May 5, 2008

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Thank you for faithful support that enables us to continue serving the Lord in France. Friday night, Judy met someone who asked her what we were doing here in France. She said that her husband was a pastor. The person then asked, "Does that work in France"?

We are glad to testify that it does work. Clement, the young man who trusted Christ recently is growing in the Lord. He has now read through the New Testament to the first letter of John and also good portions of the Old Testament. It is a delight to meet with him twice a week for discipleship. We are praying that his father, who comes regularly, will be saved. His mother is already a believer.

The Vacation Bible School went well, with the highest attendance we have ever had. Five of the ladies of the congregation worked very hard to be well prepared and everything went very smoothly. Two mothers stayed each day with their children and heard the gospel. One of these is married to a Frenchman of Jewish descent. Another mother said that her daughter liked it so much that she thought she would start bringing her on Sunday morning. We invited all of the parents for a special program for the conclusion. The children did a drama of the main Bible story about Christ calming the storm. They also sang songs they learned and quoted the memory verse for the week.

Last week I had surgery for a hernia. All went well and I am taking it easy so that the surgery will not have to be redone. Judy is doing her best to pamper me and I am doing my best to receive the pampering! I am thankful for the Lord's provision for this. It is also a reminder of the healing process that the Lord has built in to these bodies He was given us. We see the goodness of God in every detail of our lives.

You are one way God shows us His goodness. Thanks for your faithfulness in praying for us and giving so that we can continue to serve the Lord here.

Serving in France,

John and Judy Hatcher