April 1, 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Hope this finds you enjoying spring and all of the other blessings from the Lord. We are grateful for all we have received from the Lord during the past month including what comes through you!

It seems that we have had unusually good services during the past month. A couple of Sundays ago we had 27 which was our high for the past year or more. Three of the families that used to come moved to other countries and our attendance has been down. Last Sunday, the husband of one of the ladies who is saved came. He claimed to be an atheist. More recently he told her that he guessed he was really an agnostic. In any case we have been praying for his salvation. This family will also be moving away at the end of this school year. There are two boys in this family who come regularly with their mother even though neither one has made a profession of faith.

Those who have been praying for Aude, Thanks! The Lord has really been at work in her life. She has been saved less than a year but is growing in the Lord. She is diligently studying the Bible and witnessing. She has said repeatedly, “The French people can not accept what they do not know. They have never seen true believers.” She certainly knows what she is talking about. She grew up in the heart of France. She has been working hard at getting opportunities for us to present the gospel at youth camps this summer. These are scout camps or private camps where parents send their children to keep them occupied in the summer. Pray that God will open these doors widely and enable Aude and us to present the gospel at them. These are in an area about 250 miles north of us. It will not be and easy feat trying to do this and continuing on here, but we believe that this is a great opportunity. We want to see churches planted all over France.

Meanwhile, we are very encouraged by the interest of those who come to Sunday services and Bible studies. Some have said things that show that the Spirit of God is definitely at work in their hearts. The Lord has also given us some renewed contacts and opportunities with people.

Keep on serving the Lord were you are. Thanks again for helping us in the work of the Lord here.

In France for Christ,

John and Judy Hatcher