perseverance Baptist Church and the ordination of the pastor, Brother Ricardo Henrique de Lima. During the same month I heard six sermons preached. The most eloquent sermon I heard with my beautiful wife of 52 years, Marie, at my side was preached by our son, Dr. Asa Mark Bratcher. It was preached at the wedding of a young couple both members of the Comunhão Baptist Church where Asa Mark is the pastor. As usual, the bride arrived late. This was on February 23rd.

On the 24th we (the parents Asa Mark and Lucianilda) and the grandparents (Marie and I) were made sad at Marcia’s departure. Marcia is Asa and Lucia’s oldest daughter. She is now living in Cold Connecticut where she is continuing her education, working on a Masters Degree. Thus our three grandchildren are now living in three different States in the USA. Lucy Marie is studying at a college in Houston, Texas. Our youngest and only grandson, Stephen Matthew 14, lives with his parents, Stephen and Salete, in Ocala, Florida.

Marie, on the 27th, had to have two teeth pulled. She only has two left. She suffered for some days before giving up and going to her dentist. I hope and pray that before my 80th birthday on March 24th to baptize a fourteen year old boy who recently asked for baptism. Brothers and Sisters, pray for us that the Lord will continue to stand by us as we continue to grow older and weaker and more forgetful. Yet we are thankful to the Lord for his grace and mercy towards us. Today would have been the 42nd birthday of our youngest son, Joel Harold Bratcher. He was six years, five months and thirteen days old at the time of his drowning accident in the Amazon River on August 17th, 1971.

We thank each one of you who designated offerings for us. May the Lord bless each giver and each receiver.

Yours in the Service of the Savior,

Harold and Marie Bratcher