August, 2007

Dear Friends

I am not sure I can say we are enjoying a season of cold weather but at least I can say the weather is much cooler (cold) for us. You will laugh when I say the temperature is in the fifties and sixties. The problem is there are no heating facilities in the houses and that makes it pretty chilly. In our large room we have a small gas stove and keep the oven lit with the door open and that takes off a little of the chill.

LIFE HAS CHANGED A LITTLE

On the 31st of May I had a mild stroke. That morning after the final class in the Seminary I came home and sat down to correct papers and tests. Then it happened: My thoughts and voice became muddled and we knew something was wrong. Thinking that death was close and not having made a Brazilian will, I called a friend. At about eight-thirty that night he brought the lawyer and I made a will which was signed about nine-thirty. We called Kathy and the next day she drove from Garca and was with us for a week. Words cannot express what her presence and help meant. Paul called from Manaus and said he would be coming for a week to help. I had not gone to a Doctor. A friend measured my blood pressure and gave me some medicine that he used for high blood pressure. While Paul was here he drove us to Marilia where I had an appointment with a heart Doctor who is a Christian. Michele, daughter of Paul and Wanda, and who is finishing Med. School was with us to help in all our comings and goings. After the prescribed heart and blood exams the results were great. My heart was perfect; my blood exams showed all normal. Praise the Lord! He prescribed the same medicine for blood pressure that I was using and told me to return in a month. My pressure has normalized and I continue taking the medicine.

David came from Manaus on the July 26 and on the 27 he helped me to drive to Marilia for the doctor appointment. After the check up Dr. Fabio told me to come back in January. Kathy was able to meet us in Marilia, (David had not seen her in about four years) and we had lunch together with she and Michele.

WORK IS BEING BLESSED

The church in Marilia that began a new mission in the rented building of a Methodist Church was blessed and were able to buy the building. Praise the Lord. The work in Cornelio Procopio and Urai and their congregations are doing well. Each church has three permanent missions with buildings.

Assai is our newest and smallest work. Pray for us and for the work.

Alta stays busy is preparing lessons and handwork for Sunday School teachers.

In His love, for His glory,

John and Alta Hatcher