May 1, 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This month has been a very encouraging one in a number of different ways. On the second Sunday of the month, Joachim, who has been coming for nearly two years, came to ask for baptism. He is the first to ask for baptism. We hope that he is the first of many. In the summer of 2003, Amanda met Angela, Joachim’s wife, at a children’s play group to which she went. When Angela found out that Amanda was a believer, she indicated that she was discouraged because she had not found a church. She had been saved a couple of years earlier but has just moved to our area. Amanda invited her to our services. She came, and her husband, who had not previously attended services with her, began coming regularly.

Shortly after starting to attend, Joachim asked to be in a Bible study so that he could have his questions answered. Philip and Amanda began meeting for Bible study with this couple weekly. A few months ago we concluded from his behavior and demeanor that he had probably trusted the Lord. What a joy it was to have him profess his faith and ask to be baptized. We have been praying that the Lord would give those who are saved a desire be baptized.

You may remember the mention of Shantha in some of our past emails. He contacted us after “stumbling” onto our letter posted on Baptist Faith Missions’ website. I spent nearly two years helping Him study the Bible. He has read most of the Bible. When he began, he was Hindu. Recently, while in our home, he said, “When I first began studying the Bible, I tried to add Christ to my other religious practices. But, as I studied I realized that I had to make a choice.”  His wife, Nathalie, has just recently begun showing an interest. The Sunday before last, Shantha and Nathalie came to services for the first time. This was the first time for Nathalie to be in any of our meetings. They were back last Sunday and indicated that they would be here this coming Sunday as well. 

Our Bible studies are going well and we have a new one scheduled to begin on Friday, May 13. We are hoping that this will open up a door in the city of Mazere, which is an hour’s drive southeast of us. This city has a Bible believing church.

This month we have had the wonderful privilege of enjoying the visit of Norma Webb and Gladys Mason. Both of these delightful ladies are members as Emmanuel Baptist Church, our home church. They have been encouraged to see how God is working and we are glad that they have been here to see it.

Aude de la Salle spent a week and half with us on her way to the States for a visit. It is a joy to see how she is growing in the Lord. She is always ready to tell how God has changed her life. We are anticipating God doing great things in her home area in Central France. She has already seen one lady come to the Lord through her witness there.

We thank God for your participation in what God is doing here. Keep praying and giving. Your work is not in vain.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

John and Judy Hatcher

Group meeting in John and Judy's home for Bible study.