January 2, 2002

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

A middle school girl who comes to our Sunday night outreach is not expected to reach adulthood. Though she is a little small for her age, you probably would not guess that she has a fatal condition. She had been coming to the meetings for some time before we learned of her condition. A lady, who works with us in this outreach, said, "It really makes you realize how important everything we do and say is." How true!

This reality was confirmed recently to us through a blessing. Allow me to share it with you. About a year and a half ago, a believer from the church we attend in a neighboring city asked us if we could help a friend of hers who was in a difficult situation. Marie, the friend in need, had two children and an alcoholic husband who had become very violent. We received this believing lady and children into our home for a few days. After a lengthy time of difficulty, she and her husband were able to reestablish their home together. They moved to a city some distance from here where there were believers to help them and none of his old set of alcoholic friends.

When Marie called to let us know she was moving out of our area, she also asked if we were still holding evangelistic Bible studies. Marie mentioned that she had a friend, Cathy, who had many questions about the Lord. She asked us to pray for Cathy and told us that she would recommend that Cathy come to our Bible studies. That was last June. Just recently, six months later, Cathy Claverie called. She explained who she was and asked if we were still having Bible studies. She came to the very next one and afterwards asked where we went to church. The following Sunday, we met her at the subway and took her to church. The following Sunday she came on her own. She also has returned to the Bible Study.

Cathy lives in the city of Muret, south of Toulouse. She rides a bus and the subway to get to church and two buses and the subway to get to our Bible studies. It seems that God has placed a hunger in her heart for Him. Would you pray for her now? And, don't forget, you never know which event of your life may be a door to bringing some one to the Saviour.

Judy is donating her time to teach English in 3 first grade classes in public school of our town. This is a direct answer to prayer. We had been asking the Lord to show us how we could get a better entrance into the homes of our neighborhood. We were especially concerned about all of the children who live near us. On our block alone there are at least 30 school age children. We did not feel at peace about pursuing some of the ideas that came to our mind. So, we asked the Lord to clearly show us what He would have us to do. Shortly after we began asking the Lord about this, the neighbor across the street came and asked Judy if she would be interested in teaching English to her son's first grade class. When Judy went to talk to the teacher, the other two first grade teachers were also interested, the principal said that she would have to be certified. In short order, the Lord took care of this and Judy was certified. We are delighted with the way the Lord is using this. Not only does Judy have the boy across the street in one of her classes, she also has the the twin girls who recently moved in a couple doors down the street. One of them is in the second class Judy teaches and the other is in the third.

Isn't it delightful how the Lord works things out? Through all of this Judy has become somewhat of a celebrity in our neighborhood. The kids come out to greet her when we walk around the neighborhood. Ask God to enable us to use these open doors to the fullest.

We thank God for His faithfulness and yours during the past year and much longer. May the Lord richly bless you during the coming year and until He returns.

Praying, watching and serving in France,

John and Judy Hatcher

The Lavalier family. They live in the Pyrenees Mountains. Douceline, the daughter on the left, will be helping us with children's ministries.