July 1, 2002

Dear Friends

"Give thanks, for the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever." What love the Lord has shown upon us that we should be called His sons. Heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. What incentive we have for being faithful to Him and giving our all to be used for His glory!

The first semester of 2002 Seminary classes will finish next week. We have had a good semester, especially in the Greek class. Three new teachers from among our graduates have taught as we are preparing persons to carry on the teaching ministry. In mission work it is vital to have trained workers and we have found that they are trained more effectively in the area where they are working. This has been true in each place where we have worked: Manaus, Garça and Cornelio Procopio.

In Urai our attendance continues to be low but we do have some young people who are faithful. These are being trained for Sunday School teachers so when the attendance begins to increase we will have a structure for teaching.

Alta is teaching three young people to play the piano. She is, also, teaching four, two boys and two girls, how to prepare lessons and present them to a class. Each week one of these young prople come to the house to learn the Bible lesson and practice on the presentation of it.

Among the properties where the missions function there are two we are buying with monthly payments. This month we were finally able to pay one of these off and the deed is now being processed and registered in the church's name. Another in the city of Rancho Alegre is being bought in the same manner. We are praying that in a few weeks we will be able to pay off and get the deed of this property also.

To our delight a religious group came to us and offered a building on a beautiful corner lot. We were able to purchase this property and lot for $5,000. As soon as the papers are all in order we will make the payment. If you would like to have a part feel free to send your offering to J Hatcher New Works.

Alta and I praise the Lord for the return to Brazil of Marie and Harold Bratcher after the treatment of their health in the States.

Folks, we love you and thank the Lord for you.

Sincerely,

John and Alta Hatcher

John and Alta with their daughter, Kathy