February 20, 2004

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Two weeks ago today, we arrived back in France and are thrilled to be back in our part of God's field. The past few weeks certainly have not been as we had planned, but were just right according to our Heavenly Father. We left for the States on December 13 with the hopes of returning on January 10. Judy's annual check-up on her cancer surgeries showed no cancer and for this we were thrilled. However, her other doctor was concerned about the possibility of malignancy on one of her ovaries. She underwent a complete hysterectomy on January 5. This added four weeks to our trip. We were happy that the surgery revealed no cancer. The doctor was very happy with her progress and released her to return to France on the condition that she behaves herself. Wow, do I have my hands full! Judy has a hard time not picking up the grandchildren and the smaller ones in her Sunday school class. 

Within the week following her surgery, Judy's dad was taken to the emergency room with breathing problems and was subsequently admitted to a hospital in Ashland, KY. They removed about 3 1/2 quarts of fluid from around his lungs. As soon as Judy was able to travel, we went to be with him. A surgical biopsy revealed that he has cancer. We took turns with Judy's sister, Peggy Foster, staying with him in the hospital. Peggy moved to his home to be with him as he recovers and undergoes further treatment. It has been busy, but we see how God worked out everything perfectly. Many, especially from Emmanuel Baptist Church, helped us and Peggy. Thank you! 

Meanwhile, back in France, Philip and Amanda were doing the work of four. You are probably aware from our Mission Sheet Letters that our son, Philip, and his wife work with us. They were sent by our church in Evansville as self-supporting missionaries. The Lord has provided him with a job as a software engineer, one of the few jobs that non-French are given permission to do here. They are an essential part of our team.

We have enjoyed good services the past two Sundays and immediately picked up the Bible studies where we had left off. Next Sunday we will be holding services in the home of Amelia, the first lady to make a profession of faith here. Her husband is not saved and we hope that we will sit in on the services. 

A new couple (unsaved - Axel and Ina) began coming while we were gone. They are neighbors of another couple (Joachim and Angela) who have regularly come for six months. These are both Germans couples. Knowing that Joachim (unsaved) and Angela (saved) came regularly on Sundays, Axel and Ina asked if they could come with them. This incident is evidence of at least three facts. 1. God's grace and work in the heart of people is awesome (I borrowed that word from A.J. Hensley). 2. God uses people as light. 3. It is great to work in a team so that while some are absent the others are continuing the work. 

Yesterday, we spent the day in the mountains with another couple. Benedicte has come regularly to Bible study for the past year and a half. Her husband is not saved and we have been praying for God to give him a thirst for spiritual matters. We are grateful for the opportunity to spend a lengthy amount of time with Pascal. This is the first time we have been able to do so. Benedicte recently had a thyroidectomy. Our prayers and concerns for her during this time seemed to have touched both of them. Benedicte was especially fearful preceding this surgery because she is an opera singer. We hope to see both of them saved.

Ursula, who moved back to Germany last summer, recently wrote us with the news that she is participating in a Bible study there. Our team of four now has six weekly Bible Studies, Sunday Worship, Sunday School, and a couple of weekly prayer meetings. It hardly seems possible that we have been in France for four and a half years.

Rejoice with us in the Lord as you continue to pray for us. We are grateful for your faithful support and prayers. 

In France for Christ,

John and Judy Hatcher