May 6, 2008

Dear Friends

Our two months visit to the States is coming to a fast end. We thank and praise the Lord for all He has done for us in these few days. They have been packed with moments of joy and praise to Him Who does all things well. From the moment my sister and brother-in-law, Joe Sills met us in Florida at the airport until this moment there has not been one dull moment. What grace the Lord has bestowed on us! For living quarters there were three homes offered; two cars were offered to us for transportation and two persons offered to drive us where we needed to go. Brother Larry Thompson and his wife, Tina, gave us their large house (The True Inn) to use with space for all of our family and friends to be received and kept, as well as their car to use. Larry and Tina, we will always be thankful to you and to God for you.

GREAT CONFERENCES AT MOUNT CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH AND THE FORTY-EIGHTH BFM CONFERENCE AT THOMPSON ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH

Brother David Mitchell and the wonderful people at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Charleston, WV, were wonderful hosts for their Mission Expo. We were blessed in having fellowship with Mike and Pam Anderson who now have returned to Kenya. Brother Dave Parks and his lovely people exceeded all bounds as they always do at the annual BFM Conference. Thank you, Brother Dave and Brother Mitchell and your wonderful people.

LBC ALUMNI BREAKFAST

The morning after the BFM Conference the alumni of Lexington Baptists College met for breakfast. It was hosted by Brother Earl Thomas, president of the Alumni Association.

VISITS TO CHURCHES AND FRIENDS

Our visit to East Keys Baptist Church brought back many wonderful memories of God’s blessings from our years in Peoples Baptist Church in Alton, IL. It was there our friendship began with the Hicks, the Mayfields, the Lauermans, the Roberts, the Kelties and many others whose families are faithfully serving the Lord. Thank you, Brother Cliff Presley for the joy of being with you and your wonderful people.

One of our greatest joys when we come to Lexington is to visit the Bethel Baptist Church on Ash Street where our dear Brother Larry Wilson is pastor. Brother Wilson and people, we thank you for your love; it was a joy to see you once more.

Our first time visit with Buck Run Baptist Church where Brother Hershael York is pastor was a joy and blessing. Many memories returned from the time we were students at Georgetown College and traveled hundreds of times past this church on our way to and from Shelbyville, KY, while pastor of the mission which began as the Second St. Baptist Church and is now the Highland Baptist Church.

MULTIPLIED BLESSINGS

In Evansville we had a reunion of family and friends from the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Thank you, Peggy Foster, for opening your home to all of us and making it our home.

Lynn, our oldest daughter, and Ross, her husband, planned and prepared for a family reunion of all their family at “THE TRUE INN”. Only the Lord knows what a joy it was for us to be together for a couple of days. Thank you, Ross and Lynn.

In Alexandria, Kentucky, we had a reunion of family and friends where we visited with my brother, Charles and wife, Beulah. On April 29th, at the invitation of Dr Hershael York, I had the joy of speaking to three of his Seminary classes. Thank you, Brother Wainright, for driving me to the Seminary.

God humbles our heart as we see how many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ who have stood with us with you prayers and support for these many years. We thank Him for you all and we thank you for your love.

In Our Saviour’s Love,

John and Alta Hatcher