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August 1, 2004

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Thank you for your faithful support. You are the means that God uses to meet our needs as we serve Him here in France. We will complete 5 years of service in France in September. These have been exciting years. There have been expected and unexpected hardships, but our Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus has worked to produce victory in each of these situations. Furthermore, God has worked in unexpected ways that continue to thrill us. So, with the psalmist we proclaim, “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

On July 17th our youngest daughter, Lydia, was married to Adam Reece. We are thankful for Adam and Lydia and for their desire to serve the Lord. Lydia completed a bachelor degree in linguistics at Moody Bible Institute. 

Thank you, each one who worked in preparing for the wedding. Emmanuel Baptist Church in Evansville, Indiana, is a continuous channel of blessing and encouragement to us.

On the weekend of July 10th our immediate family was all together for the first time since Christmas 2000. The number has been enlarged, however, by the addition of three granddaughters; Abigail, Nathalie and Camille. David just completed 2 years of service for the Lord in Central Asia where he had the privilege of seeing several former Muslim young men come to Christ. He just recently became engaged to Dulce, a fine young lady from the Central Baptist Church of Garça, Brazil. We are filled with joy and thanksgiving for the desire placed in the hearts of each of our children to serve Him.

In addition to the other activities I had the privilege of being in a number of churches to report on what God is doing here in France. Thank each of you for giving us the opportunity to share the burden of our heart. As I reviewed what God has done during the time that we have been here, I am amazed. After the initial language training we moved to the city of Tournefeuille which has a population of 25,000.

We knew no one in this city before our arrival, but God marvelously opened doors and answered prayers. As a result, a number of people have been touched by the proclamation of the Gospel and the teaching of God’s Word. Each week we meet with over 30 people. Some have been saved, several show a keen interest and God gives us opportunities with others regularly. In a country where people have been vaccinated against Christ and where 55% do not believe in life after death every life touched by the Gospel is clear evidence of the Holy Spirit at work.

Please continue to pray for us and those whose lives God is touching here.

Serving Gratefully in France,

John and Judy Hatcher