March 4, 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It hardly seems possible, but yesterday Judy and I celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary. What an adventure it has been. God gave me just exactly what I needed when He gave me Judy. When I was a yet a young child, my parents encouraged their children to pray for the person God wanted us to marry. I remembered praying somewhat regularly from the time I was 10 years old for God to give the wife He wanted me to have. He answered those prayers. God knew that I needed a wife and partner in ministry and gave me one. God has gifted some of you with the ability, wisdom and strength to minister as a single person. I have great respect for you and encourage you to faithfully do what God enables people like you and the apostle Paul to do. If you are married or planning on getting married may God enable you to have a fruitful partnership with your spouse.

Six weeks after Judy and I were married, we moved to Manaus, Brazil, a city that was much more rustic then than it is now (and it’s not a piece of cake now). I was going home. Judy was leaving home for the first time. She had a lot of “firsts” during the year and half that followed. I pastored Tabernacle Church and another mission, taught a double load of science, preached about 10 times a week, taught night classes until about 11 p.m. each night, was director of the schools and did the bureaucratic work of adding a teacher preparatory secondary school to what was already in existence. I am saying all of this to say how stupid I was. That is not a good way to start a marriage.

Judy cried some, but rarely when I was around. Since she didn’t see me very much, she launched into learning Portuguese, started teaching a full load of English in the school, gave piano lessons to girls at church who wanted to learn and cooked, cleaned house etc.; no, we didn’t have maids. For those of you who are just getting married, I do not recommend that you treat your bride the way I treated mine. Judy, however, now says that God used this time to help her really trust completely Him.

Judy is not just my wife; she is a full partner in the ministry to which God has called us. Much of what we do here could not be done if she were not involved; ministry to women in various ways; children’s ministries; daily prayer together; making contacts in the neighborhood as we walk, through her donating English teaching in the public school and by dinners, etc.

Judy and I are both grateful for all of you who give faithfully so that we can live and serve here in France. This morning a lady made a profession of faith. Veronique is the twin sister of a lady who comes regularly to Sunday services. Last year, Veronique came to a Bible study for a short while. Last Sunday she trusted Christ as Savior. She told me this morning that she now sees how God was working all around her and can not believe how blind she was.

Also during the past month God gave a breakthrough with Clement, who comes regularly with his parents on Sundays. This young man of eighteen years of age has not shown much pleasure in coming and has been quite closed. A few weeks ago he began bringing his Bible and about three weeks ago he really opened up and I was able to have a serious conversation with him following the Sunday service about spiritual matters. The various Bible studies are going well. We are encouraged by the interest of those who have not yet made professions of faith, the growth and application of the Word in the lives of those who are saved and their witness to those they encounter.

During the second week in April (soon after you receive this) Judy, Amanda and Angela will be holding our annual Vacation Bible School. Would you take time just now to pray for God to bring the children, enable the ladies and give understanding to those come?

May our heavenly Father strengthen, encourage and enable you to abound in good works as you enjoy the presence of His Spirit in you.

Holding forth the light in France,

John and Judy Hatcher