April 30, 2003

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We hope this finds you enjoying the Lord's blessings. As I write, I realize that the last day of the Spring Conference is about to begin. What an important theme for this year: Prayer. We can certainly attest to the value of prayer in our ministry. We encourage you to pray faithfully for the advancement of the Gospel in France and around the world.

This is also my father's birthday. He is 78 years old and is still active in the Lord's service. What a blessing it is to have parents who have invested their lives in His kingdom and taught us to do the same. Last month, Judy's dad, Jim Foster, turned 81 and is continues pastoring Emmanuel Baptist Church of Oldtown, KY. This is one of the churches, dear to us, that supports the work of Baptist Faith Missions. We thank God for enabling our parents to continue in His service and to be a source of great encouragement to us.

Today, our local newspaper published statistics for our region that illustrate the need for the Gospel in France. Figures were given for births out of wedlock in our region. About half of all births were to unwed mothers. As we use the opportunities that the Lord gives us, we regularly see evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit and of the power of Word of God.

Twice this month I preached for a Baptist missionary in Montpellier while he was out of town. This city is about 175 miles from us. A lady who has been coming to services there was saved a couple of weeks ago. She now displays clearly the joy of the Lord.

Our Bible studies and worship services continue to go well. The interest is good and it is encouraging see the effect of God's Word in lives. The parents of the children who attend Sunday School report how their children share at home the things that they have learned from the Bible.

Judy and I are very grateful to be working with our son Philip and daughter-in-law Amanda. There are many benefits. One important benefit is the encouragement of serving and praying regularly together. As Solomon wrote, "Two are better than one." In addition, the extra workers with complementary skills make it possible to have three classes on Sundays and encouraging music in worship. However, one of the most significant blessings is that it enlarges our borders giving us many more contacts. Philip, working a secular job, has opportunities with co-workers. Amanda, a mother of young children, has contacts through playgroups and the exercise of her outstanding music skills. Judy and I have relationships in our neighborhood and others built through volunteering, etc. In about an hour Judy will be watching the children who live across the street while their mother has oral surgery. 

Please continue to pray for us to be "salt" and "light" in this part of the world. We believe the Lord who said that the fields are "ripe for harvest." Thank you for your aid in this great work!

Field hands in France,

John and Judy Hatcher