October 27, 2003

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Savior, 

This Mission Sheets month began September 27 and finished today, October 27. We share with you the happenings on some 18 days.

Sunday, 9/28: We (Marie and I) attended Sunday School at Heritage Baptist Church, Lexington KY, and heard Pastor Edward Overbey teach the lesson (Adult Class) and then Mrs Mary Arrington took us to Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, Richmond KY, where Tony Herald is the pastor. At the morning service, we heard Missionary David Zuhars preach and then I brought the afternoon message. This was the first time I have preached at Trinity. We enjoyed being there as we saw many "old friends" and met some new ones.

October 1: We attended Prayer Meeting at Heritage where Dr Greg Waltermire is the pastor.

October 5: I preached at both services at New Life Baptist Church of Lexington, KY where Steve Wainright is the pastor. The pastor and church were very good to us and we enjoyed a delicious fellowship meal after the morning service.

October 8: At 3pm, Bobby and Betty Creiglow arrived and took us to Somerset KY for supper and then to First Baptist Church of Science Hill, KY (Ed Massey, pastor) where I preached. We had good fellowship with the Creiglows and the church where they are now members.

October 9: We heard Dr Greg Waltermire preach a funeral at Heritage. This was the daughter of Mrs Viola Shea, whom we have known for many years.

Octber 10: Marie and I traveled by bus from Lexington to Dayton OH where Wayne Brickner and Rev. Joseph Everette met us at the bus station. We spent 3 nights with the Brickners and I preached Saturday night and three times on Sunday at the Calvary Baptist Church, Piqua OH. The Brickners brought us back to Lexington on Monday. Wayne and Olena used to be students at Lexington Baptist College. It is always a joy to be in their home.

October 14-15: We heard Dr Bailey Smith preach at Heritage.

October 17-19: Steve and Eva Blake were our chauffeurs going to and returning from Livermore KY, Richland Baptist Church. We stayed in the home of Brother and Sister Archer (Glenn). We appreciate their hospitality. There after hearing eight messages, I brought the last message of the Missions Conference. Friday night, before the service began, Marie missed a step coming into the church and is still recuperating from her bad fall. We have news from the 24th of March Baptist Church from Brother Ediberto R. da Silva. He said things are going well, for which are thankful.

October 26: This morning we attended and I preached at Faith Baptist Church, Versailles KY, Bobby Lakes, pastor, where we received a royal welcome by the Pastor and members. We were blessed by being in the home of Danny and Janie Davidson for dinner. Tonight we attended the Porter Memorial Baptist Church, Lexington. Again we thank "you all" for your prayers and for all "you" have done for us these four months we have been in the States. Yes, we "praise God from Whom all blessings flow." The Lord has bestowed many blessings on us using several churches and persons during this Mission Sheets month.

May the Lord bless every church and individual who contributes to Baptist Faith Missions. Please continue to do so. "To God be the glory."

Yours in the service of the Savior,

Harold and Marie Bratcher

Brother Bratcher's "taxi" approaches a church and parsonage where he will hold a five day meeting.