June 6, 2008

Dear Friends,

Our return to Brazil began very early on May 12th. Our flight from Blue Grass Airport left at 6:00 a.m. Our packing was finished the day before, but we arose at three o'clock in the morning just to be sure. Brother Dave Parks arrived early enough to get us to the airport at four-thirty. Thank you, Dave Parks, for the help you have been to us, not only on this day of flight, but through the years as the grace of God shows through your life. Our flight was on time and in a short time we arrived in Miami. Ross and Lynn were at the airport to meet us.

After receiving our baggage, Ross drove us to a friend's house where some baggage was stored until we returned from the four-day cruise to Mexico. David and Pennie gave this trip to us. Thank you, Pennie and David. We did our best to enjoy every minute to the maximum. There is nothing equal to being at sea, and especially with good food. During the four days God gave us many opportunities to witness. I took some copies of a visual of the Three Crosses that I use in personal evangelism for adults, and a visual, Behold the Lamb of God, for telling children about Jesus. Many parents gave me permission to tell the story to their children. They listened carefully also. One young lady, twenty-six years old, from Romania, trusted Christ as her Savior. The joy that filled her heart was evident at once.

JOHN THE JAPANESE CHEF: While in Miami and waiting for the time to go the airport, we went to eat at a Japanese restaurant. The chef's name was John. I mentioned to him that we had some things in common: First, our names are the same; both like Japanese food, but the most important to have in common was the sure hope of Heaven and that can only be when Christ is our Savior. His reply was that he was a Buddhist, but for several days something was telling him that he needed something that would satisfy. He listened intently as I told him the gospel of Jesus. He affirmed he would seek a Baptist church and begin reading the Bible. Please pray for JOHN.

TO THE AIRPORT AND RETURN TO BRAZIL: After safe traveling and a long wait in Sao Paulo, our plane arrived in Londrina at eleven in the morning and our taxi driver was waiting. In another hour we arrived at our front gate and I thanked the Lord for being home again.

The next day, Sunday, Alta and I went to our mission house in Assai. At the age of eighty-three, the work does not get easier and like an old battery, you cannot get a full charge, but God is our strength and our wisdom and in Him we confide. Thank you for your prayers and support.

We love you in our Savior's Name,

John and Alta Hatcher