January 31, 2002

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Our Bible Study this morning was about the resurrection of Lazarus. We had an excellent Bible Study and it stirred my mind concerning some thoughts that might be encouraging to you. When the sisters of Lazarus sent the message to Jesus about their brother's illness, no doubt they sustained the hope that Jesus would heal the illness, either at a distance or coming in person to do so. Jesus did neither. Don't you suspect that Martha and Mary were just a little disappointed with the lack of response from Jesus? Often, our prayer also seem to go unheeded. Jesus did not meet the sisters' expectations; He exceeded them. He allowed Lazarus to die and then brought him back to life. Ultimately, beyond the tears, He gave greater joy than expected, greater glory to God. And, for us He left in the Holy Scriptures this wonderful reminder that He cares, He weeps with us, and He will in the end "do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think!"

Just as circumstances in your own life are, mission work is often like the story of Lazarus. Rarely does God answer when and as we would like. We are tempted to stop asking or to begin trying to make things happen by our own efforts. Jesus took time before raising Lazarus to encourage the faith of Martha and Mary in Him. He wants us to be encouraged in our faith and to keep on asking as well. At times it is very easy to begin asking, "Will the first baptism ever take place? Will we ever see a French person make a profession of faith?" etc. Just when we need it, the Lord gives a little reminder that He is present, that He cares, and that He will do more than we ask or think. We just need to be patiently faithful (which He also makes possible).

Just last night at the dinner table with Judy, Philip and Amanda, I shared the fact that I was at a bit of a loss to know what to write this month to our faithful supporters. We joked about some of the silly tidbits that I could communicate and then I put off the writing of this letter. Here is how things stood. The previous two Bible studies had had the total of one person outside of our household. The French girl who seemed to be so promising had taken up with a Spanish truck driver and become a "no show". The one lady who had been coming regularly, including being here the last two studies, called a couple of days ago to say that she had a conflict and would have to miss this week. Last night, one of the ladies who has been very regular during the past year called to say that she had a stomach virus and would not be coming. I had pretty much come to the conclusion that there would be no Bible study today.

Then came this morning. A couple came and another lady who has not been here for several weeks. We had a wonderful Bible study. The lady shared how blessed she had been by the visit that we had with her and her husband just before Christmas. He claims to be an atheist. God had unexpectedly worked it out for him to come to our house with her and their children. Before the morning was over, we had scheduled our first Sunday worship (Feb. 10)! Jesus cares and is here with us. By His grace we will continue faithfully, and we look forward to the unfolding of God's plan. We want to encourage you to remain faithful in all God has called you to do. Thanks for all of your prayers, giving and words of encouragement.

In Him,

John and Judy Hatcher