April 1.2004

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Savior,

This month's Mission Sheets letter tells of our happenings from March 2nd to March 31st. During the month of March, I heard 6 sermons preached. Marie heard 5 of the six sermons. I had the blessing of preaching 10 sermons in 5 different Baptist churches. Marie heard me preach all the 10 sermons.

On the 6th, Brother Steve and Sister Eva Blake, members of Porter Memorial Baptist Church, Lexington KY, drove us to Morganfield KY. During the day we were there, they visited their son, Dr. David Blake, in Hopkinsville. They took us back to Lexington on the 11th. We are grateful to the Blakes.

During the days we were in Morganfield, I preached 6 sermons at the Calvary Baptist Church, Uniontown KY, where Kenneth Mayberry is the leader of the church since their pastor, Jim Adams, resigned to be pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Henderson KY. The first sermon was Sunday morning the 7th. The second was Sunday afternoon during the funeral service of Mrs. Edna Mayberry, 99. She was a charter member of Calvary. 

We are also grateful to Mrs. Amanda Brewer of Porter Memorial church who took us to Cow Creek Baptist Church, Ravenna KY the first time on Sunday the 14th. The second time was the 21st where I brought the morning message. Joe Lohrmer is the pastor.

That night I preached at Clarksville Baptist Church, Richmond KY where Bradley Johns is the pastor. We spent the night in Mrs. Ella J. Casey's home. We are grateful to her and her niece, Mrs. Pam Rakes for their taking us where we needed to go.

On the 23rd of March, the Blakes took us to a Louisville restaurant to celebrate my birthday. Then on the 24th, when I completed 77 years, my brother, Charlie, and his wife, Reva, took us out to lunch. Then Reva presented me with a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake. After church that night, we invited Ann Burris in to enjoy this treat. We also received some phone calls from Manaus, wishing me a "Felis Anniversairo." So we do thank you all for all your cards, gifts, and prayers. It was a good birthday.

At around noon on the 27th, we left Lexington with Ann Burris, member of Heritage Baptist Church, Lexington, and she took us to Cedar Village Restaurant, Irvine, where we were greeted by 22 more members of Heritage waiting for us, who sang "Happy Birthday" for me and for Marie who was born April 5, 1927. What a pleasant surprise! We thank you for your presence and gifts we received.

On Sunday night, I preached at Heritage after being introduced by assistant pastor, Edward Overbey. Dr. Greg Waltermire, the senior pastor, was away in a revival.

Saturday afternoon, the 26th, our son Stephen arrived in a rental car from Ocala FL. He has taken us to the places we needed to go since he arrived. He will be with us until the 4th of April. He has been a blessing to us.

On Monday, the 29th, the 3 of us visited Mrs. Jodie Bratcher at her home in Owensboro KY. The next day we visited Rev. and Mrs. David Bratcher at their home in Henderson KY. Last night, the 31st, we 3 attended and I preached at the Devondale Baptist Church here in Lexington where Bobby Aldridge is the pastor.

We received the good news from Manaus that last Sunday morning, Pastor Ediberto Ribeiro da Silva baptized 4 believers in the 24th of March Baptist Church. 

We appreciate all of you who are praying for us and sent us birthday cards and gifts during these days. We are grateful for the birthday greetings we have received by card or telephone from our brothers and sisters in the Lord in Manaus. 

We thank you who faithfully contribute to the General Fund and/or the designated funds of Baptist Faith Missions. Pray for us that the Lord will permit us to be back in Manaus before the end of June of this year. Stephen is planning to accompany us to Brazil. May the Lord bless you all. 

Yours in the service of the Savior,

Harold and Marie Bratcher