October 14, 2002

Dear Friends,

Timewise we are running down the hill.
Workwise we climb a steep upgrade.
He waits at the bottom of the slope;
He encourages from the summit's crest.
So until our journey's made, We plod and tire,
and In His grace we trust and rest.

September marked our 47th year in Brazil. What a blessing! Forty-seven years of God's benefits: our five children saved and dedicated their lives to serve God; one child taken to Heaven to await our arrival; three sons called to the Gospel ministry; two daughters who as godly mothers and wives, with their husbands, are training faithful servants. The blessing of wonderful grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Oh, God, how great are thy benefits!

GOD WORKS AMONG THE YOUTH: For you who prayed for the young lady whose father wanted to take her to Sao Paulo will rejoice in knowing God did not permit it to happen. The father, who abandoned her when she was born, has become a Jehovah's Witness and decided he would change her to his religion; God did not permit it to happen. She has lots of changes to make, but she is still here and coming to church.

Two young men, Willer, 14, and Odair, 15, have dedicated their lives to God and are preparing to be Gospel ministers. Odair is from Rancho Alegre, a city 15 miles from Urai. I baptized him when he was eleven. Willer is 14 and was saved and baptized here in Urai. He has brought more young people to services than any other. Two are sons of a fortune teller, one is the son of a prostitute. Five have trusted the Lord as Savior. Pray for these young men and pray for Willer and Odair.

THREE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES: This month we purchased a beautiful church building in the city of Sertaneja. The building and property is paid for and deeds are finalized. Benches are being made and services will begin in the next week or two. Please pray for this new work.

The second opportunity is the building of a two story building at the Casa da Familia Mission. The cost will be about $25,000. Now if you think that is too high to build where the little house is packed and overrunning, feel free not to give but remember what most people pay for a new car. Remember what people are selling as surplus at yard and garage sales. God willing, we should make some final decision on the plan this week. We were deciding if it were the Lord's will to build. The decision was reached three days after talking to the builder. Two unsolicited gifts: one for $3,000, from Sandra Rankin for new building and lots, and one for $1025 to be used as needed.

The third opportunity is the purchasing of a lot in the city of Marilia, State of Sao Paulo. This city has a population of over 200,000. This is a great opportunity. Estimated cost of lot suitable size for growth is $18-20,000.

PERSONAL ACTIVITIES: Alta continues to give music lessons to three of our young members, and teaches five young members to teach Sunday School lessons. She prepares through the Bible Sunday School lessons. I teach four subjects in the Seminary on Thursday nights, care for plans of buildings, care for the services here at Urai and will probably lead the services at the new mission in Sertaneja. This city is twenty-five miles from Urai.

Thank you for your faithful support in prayers and gifts.

Sincerely,

John and Alta Hatcher