August, 2006

A PRESENT OF CHILDREN'S LOVE

Written by Alta Hatcher

In 1971 John and I were still missionaries in Manaus where the population was 90,000. (Today the population is almost two million). We were without transportation. God touched the heart of Brother Grant Fox, who was the director of the Junior Sunday School Department at Ashland Avenue Baptist Church in Lexington, Ky. Brother Fox challenged the children and teachers to raise money to buy us a vehicle. The children raised a total of $4,000 dollars, the cost of a V-8 Ford pick-up. John went to the Ford dealer and ordered it. It was the new 1972 model but purchased in 1971.

Today, most of those children are grandparents. When we meet them (which is rare) they tell us how some saved their lunch money to give their money as a love offering to the vehicle fund. The pick-up still runs perfectly and has been used for 35 years in three States of Brazil. The Ford pick-up was used every day while we lived in Manaus before we moved 2,500 miles south to the State of San Paulo. We moved south on February 10, 1976.

Since moving south the Ford has been used in constructing twenty-five new church buildings in the States of San Paulo e Parana, where we now live. The truck is used every day and has become a relic. Many ask if we want to sell it or what we would take for it, John answers, "There is not enough money to buy it." Then he tells them that it is a present that children's love bought for us.

I am writing this story to let all the people, who have given through the years to BFM, know how God blesses your offerings for generations. Also, you will rejoice in Heaven when you see and meet the people who are there because you gave.

This week John and I carried, on the Ford pick-up, 10 large pews, pulpit, chairs and tables to the city of Assai. (Please see the picture.) This city is 30 miles from where we live and has a population of 20,000. We had our first service Sunday, July 30. 2006. About 40 people attended. Please pray for this new work. We have not found one Baptist there. In the years to come, there will be hundreds as the Lord promises. We have always been in church planting: 51 years in Brazil and nine years in the States of Kentucky and Illinois before coming to Brazil. We begin a work and when we have a permanent property or building for it we turn the congregation over to a Brazilian pastor, who has been trained in one of our church seminaries. Having a permanent place for a new work gives stability in the eyes of the community. All of the gifts we receive designated "new works" are used for building or are used for the expenses of beginning new works. Our thanks to you who have been faithful in giving for new works. Surely God has blessed you for giving as He has blessed us for giving our lives and possessions to tell the lost that Jesus has died for them.

He has blessed us beyond imagination: Our five children are missionaries; Lynn, married to Ross McGary, are missionaries to deficient persons and their families at Judson Baptist Church in Nashville. Paul and wife, Wanda; David and wife, Pennie, are missionaries in Manaus, Brazil; John Mark and wife, Judy, are missionaries in France. Kathy, married to Odali, are missionaries in Garca, San Paulo and are mother and father to 130 street children. Our fifteen grandchildren are all dedicated to the Lord's work, four serving in foreign countries and the others are serving God in special ministries. God bless you. We love you. Our Pick-up is a relic, and we are too, at 81 years old. Words are not sufficient to express our love, but remember, love is forever. And to those who remember giving for our truck we say, LOVE IS "FORD" EVER.

With all our Love,

Alta and John Hatcher

John and Alta Hatcher, with the Ford pickup that has faithfully served their ministries for so many years.