May, 2007

Dear Friends

By the time you read this note I will be 82 years old (April 30, and I will be older than Alta until September 14.) We are still down here in Brazil living it up like two old missionaries ought to live: on perpetual vacation. Problem is we cannot find anyone would like to come and spend a twenty or thirty year vacation with us.

When we arrived in Brazil we were 30 years of age and had four lovely children. I made my first missionary trip to the interior after we had been here four and one-half months. I traveled to Faro with John Dias and Manuel Aguiar. The day before leaving I told Alta that if any of the children were to die they would have to be buried within twenty-four hours and explained that she could contact Pastor Santiago and he would help her. Quite a shock for a young mother who did not even speak the language. There was no way we could communicate until I returned.

Another time just after Kathy had been born I felt led to travel to Faro again. Alta was recovering from surgery from the birth. Thirty days later I arrived home. As I got out of the car Lynn, seven years old, came running up and said, "Mother is real sick." I hurried into the house and up the stairs where Alta was sitting in a rocking chair; she was not able to stand. I never loved her more than at that moment. Life has not always been easy but we came to stay and fifty-two years later we are still here, still in love with our Lord, in love with each other, thanking God for our wonderful children and for our baby boy in Heaven we buried in Faro.

Manaus, a city in the heart of the Brazilian jungle, four degrees off the equator: HOT, always HOT. For ten years we did not have electric energy and sixteen years without an electric fan. We praised God for the privilege of being here to preach the Gospel. Souls were saved, churches were founded, preachers were taught the Bible and buildings were built.

The Tabernacle Baptist building was being constructed. One morning I arrived at the construction and the pastor, Brother Santiago was up on the scaffold laying bricks. He was 70 years of age. I said. "Brother Santiago, please come down from that scaffold and do not go up again. I need you alive, not dead or crippled." He came down and lived to the age of 96. (Sometimes I sorta wish some young missionary would come to me and say, "Brother John, you and Alta come down from that scaffold, I want to take your place.") There are so many places that still do not have the Gospel of Jesus. After 52 years in Brazil we discover this is a God given way to grow old.

Each morning we get up a little before seven. After a moment on foot attempting to take the first steps (that resembles a crippled jig) our joints loosen and the first stop is the bathroom to splash water in our eyes so we can see the world scene again. Alta awakes with so much energy that it is disgusting, but by the time she finishes her bath I am on foot or in the rocker not far away. When Alta has dressed, she takes the menu for breakfast, puts the finishing touch on her hair and announces her descent. By the time I finish my bath, dry the bathroom, and make the bed it is time to fry the eggs.

VISIT TO MARANHAO
Alta and I went with our son, Paul, to the State of Maranhao, where 45 years ago (1962) I started a work in the little village of Peritoro (See the pictures of the buildings of the churches in Peritoro and Sao Mateus). Sao Mateus was the second church founded by BFM in this State. It was begun by brother Sostenes Melo who went to Peritoro after my second trip there. (Sostenes was saved in Acre during the ministry of Joe Brandon, first BFM missionary to Brazil.) He worked in the State of Maranhao until his death. Brother George Bean went to this State as missionary and founded the New Hope Baptist church in the capital, Sao Luis. Sostenes later became pastor of this church. Brother Dempsey Henderson was missionary in this State during the same time as George Bean.

Peritoro, first church of BFM in Maranhao, 1962

S. Mateus, second church of BFM in Maranhao, c. 1964

HOW THE WORK HAS GROWN!
The Tabernacle Baptist Church, where Paul is pastor, has begun a new work in Sao Luis and through visiting some of the pastors and churches he and I were invited to preach at their annual Association Meeting. This is a little trip of about 3,000 miles one way. Our hearts were filled to over-flowing joy to see how the Grace of God has blessed his Word and Work. Since 1962, twenty­eight churches and many mission points have been founded and dozens have been called to preach. Praise God for Sostenes Melo, George Bean, Dempsey Henderson and you who have been faithful supporters of God¹s work in that State.

Old folks talk a lot, reminisce a lot and tell lots of tales. Every body expects this and we do not like to disappoint them but I better close before I forget to say, "We love you all and thank God for your prayers and support."

John and Alta Hatcher