February 26, 2003

Dear Friends,

Lots of good things have happened this past month, not the least of these is that Alta and I have enjoyed God's blessing in our health.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IN URAI

Our Vacation Bible School was held January 27-29. Valdir and Sonha from the Cornelio Church directed it. There was a total of 73 who attended and hopefully, who will be blessed in their lives even though there was no visible increase in our Sunday School attendance. Best of all, our new members are learning to serve the Lord in teaching and leadership.

NEW MISSION BEGUN IN SERTANEJA

A new mission was begun in the city of Sertaneja on February 13-14-15. This is where we bought a building recently. There was growth in attendance each night and several adults show real interest in serving the Lord.

PURCHASE OF HOUSE IN CASA DA FAMILIA MISSION

We are in the process of buying the house and lot next to the Casa da Familia mission. As soon as the purchase is completed and documents are in hand we plan to start building. This added lot will be a great blessing, since the lots are not very large.

SHORT VISIT TO STATES

The Lord willing, Alta and I plan to attend the Spring Missionary Conference at Thompson Road, April 28-30. That will be a nice way to celebrate my birthday. It has been a long time since we were at a Conference and we are looking forward to seeing many of you and fellowshipping with you one more time here on earth. Our arrival in the States should be the last of March so we can visit family and friends. Pray for us and the work.

In Him,

John and Alta Hatcher

John and Alta Hatcher's "adopted" daughters, Helena and Maria da Silva. These sisters were saved in Manaus. When they became orphans they came to live with us as our daughters. Helena married and her husband and oldest boy were killed in an automobile accident. She has been a widow for twenty years. She has reared her children in the way of the Lord. Maria has served as a faithful missionary in Duartina and Marilia for over twenty years.